Macrocosm - Kickstarter Imminent

Macrocosm have announced they intend to run a kickstarter this Autumn (starting 27th August) for two new factions for their game. You can read about it here. They are the Grem, and the 3rd Race. Here's the lowdown:

“Who are the 3rd race? As yet no one knows, they use mechanical suits of unknown make. There has never been a living entity captured on the battlefield. Intelligence suggests these suits are being controlled by craft in orbit of the colonies.”

"Who are the 4th Race? The Grem Alliance! The Grem Alliance are a race of three different creatures who used to be slaves. They banded together to overthrow their evil slave masters centuries ago, and since then have grown in size and intelligence. They are very militaristic and expansionist.

Their main industry is War. The Basic Trooper is supported on the battlefield by its distant cousins the Dire Grem and the Gremlings, whilst not exactly as evolved as the Grem are they still have found important roles in the Grem society.”

I may have been lucky enough to have had a hand in designing some of the upcoming range, and they are going to be a lot of fun if the Malignancy and the Diggers are anything to go by. Speaking of the Malignancy, I do love anything vaguely cult related, and there are some very tasty things coming from Macrocosm for fans of the Malignancy in the next wee while.

Crooked Dice - Cyl... Ah, I mean Mrk2 Argonauts

I love when you come across minis that stop you right in your tracks. Most times I weigh up what I'll use models for and if I really need them before I buy, but sometimes you don't even hesitate. So it is with the upcoming Argonaut Mrk2 models from Crooked Dice.

I was a HUGE fan of the Cylons in the original Battlestar Galactica. As such, I'm going to be putting together a league of these cyclopean robots for Pulp Alley, all the while whispering 'BY YOUR COMMAND' every time I move one.

These are due for release at Salute. There are eight poses, presumably in one set.

New Irish Blog - Tabledgames

Howdy all. Today is all about Tabledgames, a new Irish gaming blog kicking off over the next few days. Tabledgames, authored by BroCon's very own Jay McKeown is aiming to promote the Limerick gaming scene and the Irish gaming community online. It will be bringing you the good word on gaming news and the lowdown on upcoming events. All that good stuff.

If you're a gamer in Ireland, make sure you subscribe for what is sure to be a fountain of gaming what's on, where and who's playing it.

http://tabledgames.blogspot.ie/

Nagash Returned

Since my last post, the internet has imploded with pictures of the big fellow and his attendant releases. Normally I wouldn't post about something that's going to be released in a few days, but I'm a bit of a fan of Nagash and the undead in general, and there seems to be big changes in the warhammer world and indeed how the game is played. Whether this is as part of a campaign in the book, or in general, I don't know.

First off, when I saw the initial sasquatch of Nagash, I was unimpressed. I should know better by now, but hey, I was excited. Things were said.

However, this the appearance of the new images I have to say I am happy to change my mind. He's magnificent. The floating ghosts bearing him up are excellent. He's going to be a nightmare to transport though. Battlefoam are probably already working on the 'tomb of Nagash' transport case. His rules are pretty good, but boy is he expensive at 1,000 points. Here's the White Dwarf rules.

I was surprised to see Nagash gets his own army book. The cover seems to show Nagash shouting. 'HEY. I GOT MY OWN ARMY BOOK! DID YOU GET YOUR OWN ARMY BOOK? NO? THAT'S RIGHT, BECAUSE YOU SUCK! HA HA HA! ALSO! CHECK OUT MY NEW HAT!' Proper order in my opinion. Still, the 'undead legion' army lists seems to be a combination of Tomb Kings and Vampire Counts, with a spate of new releases coming in alongside Nagash. One of the two books in the set is pure background. This is kind of a must-have for me, it looks so tasty. Mmm, Nagash flavoured... 

I hear Kislev is gone. That's kind of big, and I'm not sure I'm digging it. There's a lot of Kislev armies out there crying little lead tears. I have the ice queen here somewhere. That must be where the sobbing is coming from. From BoLS:

 He looks smug there on the cover, don't he?

Warhammer, The End Times is noted to contain new rules that change the way a game of Warhammer can be played. It is not a new edition.

• Warhammer: Nagash - 2 hardback books in a slip case. €65
• Book 1: 296 page fluff book detailing the return of Nagash and events that affect every Warhammer race.
• Book 2: 96 page book containing rules for Nagash, new miniatures, the Lore of Undeath, Undead Legion, fighting underground and more apparently.
• Nagash - no mention of him being a dual kit, rules are included in the box. €85(!!)
• Magic Cards
• Nagash Novel

What the background in the WD tell us: 

• I hope you didn't like Kislev, because there is no longer a Kislev. 
• Archaon's advance has been stalled by Vlad under the order of Nagash (the Empire was in major trouble). 
• Nagash goes fighting to unite the Tomb Kings and VC (one of the scenario pictured in WD translate into "the Fall of Settra").

Regarding miniatures/rules:

• Nagash is magnificent, and very very tall thanks to his flying posture (he is supported by a bunch of souls). 
• But he's not that massive overall, I have no idea how he managed to reach the 85€ pricetag. 
• Not a dual kit. 
• No other models that week, but the ones serving under him are hinted at the end of WD for the week after (so I suppose Vlad and that Arkhan dude, note that I know the WFB lore very poorly).
•  As people expected, the new magic lore appear to work like Demonology for 40k (except with undead). 
• Rules are changing with that extension, 50% lords for example. 

That's some big stuff. Kislev gone? It's highlighted and in bold, so it must be true. Settra possibly dead? As far as rules go 50% on lords? Yipes. There are a lot of other new undead releases, which spells bad times for my finances. I think Christmas is sorted. The new kits seem to fall under a few dual or even triple kits.

• Spirit Hosts
• Morghast with VC/TK alternate
• Monster kit that produces Neferata/Mannfred/Arkhan.

So it looks like four new kits all in all, and these new kits look bloody nice. An undead monster stuffed to the gills with skulls is about the most GW thing I've ever seen. Not entirely sure on the Morghasts yet, they're a bit action figurey, but I'll reserve final judgement until I see them up close. The spirit host are great. Finally, a decent spirit host set. Mannfred is hilarious. His pose implies he's shouting something along the lines of 'Suck it, b****tttches!' to all and sundry.

Mannfred. He's doing well for himself, isn't he?

Neferata

Spirit Host (Finally!)

Morghast Harbingers

Arkhan

There is a new lore too, the lore of undeath. New cards are going on sale alongside Nagash and the book. Seems he can pick pretty much whatever the hell spells he likes. There's a novel, and possibly a commemorative mug. There may be a parade. Actually, that would be quite the parade. Judge Death would probably be the commentator. 'Here issss the man himseelllff, loooking dazsssling in hisss amazssssinggg neeww hat. Whaaat a classss act. Now ovverr to Juudge Mortisss who is coming to usss from the foot of the black pyramid ffflooattt..."

Sorry. Nagash is my Justin Beiber. 

Anyway, here's the release schedule, better get some of that bone coloured paint before it's all sold out.

More Martian News

Ack-ack!

I heard today Mantic have teamed up with Topps to produce a Mars Attacks wargame. A little out of leftfield, but being a fan of  Mars Attacks (I liked the movie, so there) I am cautiously intrigued by this development. From Mantic-

 “MARS ATTACKS is a cult classic series that fans have been falling in love with generation after generation,” says Ronnie Renton, Mantic CEO. “Its oddball blend of retro sci-fi visuals, dark humor and over-the-top violence will make for a unique tabletop experience… our team can’t wait to bring the Martians to life in ways no one has ever seen before!”

I bought a big pile of Mantic undead, and I was involved in the Kings of War kickstarter, but I missed the boat on Dreadball. By many accounts a great game, but it was a little too clean and shiny for my taste. I'm more rusty rivets than gleaming chrome. The retro sci-fi pulp look of the Martians is pretty appealing, so I'll have to see how it pans out. Mantic seem to have a lot of balls in the air, I hope they have enough hands to catch them all.

However, if Mantic are clever enough to make clear dome helmets to pop on the Martian soldiers after you paint their heads I would be hard pressed to resist picking some up.

Uuuuuuu-lllaaaaaa!

In other Martian news, the Alien Dungeon's All Quiet on the Martian Front kickstarter is heading toward the $150,000 stretch goal. It's been a little sluggish the last couple of days, but with the freebies being handed out at the next stretch it's getting to be a very nice proposition for all you Martian tripod fans.

With news of new factions and special characters such as the red Martian and war machines like the Thunderchild 2 land ironclad, it's evident Alien Dungeon are in for the long haul. Being a HUGE Jeff Wayne's musical fan (I detest musicals, but this one, this one has me) I am all over this like a rash. The fact the Rick Priestley and Alessio Cavatore are involved doesn't hurt none either. Check it out.

Ray Harryhausen - RIP

Ray Harryhausen has so instrumental in forming my early childhood that I can scarcely imagine what it would have been like without him. I dare say I may not have discovered gaming at all were it not for the fascination I developed with hydras, animated statues, cyclops and most of all waves of skeleton warriors that populated his movies.

Ray Harryhausen died today, aged 92.

A heartfelt thanks Ray, for enriching my and many others childhood with your wondrous creations. Well played sir, a life well lived.

Kev Adams - Goblinaid

The hobby net has been alive with the news that legendary miniature sculptor Kev "Goblinmaster" Adams was attacked during a burglary on his home. He was badly beaten, and while his injuries are extensive he has been discharged from hospital. He will need  some re-constructive surgery on his face however.

The gaming community has responded by setting up the Goblinaid Facebook page here, with a message from the man himself. Kev Adams is one of the great miniature designers, and has contributed an immense amount to our hobby, so please do check out the page.

'The Hobbit' Miniatures - New Pics

Here we are, some pictures from White Dwarf showing the miniatures from the new Hobbit box, one presumes. Some nice looking minis, especially the mutant goblin types and the fat troll king guy. The warg riders are pretty cool too. Would I buy it though? Probably not. Enjoy!

Warriors of Chaos - First Pics

 Via Dice and Brush, we have some pictures of the new warriors of chaos releases:

The skullcrushers and hellstriders look pretty much how I thought they would. It's nice to see some of the special characters finally getting a model, Festus looks interesting from what I can make out. Scyla, when I saw the model list earlier, I thought would be a finecast re-issue of the existing model, but no, he gets a new rather enormous incarnation. Also, he looks like he's just about to lose his footing in a most embarrassing manner. "Blood for the blood GoaaAAaargh! My back!"

The warshrine is what gets me excited though. Looks rather good, though it's a little too ostentatious I think. I imagine there's a fair amount of bits in there, and as I'm building a fimir army using the warriors of chaos list, I think a good amount of conversion potential. Those mutated bearer guys could make fine warp-spasming fianna fimm with a little convincing. Certainly a kit I'm considering picking up.

My plan for some marlwyrm riders to use as skullcrushers looks like it'll be happening. Six, I think. They are rare though, so will be competing with warshrines and hellcannon. Here's some rules.

Rare Choice:

Skullcrushers
Jugger Rider 60pts per model
unit size 3+
can take lances and a standart up to 50 pts
same weapon rules as knights
WS5 S4 T4 W2 I5 A2 LD8

Juggernaught
WS5 S5 T5 W1 I2 A2 Ld7
Fear
Will of Chaos
monstrous Cav
Magic Res 1
Mark of Khorne


Special Choice:

Hellstriders
Slaanesh Rider 19pts
WS4 S3 T3 W1 I5 A1 Ld7
Shields and Spears
light Cav
can get always strikes first for the first round of combat for 1pts
Mark of Slaanesh
Fear and Will of Chaos
poison (mount)

Soulhunter:
Unit destroyed
1+ devastating charge
2+ stubborn
3+ 4+ Ward

Reaper Goes Plastic - Bones

Looks like Reaper has taken the plunge in to plastic and has a new material called 'bones' which they are starting to roll out. The quality looks great, as does the price, at €2.24 for their purple worm, that's pretty fantastic. A very exciting development I'm going to watch with great interest, as Reaper have an enormous and excellent range.

You can read the promo information here, and watch the video intro below.