The Inner Circle - GW Promotion Event

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**Verviedi**

GW wrote:INTRODUCTION:
What a great time to be in the hobby! We are proud to introduce you to The Inner Circle! This is a North American program that lets customers take part in an amazing Warhammer 40,000 hobby event that will excite you to your core. The winners will receive an all expense paid trip to the Games Workshop Dallas office to take part in a mind-blowing event. Now is the time to muster for war, a Storm is gathering!

This description will let you know all the information you need to take part in this awesome evetn. This includes the following:
- Key dates
- How do you participate?
- What do you need to do to win?
- FAQ
- A Score sheet
- Finalist Score Sheet

KEY DATES:
- 3/22/17 Inner Circle "Special Announcement"
- 5/13/17 Ritual of Judgement
- 5/13/17 In-Store Party
- 5/13/17 Announce store winners on Facebook
- 5/17/17 Final (5) Grand Prize winners announced on store Facebook pages at 4:30pm (central time)
- 6/3/17 Final (5) winners flown to Dallas for Inner Circle final celebration

HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE?
This is easy. Gather your forces and head down to your closest Games Workshop store. They will be hosting a hand full of fun "Gathering Storm" activities for you to participate in, as well as providing outrageous customer service to help you collect, build, and paint the newest additions to your collections. Make sure you sign up for the activities and fill out an Inner Circle score tracker, so you can get as many points as you can.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO WIN?
There's no purchase necessary to take part in this event. We've provided a score sheet with this document that explains how you get points for your entry. Make sure that you read through it, who knows, there may be an opportunity for you to add some additional details, or that extra level of highlighting. All of these things will help you earn additional points. The entry with the most points wins the title of Store Champion.

Each Store Champion will then be judged against each other by the Games Workshop Dallas office staff. After that, five finalists will be picked, and flown to Dallas for the finals.

FAQ:
Do models have to be painted?
- No, see the score sheet.

What about a tie?
- The 'Player's Choice' winner breaks any ties.

How will the winners be announced?
- We will announce them on your store's Facebook page. The winners will be contacted by Games Workshop and travel arrangements will be made.

How am I getting to Dallas and how long am I staying?
- Once we know the winners, we will contact them to arrange travel. You will be staying for one night, so pack accordingly. If you cannot travel to Dallas, the next runner up will be awarded the grand prize. See the terms and conditions for more details. (Stop by the store to see the Terms and Conditions, as they are not typed up here.)

How will the Store Champions entries get judged for the Grand Prize?
- The store managers will take pictures of the Store Champion's entry and submit them to the Dallas office immediately after the event (5/13/17). The office staff will use an additional score sheet to judge entries (see Finalist Score Sheet).

SCORE SHEET
- IMPORTANT: Entries can be up18 units/characters and must be able to fit in a 2' x 2' area.
- Total units/characters in collection (18 maximum): +1 per unit
- Each unit based (excluding vehicles w/o bases): +1 per unit
- Each converted unit/character: +1 per unit
- Unit/character built after Feb. 11th: +4 if purchased from a Games Workshop store, +2 if purchased anywhere else
- Unit/character painted after Feb. 11th: +4 if purchased from a Games Workshop store, +2 if purchased anywhere else
CHOOSE ONE OF THE 4 PAINTING TECHNIQUES BELOW THAT BEST REPRESENTS THE PAINTING TECHNIQUE USED IN THE COLLECTION:
- Lv 1. Only basecoat technique on ALL their models: +1 per unit
- Lv 2. Basecoat and Washing techniques on ALL of their models: +2 per unit
- Lv 3. Basecoat, Washing, and Drybrushing techniques on ALL of their models: +5 per unit / +1 for every increment of 10 models in unit / +1 for every increment of 1, up to 3 vehicles/large models (100+mm base) in unit
- Lv 4. Basecoat, Washing, and Layering techniques on ALL of their models: +12 per unit / +1 for every increment of 10 models in unit / +1 for every increment of 1, up to 3 vehicles/large models (100+mm base) in unit
- Additional Details. Blood on axes, rust on tank treads, lenses, transfers & squad markings, hand painted graphics/transfers, or glowing weapons: +1 per unit / +1 for every increment of 10 models in unit / +1 for every increment of 1, up to 3 vehicles/large models (100+mm base) in unit
- Attended ONE "Gathering Storm" activity: +10
- Attended TWO "Gathering Storm" activities: +30
- Attended THREE "Gathering Storm" activities: +50
- Attended the Inner Circle party and submitted your army: +10
- Display board 2' x 2': +15
- Themed army list or story around army: +10
- If collction has the most "Customer Choice" votes: +25

FINALIST SCORE SHEET
(This will only be used on those entries that win Store Champion)
- Well executed details consistent across army (eyes, buckles, gems/jewels): +1 per unit
- Well executed extra details consistent across army (Hand painted banners, blood, chipped/battle damaged, unit markings): +2 per unit
- Layers of Highlights (more than one layer): +2 per unit
- Masterful blending (layers have been masterfully blended): +3 per unit
- Bases (multiple basing materials, extra details, detailed beyond drybrushing, used special effects, rust, light sourcing, water effects): +2 per unit
- All models consistent in appearance and executed to a high standard (the army looks like an army, and the colors compliment each other well): +1 per unit
- Well executed conversions across army (troops and characters): +2 per unit
- Army has some extreme conversions (use multiple kits in a seamless manner to create a new model): +2 per unit
- All units are named in character with the army: +2 per unit
- Army composition reasonably futs the background of the army's story: +1 per unit
- Army list is displayed in a unique way that fits the army (example: Adeptus Mechanicus army list on a giant cog): +1 per unit
- Display base: +15
- The army and its desplay board go above and beyond (extreme quality from top to bottom): +3

If you have any questions, or would like a copy of this information (and would like to look over the terms and conditions of this contest), come by the store! GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE!

**Chikout**

8th edition in June then? A special preview of the new edition would be a decent prize.

**Melcavuk**

The points for purchasing from the GW store makes sense, they are after all footing the bill to fly winners out to Dallas, and its an extra event being run in store (so points for supporting the store again is logical). Sounds really cool though.

**Verviedi**

Oh, of course it is logical. But it's still vaguely irritating. I support my FLGWS by choice, being forced into it just isn't what I like.

**Peregrine**

So, buying new stuff from your local Games™ Workshop™ Extortion™ Center™ is worth more points in this contest than anything else? What a surprise. They came so close to having an event that might be interesting, but it's yet another disappointing failure.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Melcavuk wrote:
The points for purchasing from the GW store makes sense, they are after all footing the bill to fly winners out to Dallas

The total cost of flying a few people to Dallas is tiny in the context of a marketing event run by a company as large as GW. The purpose of the "buy everything here or you can't win" rule is not to offset the cost of some plane tickets, it's to use the event as a cheap sales gimmick regardless of what is best for their customers.

(so points for supporting the store again is logical)

There is no such thing as "supporting the store" because the store is not an independent entity. Buying from your local GW store and buying from the GW website are exactly equivalent.

**Lockark**

The point system works like, 1 point per unit, +1 point for base coats/dry brushed,+2 if painted with layered/highlighted +1 point if the unit is 10 or more models, and +1 point for a transport.

Are allowed up to 18 units.

Store owners CAN veto your army if they think your trying to game the system.

For example after reading the rules some people quickly realised If you were to do a Deathwatch army and paint all these guys:
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-CA/deathwatch-kill-team-cassius-2016

You would have 33 points, since it's 11 charaters, +22 for painted and highlighted.

If you were to try and do this, you will prob be told not to/your gaming the system.

**Cryonicleech**

Peregrine wrote:
There is no such thing as "supporting the store" because the store is not an independent entity. Buying from your local GW store and buying from the GW website are exactly equivalent.

Except the store gets credit for making the sale. It's not news that GW employees often have quotas, and while the profits end up at GW anyway, where the credit lies is important, particularly for the store. Low performing stores are more likely to be closed, so I wouldn't say that there's no tangible difference.

Will be cool for whoever wins, I guess. Real question is, what is the event and is it worth accruing points.

**H.B.M.C.**

Games Workshop wrote:There's no purchase necessary to take part in this event.

*is instantly suspicious*

Is this the same games workshop who put out a thing where you bought products to earn points that, once you had enough, would win you the opportunity to spend more money to buy an exclusive Chaplain?

**TwilightSparkles**

You had to spend £100 over a month to get access to the chaplain , hardly a kings ransom in this hobby.....

As for the "supporting the store" argument, GW will close at the first opportunity poor performing stores. Meadowhall Sheffield here in the UK was closed despite being in a major shopping centre because it performed poorly. By contrast my local GW stores both now have 2-3 staff working at peak times because they perform well, which in turn means they run more events and are better places to visit. Ultimately a store and those it employs are within their rights to do what is legal to incentivise you buying from them , in Magic it's super common that to enter many events you buy the boosters etc at that store, usually at full price. No one cries foul over that !

I wish they would do more like this here as most events are store independent.

**xttz**

Verviedi wrote:
Oh, of course it is logical. But it's still vaguely irritating. I support my FLGWS by choice, being forced into it just isn't what I like.

You have a weird interpretation of 'forced'. Unless they completely cease selling GW product worldwide aside from participating stores this will have no impact on your life whatsoever.

**guru**

Event score sheet

**Peregrine**

I suppose that's less terrible than it could be, with the painting quality scores being much larger than the base score that was shown in the first post. It's still a terrible idea to give bonus points in a painting contest if you buy your models from a particular used car salesman, but at least it's less of a factor than the difference between bare-minimum painting (level 3) and better painting (level 4+). If the local GW wasn't run by a

with an idiotic "FW models don't fill my sales quota and aren't allowed here" rule I might actually be interested in this event.

**guru**

more... Event score sheet, final score sheet and terms & conditions

http://imgur.com/a/LFiDp

**H.B.M.C.**

So... do ya gotta bring receipts to these things?

**Verviedi**

Wait! It says "from" a Games Workshop store. Does that mean if I go inside my local Games Workshop and make a Forgeworld or online retailer order, that counts?

Also, my additional questions.

• Is there a limit on Forgeworld products in this event?

• Define "Outrageous customer service". Does that mean free cake? Because I like free cake.

• Converted Unit/Character. Does that mean every model in the unit must be converted, using the definition shown in bullet point four, or only one? Or a plurality?

• Define "Conversion".

• If I buy a model from a GW store, and put a FW upgrade kit on it, does it count as purchased from a GW store?

**General Annoyance**

Verviedi wrote:
Wait! It says "from" a Games Workshop store. Does that mean if I go inside my local Games Workshop and make a Forgeworld or online retailer order, that counts?

Pretty sure GW doesn't count FW products as GW products, so I bet that little nuance will be applied to the event.

• Is there a limit on Forgeworld products in this event?

Doesn't seem like there is, nor if they would even contribute in points.

• Define "Outrageous customer service". Does that mean free cake? Because I like free cake.

Wouldn't that be special; GW being sweet, literally.

• Converted Unit/Character. Does that mean every model in the unit must be converted, using the definition shown in bullet point four, or only one? Or a plurality?

Either/or, I'd say. I think it will boil down to the unit; a converted Mob of 3 Nobz perhaps would count the same as a 10 man Guard Squad with a converted Sergeant/Special Weapon.

• Define "Conversion".

Creating a new model using parts from other kits to represent something. It'd all have to be GW kits, of course.

• If I buy a model from a GW store, and put a FW upgrade kit on it, does it count as purchased from a GW store?

You still bought it from the store, so yes.

**Verviedi**

Hmmm... my mind says you're right, but my heart says "Click beep gzhrrrrrrr -Modem noise-". I'll ask my manager as well, because I'd like to do 30k Mechanicum.

**guru**

Verviedi wrote:
Hmmm... my mind says you're right, but my heart says "Click beep gzhrrrrrrr -Modem noise-". I'll ask my manager as well, because I'd like to do 30k Mechanicum.

terms and conditions
http://imgur.com/a/LFiDp

....

3. The contest is a building and painting competition. Entrants must build and paint of 18 units of Warhammer 40k miniatures for their entry....

.....
https://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Warhammer-40-000

**General Annoyance**

Verviedi wrote:
Hmmm... my mind says you're right, but my heart says "Click beep gzhrrrrrrr -Modem noise-". I'll ask my manager as well, because I'd like to do 30k Mechanicum.

I'm hoping that "Outrageous Service" turns out to be free hugs. Everyone loves free hugs

... I take that back, actually; people need to get a wash before they get a cuddle.

You could put that as bonus points: have a shower before each event = +5. Genius!

**Verviedi**

Oh, goddamn, I can't participate. Oh well, hopefully I still get this outrageous customer service.

Hey, I shower daily! Hooray, I'm one of the good guys in a store.

**Kraytirous**

Peregrine wrote:
So, buying new stuff from your local Games™ Workshop™ Extortion™ Center™ is worth more points in this contest than anything else? What a surprise. They came so close to having an event that might be interesting, but it's yet another disappointing failure.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Melcavuk wrote:
The points for purchasing from the GW store makes sense, they are after all footing the bill to fly winners out to Dallas

The total cost of flying a few people to Dallas is tiny in the context of a marketing event run by a company as large as GW. The purpose of the "buy everything here or you can't win" rule is not to offset the cost of some plane tickets, it's to use the event as a cheap sales gimmick regardless of what is best for their customers.

(so points for supporting the store again is logical)

There is no such thing as "supporting the store" because the store is not an independent entity. Buying from your local GW store and buying from the GW website are exactly equivalent.

This is actually false. Every individual manager and store has its own in-store sales record which determines the success of the store. If the store stops making money, the manager gets disciplined and eventually replaced. So if you like your local manager, yeah, support them. Or else they won't be there for very long.

**Tannhauser42**

Why Dallas? Is there some super special GW store here I didn't know about?

**Davor**

Verviedi wrote:Oh, of course it is logical. But it's still vaguely irritating. I support my FLGWS by choice, being forced into it just isn't what I like.

Who is being forced? Just like going to a tournament. You agree by the house rules. Nobody is being forced with anything. Just like the LVO, were people forced to play those games? I never herd one person saying they were forced to do anything. Just like with this GW contest. Nobody is forced to do anything they don't want to do. Even the terms say "no purchase necessary".

So who is being forced?

**Verviedi**

It is effectively impossible to win this competition without the extra points that are given to you by purchasing things in a GW store. Now, if anyone actually wins without purchasing things from a GW store, I'll admit that I'm wrong, but as it is currently, it looks like the points from buying GW is too much of a bonus.
Obviously, it's not really a competitive event, but requiring buying directly from GW to win is just wrong in my eyes.

**OrlandotheTechnicoloured**

Well its not as if you can win a FLGS tournament without showing up there ton play (and usually paying at entry fee),

their contest, their rules

**General Annoyance**

OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
Well its not as if you can win a FLGS tournament without showing up there ton play (and usually paying at entry fee)

But other than a ticket that you would naturally be expected to pay for (and certainly won't cost as much as boxes of models) you won't be expected to buy models from them, or even buying for an advantage.

their contest, their rules

Yes, but that doesn't make the rules consumer friendly.

**Verviedi**

I love my local GW store, but some of their policies really need to be fixed. Banning FW REALLY needs to go.

**Ragnar69**

Well, having a converted and beautifuly painted unit that you did last year nets you way more points than buying it new in the store and doing a basic paint job on it.
So unless someone is able to churn out great paintjobs in a short time, you really have a good chance to win without buying anything.

I'm painting Space Wolves since 1994 and I don't really know if I could scratch together 18 fully painted units

edit: oops, it's +4 for building and +4 for painting, so a new lvl 3 unit is 13 points while an old lvl 4 is 12, but still not a foregone conclusion that the winner has to buy everything new at the store

**Verviedi**

That 8-point bonus is significant. I'm interested in seeing what the score sheets for the winners look like.

- 5/13/17 In-Store Party

...This sounds like cake. I like cake.

**Albino Squirrel**

So, three months to build and paint 18 characters?