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Why do I now have the image of one of those cocking up it's tracks against a lamp post?

Theophony wrote:Just saw the last picture , though I might suggestion adding in the helmet also as spacing would almost warrant the head or some leg to be sticking out as well.
Sorry

no worries it is a helpful suggestion. Although I've actually gone with a backpack, and I nice composite of PVA, Superglue and Model Air Red for gore.

Gitsplitta wrote:Very creative graven!

Llamahead wrote:Why do I now have the image of one of those cocking up it's tracks against a lamp post?

They are just puppies, after all



Remember these guys? No, me neither so they got based in the current batch (so did Mortarion but shhhhh - I keep forgetting I built him, because I literally have no memory of it as it was while concussed).

I'm using slightly more red in my accents and purple in my tentacles this time around. Just for a bit of pop.

Feels like they're finally coming together.

Just realised I forgot to do that plasma pistol What I've not forgotten, but simply not yet done, is add the GOO yet. Icky sticky drippy to follow after first wash layer, which is next.

So yeah. Papa's great work progresses. But so does other work! Because hobby ADHD is real

Not unimpressed by my attempt at Salt Weathering, but could be crustier. I think it's more a reflection of the absorbent powers of mdf I do like the Uncertain Scenery. I'd planned to fully hazard stripe the exterior next, but I rather like how low key and industrial it looks just now.
Next stage, either way, is the flooring, which is planned to get some metal/rust effects.


In other news. Having really hit peak frustration with Knight Models, I decided to write a ruleset for gang warfare in Gotham. It's designed as an add-on for Street Wars NYC, and just about manages to avoid any dodgy IP issues. My lovely chums at Kitbash Games are also helping out with both the playtest and sculpts for The Vigilante and the Lords of Crime, so that it works as an extra ruleset for them when their Kickstarter drops at the end of January.

Weekend ahead. Off out tonight for festive Xmas do. I shall try not to be too hungover...
Anon,
Graven

Excellent work all-round!

You're most kind

So, did the hazard stripes:


And started on the weathering:

This is my first time using hairspray as fixative weathering powder, and I'm really impressed. I might combine this with my existing methods for the Deathguard.

Fun with powders!

LOVING the hairspray method. The only niggle is clumps don't do well, they stay dry and don't adhere properly. So crusty rust still needs to be done with washes and cheap vodka

Speaking of washes, stage one (agrax/sepia) is done.... But now I have a quandary. Although I like the effect weathering powder gives, I rather like them as they are. Which is not to say there aren't more washes and highlights to come. Here's a direct comparison (all the same base model).

L-R Newer 40k version, new 30k and first batch 40k (plasma gun). Decent? I *think* I like the variation in the armour colours too, because things obviously age at different rates.

I decided I didn't like my cultists' scheme. The blue was all wrong, the metal was too clean. And, y'know, MOAR TENTACLES. My original idea - a kind of Bacchanalian Nurgle cult coloured in bruises and intenstines - just didn't gel, I think. But they're not on my list of 20 models to paint before the year is up so it's fine, right? RIGHT???
It's only 5 test models... *sigh* So, probably, they'll get Deathguard Green over the purple. If I'm happy with that, the rest of them will get a bit more tentacular also. Other that, only the final greens need to be added to the so, hopefully, I'll get them finished off and ready before Xmas (like WW1 - it'll all be over be Xmas )

But on a separate note entirely, last night wasn't about painting, it was about Dreadball - ULTIMATE DREADBALL (the multiplayer variant). Catching up with my best and oldest local nerdchums, erithromycin and metropolis, plus a couple of other folk also.

This was bonkers and so much fun it was preposterous. In true fantasymurderdeathball style, a Brawl started before the first ball was even launched, so we all ended up at least 2 men down (on a 5 man on-field team) before the starting whistle blew. Lots of back and forth, scores up and down, very bloody Forge Fathers (squats) stole the win out from under my Marauders (Orcs) - though both the Yndij (Na'vi from Avatar, essentially) and Corp (Humans) did well right up to the wire - when my goblin got an amazing pass to the MVP I'd hired for the match, and the MVP promptly dropped it when I rolled 5 1s Multiplayer madness. Given that the Corp player had never played the game before, and up until the 4th turn carved out a clear path to victory, shows just how good and accessible it is. If anything, I enjoyed it more than regular Dreadball. Because of the board layout, you're behind an opponent much more often, which makes for a lot more violent slamming of their players. Yay ultraviolence in sports!
Later
graven

Well it was a good time had by all(except the injured players, who are weak anyway and need to be pruned) . I hate it when I get a bunch painted up and then go with a different style, the bane of all marine players.

Yup, all good
I got a mail drop today...

Holy bat boxes!


And what's that next to it?

Owl post, that's what. Complete first wave of Harry Potter, not including promos and pre-order exclusives.

Busy 2019

Holy resiny goodness . Well you have your 400 figs sorted for next year .

Great Caesar's ghost...

That's a lot of models.

That dreadball game looks like a riot (literally)! Thanks for sharing.

Theophony wrote:Holy resiny goodness . Well you have your 400 figs sorted for next year .

I know, tell me about it!

youwashock wrote:Great Caesar's ghost...

That's a lot of models.

Gitsplitta wrote:That dreadball game looks like a riot (literally)! Thanks for sharing.

It was awesome indeed!

So this has motivated me to finding the . The newest members of the Putrid Choir!

The remaining members of the Tragedos, The Tragic Choir


(Ranged Plague Marines)

The remaining members of the Comedos, The Comedic Choir

(melee Plague Marines)

Algos, the Sorrowful Mask


(Foul Blightspawn)

Habros, the Laughing Mask


(Foul Blightspawn)

Apoptosius, The death that comes to all in time


(Chaos Sorceror - counts as Necrosius [and Apoptosis is the opposite of Necrosis, hence the name])

Cerberon, triumvirate of pain, the 3 headed devourer of flesh, spitter of poison




(Blight Haulers - Mr Chompy, The Centurion, Rustbucket)

And the start of The Maenads, the Cult of Ecstatic Entropy

(Chaos Cultists)

Which means... 405 models complete!
Astounding.

Except... There's more!

Yup, got my Uncertain Scenery done.


So here's the T-junction:



How about a model's eye view?

And the Lift:



So... 407?

Next will be checking and cleaning up KM stuff. Pleased to have met my target, even if my shelf of shame is still chock ful!
Later
Graven

Great work on all the things (so...many...things...)

Well done on hitting your goal too.

All the nurgly goodness looks great.

Nice work on the terrain, looks very atmospheric, should make for some good in situ photos

Good job on the numbers too man, great that you hit your target

Dr H wrote:Great work on all the things (so...many...things...)

Well done on hitting your goal too.

Thanks old chum.

monkeytroll wrote:All the nurgly goodness looks great.

Nice work on the terrain, looks very atmospheric, should make for some good in situ photos

Good job on the numbers too man, great that you hit your target

It's great scenery, really is. Might need to buy some more



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Building Harry Potter figures. Tiny little buggers, but not as fiddly as you might reasonably expect (especially from KM).

On the other hand, it contains some of the most astonishing models you've ever seen. They are, and this is no exaggeration, exquisite. The sculpts are dynamic and characterful, Harry mid-cast, Ron slouching about, and Hermoine in a storm of spell and scarf. But the Death Eaters are likewise great, imposing and imperious - I particularly like the female in heels, which feels remarkably sturdy also. Because these are very delicate models, which is the flip side. Though the robes make them feel generally solid, the wands are tiny and brittle. I do worry about potential snapping, and highly recommend some foam for storage (I'm waiting for some smart company to make an insert for the tin). Clean-up on the figs is easy, very little in the way of mold lines or tabs, though some clipping of sprue from the casting process is required. They're well thought-out models, also, not exceedingly fiddly to build (with the possible exception of Hermoine): in the spirit of research, I got the kids to it, and aside from the usual fears arising from small children and Superglue, they were fine. The only slightly tricky model was the mono cast Death Eater, oddly, because of flash on the base tab, but easily cleaned up with a sharp knife.

So here we go:



Thoughts on the actual game to follow,
Graven

Looking good. I’ve never read the books, I’ve seen the movies though, are they based more on one or the other?

Looking forward to seeing your take on these, there's a few I've got my eye on to pick up as display pieces at some point. Particularly the Order of the Phoenix set, if you can snap some pics of them it'd be much appreciated.

Given the ludicrous size of Hermione's scarf, it's got to be tempting to paint it technicolor a la Tom Baker... The HP fan in me would cry, but it's just so weirdly long for a Hogwarts scarf! I must admit I don't quite see what they were going for with that model, the pose really doesn't call the character to mind in the same way Ron and Harry's do.

Death Guard stuff all looks suitable gruesome as ever.

Theophony wrote:Looking good. I’ve never read the books, I’ve seen the movies though, are they based more on one or the other?

Movie. And very impressive.

Paradigm wrote:Looking forward to seeing your take on these, there's a few I've got my eye on to pick up as display pieces at some point. Particularly the Order of the Phoenix set, if you can snap some pics of them it'd be much appreciated.

Given the ludicrous size of Hermione's scarf, it's got to be tempting to paint it technicolor a la Tom Baker... The HP fan in me would cry, but it's just so weirdly long for a Hogwarts scarf! I must admit I don't quite see what they were going for with that model, the pose really doesn't call the character to mind in the same way Ron and Harry's do.

Death Guard stuff all looks suitable gruesome as ever.

I are absolutely about Hermione. I'll let you know about the order.


Harry Potter Miniature adventure game Review.

tl: dr
Despite the cost, and some niggles, this is a very good game indeed.

Right, we all settled in? Right, we can begin.

I have a very clear memory of reading the final Harry Potter book, and thinking that the Battle of Hogwarts would actually make a rather good miniature game. And my goodness, it does so, and then some.

UNBOXING THE PRODUCT
Let's start with what you get when you open it up from it's lovely tin.
You get:

13 resin miniatures (Harry, Ron, Hermione, 4 Death Eaters, Acromantula [Aragog] and 5 Acromantula swarms)
Three double-sided gameboards. 
-9 Character cards. 
-10 Potion cards. 
-10 Artifact cards.
-40 Adventure cards
-20 cardboard Tokens.
-20 spell cards.
-20 Quest cards. 
-16 Event cards.
-25 Campaign cards
-Rulebook.
-6 custom dice.
-7 30mm plastic bases.
-Campaign deck.
-Assembly instructions.

Let's begin with the negative: the quality of the cardstock. Costs have clearly been saved here, as the cardstock feels painfully thin. I may be wrong but it feels double, rather than the standard triple, layered (much like the spell cards from BMG's Book of Magic). Likewise, whilst there are a *lot* of cards, the card stock of the tokens is very thin, not feeling at all durable - and I'm sorry but any high-end board game I've ever played prides itself on decent quality tokens. The board overlays are also very thin - of the same cardstock, not board thickness. Then again, even the boards are not the most rugged in the world. Perhaps I'm being excessively picky, but this a £90 retail game, after all.

The sculpts are, however, stunning versions of the cinematic characters. Clean-up on the figs is easy, very little in the way of mold lines or tabs, though some clipping of sprue from the casting process is required. They're well thought-out models, also, not exceedingly fiddly to build (with the possible exception of Hermoine): in the spirit of research, I got the kids to it, and aside from the usual fears arising from small children and Superglue, they were fine. The only slightly tricky models were the mono cast Death Eater, oddly ( because of flash on the base tab, but easily cleaned up with a sharp knife) and Ron, who inexplicably did not want to be stuck on to his legs.

Back to the models, as you also get acromantula swarms and a big'un (Aragog, in other words). The swarms are great, the big Acromantula is... fine. Honestly? Give me one MAHOOSIVE spider and card tokens for the swarms - or better yet, have better quality tokens all round, and don't give us spider models. My other criticism of the models is, for all that the Hermoine sculpt is impressive and dynamic (and looks like Emma Watson) it doesn't feel that much like her, with its oddly balletic pose and giant scarf that would put The Doctor to shame.

CORE MECHANICS
This game has Mark Latham written all over it (even though he wasn't the lead designer): if you've played a recent Mantic game, you'll see some interesting mechanical similarities. It's IGOUGO, with 2 actions per model per turn (much like walking dead), with characters able to take 1 basic (Move/Use Potion) and 1 advanced (Attack/Cast Spell), or vice-versa. It's also grid based movement, with characters ordinarily moving 3 squares (like Here's Negan). Characters can purchase equipment (potions, wands etc) and spells up to their Mastery level (with most characters having an inbuilt, memorized spell also), and on their cards have their various key stats laid out.

A word about the character cards. Being standard ccg size, they're quite cramped, particularly with the (admittedly very authentic potterverse) aesthetic. However, this is not helped by the description in the rulebook: page 14 has a numbered card, then the labelling explanation is not till page 16 (page 15 explains the card backs). This is a ridiculous oversight that just makes the game harder to learn than is necessary: a poor layout decision that could so easily be rectified. Likewise, I would've liked the different card types (adventure, event, quest) clearly marked on the front. I should add though that, generally (and if I'm being completely honest, surprisingly) the rulebook is very well laid out.

All rolls are made with 3 dice (very Mantic), 3+ success, exploding 6s. I like the better than average roll success mechanic for a (sort of) kids' game. There's also a nice mechanic in the form of the Mystery dice: some situations add Lucky dice, where you pick the best results, and some add Jinxed dice, where you take the worst. It's a very natural, easy, intuitive mechanic.

However, in a couple of places, this game revels in needless complexity.
Take damage tokens. To indicate a point of damage, they go
Yellow/red/indigo/violet, with the Deathly Hallows symbol becoming more overt. Why? Why not just number them? Or number them as well? That's FFG levels of token fetishism: obstructive and unhelpful.

Another example is the rules for Adventure cards. At the start of each game turn, a random player draws 3 cards and they go face up. The player who activates 2nd gets to pick one. Each subsequent activation gets that model one of the remaining cards. A neat idea - it pays to go second, in some ways - but WHY the needless fiddling about with A random Player? If I seem like I'm being ridiculously picky, I just don't see the point in unnecessary rules, especially in a game that's (arguably) targeting non-traditional gamers.

Talking of the relative complexity of cards in the game, in addition to the character card, spells and equipment, there's also an Event Card at the start of every turn (fair enough), 3 quest cards per player AND the reference card for whichever scenario you're playing. All perfectly logical in their way, but that's a lot of cardboard floating around the table.

Magic is handled with spell cards, along with all Wizard characters having an innate spell printed on their card (Expecto Patronum for Harry, for example). Characters have one or two magic points to spend casting each turn, with most spells being Neutral (useable by anyone) and Unforgivable Curses only useable by Dark Wizards. Some spells have an Upkeep cost (power every turn to keep it going) whilst all have a Countdown Clock: once cast, time taken before you can reuse. It's a nice wee mechanic this, and the time turner tokens make it really obvious. It also encourages you to have a range of spells on your characters, to maximise efficiency.

Characters use their 4 traits - Magic, Courage, Wisdom, Temper - to solve challenges (have X of skill from your collective wizards, pass challenge), which seems fairly simple, verging on the simplistic, but means the game flows well.

GAMEPLAY
In the core box you get 12 different scenarios to play, based on iconic moments from the whole series, from The Forbidden Forest to the Battle of Hogwarts itself. Now not to be contentious - because I love the Death Eater models - but in the starter set, I'd've rather seen the Slytherins; Draco, Crabbe and Goyle, for instance, are available as a booster set. Apart from anything else, the Death Eaters feel underpowered so that they're equivalent to the Big 3. I mean maybe a bunch of slightly crap Wizards decided that because they're less good at magic than a 14 year old they should join the Evil One - fair enough - but still. Now actually, they're balanced by the fact that they have 0 as their Courage rating, but that also grates - if you play Villains, there's a full quarter of challenges you can't solve.

Personally, I would have liked either an introductory scenario or example 50 Galleon list using the box contents (or both). There are some good introductory videos on the KM YouTube but I think it's especially important for a game that's targeting non-gamers to have a clear walkthru. I'd also like a reference sheet, on the back page for example. But, these are really just niggles.

Because this game genuinely exceeds all expectations.

The gameplay is solid, accessible but complex. The twin mechanics of Quests and Events mean everything is to play for right until the very end (warning: side effects - may cause tantrums if someone loses on the last turn!) Apart from anything else, with 12 different board layouts with different overlays every game, and the constantly changing quests every time, it offers a massive replay experience. This, combined with the campaign deck, allows you to develop your own Hogwarts narrative, making it a very attractive prospect indeed.

Now there are some bugs that crop up. It's rather confusing, especially to a younger player, which death eater is which. There's a Lack of extra impassable terrain markers when certain events occur. But the game is fast, fluid and fun. Having never played before, start to finish took us 2 hrs for an 8 turn game, but once you've got the hang of it you're looking at an hour to 1 1/2 for a standard game. My only caveat would be we used the excellent cheat sheet that's available on the HP Facebook group, which is highly recommended.

On balance, this is not just one for the Potterheads, but is certainly accessible to the non- or novice gamer. Yes, the entry cost is pretty brutal, though there are bundles available from the KM site. It's a cracking game, really evocative of the series - who doesn't want to wander round the Forbidden Forest yelling 'Stupefy!' at Death Eaters, anyway? So, it's a definite thumbs-up from this cynical old Muggle, never mind the kids as well.


The fact that the entire game changed drastically in the closing turns was exciting - if a bit frustrating for the little guy - but gaming is full hard lessons


With luck, in the couple of days off after Xmas, we'll get another game, and get Mrs G's view. Aye right

A merry Xmas, one and all, my loyal brothers
Graven

Thanks for that now I have another game to sweet over.

Merry Christmas to you and the family sir, hope you have a great day.

HP too?

Omg

On another subject... Merry Christmas!
And even a bit early...have a good start into the new upcoming year...all of you

That MDF scenery is great and really looking forward to your updates on Potter & co.

Hope you had / having a great xmas dude

Great stuff mate

Hope you had a good Christmas

Camkierhi wrote:Thanks for that now I have another game to sweet over.

Merry Christmas to you and the family sir, hope you have a great day.

so true. Had a great one, hope you did likewise.

Viktor von Domm wrote:HP too?

Omg

On another subject... Merry Christmas!
And even a bit early...have a good start into the new upcoming year...all of you

Ruprecht brings me toys as punishment

Ruglud wrote:That MDF scenery is great and really looking forward to your updates on Potter & co.

Hope you had / having a great xmas dude

It was ace, you too.

JoeRugby wrote:Great stuff mate

Hope you had a good Christmas

it was ace. Best turkey I've cooked, wife and I made lemon meringue pie, lots of nerd toys, all good

Well lucky me I got my Goblin Gaming wishlist from the wife

(Not pictured - various paint restocking)
Apparently she was really stressed when it came, because there was no green stuff and the only geek thing she knows to ALWAYS buy me is green stuff doofus here had inadvertently taken it off their wishlist

And THEN the menace that is erithromycin got me Gaslands I have studiously managed to avoid this because it would be far too easy just to pick up toy cars in the supermarket for a pound to convert. He also got the boy Wings of Glory WW1. He is a bloody troublemaker

So 2019 may bring toy car-nage. amongst other things

Toy carnage is good, lots of fun, and a great gateway drug/I mean activity .

quiet you

Chilled out day with the boys. We played another game of Harry Potter.

This an interior setup, obviously. Except we were playing winter in Hogsmeade, so fun rules for snow, but the board left a lot to the imagination. Even the exterior board would've made more sense. Some houses, maybe, as overlays, would go a long way to enchancing that.

More niggly is the fact that the Death Eaters are just crap. Well, they're ok-ish, but they can't do challenges for toffee, which are the game's main mechanic for scoring VPs, specifically Wisdom challenges, which are the only ones in the Event deck. I see that it could easily be fixed with (a) more event cards (b) adding in a dice roll. Sighhhhhhhh. I smell house rules.
The challenge deck, where you build a story, has a far better mix, but that's a separate game mode entirely. Never mind that if they'd included Draco and chums instead you could also have played Co-op out the box. Anyway, Harry and chums, under the charge of 8 year old, won the day.

Separately, I raided the toybox in search of suitable salvage:

A good mix of Buggies, Jeeps, regular cars and muscle cars (and a taco van), looks enough to going on with. Lots of shamelessly bits whoring next!

And I started my lovely daemons, building Sloppity and Spoilpox, and beginning my plaguebearers. Oh, and now my Maulerfiend has the start of a base. No actual base yet, but we now have a topper. Where's it from? Well remember that Gnarlmaw in the Xmas heap? Let's just say it was bought solely for parts papa has a purpose for all those lovely bits if you're, papa may even do some pics tomorrow, once things are a bit further along.
Adiós
Graven

Ooops

You're waiting on bases from me still....


Nice goodie haul, and definitely interested in what you do with gaslands

Lol don't worry about it bro, wasn't a dig. I always need bases, I find. Whether it's gw moving things randomly over to 32mm or finding extra 40mm for swarms of Nurglings (seriously, though, you get so many nurglings with the Plaguebearer set, it's an actual gw bargain!), always need yet more. However, it's not like I don't have plenty of toys in the meantime

Speaking of plagueys...


I realise I have a whole bunch of Nurglings: at least a further 2 bases' worth made from the ones that come with the plaguebearers, mostly. It's some kit.

And the Maulerfiend on its base


Started on the potter stuff, building at least. Peter Pettigrew's wand is the first casualty. Not unexpected, but a bugger to repair. Generally they're well cast, minimal mould lines and astonishingly crisp. Pics to follow of everything so far.

Saw Aquaman. Not bad, but ate my day.

Best,
graven

Don’t they have magic duct tape to fix wands? Made by magic ducks .

Cool looking maulerfiend.

Nah, they just patch it up with some spell-o-tape.

Is that a type of tricky backed plastic?