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Hi, I'm a long time fan but newbie player looking to learn how to play these games through semi-tutorial play with other newbies and veterans. I played a bit of 40k back in 5th Ed and I've been immersing myself in the 9th Ed rules, so I know most of the 40k basics in theory. I have no current experience in the other three games, but I do have two small armies for AoS. In need of minor repairs, but otherwise at a high tabletop quality.

I'm hoping to get a small gaming group together that can start small and work up to larger games in at least one of these games. I am curious about the Crusade system in 40k in addition to the standard play.

Of note is that almost all of my battle ready models are from 5th Ed or older, and even most of my just play ready models fall within that as well. That being said, the main point of mentioning this is that I may inadvertently play models that grant me a slight advantage due to size differences of old models. For example, I have three old RT Rhinos painted to be IG. Since I don't currently own any Chimera transports, I may choose to run them as Chimera for both practical and practice reasons in gaining experience with Vehicles in 9th and IG in general. Anyone who knows what I am talking about should know that those models are smaller than current vehicles which may be construed as an inadvertent advantage. Similarly for customized and custom models. The rule of cool holds sway on my tables. This allowance of course goes both ways and should not be abused by any party.

I am perfectly fine with "grey" armies due to having so much unpainted metal and plastic of my own, but would prefer to see at least some paint to help motivate the group to complete their own piles of shame. I am also personally ok with 3D printed models and may eventually have some of my own, however on any day that a meeting is to be at an official GW store please follow the 75% rule and leave wholly printed models at home for the sanity of the store employees.

TLDR: Basically I want to play some fun, casual games locally to learn these systems in a friendly environment with other enthusiasts.

PM sent

I see ya, welcome!

That's one for Crusade. Hopefully we can get some more interest and pull something together.

I'm working on a Phobos Marine Crusade force. I have other Primaris Marines painted and based. I have a bunch of Orks, a few Necrons, and some Chaos Marines built and primed.

As far as AOS, I have some Kharadron Overlords built and primed.

Right, I should probably mention my own armies.

For 40k, I have SM and IG at a level where I can at least put models on the table, though not necessarily painted. Also, a lot of the SM would be on original 25mm bases as I haven't transitioned them over to the new 32mm and 40mm standard. Bought the bases, just haven't gotten them on yet. In play, I could just set them right on top for now and may just magnetize them like that so they can easily transition back to older edition if desired. I haven't counted it out yet since they haven't yet transitioned to 9th, but I should have a legal 500pt force of CSM built and partially painted. It wouldn't be great, but it could run in a pinch.

For AoS, I have at least the original starter box worth of Stormcast and Bloodbound, but I think there's a little extra on each as well. Mostly high quality paintjobs with a few partials and unpainted. In addition, I was recently given a good amount of old VC and TK that might be able to make a legal army of VC, though it is in various states from well painted to NiB. A number in need of small repairs, but that's not much concern to the massed skeletons and assorted undead.

I also live in the Ann Arbor/Saline (Saline) area and would be interested in joining a group. I've just recently started back into WH40K. I've got a (3rd edition based) Steel Legion, and right now I'm working on putting together a Deathwatch list. Also just started putting together some Titanicus models.

spelljammer wrote:
I also live in the Ann Arbor/Saline (Saline) area and would be interested in joining a group. I've just recently started back into WH40K. I've got a (3rd edition based) Steel Legion, and right now I'm working on putting together a Deathwatch list. Also just started putting together some Titanicus models.

Welcome, we'd be happy to have you!


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I know this isn't what this is originally about, but out of curiosity, would either of you (and any future joining players) be interested in a sort of Narrative/Crusade/DnD mashup?

I've been playing a bit of Mechanicus recently, I always loved the Dawn of War games, and I like DnD-like RPGs, so I had the thought of how cool it would be to sort of play them out on the table. I could be sort of Game Master running the story, NPCs, and enemy armies, presenting the players with choices of missions to take on with branching paths based on their choices and results. We would use the Narrative and Crusade systems as the base, but instead of just pitting the players against each other, they would be working towards the story together. As I have a number of small forces I could deploy as enemies, I feel this could work well and be pretty fun.

I'm curious to know if this would be of interest to anyone.

 SergentSilver wrote:


I know this isn't what this is originally about, but out of curiosity, would either of you (and any future joining players) be interested in a sort of Narrative/Crusade/DnD mashup?

I've been playing a bit of Mechanicus recently, I always loved the Dawn of War games, and I like DnD-like RPGs, so I had the thought of how cool it would be to sort of play them out on the table. I could be sort of Game Master running the story, NPCs, and enemy armies, presenting the players with choices of missions to take on with branching paths based on their choices and results. We would use the Narrative and Crusade systems as the base, but instead of just pitting the players against each other, they would be working towards the story together. As I have a number of small forces I could deploy as enemies, I feel this could work well and be pretty fun.

I'm curious to know if this would be of interest to anyone.

That sounds like a lot of fun. I'd be interested in giving it a go.

That definitely sounds like fun.

spelljammer wrote:

 SergentSilver wrote:


I know this isn't what this is originally about, but out of curiosity, would either of you (and any future joining players) be interested in a sort of Narrative/Crusade/DnD mashup?

I've been playing a bit of Mechanicus recently, I always loved the Dawn of War games, and I like DnD-like RPGs, so I had the thought of how cool it would be to sort of play them out on the table. I could be sort of Game Master running the story, NPCs, and enemy armies, presenting the players with choices of missions to take on with branching paths based on their choices and results. We would use the Narrative and Crusade systems as the base, but instead of just pitting the players against each other, they would be working towards the story together. As I have a number of small forces I could deploy as enemies, I feel this could work well and be pretty fun.

I'm curious to know if this would be of interest to anyone.

That sounds like a lot of fun. I'd be interested in giving it a go.

Ork-en Man wrote:That definitely sounds like fun.

Excellent! And I could probably throw a bit of KT/SH into the mix for rare smaller tactical missions like infiltrating an enemy base to collect data, secure an important relic, or neutralize a VIP.

I actually own the base boxes for Space Marine Adventures and SMA: Rise of the Orks, so perhaps I could fit a round or two of those for occasional variety and extra boosts. Would be interesting to work those in. Perhaps each player picks a squad from their crusade force to be participating in the mission, then the models they use in the board game represent that squad, with the squad accruing normal crusade benefits/detriments based on their success/failure, kill count, and objectives. The games different difficulty levels could represent the risk/reward of the mission for the next major mission on the tabletop.

For instance, a successful game of Rise of the Orks on easy difficulty could grant each squad one experience point on their crusade card and their players +1CP in the next tabletop mission while a failure would give no bonus to the next mission. A perfect run on easy might grant an extra experience point. A failed normal run might carry the penalty of a Battle Scar for the squads involved in addition to the lack of a bonus, but might grant extra experience, CP, or even RP for a success. This sounds most interesting to me as both a player and potentially the one running it.



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In fact, if you two are up to it, we can start discussing when and where to meet for this to get started, as well as how large we want to start it at.

I know it's small, but I'm thinking we should start with Crusade forces at 500pts or 25PL and grow our forces from there as we get the hang of it. It would also be personally helpful so as not to strain what I can field with at least mostly painted models.

As for where, I only know of a few places in and around the Saline Ann Arbor area, and the only one I know of that should be open to play and have a table for us to use is the Warhammer (read GW official) store at Lamp Post Plaza, 2416 East Stadium Blvd.

If you have any other suggestions, I'm certainly open to them.

Golden Rhino Games in Ypsilanti has also opened up for in store gaming. Once we get to know each other a bit, I have the space to host.

In fact, if you two are up to it, we can start discussing when and where to meet for this to get started, as well as how large we want to start it at.

I know it's small, but I'm thinking we should start with Crusade forces at 500pts or 25PL and grow our forces from there as we get the hang of it. It would also be personally helpful so as not to strain what I can field with at least mostly painted models.

As for where, I only know of a few places in and around the Saline Ann Arbor area, and the only one I know of that should be open to play and have a table for us to use is the Warhammer (read GW official) store at Lamp Post Plaza, 2416 East Stadium Blvd.

If you have any other suggestions, I'm certainly open to them.

That sounds like a perfect starting size. Other ideas sound good as well.

Yup, there isn't really a lot available in the area. There used to be a hobby store on State in downtown Ann Arbor that had a nice area upstairs. It's too bad they closed.

I'd be fine hosting at my place (house). I'm in Saline (technically Pittsfield Township). If we want to do that I can share directions offline. I've got a full basement, unfortunately no terrain, and would need to go get a folding table. Haven't done this before, so I wonder if we want to meet somewhere else for the first face to face and planning session.

I already have a large table and some (unpainted) terrain. My basement is finished. I definitely think we should meet at a game store first, maybe play a few games, and get to know each other.

Ork-en Man wrote:Golden Rhino Games is Ypsilanti has also opened up for in store gaming. Once we get to know each other a bit, I have the space to host.

That sounds great honestly, as long as it's not too much of a drive for anyone. It's a 25ish minute drive for me according to Google Maps, but that's fine for me.

spelljammer wrote:

In fact, if you two are up to it, we can start discussing when and where to meet for this to get started, as well as how large we want to start it at.

I know it's small, but I'm thinking we should start with Crusade forces at 500pts or 25PL and grow our forces from there as we get the hang of it. It would also be personally helpful so as not to strain what I can field with at least mostly painted models.

As for where, I only know of a few places in and around the Saline Ann Arbor area, and the only one I know of that should be open to play and have a table for us to use is the Warhammer (read GW official) store at Lamp Post Plaza, 2416 East Stadium Blvd.

If you have any other suggestions, I'm certainly open to them.

That sounds like a perfect starting size. Other ideas sound good as well.

Yup, there isn't really a lot available in the area. There used to be a hobby store on State in downtown Ann Arbor that had a nice area upstairs. It's too bad they closed.

I'd be fine hosting at my place (house). I'm in Saline (technically Pittsfield Township). If we want to do that I can share directions offline. I've got a full basement, unfortunately no terrain, and would need to go get a folding table. Haven't done this before, so I wonder if we want to meet somewhere else for the first face to face and planning session.

I appreciate the willingness to share your space, but as you said, I think we would all feel more comfortable meeting a few times in a public space first.

Also terrain is important, though not necessarily a must, but store tables should have at least some and I have a few bits and bobs I can... bring to the table. Jokes aside, I've been meaning to make a bunch of terrain for myself anyway, so I can work on that too.

Now, we've got two "where" options on the table, so what are your thoughts on "when"? Right now, Saturday's are probably my best option to not change later, but I'm currently pretty open since Fall classes haven't started yet.




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For all who are interested in joining, we now have a discord set up to facilitate better communication!

We'll shoot you a link when you join up.