I am currently in something of a miniature gaming hiatus, partially by circumstance and partially from lack of draw back to the group.
I have been removed from gaming by work for about 6 months up until my recent visit to the game stores as detailed in my last post. I did get to play one game with an old friend around Hanukkah time as well. Other than those brief forays into the mini gaming world my only association has been anonymously on the internet. Let me just say the internet hasn't made me excited to be a miniature war gamer lately. It seems the rift betwixt fluffy and competitive is as wide as ever, and the vitriol spewed is just as corrosive as I remember.
Let me ask a question that may never be adequately answered: If you don't like a person's opinion or delivery, why do you visit his site, write about him, or go to the trouble of adding disparaging definitions/descriptions of him to websites? Why give the publicity? Why not prove you are the bigger person and just ignore the hate?
Hoping something will spur my interest again soon, or these models may go to waste gathering dust indefinitely.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
GW (and other) Stores
I have recently moved to the Baltimore area, and because of that had my first opportunity to go to an official Games Workshop store. I have been to two so far, and several other local game stores.
Color me unimpressed with GW. I didn't have a bad experience at either one, just underwhelming.
The first I went to was the Battle Bunker in Bowie, MD. This is supposed to be the epicenter of Games Workshop events in the greater area, and to be fair there were several events going on. Terrain was plentiful, but not up to the standard to which I am accustomed. It appeared that the only terrain available was the prefab GW table and terrain kits. Nothing scratch built or innovative, and middling paint jobs on what was available. Gamers were plentiful as was their funk as my wife noted upon entry, and the age demographic was inviting (from teens to 50's with a nice mixture). I was mildly interested in a couple of the offered events, but didn't get any information until I approached an employee and began asking questions. I would have expected a new face to at least get a "Hey my name is Bob, can I help you? ... Feel free to look around, and grab me if you have any questions." Not only that, once I had asked the aforementioned employee about the events underway and what other were offered, I had to prompt him to give me a calendar of upcoming events. Maybe the guy is new, I will cut him a break, but my experience there didn't sell me on the GW Corporate gaming environment.
The second was the GW store in Columbia, MD. I had exactly the opposite experience with the store employee. He was friendly and out going, asked about my level of experience and armies I play, gave me information on events and handed me a calendar and facebook profile for the store. My problem here was the demographic of the store. I was easily 15 years older than anyone but the employee. I don't mind playing against younger opponents or teaching them to play, but a couple 12 year olds with their 2 tactical squads of marines is not my ideal gaming community.
I won't even mention the names of two of the game stores that ostensibly carry GW and other miniature war gaming products. A couple of boxes from two editions ago tucked behind the massive slot car track doesn't really count.
The most pleasant experience I had and the store I am most likely to return to was at Games and Stuff in Glen Burnie. The staff was pleasant and informative. I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door, even though there was an event in the registration phase. The staff also made sure they were available to me without being smothering. I didn't stay long enough to see if it was really enforced, but there was a policy clearly posted on the wall in the gaming area to keep language above board, and while I was there it was observed by the patrons. The store was large and well lighted and the gaming area was huge. Not only that having a variety of miniature and board games that I haven't tried was intriguing. From what the staff said they ran a 30 person GW tournament simultaneous to a 20 person FOW mega battle, and from the look of the game room that was no exaggeration.
So GW, a word in your ear, you aren't winning me into your stores on first impressions.
A shout out to my buddies in SLC, thanks for making the last several years of gaming fun. I hope I can find another group as entertaining to game with, and thought provoking to associate with as you.
Color me unimpressed with GW. I didn't have a bad experience at either one, just underwhelming.
The first I went to was the Battle Bunker in Bowie, MD. This is supposed to be the epicenter of Games Workshop events in the greater area, and to be fair there were several events going on. Terrain was plentiful, but not up to the standard to which I am accustomed. It appeared that the only terrain available was the prefab GW table and terrain kits. Nothing scratch built or innovative, and middling paint jobs on what was available. Gamers were plentiful as was their funk as my wife noted upon entry, and the age demographic was inviting (from teens to 50's with a nice mixture). I was mildly interested in a couple of the offered events, but didn't get any information until I approached an employee and began asking questions. I would have expected a new face to at least get a "Hey my name is Bob, can I help you? ... Feel free to look around, and grab me if you have any questions." Not only that, once I had asked the aforementioned employee about the events underway and what other were offered, I had to prompt him to give me a calendar of upcoming events. Maybe the guy is new, I will cut him a break, but my experience there didn't sell me on the GW Corporate gaming environment.
The second was the GW store in Columbia, MD. I had exactly the opposite experience with the store employee. He was friendly and out going, asked about my level of experience and armies I play, gave me information on events and handed me a calendar and facebook profile for the store. My problem here was the demographic of the store. I was easily 15 years older than anyone but the employee. I don't mind playing against younger opponents or teaching them to play, but a couple 12 year olds with their 2 tactical squads of marines is not my ideal gaming community.
I won't even mention the names of two of the game stores that ostensibly carry GW and other miniature war gaming products. A couple of boxes from two editions ago tucked behind the massive slot car track doesn't really count.
The most pleasant experience I had and the store I am most likely to return to was at Games and Stuff in Glen Burnie. The staff was pleasant and informative. I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door, even though there was an event in the registration phase. The staff also made sure they were available to me without being smothering. I didn't stay long enough to see if it was really enforced, but there was a policy clearly posted on the wall in the gaming area to keep language above board, and while I was there it was observed by the patrons. The store was large and well lighted and the gaming area was huge. Not only that having a variety of miniature and board games that I haven't tried was intriguing. From what the staff said they ran a 30 person GW tournament simultaneous to a 20 person FOW mega battle, and from the look of the game room that was no exaggeration.
So GW, a word in your ear, you aren't winning me into your stores on first impressions.
A shout out to my buddies in SLC, thanks for making the last several years of gaming fun. I hope I can find another group as entertaining to game with, and thought provoking to associate with as you.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Yesterday's Gaming
I had one of the most enjoyable days of gaming I have experienced in a long time yesterday. I was trying to analyze exactly what it was that made it so enjoyable, and the only conclusion that I could reach was that my opponents were all pleasant to play, and while we were all trying hard to win, there was no animosity or poor sportsmanship.
I played Dean in a Planet Strike mission which he won by the skin of his teeth because my Space Marines were beaten repeatedly in hand to hand combat by Tau (embarrassing I know), and I could not destroy bastions. It wasn't a problem penetrating the armour, I just could not roll above a 3 once I had done so. Those were some sturdy buildings, I tell you what.
Next was Josh, he is a monster. He is my arch nemesis in gaming. Did I mention he is a monster? Seriously, Josh is like Kryptonite for me. Ridiculous. We played 12" deployment with 4 objectives. It ended in a draw, as neither of us had any troops remaining. I think it is super annoying that if a Wraith Lord goes stupid, you can't just walk away from him, I would love to have the rule added that if locked in combat with a stupid Wraith Lord (ie he rolled a 1 for the turn) a unit gains hit and run. That way they don't just automatically get away, but they aren't mired with a construct that is just standing there. The key point in this game was Josh's Farseer shrugging off 7 instant death wounds in a single round of shooting. What a jerk. Like I said a draw as we both nuked the other person's troops very efficiently.
Finally I played Ory in a Kill Point, Dawn of War game. I used my Night Lord Bike army. They were feeling neglected after the Scions got two games earlier in the day. This game was great fun. Ory is a pleasant fellow, and fun to play any time. Our two armies couldn't have been more different, and I wish I had pictures. Ory had twice as many conscripts as I had total models. That is right at 1750 I had 30 bikers, to Ory's 60 conscripts... plus the rest of his army. I outflanked with Khan's ability, and this thing got messy. I won on KP, but it was awesome seeing 5 of my bikers in the middle of a mass of bodies. The guard were angry too, they rolled a ton of 6's to wound my toughness 5 bikers, but the armorers had done their work, and the ceramite plating of my armour held firm for most of the game.
Thanks guys for a great day of gaming.
I played Dean in a Planet Strike mission which he won by the skin of his teeth because my Space Marines were beaten repeatedly in hand to hand combat by Tau (embarrassing I know), and I could not destroy bastions. It wasn't a problem penetrating the armour, I just could not roll above a 3 once I had done so. Those were some sturdy buildings, I tell you what.
Next was Josh, he is a monster. He is my arch nemesis in gaming. Did I mention he is a monster? Seriously, Josh is like Kryptonite for me. Ridiculous. We played 12" deployment with 4 objectives. It ended in a draw, as neither of us had any troops remaining. I think it is super annoying that if a Wraith Lord goes stupid, you can't just walk away from him, I would love to have the rule added that if locked in combat with a stupid Wraith Lord (ie he rolled a 1 for the turn) a unit gains hit and run. That way they don't just automatically get away, but they aren't mired with a construct that is just standing there. The key point in this game was Josh's Farseer shrugging off 7 instant death wounds in a single round of shooting. What a jerk. Like I said a draw as we both nuked the other person's troops very efficiently.
Finally I played Ory in a Kill Point, Dawn of War game. I used my Night Lord Bike army. They were feeling neglected after the Scions got two games earlier in the day. This game was great fun. Ory is a pleasant fellow, and fun to play any time. Our two armies couldn't have been more different, and I wish I had pictures. Ory had twice as many conscripts as I had total models. That is right at 1750 I had 30 bikers, to Ory's 60 conscripts... plus the rest of his army. I outflanked with Khan's ability, and this thing got messy. I won on KP, but it was awesome seeing 5 of my bikers in the middle of a mass of bodies. The guard were angry too, they rolled a ton of 6's to wound my toughness 5 bikers, but the armorers had done their work, and the ceramite plating of my armour held firm for most of the game.
Thanks guys for a great day of gaming.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Mars Themed Lists
I originally posted this on YTTH, but thought it could go up here now.
I have been thinking about converting up a mars themed list for some time and wanted some feedback on my musings.
1 Emperor’s Champion @ 140
Accept Any Challenge, No Matter The Odds
6 Sword Brethren Terminator Assault Squad @ 526
5 Lightning Claws, 1 TH/SS, Furious Charge
1 Land Raider Crusader
Smoke Launchers
1 Techmarine @ 399
Power Weapon, Servo-Harness, Frag Grenades, Storm Shield, Terminator Honors
1 Land Raider Crusader
Smoke Launchers
6 Sword Brethren Terminator Assault Squad @ 258
5 Lightning Claws, 1 TH/SS, Furious Charge
6 Crusader Squad @ 162
Meltagun
1 Rhino
6 Crusader Squad @ 162
Meltagun
1 Rhino
6 Crusader Squad @ 162
Meltagun
1 Rhino
1 Land Speeder @ 75
MM/HF
1 Land Speeder @ 75
MM/HF
1 Land Speeder @ 75
MM/HF
Total Roster Cost: 2000
I would convert a Techmarine to be the Emperor’s Chump, make the crusader squads skitarii type models and make the terminator size models praetorians. The speeders would be pretty effective, but I think some converted Thunderfire cannons as MM attack bikes would look even cooler.
ALTERNATIVELY, a vanilla space marine army:
1 Master of the Forge @ 115
Servo Harness; Power Sword
1 Master of the Forge @ 115
Servo Harness; Power Sword
1 Techmarine @ 85
Servo Harness; Combi-Flamer
1 Techmarine @ 85
Servo Harness; Combi-Flamer
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
2 Land Speeder Squadron @ 140
2 MM/2 HF
1 Land Speeder Squadron @ 90
HB/Typhoon
1 Land Speeder Squadron @ 90
HB/Typhoon
1 Thunderfire Cannon @ 100
1 Thunderfire Cannon @ 100
1 Thunderfire Cannon @ 100
Total Roster Cost: 2000
This one Marines would be Skitarii, no Praetorians, but I think a pretty huge amount of firepower in a list that is pretty themed.
Anyway, thoughts on both of the lists’ effectiveness and conversion input would be appreciated beforehand as this will be a pretty big undertaking.
Jimmy
Here was Stelek's take on how to make the TFC work:
http://yesthetruthhurts.com/2009/12/thunderfires-ho/
http://yesthetruthhurts.com/2009/04/build-request-techmarine-themed-army/
I have been thinking about converting up a mars themed list for some time and wanted some feedback on my musings.
1 Emperor’s Champion @ 140
Accept Any Challenge, No Matter The Odds
6 Sword Brethren Terminator Assault Squad @ 526
5 Lightning Claws, 1 TH/SS, Furious Charge
1 Land Raider Crusader
Smoke Launchers
1 Techmarine @ 399
Power Weapon, Servo-Harness, Frag Grenades, Storm Shield, Terminator Honors
1 Land Raider Crusader
Smoke Launchers
6 Sword Brethren Terminator Assault Squad @ 258
5 Lightning Claws, 1 TH/SS, Furious Charge
6 Crusader Squad @ 162
Meltagun
1 Rhino
6 Crusader Squad @ 162
Meltagun
1 Rhino
6 Crusader Squad @ 162
Meltagun
1 Rhino
1 Land Speeder @ 75
MM/HF
1 Land Speeder @ 75
MM/HF
1 Land Speeder @ 75
MM/HF
Total Roster Cost: 2000
I would convert a Techmarine to be the Emperor’s Chump, make the crusader squads skitarii type models and make the terminator size models praetorians. The speeders would be pretty effective, but I think some converted Thunderfire cannons as MM attack bikes would look even cooler.
ALTERNATIVELY, a vanilla space marine army:
1 Master of the Forge @ 115
Servo Harness; Power Sword
1 Master of the Forge @ 115
Servo Harness; Power Sword
1 Techmarine @ 85
Servo Harness; Combi-Flamer
1 Techmarine @ 85
Servo Harness; Combi-Flamer
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
9 Tactical Squad @ 245
Flamer; Missile Launcher
1 Sergeant
1 Razorback
Lascannon and TL Plasmagun
2 Land Speeder Squadron @ 140
2 MM/2 HF
1 Land Speeder Squadron @ 90
HB/Typhoon
1 Land Speeder Squadron @ 90
HB/Typhoon
1 Thunderfire Cannon @ 100
1 Thunderfire Cannon @ 100
1 Thunderfire Cannon @ 100
Total Roster Cost: 2000
This one Marines would be Skitarii, no Praetorians, but I think a pretty huge amount of firepower in a list that is pretty themed.
Anyway, thoughts on both of the lists’ effectiveness and conversion input would be appreciated beforehand as this will be a pretty big undertaking.
Jimmy
Here was Stelek's take on how to make the TFC work:
http://yesthetruthhurts.com/2009/12/thunderfires-ho/
http://yesthetruthhurts.com/2009/04/build-request-techmarine-themed-army/
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Forge World Librarian
Chief 
Epistolary Antiquitous exhorts his brethren at night's fall.
Though the Scions are formed from fragments of many chapters they quickly assimilate the knowledge of any recovered brethren into the Chapter's Lore, thus strengthening and improving the chapter.
Any information thus obtained is distributed to each member of the chapter by the diligent brethren of the Librarium.
Epistolary Antiquitous exhorts his brethren at night's fall.Though the Scions are formed from fragments of many chapters they quickly assimilate the knowledge of any recovered brethren into the Chapter's Lore, thus strengthening and improving the chapter.
Any information thus obtained is distributed to each member of the chapter by the diligent brethren of the Librarium.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Land Raider Achilles
Thanks for taking these Chris! I promise to get more pics up here, not just text!
Hopefully just the first piece of many in my Mars Detachment.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Competitive vs. Fluffy
I have been an author on Stelek's "Yes the Truth Hurts" for quite some time and the local gaming group that I play 40k with most often is at a local shop called Mind Games, and I find that all too often there is conflict between two groups of people.
First, the competitive gamer who wants a rule set that is well tuned and well supported and desires to play games that are well played tactically with good solid lists on either side.
Second, the fluffy gamer who is all about themed lists and painting and conversions and doing things the fluffy way. These gamers are much more story driven. They often see their game style as "friendly".
Now these descriptions are somewhat simplistic, but really I think this is what the two camps boil down to. For some reason each group sees the other as repulsive and even idiotic. For some reason in most places the two groups refuse to coexist. This to me is totally incomprehensible as I enjoy both ways of playing and feel that they are complimentary rather than conflicting.
To the fluffy gamers: does it hurt the way you like to play for the rules to be well written, frequently and thoroughly FAQed and balanced? Is it unreasonable for someone to enjoy playing the game with a really good well tooled list and be focused on winning rather than creating a cool narrative? Does it cause harm to you in any way for competitive gamers to pursue this course in a reasonable manner?
To the competitive gamers: Does it hurt your play style to have un-tuned armies that are based more on theme than on winning on the table? Does it hurt you to have well painted lovingly converted armies presented to for others to see and comment upon?
So we all agree that the opposing viewpoint is a reasonable pursuit so long as it doesn't impinge on our ability to do things our way right?
My solution to the whole deal is for everyone to simply grow up. You can love the way you do things, that doesn't make it the best, it just makes it yours. In fact I think everyone can appreciate the other way of doing things at least to some extent.
I for one love both competitive and fluffy gaming, I love to throw down with Stelek, and Kyle and others in a no holds barred style where everyone brings the best list they can and shows no mercy. I also love playing ridiculous themed lists that are simply based on what looks cool or seems fun at the moment. (Stupid Thunderfire Cannons)
What seems to me to be the real point of conflict is when one side or the other states as fact that theirs is the BEST (read: only) way to play, or when they give advice on something which they have relatively poor grasp.
So my advice to all including myself:
Take a step back, relax and remember it is a game. Let others enjoy what they enjoy. Don't pretend to be an expert when you aren't. Please admit when you are wrong. Remember there is room for everyone here, just because they don't like to do things your way doesn't mean they don't belong. Finally, you can be friendly and competitive simultaneously. In other words you can be kind, respectful, and have a good time while crushing face on the table top.
First, the competitive gamer who wants a rule set that is well tuned and well supported and desires to play games that are well played tactically with good solid lists on either side.
Second, the fluffy gamer who is all about themed lists and painting and conversions and doing things the fluffy way. These gamers are much more story driven. They often see their game style as "friendly".
Now these descriptions are somewhat simplistic, but really I think this is what the two camps boil down to. For some reason each group sees the other as repulsive and even idiotic. For some reason in most places the two groups refuse to coexist. This to me is totally incomprehensible as I enjoy both ways of playing and feel that they are complimentary rather than conflicting.
To the fluffy gamers: does it hurt the way you like to play for the rules to be well written, frequently and thoroughly FAQed and balanced? Is it unreasonable for someone to enjoy playing the game with a really good well tooled list and be focused on winning rather than creating a cool narrative? Does it cause harm to you in any way for competitive gamers to pursue this course in a reasonable manner?
To the competitive gamers: Does it hurt your play style to have un-tuned armies that are based more on theme than on winning on the table? Does it hurt you to have well painted lovingly converted armies presented to for others to see and comment upon?
So we all agree that the opposing viewpoint is a reasonable pursuit so long as it doesn't impinge on our ability to do things our way right?
My solution to the whole deal is for everyone to simply grow up. You can love the way you do things, that doesn't make it the best, it just makes it yours. In fact I think everyone can appreciate the other way of doing things at least to some extent.
I for one love both competitive and fluffy gaming, I love to throw down with Stelek, and Kyle and others in a no holds barred style where everyone brings the best list they can and shows no mercy. I also love playing ridiculous themed lists that are simply based on what looks cool or seems fun at the moment. (Stupid Thunderfire Cannons)
What seems to me to be the real point of conflict is when one side or the other states as fact that theirs is the BEST (read: only) way to play, or when they give advice on something which they have relatively poor grasp.
So my advice to all including myself:
Take a step back, relax and remember it is a game. Let others enjoy what they enjoy. Don't pretend to be an expert when you aren't. Please admit when you are wrong. Remember there is room for everyone here, just because they don't like to do things your way doesn't mean they don't belong. Finally, you can be friendly and competitive simultaneously. In other words you can be kind, respectful, and have a good time while crushing face on the table top.
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