Wargames Gallery: Does Plasma Damage Daemonkin?

Faced with a squad of Gal Vorbak bearing down on them, the Iron Warriors support squad opens fire with plasma in the hopes that they can damage the relentless half-marines, half-daemons spawn of the Word Bearers unholy alliance with the powers beyond. 

[After report: the plasma tickled them a little bit, and the Iron Warriors suffered for their audacity.]

Great Unclean One Evolution

Many miniatures that have been in the production line have evolved significantly over the years. Ranging from Primaris upgrades of notable independent characters through to more generic icons. Today, I wanted to quickly visit one in the latter category: Great Unclean Ones of Nurgle.

On the left of this image is a Great Unclean One from the Realms of Chaos era. On the right is a modern plastic Great Unclean One. Both have been in my collection since purchase near release day (although I am parting with the older metal one).

There are some obvious differences. The older one is made of metal and is fundamentally not quite as crisp in the details department as the newer plastic. Of course, telling this apart from the improved sculpting is something else entirely. Striking also is the difference in height with the new miniature towering over the old one by a factor of about two. On the table top, they would both have the same impact, but I have to say that the newer plastic does it much better for me than the older metal. 

Speaking of the sculpt, there are some ranges of miniature which have become a bit less grim dark and more jovial and less proportioned. Chief among them are the Death Guard / Plague Marines. I really don't like the newer sculpts and strongly prefer the older metal ones and forge world resin versions. Plague bearers also seem a bit less grim than previously - especially the one with the mouth piece for a war horn. However, I think the Great Unclean Ones have gone in slightly the opposite direction. Although the older one is still grim dark, it does have some jovial elements like the tongue, and even the mouth in the belly. Compared with the new version, there's little left of the comical variety and it has been replaced with more thorough grim dark overtones. 

Weapons have also been upgraded. The original Great Unclean One did not have any wielded weapons (other than magic spells). The new one (and intermediate ones) all have access to swords, flails, daggers and the like which mark them apart. I like the plastic weapons mainly - but the intermediate Great Unclean Ones with the metal sword - not pictured - is not one I was fond of to be honest. 

Of course, with the plastics, there's more scope for customization as well - potentially. With my plastic one I've mixed the parts up significantly as I was using it for 30k daemons wherein it doesn't particularly matter if I have a bell, or a sword attached to the miniature. I really like what I've created here - and I think readers would agree that my paint work has improved over the decades too!

These are just my thoughts of course. Are there any evolutions out there that you really like (or ones that you think have gone in the wrong direction?). For me the evolution of the Great Unclean One is a triumph. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Solar Auxilia Line Command Section

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars. Rounded up - but only just. You're taking it because of the essential Vox. 

Background.

Lead from behind. Usher the rifle sections into position. Try to interpret the commander's orders. Get stuck in the middle somehow. Not a great life, but also not the lowest of the low.

Strengths.

You are going to need to take this unit because of the Vox. That're really all there is to it. This unit comes in the Infantry Tercio along with the Rifle Sections and you can get up to 3 of the latter and 1 of the command section per tercio. 

There's some options for upgrades here, but fundamentally this is a ranged unit that will have the vox for utility. They are strictly worth their points, and you have the option to have some blades in here as a deterrent. 

Weaknesses.

The stat line is poor for everyone who is not the Troop Master. These are basic humans with low leadership and average weapons. 

Builds.

10 Line Command, Command Vox, Auxilia Vexilla, Augury Scanner, Troop Master with Power Fist, Refractor Field, Melta Bombs (150 points).

A reasonable price tag and a reasonable command unit. 

5 Line Command, Command Vox (75 points).

The bare minimum. My view is to take the variant above as I doubt you'll be scraping for 75 extra points to save? Maybe?

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Charonite Ogryn Section

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

4/5 stars. Excellent melee unit. 

Background.

The Charonites are what you get when you mix regular Ogryns with illegal surgery. Not even the Mechanicum endorses the creation of Charonites, and so they have had to be created by the Saturnyne and Pavonis on Terra. The Mechanicum doesn't like this much at all. At least the conversion process results in strong loyalty and controllable frenzy. 

Strengths.

These space ogres are awesome in close combat. With 3 wounds each and T=5=S, they will cause some significant damage. Add on the fact that they have A=4 and you will immediately see why they are rightly considered deadly. 

Add on their claws, hammer of wrath, rage, and death frenzy and they are a terror to behold. The weight of their attacks coupled with rending means they can even be a threat to terminators. 

Weaknesses.

The main issue I see here is how to get them into position. Their movement rate is not bad at 7 inches, but they have no natural transport options and they are massively bulky. Solve this problem and you're good to go!

Builds.

9 Charonites (360 points).

I've taken the maximum number here. There are no other upgrade options. You probably don't need 36 attacks (i.e., 4x9) base, but if you want something dead in melee, then this will probably just about do the job outside of really elite terminators. They will chew through regular marines with contemptuous ease.

Half Squad: Emperor's Children

Behold, a half squad of Emperor's Children assault marines bedecked in a whole lot of decals. 

The sergeant has a pair of lightning claws with the body being made of resin, while the other marines all have standard armaments except for a power axe sourced from the Space Wolf range. Although the Space Wolves sound like they wouldn't mesh well with this legion, the ornamentation (jewel in the centre of the axe) remarkably works very well. The accent colour of green on the bases is representative of some of my mechanicus terrain and provides a nice offset to the regal purples, whites, and gold seen across the rest of the miniatures. 

Scratch Testing Emperor's Children

I have been experimenting with some scratch marks and making some elongated scrapes in this latest addition to the Emperor's Children.

On the shield are several long scrapes done by dragging a sponge with black paint across the surface and then filling in some of the interior with silver. The same has been done on the edge of the shoulder pad, but not nearly as streaked. 

I always get a bit confused whether to do black on the outside like I've done here, or whether to have silver on the outside and black inside for a deep scorch. I think that the black exterior looks good though, and it can be seen on multiple places, including the helmet which I think it suggestive of ducking an explosion nearby. This squad is rapidly nearing completion now. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Solar Auxilia Surgeon-Primus Aevos Jovan

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️

2/5 stars. A peculiar mix of rules within a unit and a unique character.

Background.

Tried for being far too unorthodox in his medical techniques, Aevos is also a genius. Or madman. He probably would have been great among the Emperors Children to be honest. Regardless, he got a reprieve from execution and now serves in the Solar Auxilia where he is regarded in awe for his surgery, and similarly feared. 

Strengths.

I don't quite know what to make of this unit. The man comes with an Auto-Gurney which once per turn might save a man that otherwise would perish within a certain radius. You can also sacrifice Orderlies to help nudge the outcome of the surgery in a certain direction. 

Weaknesses.

T=3.  BS=WS=2. He's not a fighter and this is not the reason you're buying him, even though he comes with a needle pistol. 

His infamy also means that there's a Ld-1 penalty within the same radius as the auto-gurney. He's also a low priority target to enemies and cannot be targeted by shooting or reactions unless within 12 inches. 

Honestly, he's a mixed bag. You'll be taking him for fluffy reasons, and frankly, why not. 

Builds.

Aevos Jovan, with 3 Orderlies (75 points).

Might as well take the maximum number of orderlies permitted I think. It is an expensive unit for what it does. You probably won't see him on the field often, so relish the times that you do.

eBay new items this week: Eldar Job Lot, and Domains of Dread

Some new items this week on eBay for folks who might be interested. I've got a job lot / bulk purchase set of classic era Eldar that needs a new home. This includes the boxed set for the Eldar Guardians, an Avatar, a Warlock, Walker, and a variety of other bits and bobs - mostly metal, but plastic arms. 

And I'm also selling Domains of Dread from ADnD second edition Ravenloft. I've had this one for decades, but its not even been used more than a couple of times (I can count them on one hand!). I hope this one in particular can find a new home as it is in a really good state overall!

I've also got a bunch of re-listings that need a new home and some tlc - check them out. 

World Eaters Conversion: Power Maul Jump Pack Marine

I am always impressed by how even a small conversion or bit swap can change the whole demeanour of a miniature. This is one such case. 

This particular fine specimen has only two changes. The first is the power maul right arm which is taken from the Dark Angels terminators range. The second is the head which is from the Khorne 40k range. There is a little problem with the maul if you look closely. The size of the fist is too large - ever so slightly - for the Heresy range. This is because it is a terminator sized hand. However, I think it still works as a World Eaters jump pack marine for the Heresy range - he's clearly just been flexing a lot? The bit itself really suits the World Eaters - the post is one of sheer barbarism combined with a wicked looking maul that even the Lion might be embarrassed to see his sons utilise once in a while. 

The base has cork on it, with a resin topper to give it a bit of extra height. Overall the miniature is a simple conversion but certainly communicates the violence incarnate of the World Eaters legion through and through. I could easily imagine this marine knocking his opponents off their feet and flinging them to the side with a killer dent in their torsos. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Solar Auxilia Medicae Section

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars, and rounded up. Great points value, and a great way to sneak in an extra power weapon or similar.

Background.

Combat medics. They're good for preventing disease according to the background (who knows what spores lurk on alien worlds, after all), treating wounds, and administering the last rites. 

Strengths.

They can join any unit and GAIN their special rules which makes them highly flexible. The reason for taking them that many will be drawn to is the Auto-medicus which provides feel no pain. Given this is only at 6+, its not fantastic, but might make the difference once in a while.

What I really think is an over-looked benefit here is the ability to sneak in an extra power weapon, power fist, or similar in to a squad. This is excellent and not to be overlooked. 

Weaknesses.

T=3.  

Builds.

Medicae, Power Weapon (25 points).

This is the build that I would recommend taking. Strictly the power weapon is not needed, but the feel no pain is so limited, that I feel taking the power weapon is almost an automatic choice here.

Medicae, Reinforced Void Armour, Power Fist, Hand Flamer (37 points).

Cheap enough to take. I'd even be tempted by a plasma pistol if the mood takes you. 

Horus Heresy 2e Review: Solar Auxilia Veletaris Vanguard Section

Warpstone Flux Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5/5 stars. Good short range shooting unit.

Background.

If the storm section is the up close and personal elites of the Auxilia, then the Vanguard have the weapons for a close in fire fight. In essence, they carry the heaviest weapons on foot that mortal troops can manage on their own two feet. 

Strengths.

Rotor cannons or heavy flame units? Both have excellent use cases. The rotor cannons are longer range and can pin your opponent. The heavy flamers might only be template weapons, but are powerful when positioned well. Small units of either is viable, although withering firepower from a large blob is deadly. Mixing and matching is a potential option too. 

Weaknesses.

T=3. Take the vox too due to Ld concerns. 

Builds.

Veletaris Vanguard Section x10, Vox, Vexilla, Prime with Heavy Void Armour, Power Fist and Hand Flamer (120 points). 

Probably the base line entry. Feel free to switch to heavy flamers - no points cost alteration involved. 

Veletaris Vanguard Section x20, Vox, Vexilla, half/half with rotor cannons and heavy flamers, Prime with Heavy Void Armour, Power Fist, and Hand Flamer (200 points).

Maximum unit size, and a mix of weapons. Half-half is about right, and in most cases will be overkill. I can see a case for slightly more rotor cannons than heavy flamers if someone is truly wanting to go overboard with over-thinking things: 13-7 in favour of the rotor cannons might be good?

Wargames Gallery: Alpha Legion Front

Pushing deep into the overgrown remains of an Imperial outpost, the Alpha Legion advances with air support, hard terminator dreadnought armour, and a sniper located at a key location - just in case. 

Emperor's Children Axeman

Thanks for stopping by. The painting of the Emperor's Children assault squad continues, with one of the two axe wielding marines of the assault squad complete.

I think what I like the most here are the scratched and accents in the dabbed black. This was done using the sponge technique and some cuts of silver applied to their very centre to suggest the scratches and markings going quite deep down. I like the decals as well - they really add a sense of the regal to the Emperor's Children and almost show off the legion's inner care about how they look on the battlefield.