Necron and my ...post initial thoughts?

Cover from the new Codex

So, I've had some time to read through the new Necron Codex and even make a list or two.  And there sits my stack of Necron kit boxes and me sitting here to absorb this new codex and my thoughts on it.  I must say it is somewhat of a mixed bag of feelings and I'm not entirely sure if my concerns are well founded.  Let me explain why...I started playing with a Marine Codex, specifically the Blood Angels and I feel this was both a boon and a hindrance.

Initial Thoughts on the Necron

**This was something I was writing up before I received the Necron Codex.  I now have it and will be writing a 'review' of it soon.  I simply wanted to post what I had to see the opinions I had before receiving said codex, enjoy**

So I thought I'd cast some thoughts into the worst kept secret from GW.  Namely the Newest codex:

To begin with I'd like to discuss some of the themes on the army as we know it.  Please note that I DO NOT have access to a leaked codex or anything of the sort.  I am simply going by what I've read in White Dwarf, The GW site and the occasional leaked information (namely 3++ and Faeit 211) so please take this with a grain of salt (even less since I'm new to the game by comparison to most of you).

Armored Column

I thought I'd get things started with posting my current 1850, which I call the Blood Raven Armored Column.  I'll also be providing some of my basic strategies.  Now let me be clear that this list is not optimized in anyway shape or form.  I know the models aren't optimized but they are the models I currently have and my focus is just getting 1850 games played (my thought is experience is gained and I've so much to learn it doesn't matter).

The Initiate Returns!

Okay, let me start by saying that I am sorry to the people that took the time to read, comment and subscribe to my blog.  I have been very busy with both things related and unrelated with Warhammer 40k.  So with that said I'm going to focus on bringing this up to date with some (hopefully) great content from the perceptive of a brand new player (Hey, that sounds like a great blog idea!).

Here are a few things I plan to do over the next few days:
1) I played my first two 1850 games and I will be providing a battle report on the second game.
2) I finally got my color scheme right, I'll be showing that off and possibly providing a step by step.
3) I...love...Necron.  They were my first real army and my overall favorite army so...obviously I got to talk about them.
4) I joined the IC Hobby Challenge and I'll be documenting that here.
5) I've been listening to a lot of pod-casts, so naturally I'm going to review them.

These things and much more to come!

Should I regret my color scheme?

Don't remember where I got this image, but it is not mine and claim no right to it.

For those of you who don't know I play a Blood Raven color scheme Blood Angels army.  The picture above gives a good indication of what they look like.  With that said I am kind of regretting my chapter choice.  Why?  Well I love the lore, the appearance, just about everything...except that blasted red.

Where has the Initiate gone?

It has been quite a while since my last post and for that I apologize to anyone who reads my posts.  I meant to get to this post a long time ago but one day turned into two which turned into a week, and so on.  Here is a quick update on some of my progress in a very shorthand manner.

I bought an Airbursh and Compressor.  Cost me about 100$ (US) but was worth it.
My Baal Predator is assembled, primed and ready to be my first Airbrushed model.
I played a game of 40k in which I'm going to try to do my first battle report soon.
Oh, I got into a beta for a little game you might have heard of by the name of "The Old Republic"

Empire is the only true path!

Wait...what?  Yes, that is right Bioware selected me to participate in their still closed beta for "The Old Republic".  I'm not 100% on what I can and cannot discuss due to the NDA (it had a lot of lawyer speak and I'm going by what I feel was the spirit of the agreement) but I was assured saying that I'm in the beta is okay.

I will say that the game is awesome!  Yes, it is rough around the edges and has some incomplete items but even in its current version I'd gladly drop 60$ for this game.  If you are looking forward to TOR apply for the beta and believe that it is worth the wait.

For now, I'm going to get back to putting my lightsaber through republic scum!

Knowledge is Power... The Initiate.

Product Review: Simple Green

Greetings!  It can be very easy to forget when you are a senior member of any community that new hobbyist may not have all of the life lessons that you've experienced.  So, I hope that all of you that has seen something similar to this bare with me.  In fact, why not comment?  Just remember, be productive!

I have another product review and this one is about that product that many use to get off paint of their older (and in my case inferior) models.  I've seen a lot of recommendations on this product so I was hoping for good results.

Marines are required to carry a bottle of this when going into battle against Nurgle's Filthy Minions!

The Initiate's Hobby Progress (06/21/11)

As promised I thought I'd post some of the models I've recently completed!  Please don't be shy in providing feedback.  I also welcome criticism and suggestions just understand that I've only been painting since October 2010 and make sure it is productive.  Here we go!

And...we have Tanks!

You voted, now here it is!

I haven't posted much as of late.  Believe me it is not from a lack of content.  Actually, I've been really busy and hope to have a few posts up here soon.  So let me start by announcing the results of my poll.  I hope you all voted because you are going to be seeing a lot more polls in the future!  So without further let us talk about the post as it is.

Here it is, the Blood Angel Baal Predator.  This is a very popular model from what I can tell for any Blood Angel player.  Fast, Scout and has TL Assault Cannon...so whats not to love?  Oh, did I mention it has the Predator AV value!

As of posting this I've yet to actually begin assembly but I hope to soon!  I'll be posting up a new hobby progress article with what I've actually completed.  So, I hope you all look forward to this tank slowly coming together!

"Knowledge is Power..." The Initiate

The poll is tied!

As some of you already know I put up a poll to help me decide on which model I should buy, paint and field next.  For the longest time the Baal Predator was winning this but in the last few hours the Attack Bike squad creeped up.

Now I'm left with a tie, Baal Predator and Attack Bike both with 4 votes.  So I'm going to resolve it the best way I can.  The first person to comment with which one I should buy will be the deciding factor!  So hurry up and comment.

"Knowledge is Power..." - The Initiate

16 Hours and counting!

I've two polls going on the right side of this blog.  Only 16 hours left before they complete.  I'd really like everyone's input.  I plan to buy whatever model wins the tally and will probably buy a starter kit of the other wargame that people say I should look into.  So vote away!  If you already have thank you for your input.

"Knowledge is Power..." - The Initiate.

1850 List thoughts?

I have a list I'd like everyone to look at and give me some feedback if you all have the time.  So below I have a screen-shot (blogspot doesn't like excel) of the list I'd like to try.  I like the theme...tons of dakka and a wall of 13 AV.

The dead walk again!

I've mentioned a few times that I have a 'demonstration' army for people who want to give Warhammer 40k a try so I thought I'd post some pictures of them for all to see!  Mind you this is a fairly cheap Necron army that I painted up in a matter of days.  So without further, here we go!

Not a huge force by any stretch.

Initiate's Hobbie Progress!

Greetings Everyone!  I'm going to start by saying I'm holding off on the Fluff for a bit.  Doesn't seem to add anything and I really don't get the traffic to justify it (hopefully yet).  With that said I've got two polls up on the right I'd really appreciate you all making clicky clicky on.  If you have a moment please leave comments!  I need to know what you all think and generally just need feedback.

Breaking the Mold.

Hey everyone (all 6 of you as of typing this).  I've had a few things running through my head as of late regarding the wargaming hobby and I need advice!

Product Review: Squad Command (PSP)

The Initiates Army Lists! (Part 2)

Okay so its time to go over my secondary army list.  I'll be honest the only reason this build exists is to try some new units but I was very careful not not break what I know works.  First thing you'll notice is that its very similar to my previous build except for the HQ and the inclusion of another Heavy Support.

The Initiate's Army Lists!

It's been a bit since my last post but its not from a lack of content just a lack of time.  Today I have two lists that I've been working on throughout my time playing Blood Angels.

Life Lessons from the "Initiate"

No fluff for today.  Just want to start a posting that I'll be constantly updating with my little 'life-lessons' that I feel that any new player / painter should take into consideration.  I'll divide this into 'hobby' and 'battles'

Mephiston Vs. Ork Boyz!

+++ Blood Raven Scout - Call-sign: "The Initiate" - Report begin +++

As he stepped down from the ship's ramp a large mob of Orks came crashing through our lines.  He took no time in formalities and moved with a sudden blur that would surely best even the Eldar Witches.  From this blur came a orb of blue that landed perfectly into the chest of the nearest Ork dropping him dead within the second.  As he approached the green mob his back sprouted large bloody wings and he jumped into the air several meters only to crash down into the middle of the orks.  I raised by boltgun to assist and was told not to open fire by my Sergeant.  Above the carnage I saw his Sword grow in size and turn red, already dripping with the blood of several hundred enemies.  When the destruction settled Mephiston was the only one left standing, although I doubt he survived without harm showed no signs of it.  He was truly the Lord of Death.

+++++++++++End Report, The Emperor Protects+++++++++++

The Lord of Death Arrives

+++ Blood Raven Scout - Call-sign: "The Initiate" - Report begin +++

We returned to the city after the last of the Orks were routed just in time to see one of the Chapter's Gunships land.  Only one figure emerged but the landing zone went deathly quiet.  The 'man' was clad in red armor brighter than my bothers' and the air around him crackled with power.  We Ravens are no stranger to Psykers but this one made even our own Librarians uneasy.

His name was Mephiston, I had heard stories of this Librarian.  He was reborn after defeating the curse of the Blood Angels and has never been the same.  I could only hope that he came to assist as the Emperor knows our Chapter is in dire need.

+++++++++++End Report, The Emperor Protects+++++++++++

We will attack from the superior vantage point.

+++ Blood Raven Scout - Call-sign: "The Initiate" - Report begin +++
Upon landing on the planet our Brothers pushed back the green filth.  The Orks were so tightly packed I did not even have to aim my boltgun to send droves of them into the earth.  It was satisfying to do the Emperor's work and every Xeno dead brought me closer to truly understanding our Chapter's work.  That was, until my Sergeant took my bolt gun with me and told me we were moving.

Find cover Brothers!

+++ Blood Raven Scout - Call-sign: "The Initiate" - Report begin +++

The company's Librarian has instructed all scouts to begin maintaining personnel reports on our activities within the chapter.  "Knowledge is power" he says. "We must document, remember and above all guard it well." I know not why he insists on this, surely it is better to focus our bodies to be weapons of the Emperor?  No matter, I obey the will of the Chapter.

Heroes of Armageddon Contribution!

As you all know I'm extremely new to not just Warhammer 40k but also the blog scene.  The main blog I stalk is Jawaballs's Blood Angels.  This guy is simply Warhammer mentality personified.  Now I'm not going to start singing his praises but check his blog out (chances are you came from his blog if yo are viewing mine) and you will see what I mean.  So on to the purpose of this posting.

Tithes to the Imperium

I put up a donate button.  I'm not expecting anything but I figured it wouldn't hurt as I hope to have content that is worth the time it takes to put it up (one day at least).  But mainly, I was suggested it by a fellow blogger because I am the 'leader' (I use that term loosely) of a local hobby club of newbie Warhammer 40k players.

Matt Varnish Issues, Please help!

It all started so well.  I was getting some models finished and I needed to protect them.  I picked up some Army Painter Anti-Shine and in the beginning it worked great!

Required Wargear for any battle!

I wish I could take credit for finding this, or even of thinking it up myself.  But to be honest I was looking on the Stout Smurf's Blog and knew this was something any Initiate needed!  So here is a link for an amazing quick reference sheet.

Something to fight for

I just finished my first peice of real terrain so I wanted to show off some pictures and go over how I created it.

I'm very proud of it.

Meet the Blood Ravens



My Ravens, every model is included regardless of completion.  Lot of models I don't even use anymore...*sigh*



I figured the best thing to do would be to start out by 'introducing' to everyone my Blood Ravens themed Blood Angels.  So here we go and I apologize for the quality of the photos as this is all done from my Droid.

The Initiate Explained

I thought I'd type up a quick explanation of what I plan to accomplish from this blog as well as a bit about myself.  It is a lot harder laying this ground work than I thought it would be but as soon as I get some of these things out of the way I can start working on the meat of my blog.