The Killer B Hive Vlog 3

Hi. Remember me? I'm back and here is a sparkley new video for you.

eIrusk vs Calandra

eIrusk
-Behemoth
-War Dog
Kovnik Joe
Iron Fang Kovnik
Max Man O’ War Shocktroopers
Max Man O’ War Demo Corp
Max Winterguard w/ UA
Doomreavers
Max Mechanics w/ UA

Calandra, Evolutionary Elementalism Tier 4
-Mountain King
-Slag Troll
-Slag Troll
-Storm Troll
-Storm Troll
-Pyre Troll
-Trollkin Runebearer
Runeshapers
Runeshapers
Min Stone w/ UA

Warcasters, Warlocks and Feats; Oh My: Stream Pics

Hopefully, you enjoyed some of the various games that I streamed/posted this weekend. I have yet to post the last game Larry and I played yesterday but I believe we worked out most of the kinks with the set up; the camera angle in the next video is much better.

I started out just using my camera(Logitech c615) on a tripod and the normal lights in the room for the first couple of videos. You will see that by the Vlad2 vs Madrak2 game the lighting and camera angle changed. This is what the set up looked like:

I used the lights from my light box setup and my desk light. I did not directly shine them on the table which reduced the shadows to allow seeing each model a little easier. For the next game, I took out a folding table, put the tripod on it to get a higher point of view for better table coverage and put the lights that were on the chairs on it to get closer to my reflective surface(the white ceiling).

I took a couple stills before the game, here they are:

I love the shading on Larry's jacks and MOW. He used Gnarls Green as the shader to contrast against the red which gave him a phenomenal outcome. I'm hoping to see the finished Behemoth soon(hint, hint, Larry).

In essence the new setup created a giant light box! I hope you enjoy the videos.

Vlad2 vs Madrak2

Before the game we played with some of the camera and OBS settings; the lighting seemed better however the sound was a little worse and I feel like the resolution could be better.

Vlad2
-Drago
Andrei Malakov
-Decimator
Man O' War Drakhun w/ Dismount
Alexia2
Doomreavers
Doomreavers
Max Boomhowlers w/ Valachev
Kayazy Eliminators

Madrak2
-Pyre Troll
-Impaler
-Trollkin Runebearer
Horthol
Min Longriders
Max Warders
Max Fennblades w/ UA
Fire Eaters
Fire Eaters
Max Krielstone Bearers w/ UA

We are about to record another game where we changed the camera angle. The new angle is farther away from the board but is shows a lot more. Hopefully this video is still enjoyable with the slight "humming" sound that I couldn't figure out.

Butcher2 vs Saeryn

Butcher2
-Beast 09
-Kodiak
Doomreavers
Doomreavers
Man O’ War Drakhun w/ Dismount
Alexia2
Max Boomhowlers
Widowmakers
Kayazy Eliminators

Saeryn
-Angelius
-Angelius
-Scythian
-Typhon
-Naga Nightlurker
-Shredder
Hellion
Forsaken
Forsaken
Shepherd

Maelok vs Zerkova

Maelok
-Bull Snapper
-Bull Snapper
-Bull Snapper
Wrongeye and Snapjaw
-Bull Snapper
Croak Hunter
Max Gatorman Posse
Max Gatorman Posse
Max Gatorman Posse

Zerkova
-Juggernaut
-Demolisher
Ragman
eAlexia
Doomreavers
Doomreavers
Widowmakers
Max Outriders
Max Boomhowlers

Please, Don't Feed the Animals: Trollblood Lists 2

I thought I would share some of the lists I plan on playing on the stream this weekend. I will be once again playing some Trolls and maybe even some Cygnar. Here are Troll lists I plan on trying:

Hunters Grim - WB: +4
-    Hunters Grim (Muggs & Krump)
-    Dire Troll Bomber - PC: 10
-    Swamp Troll - PC: 4
-    Storm Troll - PC: 5

Braylen Wanderheart, Trollkin Outlaw - PC: 3
Fell Caller Hero - PC: 3

Trollkin Highwaymen - Leader & 9 Grunts: 8
Northkin Fire Eaters - Leader, Grunt, and Pyg Buddy: 4
Northkin Fire Eaters - Leader, Grunt, and Pyg Buddy: 4
Pyg Burrowers - Leader & 9 Grunts: 6
Farrow Bone Grinders - Leader & 3 Grunts: 2
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 5 Grunts: 4
-    Stone Scribe Elder - Elder: 1

I have yet to play Fire Eaters but I heard they are the cat's ass. Originally, I had Horgle with a slag in this list but took him out for more Fire Eaters and a fell caller hero.

I'm thinking of taking the fell caller hero out so I can get a chronicler in to get those highwaymen up to DEF 16 with Tale of Mists. I'll give it a shot the way I have it here then make the accessment to change It or not.

Here's the next list:


Trollblood - eMadrak

55 / 55 (50+5)    Warlock(s) : 1/1    Warbeast(s) : 2    Battle Engines : 0    Solos : 1    Units : 5

Madrak Ironhide, World Ender - WB: +5
-    Trollkin Runebearer
-    Pyre Troll - PC: 5
-    Troll Impaler - PC: 5

Horthol, Long Rider Hero - PC: 5

Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 5 Grunts: 4
-    Stone Scribe Elder - Elder 1
Long Riders - Leader & 2 Grunts: 7
Trollkin Fennblades - Leader & 9 grunts: 8
-    Fennblade Officer and Drummer - Officer & Drummer 2
Trollkin Warders - Leader & 4 Grunts: 8
Trollkin Warders - Leader & 4 Grunts: 8

This list is designed around units with reach to maximize the feat. I only took an impaler and a pyre troll to make sure Maddy has all his Fury every turn. Snipe with Madrak ain't half bad either.

And lastly, my favorite Warlock:

Jarl Skuld, Devil of the Thornwood - WB: +6

-    Troll Impaler - PC: 5
-    Swamp Troll - PC: 4
-    Earthborn Dire Troll - PC: 10

Stone Scribe Chronicler - PC: 2
Braylen Wanderheart, Trollkin Outlaw - PC: 3
Janissa Stonetide - PC: 3

Trollkin Highwaymen - Leader & 9 Grunts: 8
Krielstone Bearer & Stone Scribes - Leader & 5 Grunts: 4
-    Stone Scribe Elder - Elder 1
Trollkin Warders - Leader & 4 Grunts: 8
Trollkin Warders - Leader & 4 Grunts: 8

I love me some Jarl and instantly felt comfortable with him when I first started Trolls. Being able to speed up the Highwaymen then give them reform so they can change facing or back-peddle seems legit. I had 2 units of fire eaters in this one as well as a max unit of scattergunners with UA but took them out for 2 max units of warders, Janissa and the stone scribe elder. A lot of people see Jarl's pistols and think "ranged caster" only to load him with ranged units. I feel he shines behind a wall of dudes with melee weapons. The highwaymen are the exception to the rule and coupled with the chronicler or Jarl's feat become a DEF 16 pain-in-the-ass.

I feel that the Impaler is a no-brainer choice for Jarl and I put the Swamp Troll in for some enemy placement control. Drag on the Swamp makes for some choice Magic Bullet set ups and enhanced further by a 12" range thanks to the Impaler. The EBDT is in there because I felt like I needed more punch and something to contend with opposing heavies. Janissa's primary job is throwing the curb behind the Earthborn.

I'm excited to get some games in, it has been a while.

So, as a reminder; May 15, 16 and maybe even 17, I will be streaming games on Twitch. If you miss any I will be posting them on the YouTube channel as well as on the blog for you're viewing enjoyment.

See you soon!

The Killer B Hive Vlog 2

Two announcements:

1. Next weekend May 15, 16 and possibly 17 I will be streaming games once again with Brian (aka "Corvus") and our friend Larry (aka "Bytemeh"). I plan on getting started on Friday afternoon; so, check that out.

2. In the Vlog, I say that it won't turn into Drunken Quarriors again... however, this is too lofty a promise to make and I am taking that one back. >;-)

Enjoy!

04/09 PP Model Drop Speculation/Review

The Killer B Hive Vlog 1

Absylonia vs Calandra

The first game streamed by the KIller B Hive. These are the lists:

Tier 4, Winds of Change
pAbsylonia
-Angelius
-Angelius
-Ravagore
-Typhon
-Naga Nightlurker
-Shredder
-Shredder
-Shredder
-Shredder
The Forsaken
The Forsaken
The Forsaken

Tier 4, Evolutionary Elementalism
Calandra
-Trollkin Runebearer
-Mountain King
-Slag Troll
-Slag Troll
-Storm Troll
-Storm Troll
-Pyre Troll
Min. Krielstone Bearer and Scribes
-Stone Scribe Elder
Trollkin Runeshapers
Trollkin Runeshapers

In a Grim Alternate Universe, There is Only Steam: Cygnar 2

MOAR PICS! Here are more of my Cygnar models. Enjoy:

After using the Gun Mages for the first time and realizing how awesome they are, I promptly painted the entire unit including the Dude.

This Centurion's paint scheme was based on the color scheme of the Centurion portrait in the Forces of Warmachine: Cygnar book. This scheme then carried on to my post-Battle Box models. The next pictures are the first Warmachine models I painted; out of uncertainty of changing up the factory scheme I painted them very similar to the samples on the box. I had bought the hunter with my Battle Box; so, he ended up with the stock scheme as well.

 I hope you are enjoying the pictures. It is getting my creative mojo back online and I am ready to start taking on some new projects and wrapping up some old ones (finally finishing the half painted Trollblood Impaler and the rest of my Krielstone Unit). I will have more in a bit.

In a Grim Alternate Universe, There is Only Steam: Cygnar

Ok, as previously mentioned I'm posting more pics of my Cygnar models! Hoorah! Here we go:

I just realized after posting this that I never finished Runewood's base! You can see on the next two pictures of the sword knight leader what it is supposed to look like. I did some building rubble with some smoldering embers. 

I actually made Siege's trench base with coffee stirrers. They have all manner of uses but look great as planks or even splintered boards.

I had said that I was going to repaint them but now I'm not sure. I kind of like the blue and white. Originally the scheme was based off of the Forces of Cygnar portrait of the Centurion. I might just roll with it; hell, I haven't painted anything blue in a long time. Next up will be some jacks. Enjoy.

In a Grim Alternate Universe, There is Only Steam: Kraye

I was doing some more tinkering with the light box and took these pictures with a camera my dad let me borrow. I'm not sure if I like the quality better than the last couple rounds I've taken with the phone but I'll have to play with it some more. I broke out the Cygnar for this one and took shots of my favorite Warcaster and the reason I started playing Cygnar first; Jerimiah Kraye!

I'm going to post all of my Cygnar models up here soon because I intend on dipping them all in Simple Green and redoing the whole color scheme. This one is way too close to the factory scheme for my liking and that does not work for me. I'm thinking grey and red with pale ashen skin to really bring out the "Dirty Swans" and the evil element we all know exists.

RIP Blue Color Scheme.

Warcasters, Warlocks and Feats; Oh My: Tombstone Format

I've been thinking about making my own Warmahordes format for a long time, even though I very much so enjoy the game the way it is intended to be played. After playing the tabletop skirmish game MERCS, which features a very small model count (five); I came up with a little something new. I first asked myself what I liked about MERCS the most, which was time. You can crack a game out in roughly 30 minutes giving even someone who is strapped for time (or on a lunch break) ample time to get a game in. I also love games with small model counts.

I am a huge fan of the Highlander format especially when trying to get someone past that initial "I can only handle a battle box stage" and I have read about but have yet to try out Thunderdome. So, I thought how could I do almost a MERCS style format using Warmahordes' rules? Then BOOM, it all came together. I finished my bowl of Cheerios and the Tombstone format was born!

The Earp Brothers

Tombstone Format

Lists:
-Choose a Warcaster or Warlock: Your total points to create you list are equal to 5 + WJ/WB points
-You may only select Faction solos; Partisans still come into play. No Warjacks/Warbeasts, unless they are companion models.
-Warcasters/Warlocks that come with Jacks/Beasts/Companions may use them in that their bonus points are reflective of having them.
-Lesser Warlocks that come with Beasts may use them in that their point costs are reflective of having them.

Gameplay:
-Warcasters and Warlocks alike use the rules for Warcasters. Warlocks generate Focus equal to their Fury stat every turn.
-Warbeasts act like Warjacks; they no longer use the Fury mechanic, can be allocated Focus up to their Fury stat and spend it like a Warjack. They no longer Frenzy and lose any unspent focus during the Maintenance phase. Any rule that would necessitate a Warbeast to be forced cost 1 Focus instead but the Warbeast must still be in CTRL range of its Warlock to do so. Animi may be cast; pay their cost in Focus rather than Fury.
-Models that may create other models (i.e. eAlexia, eThagrosh) may still do so.

-Use the Scenario: Grab 'n' Smash

Scenario: Grab 'n' Smash

-Place a single flag in the center of the table.
-Players all deploy up to 10" off of their respective board edge.

Special Rules
While B2B with the flag, a warrior model may forfeit either its movement or action to pick the flag up. When picked up, remove the flag from play; the model that picked it up is now the Flag Carrier. Flag Carries may not run, charge, make a slam, make a light cavalry move or be placed during their activation and lose the effects of Stealth and Incorporeal while carrying the flag. If the Flag Carrier becomes dismounted(dragoon models), stationary or knocked down, they drop the flag; place the flag back on the table B2B with the model that dropped it using the Least Disturbance rules (pg 64, Prime mkII). If the Flag Carrier is destroyed, replace its model with the flag like you would a wreck marker on a boxed warjack.

Victory Conditions
The first player to have a friendly Flag Carrier in their deployment zone immediately wins the game.

If you are wondering why I named the format Tombstone: it reminded a close friend and collaborator of mine of a western. You have a posse of the best and ready to deal out some justice; it is reminiscent of the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday. Thus, Tombstone.


Now this is the Beta; I need to play test it and get conclusive data to determine if I need to tweak things a bit or not. If you read this, try it out and have feedback for me; I would be more than grateful for it. The more I get; the more I can polish this thing. I am very interested in hearing your list ideas, so don't hesitate to share! Please, don't knock it before you try it. I want to hear why it didn't work out for you, not why you think it won't work. Help meh, help meh, please!!!

Thanks!

Preemptive FAQ

List Construction:
What types models can be in my list?
A single warcaster/warlock and Faction solos only. You don't build a battlegroup in this format.

So I spend WJ/WB points on Solos and not Warjacks/Warbeasts?
Yes!!!

Warcasters/Warlocks:
Can Warcasters/Warlocks use their feats?

Yes

Can Warlocks who come with Warbeasts still cast their Warbeast's Animus as a spell?

Yes

Are caster kills still a viable way to win?
Yes

Can pGoreshade still use his feat to summon a minimum unit of Banes?

As of right now, yes. I still need play testing to see if certain rules break the format. These can always be adjusted after seeing how things go.

[Insert Warlock/Warcaster Name] has only a Jack or Beast-centric spell list and/or feat. Doesn't that mean they will be terrible in this format?

Calaban doesn't have access to any kind of useful Arc Node that won't most likely get him killed but I still play him in normal format. Pick a different Caster/Lock if you really feel this way.

If I choose a Cygnar Warcaster can I use Mercenary models in my list?

Despite the fact that Mercenary models practically are Cygnar models, No, you must select solos only from the same Faction as the caster or ones that have the partisan rule for your chosen Faction.

If I choose a Mercenary or Minion warcaster/warlock, do I have to choose a charter or pact?
Yes, I will not tolerate the mixing of Bacon and Scales!

If I could somehow manage it; could I use a theme force?

Yes, for now. If you do, please give feedback!

Flag Carriers:
Can Flag Carriers still attack or make an actions on their activation?
Yes

Can a model forfeit its action to pick up the flag and then make a full advance?
Yes

If my dragoon is dismounted, he/she drops the flag?
Yes, your dragoon will drop the flag and need to once again forfeit movement or action to pick it up once more if you want to do so.

Can a Flag Carrier voluntarily drop the flag?
No, this may change depending on how play testing goes.

Other Questions:
How much terrain should I use?
As much as you want but personally I would use two forests and two walls total to try it out. Set it up so each player has a forest and a wall on their side of the flag. The game was designed to not take forever; too much terrain could bog it down. Here is an example I threw together in Vassal:

If I wanted to play a timed game because I have friends who take forever on their turns; how much time should be used?
As of right now, 15 minutes per player. This might change after play testing.

Will you be updating this format beyond this?
Yes, like I said this is basically the Beta of this format. The more feedback I get the better I can sculpt the guidelines.

Will you come out with new scenarios for this format?
I will give a tentative Yes. If the format is generally enjoyed by people, I will definitely try to cook up new scenarios for it.

In a Grim Alternate Universe, There is Only Steam: Ghosts N' Stuff

I'm back! I got some time after catching up on some house stuff to do some painting. I've been working on some Cryx models for a friend and was given free reign as far as theme goes. I saw an article on ghost Cryx in No Quarter magazine and decided it might be cool to do. I tweaked the NQ scheme a bit because I wanted to go more Scooby-Doo Ghost Pirate/ Obi Wan Kenobi ghost with this army. The ghosts needed to look legit, so I'm going with a graveyard theme on the bases. Let's start with those:

This is a base for a Deathripper bonejack. I decided to use some Warhammer Fantasy tombstones and various Warhammer 40k Chaos space marine bits to push the graveyard theme. Ironically, my interest in both of those games are also in a graveyard somewhere. I always do a dry fit when sculpting the bases and use green putty to make the ground uneven for more "realism," albeit 12' tall metal men controlled by warrior wizards are far from that ideal.

Same old base, now with sand! I am a huge proponent of Gorilla Super Glue and making shit last forever. I put a couple of drops of the Gorilla Super Glue on the base, spread it so its thin and covering all the space I want then I sprinkle sand on. The glue dries super hard and affixes to the plastic and green stuff like a champ.

This Slayer has been pinned to this base. One of the most terrifying experiences with this project has been drilling and pinning the helljacks and bonejacks to their respective bases. They have WEAK ankles and I can't stress that enough. His base actually features a tombstone I sculpted!

In hind sight, this picture is pretty terrible and I apologize for it. Prior to this picture, the models were attached to their bases and primed in black with Vallejo Air Black Surface Primer. For this step and the next I used an airbrush as well. The first color was Vallejo Air Olive Green, which I tried to hit most of the body with leaving the underbody and the feet only lightly sprayed. I want these areas to retain a lot of darkness.

After the initial spraying of Olive Green, I mixed Vallejo Air US Interior Yellow with the Olive Green in a 3 drops Yellow:5 drops Green ratio. I used this to do some highlighting. 

In the picture above, you'll notice I put the mediums I used in the background like a nice guy. The model on the left is the previous step, the model on the right has been completely washed in watered-down P3 Green Ink. This gave the airbrush Green a move glowy quality that I really liked.

After my ink dried, I continued highlighting with P3 Iosan Green. The model on the left is from the last step; the one on the right has the new layer of highlights. 

Aiakos!?!?!?! Where did you come from? In this step, I do even more highlighting with P3 Necrotite Green. You might be able to notice that I left his feet very close to black; I'm hoping that this will give him a more ghostly feeling. I try to keep my brighter colors higher but don't be afraid to highlight a cool detail, ghosts don't play by the rules of light.

The final step incorporates doing one more highlight in white. I just used some random craft store paint to do this part. If you don't make the white overwhelmingly bright, you are good to go. After looking at some of these pictures, I should probably make a photo box for better quality shots. Ah well, until next time.