50 points of Warmachine

I got a game in for the first time with a "full" Warmachine army after playing the Beastmen this weekend. I have been wanting to play at this point level for a while and had only ever even played one game at 35 before, so the size was a little daunting as a new Warmachine / Hordes player. I was able to get another game in against Adam, who seems to be my most regular Warmachine player with my epic Madrak list. I should play with some other casters, but I really have been focusing on eMadrak as I learn the game. We played a scenario where you had to control the two zones once each to score 2 points and win.

I brought:

eMadrak
-Dire Troll Mauler
-Troll Axer
-Runebearer
Full Fennblades
-unit attachment
Full Pyg Burrowers
Full Long Riders
Fell Caller Hero
Trollkin Champion Hero

The idea of the list is tough cavalry and reach to go along with Madrak's "thresher" feat. Not too hard to grasp. I basically charged right up front and try to smash face (The "Axe to Face" Troll Strategy!). And it worked for me too, even though I got shot up as I advanced and lost my Fennblades, Adam focused hard on my left and I got in his grill on the right.

I was able to get +2 attack on the Pyg's and Blood Frenzy on the Long Riders and get into range to start chopping. Things ended when a Long Rider charged through two infantry with impact hits to get to Adam's caster and roll 6/6/4 for damage (with -4 dmg from armor), and then my Axer putting +2 move and Pathfinder on himself to get in range, make the final attack, and also roll box cars for damage to kill the caster for the Assassination.


It was a lot of fun playing at that level, and really makes me want to finish painting up my Trollbloods and start playing in more events. I'm pretty busy with the Skaven, but I see a lot of more Warmachine on the horizon for this Fall/Winter.

Trollbloods and Hordes

Today is the start of Gamers Sanctuary's Warmachine Steamroller League! The league is set up with both hobby AND gaming prizes, and I intend to try and paint my whole Trollbloods army in 6 weeks to get myself a hobby prize. First up are two trolls that showcase my army color scheme for the very first time. Blue skin and orange tartans, I really like the colors.

 Dire Troll Mauler

Troll Axer

More to come soon! And while we're at it, here are the rules to the Steamroller League!

• Event Begins: Monday, June 4th @ 6pm • League Length: 6 Weeks • Format: Steamroller 2012 Escalation • League Fee: $2.00 Per Week For any condition not addressed here, use the Steamroller 2012 rules. Players will compete in a 6-week Steamroller Escalation League with First, Second and Third place players each receiving an official Steamroller trophy (see the trophies at: http://files.privateerpress.com/op/Stea ... ophies.png). Players can play up to two (2) league scoring matches each week. These games will earn players League Points and count towards their overall standing in the league. Players can also play an unlimited number of open games each week. Open games will be used to determine tiebreakers. Strength of schedule will not be used. Players cannot play the same opponent in consecutive games (open or scoring). Games will not have time limits. All games must be played to completion. Draws are not permitted. Before the start of each game, scoring and open, the player with the lowest number of League Points must roll for scenario according to the Steamroller 2012 Scenario Selection Chart (SR2012, Pg. 7). Players will be awarded 3 League Points for each scoring game win and 1 League Point for each scoring game loss. Players can make-up missed scoring games at any point during the league. League Points are not awarded for open games. As far as open games are concerned, players need only record their opponent's name and the outcome. All players must choose a faction at the beginning of the league and must use exclusively that faction for the entirety of the league. A player's list can change at any time. Army sizes for each week of league are as follows: Week 1: 15-Points - Week 2: 20-Points - Week 3: 25-Points Week 4: 30-Points - Week 5: 35-Points - Week 6: Free For All For all you hobby enthusiasts, the Steamroller Escalation League will also reward players for painting their models throughout the course of the league. Hobby Points will be issued towards models, owned and painted by the league participant himself/herself, as follows: Battle Engine/Colossal: 4-Points Warcaster/Warlock, Max. Size Unit: 3-Points Heavy Warjack/Warbeast, Min. Size Unit*: 2-Points Light Warjack/Warbeast, Solo: 1-Point * Also includes units that do not have a Min./Max. size. At the end of the league, the three players with the most Hobby Points will be awarded Steamroller Coins for First, Second and Third place (see the coins at: http://files.privateerpress.com/op/SteamrollerCoins.png). In the event of a tie for Hobby Points, the player with the best paint job, as judged by a GS staff member, will be deemed the winner.

Introduced to Warmachine

I've spent a good part of last week and the weekend learning and playing a couple games of Warmachine/Hordes while I also budget time to finish up for Midwest Rampage. After scoffing for so long at Warmachine as just another game, I finally broadened my horizons after getting a free starter box at Adepticon... and I REALLY liked it. Privateer Press really did the job right with the Adepticon swag bags, the models are top notch and really perked my interest. A week after assembling my first models I now have a formidable force and I am ready to start learning and hitting up tournaments.

First batch of Trollbloods, adding to my starter.

Reinforcements arrive after my first couple of games and friendly advice.

I played two games of WarmaHordes this weekend up at Gamers Sanctuary. Both games were against Retribution lists from Warmachine. The first game my opponent took his "weaker" caster (not that I know the difference) and I think I more or less overwhelmed him with numbers. He took 2 big warjacks, and I had 3 light warbeasts and a unit. The game was fun as my unit flanked to support and was able to work my way towards his Warcaster.

Game 2 was more of a learning experience as we jumped from 15 to 25 points. There was a lot more going on and I got pummeled! Up until the end of the game that is, when my only remaining model (my Warlock) retreated behind a building on my end. The Retribution force tried to swarm after me but failed to finish me off after leaving his Warcaster out in the open to cast his final spells. Down to my very last hit point with 1 Fury, I charged his caster and hit twice and rolled near max damage both times to kill and STEAL the game away.

It was very fun learning and playing a couple of games, and I definitely see myself getting excited to build and paint a tournament army for Warmachine. I just don't have time right now, because I still have models to paint for Midwest Rampage!!!

I put some good work in on that front this weekend. My movement trays were primed and ready for paint, and my Gutter Runners are tabletop ready at least after a good painting session all day yesterday.

In progress shot of Gutter Runners after the basecoat on the new skirmish trays.

Projected display board.

I also primed the Watchtower terrain set. The plan is to paint up the buildings and base and paint the top of the display board. The "village" above ground will also be marched on by Skaven as my board will be above AND below ground... so I can fit all 3000 points!

With my Gutter Runners at least tabletop ready, I can now make sure I have time for what I have left to paint in the next week and a half: Plagueclaw Catapult crew, movement trays, display base painting, Watchtower painting, and 2 alternate Hellpit Abominations saved for last, because I don't NEED them to be finished in time. I have a feeling they won't be making the trip, though.