This is a CRAZY week for us.
EDIT: Just as an aside; Ed Sloman, who runs the awesome Baltimore area game shop Games and Stuff, has been granted Premium Event status by Wizards of the Coast for the two biggest (of a TON) of the Magic Events he's running from Thursday all the way through late Sunday at NOVA this year. There's a 300-player Saturday event (starting cap), and a 200-player Sunday event, each of which will be a Premium Event. I have NO IDEA yet exactly what this means, except that it's apparently a really awesome thing.
The final 40k GT and Invitational primer is complete, and it's DRAMATICALLY different in some key ways, as a direct result of awesome feedback from a veritable avalanche of players.
Please join our Facebook group ... there's a lot of healthy discussion kicking off there already, and we'll be putting a lot of stuff up.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/498362146882835/?fref=ts
I think that's the link.
We have a LOT of people lining up for VIP bags this year.
The swag inside gets better
If you have one already, or even if you don't, you'll be able to choose between a KR Kaiser2 Shoulder Bag, or a KR BackPack2. They each hold the same amount of minis. The Backpack is more convenient to carry around if you don't have one already, while arguably the Kaiser2 has better pocket space. I have one of each myself.
The Bag will be limited edition and NOVA kitted up again. Also, KR is doing something cool.
If you buy a VIP bag, starting LAST year .. any NOVA you attend in the future (whether you VIP again or not) will carry a bonus voucher from KR personalized for you that grants you a KR modular case (the building block of their system, and around a 50-55 dollar value) free with the purchase of one. Basically, KR's giving NOVA VIP people a lifetime annual $50-55 value, as long as they've VIP'ed once. Who knows what they might do for multi-VIP's in the future.
Also, you'll have to list not just your shirt size for this year's VIP bag, but the army you play (if you play one). I'm not telling yet why that might benefit you, but imagination wandering is fine.
Anyway, VIP bags are something you'll want to snag fast ... no idea how long they'll last, but some people have let us know they're lining up for reg this year not b/c of fear of the GT selling out, but out of fear of the VIP bags selling out.
Finally, and this is a big one ...
Geek Nation Tours has been working with us to design a really awesome tour of DC, Old Town Alexandria, and Gettysburg National Battlefield Park. It's a week-long trip bracketing the NOVA and wrapping up on Labor Day, and I'm not going to spoil the details. Suffice to say, if you are traveling to the NOVA (And if you have a spouse or a girlfriend who wants to join as well), you'll really want to check it out before you confirm your flights and such. It actually has me excited, and I'm not the type to usually geek out (heh) over this sorta thing. Teras, who runs Geek Nation, is also pretty awesome in that he was sure to get some tips from the locals on the really best places to eat and drink. Stay tuned ... we'll link up his tour on the NOVA site when he finishes polishing it off, which should be ready to go before registration opens on Friday.
PSA done, back to finishing up edits on all our event primers!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Saturday, January 26, 2013
The Colonial GT, and, NOVA Registration Almost Open
So, we're getting a little excited over here. Registration for the NOVA Open 2013 is only a few days away, opening on Friday, Feb 1, at 12:00AM (so, really, late Thursday night).
BUT, for those of you looking to attend a radical event in the nearer term ... check out the Colonial GT, a veteran, fun, and well-run event brought to you in New England. The TO, Chris Nanry's, post below:
BUT, for those of you looking to attend a radical event in the nearer term ... check out the Colonial GT, a veteran, fun, and well-run event brought to you in New England. The TO, Chris Nanry's, post below:
"Hey gang,
We have opened up the 2013 Colonial GT for registration for 40k and Warmachine! This year really expands 40k, giving them 80 slots upstairs in our venue, and Warmachine moving into the main building! The Colonial General Packet is up under the rules section, and I am finalizing the missions for 40k. The Warmachine section should have their packet very soon, our Press Gangers are working hard to ensure that you have a fantastic time with an effieceint packet! Please visit the web site to register and join us! Our participants list will be updated as we recieve payment to secure slots, and I will be updating the resturant choices and hotels in the area for your pleasure.
It is my pleasure to put this on for you,
Chris Nanry
Master Moulder
The Colonial GT"
Keep in mind one of the coolest things about the Colonial is ... apparently something along the lines of $1 brews all weekend long.
Chris asked me to attend, and I'd like to, although I'm not sure it'll be feasible all things considered. If I miss out, it'll be my loss!
AS an aside, if you're a TO out there and want a little more visibility for your event, let me know. I'm happy to promote anyone going through the hard work required to put on a tournament for others, regardless of format or style (i.e., the Colonial GT is a VERY different format from the NOVA, but loved by attendees regardless ... and so entirely bump-worthy!).
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Community Grow-Up ... Bit of a Rant ... and a DA List and Batrep
So the community at large has its share of folks who find it easy to cut on others. These types can be found from random gamers all the way up to big name players and other event organizers. Every year I get to hear from others about the things they say ... whether it's about the NOVA or other events ... and I always feel frustrated. I ALWAYS want to overreact and go right at it ... I'm working hard at being more professional, and more patient. It's hard work growing up!
I don't understand what it is that causes people to cut down their peers within the hobby at a whim ... why they don't understand the outlay people put down to put these events on for the public. I don't understand why folks so readily act like kindergartners to cut down others among their buddies. I will say, I'm tired of it. At least as far as the NOVA is concerned, we've spent every year putting down thousands of our personal hours, and thousands of our personal dollars, to see hobbyists have a grand time. We're taking it a step further now by driving our efforts toward both fun at the convention, and raising real money for the greater good of the world at large.
It's not much of a rallying cry ... it's just another blog in a blogosphere and community full of them ... but color me hoping everyone and anyone out there will join me in trying to make our hobby a better place. I stand on my own past faults in asking this - I've been just as small as others from time to time. Let's try to show the people we meet and interact with that our hobby is full of GOOD people ... who won't quietly watch and sit as losers tarnish our hobby by cutting down on the hard efforts of others.
The ones I hope will adjust the most ... and look, I heard this myself from other TOs when I got started, and was way too outspoken in the wrong ways ... are fellow event organizers. You guys and gals understand BEST what other people go through. Stick up for each other ... keep in mind how much crap you go through, and how much it hurts when people level false accusations at you, or talk about your event without ever checking to see if what they're saying is true. When you do that about someone else's event, what does that make you if not incapable of learning from your own biggest pet peeves?
In more relaxed subject matter news, tackled the following Daemons list using the following DA list ... keynote was using the FNP warlord trait and guard blob to charge and pin down 2 squads of screamers ... was a giant pain to the poor blob (which took a ton of casualties the turn the daemons arrived, and so charged in banged up), but enabled the combat squadded remainder to deal with the un-engaged screamers and 3 flamer squads + troops in detail quite easily. The mission was objectives, but it turned into a focused effort to simply table the daemons; this succeeded, so there's not much need for a batrep.
Daemons won the turn roll and elected to go second. Sent preferred wave of all-but-troops in to try and mop up the blob ... which they killed about 50% of on arrival (4++ and FNP was pretty effective at enduring a hell of a lot). Libby rolled and got re-roll-saves power, so kept that instead of picking up Prescience.
DA List:
Azrael - 215
Librarian w/ Force Stave (I like the S6 better than APX), Auspex - 70
Primaris Psyker - 70
Guardsman Marbo - 65 (he did well, blew up 4 flamers with his nuke on arrival, due to them shooting my blob instead of running to spread ... 9 wounds, failed 8 saves rather abysmally)
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns, Attack Bike w/ HB - 226
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns, Attack Bike w/ HB - 226
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Plasmaguns, Attack Bike w/ HB - 236
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Flamers, Attack Bike w/ HB - 216
Platoon Command w/ 4 Grenade Launchers - 50
Guard Blob w/ 5 Squads of Power Axe equipped Sarges, 2 total sniper rifles - 310
Platoon Command w/ 4 Grenade Launchers - 50
Guard Squad w/ sniper rifle - 55
Guard Squad w/ sniper rifle - 55
Daemons List
Herald of Tzeentch w/ Chariot - 65
9 x Flamers - 207
9 x Flamers - 207
9 x Flamers - 207
5 x Horrors w/ Changeling - 90
5 x Horrors - 85
5 x Horrors - 85
5 x Horrors - 85
5 x Plaguebearers - 70
5 x Plaguebearers - 70
9 x Screamers - 225
9 x Screamers - 225
9 x Screamers - 225
I don't understand what it is that causes people to cut down their peers within the hobby at a whim ... why they don't understand the outlay people put down to put these events on for the public. I don't understand why folks so readily act like kindergartners to cut down others among their buddies. I will say, I'm tired of it. At least as far as the NOVA is concerned, we've spent every year putting down thousands of our personal hours, and thousands of our personal dollars, to see hobbyists have a grand time. We're taking it a step further now by driving our efforts toward both fun at the convention, and raising real money for the greater good of the world at large.
It's not much of a rallying cry ... it's just another blog in a blogosphere and community full of them ... but color me hoping everyone and anyone out there will join me in trying to make our hobby a better place. I stand on my own past faults in asking this - I've been just as small as others from time to time. Let's try to show the people we meet and interact with that our hobby is full of GOOD people ... who won't quietly watch and sit as losers tarnish our hobby by cutting down on the hard efforts of others.
The ones I hope will adjust the most ... and look, I heard this myself from other TOs when I got started, and was way too outspoken in the wrong ways ... are fellow event organizers. You guys and gals understand BEST what other people go through. Stick up for each other ... keep in mind how much crap you go through, and how much it hurts when people level false accusations at you, or talk about your event without ever checking to see if what they're saying is true. When you do that about someone else's event, what does that make you if not incapable of learning from your own biggest pet peeves?
In more relaxed subject matter news, tackled the following Daemons list using the following DA list ... keynote was using the FNP warlord trait and guard blob to charge and pin down 2 squads of screamers ... was a giant pain to the poor blob (which took a ton of casualties the turn the daemons arrived, and so charged in banged up), but enabled the combat squadded remainder to deal with the un-engaged screamers and 3 flamer squads + troops in detail quite easily. The mission was objectives, but it turned into a focused effort to simply table the daemons; this succeeded, so there's not much need for a batrep.
Daemons won the turn roll and elected to go second. Sent preferred wave of all-but-troops in to try and mop up the blob ... which they killed about 50% of on arrival (4++ and FNP was pretty effective at enduring a hell of a lot). Libby rolled and got re-roll-saves power, so kept that instead of picking up Prescience.
DA List:
Azrael - 215
Librarian w/ Force Stave (I like the S6 better than APX), Auspex - 70
Primaris Psyker - 70
Guardsman Marbo - 65 (he did well, blew up 4 flamers with his nuke on arrival, due to them shooting my blob instead of running to spread ... 9 wounds, failed 8 saves rather abysmally)
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns, Attack Bike w/ HB - 226
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns, Attack Bike w/ HB - 226
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Plasmaguns, Attack Bike w/ HB - 236
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Flamers, Attack Bike w/ HB - 216
Platoon Command w/ 4 Grenade Launchers - 50
Guard Blob w/ 5 Squads of Power Axe equipped Sarges, 2 total sniper rifles - 310
Platoon Command w/ 4 Grenade Launchers - 50
Guard Squad w/ sniper rifle - 55
Guard Squad w/ sniper rifle - 55
Daemons List
Herald of Tzeentch w/ Chariot - 65
9 x Flamers - 207
9 x Flamers - 207
9 x Flamers - 207
5 x Horrors w/ Changeling - 90
5 x Horrors - 85
5 x Horrors - 85
5 x Horrors - 85
5 x Plaguebearers - 70
5 x Plaguebearers - 70
9 x Screamers - 225
9 x Screamers - 225
9 x Screamers - 225
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Charitable Direction Update; Updated NOVA Primer Incoming; Long Day at Storage - TERRAIN GALORE
Just a quick update; the NOVA is finalizing the formation of a charitable foundation. This will enable attendees, sponsors, staff, etc., to cross all the appropriate i's and dot all the appropriate t's toward generating funds in support of two charities; Fisher House and Doctors Without Borders.
We're looking into a couple of broad, community-inclusive activities to support kicking this off. Additionally, the NOVA will be formalized as a non-profit in every sense; all resources will go to the cost of the convention, and to charity. In addition to being a fun time focused on expanding and celebrating our shared hobbies, attending and participating in the NOVA will also go directly and entirely toward supporting tremendous causes that benefit both our country and the world at large. Here's hoping we can build some serious momentum toward that goal.
We spent a bunch of time in the storage facility yesterday properly inventorying and making sure our terrain was in-tact. We re-sorted it by table settings, to make set-up and break-down a lot more streamlined than it's been before, and to keep all our terrain better organized.
We'll be working on MULTIPLE TERRAIN LAYOUTS for the 2013 GT (and possibly Invitational). This will alleviate one of the issues arising with the format, where veteran attendees were learning to game the fixed terrain layout.
By altering the layout on ALL tables over the course of the three days, we'll be leveraging off-GT-hours to adjust terrain, but maintaining an even playing field across all tables for each round. You'll get greater terrain variety, and while all players will know the 2-3 layouts they COULD see, they won't know until go-time which rounds will be paired with which terrain layouts. The result should defuse the ability to game a fixed terrain layout, improve variety, and still maintain fairness and evaluativeness for each round.
Look for our final primer with more concrete rules and practice missions sometime this week.
On Forgeworld, your options for input will be narrowed to "NO" Forgeworld in the GT/Invitational, or "Unique" for all FW in the GT/Invitational. So far that's how the many responses from primer testers has leaned, and we'll continue to playtest and solicit feedback for about one month after the Feb 1 open to registration. Final ruling on whether FW/IA will be allowed in the GT will release by March 1. If you have strong feelings about it, let yourself be heard!
Speaking of terrain, some shots of portions of the crazy volume of it from yesterday's storage session ...
We're looking into a couple of broad, community-inclusive activities to support kicking this off. Additionally, the NOVA will be formalized as a non-profit in every sense; all resources will go to the cost of the convention, and to charity. In addition to being a fun time focused on expanding and celebrating our shared hobbies, attending and participating in the NOVA will also go directly and entirely toward supporting tremendous causes that benefit both our country and the world at large. Here's hoping we can build some serious momentum toward that goal.
We spent a bunch of time in the storage facility yesterday properly inventorying and making sure our terrain was in-tact. We re-sorted it by table settings, to make set-up and break-down a lot more streamlined than it's been before, and to keep all our terrain better organized.
We'll be working on MULTIPLE TERRAIN LAYOUTS for the 2013 GT (and possibly Invitational). This will alleviate one of the issues arising with the format, where veteran attendees were learning to game the fixed terrain layout.
By altering the layout on ALL tables over the course of the three days, we'll be leveraging off-GT-hours to adjust terrain, but maintaining an even playing field across all tables for each round. You'll get greater terrain variety, and while all players will know the 2-3 layouts they COULD see, they won't know until go-time which rounds will be paired with which terrain layouts. The result should defuse the ability to game a fixed terrain layout, improve variety, and still maintain fairness and evaluativeness for each round.
Look for our final primer with more concrete rules and practice missions sometime this week.
On Forgeworld, your options for input will be narrowed to "NO" Forgeworld in the GT/Invitational, or "Unique" for all FW in the GT/Invitational. So far that's how the many responses from primer testers has leaned, and we'll continue to playtest and solicit feedback for about one month after the Feb 1 open to registration. Final ruling on whether FW/IA will be allowed in the GT will release by March 1. If you have strong feelings about it, let yourself be heard!
Speaking of terrain, some shots of portions of the crazy volume of it from yesterday's storage session ...
 |
| So much terrain ... |
 |
| Wait now we have to repackage it all, but differently? |
 |
| We kinda took over the entire storage facility |
 |
| Streamlined and repackaged ... 40k+ square feet of convention in a box! |
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Ravenwing Start Point - Solve for All
So this is more a discussion point; this list is built to be tricky and flexible ... from how you reserve and what you reserve, to where the characters go.
There is nothing keypoint around which the list is built ... the banner for instance is completely expendable (and can of course reserve, arrive, turbo over to wherever salvos are needed).
Through combat squad usage, reserve usage, and obviously decent play, this list (while not a finished product) solves for most/all threats out there.
Or does it? Thoughts and inputs welcome, but here's where I'd start w/ Ravenwing
Sammael on Corvex - 200
Librarian w/ Bike, Auspex - 90 (Warlord, more often than not, b/c I'd rather a shot at the other traits than what Sammy has)
Primaris Psyker - 70
Ravenwing Command Squad w/ Bolterbanner - 185
Ravenwing Command Squad - 120
10 x Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
Platoon Command Squad - 30
Infantry Squad - 50
Infantry Squad - 50
There is nothing keypoint around which the list is built ... the banner for instance is completely expendable (and can of course reserve, arrive, turbo over to wherever salvos are needed).
Through combat squad usage, reserve usage, and obviously decent play, this list (while not a finished product) solves for most/all threats out there.
Or does it? Thoughts and inputs welcome, but here's where I'd start w/ Ravenwing
Sammael on Corvex - 200
Librarian w/ Bike, Auspex - 90 (Warlord, more often than not, b/c I'd rather a shot at the other traits than what Sammy has)
Primaris Psyker - 70
Ravenwing Command Squad w/ Bolterbanner - 185
Ravenwing Command Squad - 120
10 x Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
6 x Ravenwing Bikers w/ 2 Meltaguns - 181
Platoon Command Squad - 30
Infantry Squad - 50
Infantry Squad - 50
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Range Band FAQ Ruling + NOVA Straw Poll for 40k GT
First, a quickie -
Which of the following would you prefer at the 40k GT, given just the two choices:
A) Playing 2 rounds Friday, starting at 2PM, and 4 rounds Saturday, starting at 7:30AM
B) Playing 3 rounds Friday, starting at 10:30AM, and 3 rounds Saturday, starting at 10:30AM
So far, we've had nothing but answers for option B, b/c having to leave to arrive in time for readiness at 2PM has about the same impact on day off requests / etc. as for 10:30AM (namely, that you probably have to take Friday off). Simultaneously, Option A creates a much more relaxed pair of primary GT days.
We're also adding an option on the Round 6 scorecard to opt out of Rounds 7 and 8, instead of eliminating players. Everyone who attends will be freely able to play Rounds 7 and 8, have them count, play within appropriate bracketing, etc. etc. You simply won't HAVE to, should you wish to do something else with your Sunday (we have a lot of Sunday-only activities, seminars, vendors, and there's Washington DC to tour as well).
ON TO THE CONTROVERSY! This one seems like more of a "silly" vs. "RAW" argument ... than an argument about what exactly the rules say. They're pretty clear I *think* ...
I do want to state that I'm a fan of following RAW as long as the RAW is clear. I don't care if it's SILLY (there's a LOT OF SILLY RULES that we all don't even think to question, let's not talk about what's silly). All I care about is whether it's clear. I see it that way here, and the argument to follow from 11th Co forums, where I wrote it up a little bit ago ...
New FAQ's, DA List Progression
So, obviously the new FAQ's are up. I'm not going to go into a deep analysis here ... there are plenty of blogs doing it now who are more oriented toward it.
First impact on those of you building Dark Angels lists:
All of your tactical squads should get 10 points more expensive.
Whether you're spamming tacticals, or trying to play around with salvo, your range capabilities against units just took a substantial dive in the early game. The reason for this is a unit of bolter marines can no longer kill any models that are 25+" away from them.
So, take a situation where you have 10 guys with salvo up, and a target infantry squad with 10 opposing models. If 2 models are 24" away, and the other 8 are 25+ away, YESTERDAY you could kill up to 10 with your shooting. TODAY and into the future, you can only kill 2.
In comes the Heavy Bolter. No, it doesn't benefit from Salvo, but it fires 3 S5 shots stationary vs. 4 S4 shots from the salvo. It is obviously better than a non-salvo bolter. It can be snap fired, even if that won't cause much damage, when on the move.
Spending 10 points to give each tac squad (Even if you're spamming naked tacs) a Heavy Bolter is now a BIG DEAL. Doing so ensures you can kill most models in a target unit, regardless of how far away they are, as long as one is 24" away. So, go strip 60 points off your tac spam list start-points from elsewhere, and add in 6 heavy bolters.
I'm starting to like the idea of having Salvo, but I do NOT like the idea of risking too many points on it. I also like something simple like razorbacks to hide a simple banner command squad, and not investing in a land raider. Take SEVERAL razorbacks or rhinos for LESS than a Land Raider, and have more transportation utility in games for doing other things. Also, don't go investing in a Crusader banking on long-lasting impact of trying to salvo hurricane bolters. I don't know it's a rule that will stick.
Darkshrouds with assault cannons were great for a hot minute. Move along. There are times where it won't hurt you to have a heavy bolter darkshroud to boost some dudes, but ... yeah.
So here's a sample list; again we're staying boring for now
Librarian w/ Auspex - 70
Command Squad w/ 4 Flamers, Banner of Devastation, Rhino Transport (they can fire 2 salvo bolters out of the top, and keep 3 flamers for utility work in various games) - 220
*remember, we don't care about them shooting ... we care about them living, so they plan on using this rhino and the other 2 to good effect if someone is trying to pry them out of a trips-hull bunker and kill the banner
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter, Rhino Transport - 185
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter, Rhino Transport - 185
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
Ravenwing Attack Squadron - 246
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ Combi-Melta, 2 Meltaguns
Attack Bike w/ Multi-Melta
Ravenwing Attack Squadron - 246
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ Combi-Melta, 2 Meltaguns
Attack Bike w/ Multi-Melta
Ravenwing Attack Squadron - 246
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ Combi-Melta, 2 Meltaguns
Attack Bike w/ Multi-Melta
1848
5-10 scoring tac units
6-9 ravenwing units
3 rhinos to bunker and shield your banner, or provide mobility when needed for tacticals/scorers
The Ravenwing come especially in handy for their outflank capabilities, overall flexibility, and helping hog-tie things like Flamers of Tzeentch. If flamers are en-route, no reason a single attack bike or combat-squadded trio w/out meltas or combi-meltas can't bait the Overwatch and allow a handful of spare tacticals or even other ravenwing to pin down those annoying templates, freeing up your salvo blasts to focus on screamers.
You've got 9 Ravenwing units, all of them can have melta, which should free up any worries you have about running into a mech-heavy meta-buster. With Scouts allowing both alpha strike and outflank, Ravenwing are just as good as ever at making sure they get their shots off before torrent twists them into the dirt.
/rambling away
First impact on those of you building Dark Angels lists:
All of your tactical squads should get 10 points more expensive.
Whether you're spamming tacticals, or trying to play around with salvo, your range capabilities against units just took a substantial dive in the early game. The reason for this is a unit of bolter marines can no longer kill any models that are 25+" away from them.
So, take a situation where you have 10 guys with salvo up, and a target infantry squad with 10 opposing models. If 2 models are 24" away, and the other 8 are 25+ away, YESTERDAY you could kill up to 10 with your shooting. TODAY and into the future, you can only kill 2.
In comes the Heavy Bolter. No, it doesn't benefit from Salvo, but it fires 3 S5 shots stationary vs. 4 S4 shots from the salvo. It is obviously better than a non-salvo bolter. It can be snap fired, even if that won't cause much damage, when on the move.
Spending 10 points to give each tac squad (Even if you're spamming naked tacs) a Heavy Bolter is now a BIG DEAL. Doing so ensures you can kill most models in a target unit, regardless of how far away they are, as long as one is 24" away. So, go strip 60 points off your tac spam list start-points from elsewhere, and add in 6 heavy bolters.
I'm starting to like the idea of having Salvo, but I do NOT like the idea of risking too many points on it. I also like something simple like razorbacks to hide a simple banner command squad, and not investing in a land raider. Take SEVERAL razorbacks or rhinos for LESS than a Land Raider, and have more transportation utility in games for doing other things. Also, don't go investing in a Crusader banking on long-lasting impact of trying to salvo hurricane bolters. I don't know it's a rule that will stick.
Darkshrouds with assault cannons were great for a hot minute. Move along. There are times where it won't hurt you to have a heavy bolter darkshroud to boost some dudes, but ... yeah.
So here's a sample list; again we're staying boring for now
Librarian w/ Auspex - 70
Command Squad w/ 4 Flamers, Banner of Devastation, Rhino Transport (they can fire 2 salvo bolters out of the top, and keep 3 flamers for utility work in various games) - 220
*remember, we don't care about them shooting ... we care about them living, so they plan on using this rhino and the other 2 to good effect if someone is trying to pry them out of a trips-hull bunker and kill the banner
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter, Rhino Transport - 185
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter, Rhino Transport - 185
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
10 Tactical Marines w/ Heavy Bolter - 150
Ravenwing Attack Squadron - 246
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ Combi-Melta, 2 Meltaguns
Attack Bike w/ Multi-Melta
Ravenwing Attack Squadron - 246
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ Combi-Melta, 2 Meltaguns
Attack Bike w/ Multi-Melta
Ravenwing Attack Squadron - 246
6 Ravenwing Bikers w/ Combi-Melta, 2 Meltaguns
Attack Bike w/ Multi-Melta
1848
5-10 scoring tac units
6-9 ravenwing units
3 rhinos to bunker and shield your banner, or provide mobility when needed for tacticals/scorers
The Ravenwing come especially in handy for their outflank capabilities, overall flexibility, and helping hog-tie things like Flamers of Tzeentch. If flamers are en-route, no reason a single attack bike or combat-squadded trio w/out meltas or combi-meltas can't bait the Overwatch and allow a handful of spare tacticals or even other ravenwing to pin down those annoying templates, freeing up your salvo blasts to focus on screamers.
You've got 9 Ravenwing units, all of them can have melta, which should free up any worries you have about running into a mech-heavy meta-buster. With Scouts allowing both alpha strike and outflank, Ravenwing are just as good as ever at making sure they get their shots off before torrent twists them into the dirt.
/rambling away
Monday, January 14, 2013
Dark Angels Ahoy - Start Boring, Work Backward
So, my 'boring startpoint' for Dark Angels (I always build a boring start, and then work from there) looks something like this:
Azrael - 215
Librarian w/ Auspex - 70 (WHY is no one talking about the Auspex right now?)
Primaris Psyker - 70
Platoon Command Squad w/ 4 Grenade Launchers - 50
IG Squad w/ Meltabomb, Power Axe - 65
IG Squad w/ Meltabomb, Power Axe - 65
IG Squad w/ Power Axe - 60
IG Squad w/ Power Axe - 60
IG Squad w/ Power Axe - 60
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
Darkshroud w/ Assault Cannon - 100
Darkshroud w/ Assault Cannon - 100
Darkshroud w/ Assault Cannon - 100
NO, that's not the final list, and YES there will be changes, but that's where I'm starting. LOTS of Ld10 marines who you have to kill to get rid of and score, and can combat squad as needed. A fearless 4++ blob that can apply a -1 cover to a target that starts their turn 18" or less away (thank you Auspex), and deal with another as needed, with Prescience of course. The Darkshrouds are basically free assault cannons all game long, thanks to the fact that it's almost a waste of fire to try and down a 2+ cover save vehicle while also dealing with 120 very durable scoring bodies.
Azrael - 215
Librarian w/ Auspex - 70 (WHY is no one talking about the Auspex right now?)
Primaris Psyker - 70
Platoon Command Squad w/ 4 Grenade Launchers - 50
IG Squad w/ Meltabomb, Power Axe - 65
IG Squad w/ Meltabomb, Power Axe - 65
IG Squad w/ Power Axe - 60
IG Squad w/ Power Axe - 60
IG Squad w/ Power Axe - 60
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
10 Tactical Marines - 140
Darkshroud w/ Assault Cannon - 100
Darkshroud w/ Assault Cannon - 100
Darkshroud w/ Assault Cannon - 100
NO, that's not the final list, and YES there will be changes, but that's where I'm starting. LOTS of Ld10 marines who you have to kill to get rid of and score, and can combat squad as needed. A fearless 4++ blob that can apply a -1 cover to a target that starts their turn 18" or less away (thank you Auspex), and deal with another as needed, with Prescience of course. The Darkshrouds are basically free assault cannons all game long, thanks to the fact that it's almost a waste of fire to try and down a 2+ cover save vehicle while also dealing with 120 very durable scoring bodies.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
NOVA Invitational Qualifier, New Paint System Testing, First Final Primer Event
Numerous members of the NOVA Open team will be helping run a tournament at Huzzah Hobbies in Loudon County on Saturday, February 2.
EDIT: In order to register, Chris - the owner of Huzzah Hobbies - has this to say:
To sign-up they can call the store (703) 466-0460, stop by or e-mail me huhncc@comcast.net
http://www.huzzahhobbies.com/
This event will use our FINAL Primer Packet, with substantial revisions from the current draft primer being playtested all over the world. This year's Chief 40k Judge, Mike Somerville, will be acting in that role at the event. Mike "Shades" Schaefer, Bob Likins and I will be rolling out our revamped appearance scoring system and giving it a shot there. Prizes should be pretty decent, and I believe there are a max of 26 spots.
Jon Pryts and James Watkins of NOVA staff are the primary organizers for the event, and I believe the plan is to reward a grand prize the Renaissance Man (50% competitive, 50% appearance), and equivalent smaller prizes to all the Tournament Aces (those who finish the three round event undefeated).
I do not believe painting is required, but it is naturally quite recommended, since it'll be key to winning the grand prize!
A note: Shades and Bob have been putting a lot of time into a revamped appearance scoring process. There'll be a number of innovations key to it, and we'll get Shades to put a few blog posts together to talk about it in the near future.
Reminder to all - registration opens on Feb 1. This will be especially important for those events with limited seating, or things with limited availability. Our VIP bags are back and bigger than ever (more to come), and we've received numerous e-mails asking what time registration opens so people can ensure they get one (last year's were AMAZING, this year's are even better thanks to our sponsors, especially KR).
Anyone who purchases a NOVA-KR VIP bag will also be getting a special lifetime bonus - every year after the year you acquire the VIP, you'll earn the ability to get 2 $50 KR Custom Cases for the price of 1. Yup, Daryl over at KR is giving a lifetime benefit to repeat NOVA attendees who were at one point a VIP.
EDIT: In order to register, Chris - the owner of Huzzah Hobbies - has this to say:
To sign-up they can call the store (703) 466-0460, stop by or e-mail me huhncc@comcast.net
http://www.huzzahhobbies.com/
This event will use our FINAL Primer Packet, with substantial revisions from the current draft primer being playtested all over the world. This year's Chief 40k Judge, Mike Somerville, will be acting in that role at the event. Mike "Shades" Schaefer, Bob Likins and I will be rolling out our revamped appearance scoring system and giving it a shot there. Prizes should be pretty decent, and I believe there are a max of 26 spots.
Jon Pryts and James Watkins of NOVA staff are the primary organizers for the event, and I believe the plan is to reward a grand prize the Renaissance Man (50% competitive, 50% appearance), and equivalent smaller prizes to all the Tournament Aces (those who finish the three round event undefeated).
I do not believe painting is required, but it is naturally quite recommended, since it'll be key to winning the grand prize!
A note: Shades and Bob have been putting a lot of time into a revamped appearance scoring process. There'll be a number of innovations key to it, and we'll get Shades to put a few blog posts together to talk about it in the near future.
Reminder to all - registration opens on Feb 1. This will be especially important for those events with limited seating, or things with limited availability. Our VIP bags are back and bigger than ever (more to come), and we've received numerous e-mails asking what time registration opens so people can ensure they get one (last year's were AMAZING, this year's are even better thanks to our sponsors, especially KR).
Anyone who purchases a NOVA-KR VIP bag will also be getting a special lifetime bonus - every year after the year you acquire the VIP, you'll earn the ability to get 2 $50 KR Custom Cases for the price of 1. Yup, Daryl over at KR is giving a lifetime benefit to repeat NOVA attendees who were at one point a VIP.