Tuesday 28 April 2015

40k Composition - redux

One of the conundrums (either up front or burbling away in the background) from 3rd Ed onwards has been around the best way to moderate lists in tournaments so that armies were balanced (that is, balanced better than the slow erratic release schedule from GW would allow). Now, with releases coming thick and fast, there is a new kind of problem - it's hard to keep up!

Recently I was sent a link to a post in BoLS here, which is an interesting read. You can have a look at the website here too.

I think too that the published goal is a nice ideal, in that "Community Comp provides appropriate motivation to players for them to lower the power level of armies generally to a level about where we were at the end of 5th edition. With a stable, moderately powered meta game, even the worst units in the 40k universe become viable units to play with. With all units being viable, we get an opportunity to satisfy our creative urges without feeling like we will never get to play with those units. In addition newer players are more likely to enjoy their games in the competitive arena and come back for more next time."

I'd probably use 'moderate the power level' rather than 'lower' it, but meh.

One of the things that I think a system like this encourages is the return of more narrative or 'themed' armies (and no Tim, 'A-liquorice-allsorts-all-the-best-units-in-my-codex-with-my-allies-best-units-as-well-as-Forgeworld" is not a theme... I admire your passion though). 

You will get to see all (ok, not all, but certainly more) of those cool but less effective units appear, and it will challenge meta list builders - yes, there will be some that, for them, squeezing the last drop of effective juice out of a points framework will be the reward unto itself. 

It will also teach players different tactics. How to use those less optimal units more effectively can unlock the uber combo of tomorrow, yes?

Best of all, we all know that 40k is nothing if not great for forging the narrative, after all that's what its purpose is. At least that is what they tell us, and why we keep playing the game.



Sunday 26 April 2015

Reorganising the space

It seems that organising your hobby space is de rigueur at the moment - in my household Joy has had plans on utilising our space better (for ages), and had a number of designs drawn up for our combined office/hobby area in the main lounge. Finally we have found something that is reasonable and functional for where we are at this point in life, and realised it.
Lots of natural light! And unnatural light for working at night...

Joy has thoughtfully designed it so that there are two of everything - two desks, two sets of drawers, two shelves (although only one display case... at the moment) so that when (or if) we move/get new furniture they can fit different sized spaces, or perhaps be passed on to the kids...


Left desk drawer has painting tray, right desk drawer has modelling tray.
In addition to the open drawers there's also three more with 'stuff' in them, as well as a few shelves at the back

As you can see there's loads of space for hobby stuff. Also, if locals are interested, there's my ex-hobby desk for sale on TradeMe here.

Got a view of Wellington harbour if I look up from what I am doing

It's nice to have a few bits of work in progress on display too. The paint set will probably migrate to where the desk lamp is currently.

Still a bit of organising and tidying to go but that's going to best be finalised as the space is used.

Saturday 11 April 2015

Maelstrom VIII - Update #2

Just a quick reminder for those thinking about attending that there is just over one month until Maelstrom VIII (wow! time flies...). There are still places available, so get your mates (or your arch-nemeses) together and come and enjoy a weekend of 40k in sunny Wellington.

Important things to remember:
- Earlybird registration has closed, the cost is now $40
- Only codices or supplements that are released prior to April 17, 2015 will be allowed in this event.
- Army lists are due by Sunday 03 May 2015

If you have any questions let me know.

Wednesday 1 April 2015

Another small distraction... completed!

And just like that I found a quick and easy project to finish. 


It's always nice to complete something... now just for the hench(wo)men...