The next league - 40k Escalation!

The Warhammer Fantasy Escalation League is entering it's final few rounds, so I'm planning ahead and looking for players that are interested in doing a 40k league starting in August/September.

This would be a great chance to get up to speed on 7th Edition or build up a new force over the course of 4-5 months.

Check out the announcement and sign up in the forums!

Tabletop Day 2014

In support for Tabletop Day 2014, WarPegs and Maxx Collectibles are working together to run another Kill Team day at the Store on April 5th. The last day was quite successful, and this is another chance to come out, meet
some other players and get in a game or three.

Games will run from 1pm until 5pm but you are always welcome to come anytime during store hours. Maxx has several tables available, and the large tables will easily host two or three sets of players for a skirmish ruleset like Kill Team. As always, there is plenty of free parking.

Some come out, support the Tabletop Gaming Community and have a good time!  If you have any questions or suggestions, just hop over to the forums!

Astra Militarum Leaks

So what is Astra Militarum?  It's a copyrightable name for Imperial Guard, and here they come!

There is a separate codex coming for Militarum Tempestus, aka Stormtroopers as well, and there are more leaks in this White Dwarf page.

Out of nowhere - Imperial Knights!

Say what you will about Games Workshop's policies, pricing and practices, they make stunning models:

Check out the forums for further details about these amazing models and how to use them in your 40k army!

Sci-Fi Skirmish Day

Sci-Fi Skirmish Day is on, and scheduled for February 15th at Maxx Collectibles.  Details are in the Forum post including list-building rules for Kill Team and some advice on Infinity list building thanks to Greg aka forum member 'guitargeek'.

Whether you want to join a game, or just come by and watch, this is a great chance to meet some other Winnipeg gamers and check out the tables at Maxx if you haven't already.  Hope to see you there!

Kill Teams intro games - February 15th at Maxx

Long time, no post.

I'm going to be trying to redirect the purpose of this blog a bit.  Instead of simply rehashing rumours from various other sites, I'm going to make an effort to focus on local events and items of note for the community here in Winnipeg.

As such, on the heels of the very successful Infinity intro day organized by Greg last weekend, I'm going to try and set up a day to run 40k Kill Team at Maxx, and I'm targeting the 15th of February at this time depending on table availability.

Kill Team is a skirmish version of Warhammer 40k with 200 point lists.  It plays fast, has a lighter feel to it than full on 40k, but retains all the flavour.  Check the forums shortly for a more in-depth post and date confirmations.

Tyranid Rumours again...

Sorry I've been quiet lately.  There have been a ton of new releases from GW, and Corvus Belli for Infinity but the rumour side of things has been pretty dry.  The best news to leak recently comes from Warseer:

+++++++++++ MAJOR UPDATE +++++++++++

Behold brothers and sisters, I have more evidence than you can handle Today we thought of kidding around with games Workshop and since my local dealer has a pretty good relationship with its GW Area Distributor we thought about try to include 3 Boxes of Plastic Hive Guard alongside the other products he needs to order. What started as a little joke ended up with a massive info leak. I was standing next to my dealer while he phoned, the speaker were turned on and this is what I heard with my own ears:
We: Hi XXX, we wanted to make an order
GW: Ok we can put the stuff in the package for this thursday
We: *name all the normal products*
GW: Ok I have managed your oder
We: ah and I saw a box of Hive Guards in the net - I want three of those aswell
GW: Haha yeah leaked pictures - and you know that. You need to wait till january
We: Does that mean we finally see bids in jan?
GW: Yeah, preorder around new year
We: can you give me some information or is this super secret?
GW: Yeah I can - we will inform the stores pretty soon anyway
We: Do you play bids, too or have any idea behind it?
GW: *searches Data* no not really, I rarely play
We: Ah ok
GW: here is what is in our system: a Harpyie for 62,50€, Hive Guards for 45,50€ . Haruspex for 57,50€ and a warrior box for 45,50€ .
We: No Drop Pod?
GW: Apparently not
We: Hmmm strange - I thought they would finally release one.
GW: This is pure speculation but I think I heard that the drop pod is no longer in the codex. this new creature is a transport thing
We: Cool, no chars, fine cast or clamshells?
GW: No just the things I just said, thats all.
We: Cool, can you tell me anything else?
GW: No - thats all
We: Ok Thanks

OK WE HAVE:
Tyranids in Jan
Harpyie 62,50
Schwarmwachen 45,50
Haruspex 57,50
Krieger Box 45,50.

And a followup from the ever reliable Endobai:

Heh, so it is out.
I can safely say something more.
All those sets allow construction of another unit, also the Haruspex which can be assembled as... another creature from Epic 40k.
Hive Guards got another weapon option which can be seen on the leaked image.
The weapon is electricity based. No doubt inspired by Teslas, but I have no idea if it works in a similar way.
Tyrant Guards are very lovely. My most favourite models in the release combining what is the best in the 3rd and 4th metal models.
Several weapon options just like with the warriors.
I think that they got those new 50 mm bases. I was mistaken in the past with the SM Centurions so forgive me if I commit another once again.
Haruspex is damn ugly so you will recognise it immediatelly, but its 'twin' is actually really nice looking MC.
Harpy's 'brother' is not called Eridne/however it was called in those rumours.

Exciting news for Tyranid players, but those prices are steep!

GW keeps up the pace

Although this is not intended to be specifically a GW blog, you must admit that folks from Nottingham have been putting out new products at a blistering pace.  Codex:  Inquisition is now available, Clan Raukaan and it's pile of Dreadnought goodness is coming out shortly and all signs point to a release for Tyranids by the end of the month.  This pace of releases from the last eighteen months has to have any fan excited.

So what will 2014 bring?  Rumours are coming out less frequently as GW has really clamped down on leaks, but so far several tipsters agree on a general schedule.

via Faeit 212:

Release Plan for 2014
January - Dwarfs
February - Imperial Guard I
March - Imperial Guard II
April - Wood Elves & new GW Page/Shop
May - Orks (40k)
June - Bretons
July - WHFB 9th Edition Rulebooks & Starter Set
August - Space Wolves
September - Orcs & Goblins I
October - Orcs & Goblins II

The two-wave release schedule is also rumoured to be coming for the Tyranids given the number of missing models from the range, and the large number of finecast figures.

It seems like 2014 will be every bit as packed as 2013 was.

Tyranids are coming, first leaked image!

My first and one true 40k love is finally getting a much needed new book and model release, and so far things are looking good!

According to earlier rumours, these new Hive Guard will have an alternate weapon (seen on the left) designed with Skyfire and the ability to enhance grounding checks for flying Monstrous Creatures.  This image certainly seems to bear that out.  Knowing GW this kit will likely also be a dual kit, maybe for Tyrant Guard or an entirely new unit.

There is apparently also a new Tyranid Warrior box coming:

...Its right it isnt a dual kit. Also it looks like they are on 60mm bases.

They got the broadside treatment....Its hard to judge as ive just seen the front of the box, but they do look bulkier and more squat than they did.

Can't wait for more leaks, although my wallet sure isn't happy about this.

Codex: Inquisition page samples

Despite Games Workshops policy against leaks or early reveals, the new digital codex are being frequently teased on Facebook and the Black Library site.  The new batch of pages from the forthcoming Inquisition codex are full of very interesting details, although little in the way of rules.

Personally, I think the creation of a codex that is designed specifically to be used as allies is a great idea, and hopefully this is not the last such codex that we see.

From the latest Black Library update:

Few individuals embody the grim darkness of the far future like the dreaded Inquisitors, mysterious and clandestine individuals who hold incredible power and influence. This new codex is packed full of background and stunning artwork on the forces of the Inquisition, from the Ordos that make it up, to Inquisitors of legend throughout the Imperium (including some old favourites who might be familiar to fans of Black Library books…) 

The rules in this book allow you to add the agents of the Inquisition into any Imperial force (as well as fielding them, begrudgingly, alongside the armies some of the less belligerent alien races), or field them as an army in their own right. 

The main focus is very definitely on the individual Inquisitors themselves, with every Inquisitor now having access to a bewildering array of options, wargear and armour, making them one of the most customisable characters in the galaxy (as it should be). 

There are also plenty of ways to represent your Inquisitor’s alignment to a particular Ordo, from weapons, unique Inquisitorial relics and three Warlord Traits tables for Xenos, Hereticus and Malleus Inquisitors. 

Speaking of Warlords, this codex allows you to have an Inquisitor leading your Imperial forces, even when he isn’t part of your Primary Detachment (would you argue with an Inquisitor about who’s in charge?). 

Of course, Inquisitors rarely travel alone. Instead they bring with them experienced warriors and specialists, not to mention their pick of the best transports from across the Imperium. 

This is great way to represent your Inquisitor’s own particular field of expertise. Will you have a radical Inquisitor leading ethereal squadrons of Daemonhosts, or an experienced alien hunter with a pack of Jokaero Weaponsmiths in tow? Of course, you’re welcome to mix the two if you like (but we can’t promise that your space-ape and possessed monstrosity will play well together). 

Digital Codex: Inquisition

Now this one is a bit of a surprise, I hadn't heard any rumours about it before today, but according to the GW Digital Editions Facebook page, the next codex will be Codex: Inquisition, available in November.

From the release:

A full codex, packed with background and artwork on the forces of the Imperium’s most secretive and powerful organization. You’ll soon be able to field an Inquisitor and their retinue in any Imperial army in games of Warhammer 40,000. 

And the ubiquitous teaser image:

This one could be very interesting!

Adepta Sororitas rules revealed

The former 'Sisters of Battle' have been thoroughly overhauled for 6th edition, and the leaked rules from the new digital-only codex are now floating around the various rumour sites.  These seem to be agreed upon by everyone, so it's likely that these are accurate.

Overall the Sisters have been appropriately recosted and balanced and look to be a far more competitive option than they were with the old White Dwarf codex.  If only the metal-only models were a little more reasonably priced!

No more faith points. Acts of Faith are a no-modifiers Ld check that can be used 1/game to activate the act. Simulacrum points cost halved and lets the squad use their act 2/game.

Shield of Faith also grants adamantium will.

Warlord traits: Fear, +1 to Shield of Faith for unit, Re-roll DtW, Rage, 12" Stubborn Bubble, 12" Ld-for-Acts of Faith bubble.

Relics: Litanies of Faith (Auto-pass Acts & War Hymns), Cloak of Aspira (Re-roll Armor & Shield of Faith), Mantle of Ophelia (Eternal Warrior), Blade of Admonition (S+2, AP3, MC), Book of St. Lucius (12" auto-pass Fear & Regroup), Sacred Banner (12" +1 Att, re-roll morale, fear & pinning), Mace of Valaan (S+2 AP4, Flesh & Armorbane vs. demons)

Saint Celestine - +20pts. WBB is now an act of faith - only one use per game. Warlord Trait is 12" Ld bubble for Acts. Ardent Blade is now master-crafted +2 S. Still has Heavy Flamer. Now has Hit and Run.

Uriah Jacobs - +10pts. Has +1 Shield of Faith trait. Protector of the Faith grants an add'l use of unit's act of faith. Has War Hymns. Now has Zealot.

Kyrinov is gone.

Canoness Act is now Hatred. Rosarius -10 pts.

Battle Conclave - Arcos -5 pts, -1 A. Crusaders and Death Cult must have power swords.

Command Squad -50 pts, Hospitalier (10) and Laud (5) bought sperately. Have access to melee weapons in addition to special & heavy weapons. Act is Crusader, Fleet & Move through Cover.

Priests -20 pts. -1I. Get a list of 'War Hymns' that either re-roll failed saves, re-roll all failed wounds or give him (and not his unit!) Smash. NOw have Zealot.

Celestians -10pts, extras -1pt. Act is Furious Charge. Gained Stubborn.

Repentia -5 pts, extras -3pts. Lose FnP, Act is now 3+ FnP.

Sisters -65pts, 5 models base. Act is now Preferred Enemy. +10pts for Veteran Sergeant, can take eviscerators again!

Rhino +5pts, Searchlight standard.

Immolator -5pts, Searchlight standard. Heavy Bolter lost inferno rounds. Multi-meltas free upgrade.

Seraphim -5pts. Hand flamers is now -10pts. No eviscerator on Vet. Act is now Shred.

Dominion -5pts. Can take 4x weapons regardless of squad size. Act is now Ignores Cover.

Retributor - All weapons are now +10pts.

Exorcist -10pts.

Penitent Engine -5pts. Now has 3 Attacks, +1 for 2CCW.

GW Release Schedule

If there is anyone that seems to have accurate GW rumours right now, it is the fellows at 40K Radio.  They nailed the Space Marine release, and the Dark Elves weeks before anyone else had even a hint.

Right now, this is what they see on the schedule for future releases after the second wave on Dark Elves in November:

Jan – Tyranids
Feb – can’t recall at the moment (Might be Hobbit related)
Mar – Dwarfs
Apr – Imperial Guard
May – Wood Elves

The big surprise and newest addition is the Wood Elves.  They are long, long overdue for a new book and replacement plastic kits, and will likely see a big shift to bring them in line with the new Dark Elves.  ASF for all Elves seems like a given at this point.

Gamesday Wrap-Up

It was an eventful Gamesday UK for GW fans this year, and there has been a ton of information on future releases, a few surprises and as always, more and more rumours.

Faeit 212 has a nice wrap up post as well as a wonderful photo gallery up.  Well worth the time to check them out if you are a WHFB or 40K fan.

Huge GW Infodump: Dark Elves, Gamesday and more!

This has been a huge weekend full of information from all the various rumour and news sites.  if you are a GW fan, there has been a lot to digest, but I thought I would link to the highlights from some of my favourite blogs:

• HERO has a big dump of rules and pictures from the new Dark Elves army book
• Faeit 212 has a two photo collections of WIP Forgeworld products from Gamesday
• Pins of War details the first Space Marines supplement, the Sentinels of Terra

Games Workshop has been keeping up an incredible pace for new releases this year, and that's a good thing.  With a rumoured release of WHFB 9th Edition next year, it's a great time to be a wargamer!