40k, Dark Eldar, Forge World, Spin-o-matic

Dark Eldar: Reaper

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The Reaper came together pretty quickly.  It’s a Forge World resin/plastic kit based on the Raider.  It’s been primed and waiting for me for a while.  I’m not sure how effective it is (it’s gotten nerfed a couple of times with edition changes), but it looks pretty cool.  I may use it as a centerpiece for a haywire-themed army, along with haywire Wyches and Scourges with haywire blasters.

Dark Eldar Reaper

I really like the sail on this model, although it was a pain to get ready.  It came a little warped.  While it easily can be adjusted with hot water, it’s hard to get it straight.  Plus there was a ton of flash in the rigging, although it cleaned up pretty well.

Dark Eldar Reaper (front detail)

Even though these dudes have no rules supporting them, I figured I ought to bling out the model a bit.

Dark Eldar Reaper (rear detail)

One of the more subtle resin bits are these extra trailing blades.  The main gun also runs all the way through the hull, which I think is kind of neat.

This completes my Dark Eldar backlog, so I’m ready for the new codex!

Updated July 2019 with improved images

Battle report, Malifaux, Spin-o-matic

Malifaux: Scheme and Brilliance Cloud Markers plus Celesticon Recap

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These markers are the final models I wanted to get done ahead of Celesticon.  All told, I was able to bring a fully painted 50 soulstone crew with painted markers to my first non-demo Malifaux game.

Scheme markers
Scheme markers

These are pretty simple scheme markers.  They are Armskeeper resin crystal put on 30mm bases, with a little sand and grit to fill out the base.  These should be nice faction-neutral markers, with different colors to potentially indicate different things.

Scheme markers (all)
Scheme markers (all)

The package came with 12 crystals, which I think should be plenty.

Brilliance clouds
Brilliance clouds

The Illuminated have a power to leave 30mm Brilliance Cloud markers behind.  I decided to make specific markers for them, since I expect to focus on Lynch for a while.  It also gave me an excuse to play with Armorcast cinematic effects.

As for the casual play event itself, I was paired up with Steve, who has been playing for a few weeks and brought Ramos.  I had fun, but I got smashed pretty badly.

I was pretty comfortable with the basic mechanics, though I had a difficult time remembering all the things my crew could do.  By the end of the game, I was getting a lot more comfortable with it, although I still don’t think I’ll be able to combo too well.  Steve had come with a handy cheat sheet, with suggestions of combos, and powers he could get off with certain cards in his hand, etc.

I think I need to try to get in a few games learning each model before adding new ones to the mix.

I’m looking forward to playing more.  I’m confident that the next game will go smoother.

Updated October 2016 with improved images.

Malifaux, Neverborn, Spin-o-matic

Malifaux: Beckoners

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The Beckoners are the second set of models I wanted to get done before Celesticon.

I decided to switch the skin tones from the official art for these models, just to be different.  This turns out to have been a mistake.  During the game, I had to be really careful I was marking the right stat card.

Beckoner (bending)
Beckoner (bending)

I’m pretty happy with this model, although it was a pain to pin the tiny feet to the base.  A bit of CA glue on the cane added another contact point.

Beckoner (bending, detail)
Beckoner (bending, detail)

I think these eyes turned out pretty well, although the skin is somewhat uneven.

Beckoner (standing)
Beckoner (standing)

The garter straps on this model didn’t turn out very well, although I’m not quite sure why.  Maybe it’s just too many colors (the dark blue boots, ret corset, purple stockings, and dark purple bottom) to look good together.

Beckoner (standing, detail)
Beckoner (standing, detail)

These eyes didn’t turn out nearly as neatly as the leaning Beckoner, but it still looks pretty good from two feet away.

Updated October 2016 with improved images.

Malifaux, Neverborn, Spin-o-matic

Malifaux: Mr. Tannen

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I wanted to round out the Jakob Lynch crew I started for the painting contest in time for the Celesticon causual play Malifaux event on Friday night.  My Gencon Wyrd order came last Tuesday, which gave me three days assemble, prime, and paint.

First up is Mr. Tannen.

Mr Tannen
Mr Tannen

Tannen’s jacket is the same blue as Lynch.  I like that they fit together, although it might be a bit too much.  Mr. Graves will definitely get a different color.

I was surprised when I opened the package to see two options for the arm behind his back: one with a knife and one with a card.  Since I’ve only ever seen the knife, I decided to go with the card.

Mr Tannen (detail)
Mr Tannen (detail)

I knew from the Wyrd forums that the Crossroads book lists an incorrect cost (5 soulstones) for Mr. Tannen.  The card included in the box had the correct one (6), but the card in the wave 2 arsenal deck is wrong (5).

Updated October 2016 with improved images.

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