Just Completed: A New Maulerfiend and a Tournament

Hello there once again, fellow Chaos lunatics! Welcome back to another "exciting" edition of Chaos Corner. I played a 3 round tournament at my local this past weekend. I took a mild Khorne Daemonkin list (standard force organization only, no formations, Lords of War, etc.). The organizer said "don't be a dick" with the list. Sadly, I went WAAAAYYY to conservative, as everyone had formations, allies, and Imperial Knights and Wraithknights (Chaos really needs an answer to these- the Lord of Skulls is too costly when compared to the various Knights and Riptides and the like).

At any rate, my first opponent was a tank and flyer heavy Imperial Guard. Unfortunately for my opponent, he underestimated the Maulerfiends, and they just cleaved through his tanks like a knife through butter. My Daemon Prince did likewise. He had very little left until his flyers came in. I only lost one unit up to that point, and I destroyed enough tanks that I was able to summon the Bloodthirster and after his first turn materializing he want after the flyers, taking one out very quickly. The ref called time, and I had won big time. Everything (Fleshounds, Maulers, Heldrake) worked with perfect synergy. And the free Bloodthirster was the icing on the cake.

My second game was the exact opposite of my first. My opponent was playing Eldar, with bikes, warp spiders, Wave Serpents and a Wraithknight. Yikes. Those damn D shots really brutalized my army. Further, it was short edge deployment, so I had to move all the way, while he shot and then withdrew out of my range. I was frustrated but fought till the last. I really think D weapons are too much for a 2K point game- I need to have a strategy to fight Wraithknights, for next time. I really felt that this match was so lopsided- there was no way I could get to him, let alone beat him...

My third game was the best overall, even though I lost in the end. My opponent had Space Marines with 20 Terminators, Devastators (w/ Grav), Drop pods, Tac squads, etc. Even though I didn't win, it was a very closely fought game, and I made my opponent pay for his victory. My Flesh Hounds were particularly good, taking out a Terminator squad and then another- taking 15 Flesh Hounds in a squad is a great idea- a hard hitting unit with lots of wounds! And the 5 Inv helps against power fists too. My Lord on Juggernaut (with fellow Bloodcrushers) did well too, racing down the field to the opponents end, killing a bunch of Space Marines along the way. It was a hot, back and forth game, though victory ultimately belonged to the followers of the False Emperor. Making the game better still, my opponent was a very good sport- friendly and fair. Best of all, he played in the old style- no LOWs or absurd allies. It was a really fun game, and I certainly didn't mind losing.

I haven't done a Tournament in quite some time. This was a lot of fun. Met some nice people, got to see some nice models, had pizza. It was just a fun day, win, lose, or draw.

At any rate, I managed to finish (just in time for the Tournament) my 4th Maulerfiend, inspired by the very concept of "Daemonkin". I was at my local one day when I saw a "used" Maulerfiend for 25 bucks. He was put together and sprayed black. He looked like your standard Maulerfiend, though some of his spikes appeared to be broken and re-glued. But, with some work- you'd never notice.

I did want to make him my own though. At Christmas, my brother got me a Skull Cannon. You'll notice that I haven't posted it. That's because it is a hideous model- I think it may be one of the worst that GW has ever put out. Ugh. However, the Bloodletter rider for the chariot looks just fine. So I assembled him and put him on top of the Maulerfiend. I wanted him to look like he's riding a HUGE Juggernaut.

 Since the Khorne Daemonkin book, I figured why the heck not- put a Daemon on a walker. The model was painted with my usual Khorne Red with Wazdakka Red highlights, with Brazen Brass and Runelord Brass for the metal trim.

Ultimately, he fits right in with my other Maulerfiends. I think I'll stop at 4, though with the Blood Host detachment, I *could* have 8... Nah. I think 4 is enough. Unless I get another idea for a conversion that it is....

I hope you've liked the pics. Until next time!

Khorne Lord On Juggernaut and Friends

Hey there Chaos lunatics! I hope the Eye of Terror finds you well and chaotic today! How about that Age of Sigmar? Lol. Actually, I don't know if its a "so crazy its brilliant move" or not (it MUST be only an intro game- it can't just be 4 pages of rules, can it?). For us Chaos players, the Khorne half of the set is a veritable goldmine! The Khorne Lord with a Flesh Hound is just fantastic, as is the "beast master" with whip guy. The Knights and Marauders are also incredible. Terminators and Cultists anyone? Yeah---- I may be buying it just for them. Not exactly saving money the Chaos way, but...

Well, I also have some newly painted models to show off. 3 plastic Bloodcrushers and a metal Khorne Lord on Juggernaut. So- away we go...

I have  6 of the old metal Bloodcrsuhers. I like the units, as they are more durable than a lot of other Daemon units. However, thanks to the new Daemonkin codex. Their formation (with Terminators) is pretty good- +1 A if outnumbered. If I take the squad minimum, its a virtual guarantee that they will be outnumbered. And if they die- well, that's another blood tithe token, so its win-win.

So, as a result of thinking about this formation, I decided to buy the plastic Bloodcrusher set. I like the kit a great deal- the plastic goes together so much better than the metal, and they look almost exactly the same as the metal ones, so they go together very well indeed.

I painted the Juggernauts with Khorne Red and I dulled it down with Nuln Oil. The underbelly I did Balthazar Gold and again, washed it with Nuln Oil. The trim was built up with Balthazar and Brass Scorpion.

The Bloodletter riders I started with Khorne Red and then washed with Nuln Oil. I then did successive drybrushes of Khorne Red and Evil Sunz Scarlet, with an edge highlight of Wild Rider Red. The horns are black with 'ardcoat to make them shinny.

I have had the old metal Khorne Lord for a long time. The original plan was to make him Black Legion with the Mark of Khorne. But, I never got to it, and so it sat in the box. Now with the Daemonkin, the Juggernaut can join the Bloodcrusher units, so that makes for a strong punch that I can't ignore. So I dug him up and began to work on him.

The Khorne Lord is similar to my Bezerkers. Khorne Red, Nuln Oil wash, followed by highlights of Khorne Red and Wazdakka Red. His helm I decided to do differently. Ironically I had used the metal head on another model, so I had to use a plastic one, so I wanted to do something to make it special. Since Daemonkin Chaos Marines want to emulate the Daemons, I decided to make that a visual on the model. The skull helm was done brighter red, like the Bloodletters. The "bunny ears" on the helm I decided to do black, like my Bloodletter horns. So, my lord is trying to evoke the daemon look.

The Lord's Juggernaut I KNEW I had to do differently. After seeing (and being inspired by) a model shown in Warhammer Visions (I like the bigger format lots better, but the mag still needs work), I decided to paint the Juggernaut black with a very light drybrush of Dark Reaper grey. I did the trim Leadbelcher, and the holes were done to look like there was fire/magma within. I felt that it set him apart from the others, and I could make a good reason for it. All the Juggernauts come from Khorne's forges, but they are daemonic, ridden by Bloodletters. I could imagine a Warpsmith manufacturing a Juggernaut for his Lord. Thus, it looks like metal and engine fire, rather than the daemonic red.

I really am happy with how the Khorne Lord and Juggernaut came out. He certainly stands apart as he should, but he is also very tied into the rest of my army. I am looking forward to fielding him and my new Bloodcrushers very soon. Blood for the blood god indeed!

So, that's all for now. I'm hoping to finish another unit this week if I can. I will be sure to show it here as soon as its done. I'm also planning on having a game this week, and I'll be participating in a tournament at the end of the month. I'll be sure to report those too.

Until Next Time...

Maximizing Tour Gaming Dollar The Chaos Way: Flesh Hounds of Khorne

Hey there Chaos fanatics! Old Man Chaos is back in action. Sorry I've been spotty lately- work and life has gotten in the way, preventing me from hobbying, let alone posting. However, work craziness has passed and I'm hoping to post once a week or so once again.

I did manage to get in a few games with the new Codex: Khorne Daemonkin before work went crazy. I really like the book, though after the recent releases of Eldar and Space Marines, I feel somewhat cheated and diminished. Yikes- Space Marines are crazy now. I'm quite disconcerted after reading that behemoth of a book.

However, I will continue to develop my Khornate army, as I love the concept and it is only building upon my World Eaters. I have enjoyed every game I've played with this codex though, win lose or draw. Its a fun book with some great fluffy rules but is in now way overbearing. One of the things that I have noticed in all my games so far is the ubiquity of the Flesh Hounds of Khorne. I have six of the metal ones (the reptilian looking ones). I like those models, but I never found them too useful. However, in my recent games, I have summoned them with the Blood Tithe and they have been pivotal each time. One game in particular stands out- the Grey Knight unit was walking away with the Relic. My hounds were summoned (as if by Khorne himself, set loose upon his cowardly foes), chasing down the unit and wreaking havoc, killing the unit and claiming the relic, giving me the game.

Now, this got me thinking- could they be useful in other ways? They are fast, have multiple wounds, and are fairly cheap. And, IF you use their formation (the Gorepack), they get Hammer of Wrath to boot. The more I looked at them, the more I said "What was I thinking? Not using them- I'm an idiot.  I need more of them- pronto!"

Funny enough, all my local stores were out of them (other Khorne Daemonkin players must have had the same ephipany as I did about the Flesh Hounds). So, I went on GWs web site, and I was about to order when I saw the price--- $49.50. For 5 of them. That's 10 bucks a model. What the F--- GW?!

Ahem. Well, as you know, Old Man Chaos is not one to take things lying down. I bent all of my evil, Chaotic intellect to solving the problem, refusing to rest or take any nourishment until I found a cost effective way of collecting skulls for Khorne! Hey- Khorne gets mad at GW prices just like any of us... he understands my feelings.

So, what foul solution did I come up with? It was so easy- I decided to use Fantasy Chaos Warhounds. Now, they may not be quite as fancy as the Flesh Hounds, but they get the job done. They are hounds, and with the proper paint job, they fit in perfectly with my Khorne forces. Heck, they even look like the Flesh Hounds from several editions ago.... so why the heck not.

It's a deal that even Khorne would approve of *. The Warhounds box gives you 10 of them for.... 24.75. Yes, you read that right- 10 hounds for 24.75. Now, you don't have to be a math genius to figure it out. 5 Finecast Flesh Hounds ($49.50) vs. 10 Warhounds ($24.75). Which is the better deal... Hmmmm...

That means you COULD get 20 hounds for the price of 5 Flesh Hounds.... Which is exactly what I did. For 49.50 I got 20 Warhounds- which have now been painted to be Flesh Hounds (I finished these 10, and am working on the next 10). Now, that is a damn fine amount of savings right there. Thus, you are clearly maximizing your gaming dollar.

 And there aren't too many opponents who would deny your using them (if they do, they are assholes. There. I said it). Chaotic hounds are chaotic hounds. Period. As for me and Khorne, we are  happy, for soon 20 "Flesh Hounds" will be roaming the battlefields, stalking their prey and running them to ground, thus ensuring that the blood flows. And what a bargain! Lol.

 I hope this article will inspire you as you build your Daemonkin. I now have to work on a few more Chaos Bikers so that I can comfortably run the Gorepack. Now the question is- will it be 2 groups of 10 each or 4 groups of 5... Either way, blood tithes will be earned! Until next time...

* Could you imagine the Chaos gods haggling over GW prices? Khorne would be enraged, cutting off the heads of GW stockholders right and left.  Nurgle would be saying 'This hobby is so expensive... I'm going to leave... Awww. Who am I kidding... I can't leave my lovelies". Slaanesh would just snort his plastic crack and not feel guilty. Tzeentch - I think he would seek out the Chinese knock-offs that I've seen out there- he would pass them off as examples of his magic... "I got this dreadnought for $3.50... How? Only the changer of the ways knows that..."

RIP Christopher Lee

Hello Chaos fanatics! I know I've been away a bit, but its my busy season at work and it has been virtually non-stop. I even haven't been able to paint as much either... However, I am putting the finishing touches on a few things and I'll be showing them soon (by middle of next week).

I was at work this morning when I saw the news on Facebook about the passing of legendary actor Christopher Lee. Geez- it's been a rough year for that, first Nimoy, now Lee. However, neither could have many complaints- both lived long and full lives and accomplished so much as actors. Both have certainly made indelible contributions to geekdom (or nerddom or whatever you want to call it).

Unlike Nimoy, who was typecast as Spock, Lee played a variety of roles; while most were of the villainous variety, each role was quite different. So he could go from playing a snarling Dracula to a suave James Bond villain to a Sith Lord, to a mad scientist, and, finally, a white wizard with ease- and while his distinctive voice was the same, his demeanor and acting differed greatly.

Just as an example, look at the last two huge characters he played- Saruman and Darth Tyranus. On paper, both are similar. They are both traitors to their orders, they are both "masters" of their arts, they have joined with a "dark lord", they plan to plunge their respective worlds into war- yes, they have many such similarities. Any actor playing both roles might be tempted to play them similarly, since they are indeed rather close. Lee, on the other hand, played both quite differently:

Lee's Saruman had a semi-crazed look in his eyes; it was almost as if communicating with Sauron was warping him completely-  stealing his very sanity. In Fellowship, after consulting the Palantir, Saruman sits, clutching a book- half crazed, half terrified- communing with Sauron is breaking him. The Orc comes in and then Saruman says, almost fearfully, "We have work to do". In Two Towers, when he sends his Urak Hai to war, his speech is practically genocidal, and quite unhinged ("To WAAAAAAAARRRR!!"). When his end comes in Return of the King, he is wild, wantonly attacking Gandalf, his face a mix of fear, hate, and yes, self-pity. His abuse of Wormtounge has consequences that he never would have dreamed of- stabbed in the back by his stooge. The shock on Lee's face is priceless. The cur has bit the hand of his master.

Meanwhile, his portrayal of Darth Tyranus is very different. In Attack of the Clones, this former Jedi turned Sith is a master of being calm, cool, and collected. His every utterance is of an even tenor, designed to sow confusion as to his true purpose (his whole scene with Obi Wan- what incredible misdirection). Tyranus is in command, no matter the situation, and is seemingly always a few steps ahead of the hapless Jedi. His utter disdain for Obi Wan and Anakin borders on humorous contempt ("Surely you can do better"). His battle with Yoda in AOTC is legendary, with Lee being the coldly evil Sith while Yoda is a whirling dervish of justice. But again, Tyranus plays Yoda, manipulating his emotions (knowing he'll save the Jedi over finishing Tyranus). However, in Revenge of the Sith, the tables are turned, and it was Tyranus who was being played. Lee's face says it all in that final scene- he looks at Palpatine, realizing the betrayal while also, you get the impression that he is also thinking that he should have seen it coming. And his refusal to beg for his life just adds to the character (the story goes that Lucas wanted Tyranus to beg, and Lee said his character wouldn't do that).

Lee was terrific in nearly everything he did, whether its The Wicker Man or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He brought a weight (gravitas) to just about every role, and even bad movies were made better by his presence. I certainly haven't seen all his films (well over 200). I know I'll be drawn back to LOTR and SW over the next few days, but maybe I'll try to see one that I haven't seen yet.

Until next time...

Brief Movie Review: Avengers: Age of Ultron

Hey there Chaos fiends! Welcome back to the dreaded Chaos Corner. I have taken a bit of a break from 40K painting- I intend on resuming in the next two weeks. I've been busy lately- work stuff, and I got a shinny new Xbox One, so it has distracted me from my usual addiction. Fear not, as this is only temporary (I need to beat the very creepy game The Evil Within first). At any rate, I'm here to offer a brief review of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

First, I musty say- don't believe the naysayers. This movie is a blast, a ton of fun. Whether its better than the first Avengers (its DARN close) is debatable. Is it the best Marvel movie- no, that title belongs top Cap 2. The truth is Avengers 2 is an action packed movie with a good sense of humor.

I think the problem is expectations. After Avengers 1 and Cap 2, the expectations were sky high. Through the roof. Impossible to reach. I suspect that some who haven't enjoyed this movie simply kept comparing it to Avengers 1- and their DREAMS of Avengers 2 should be. It was never going to match that.

I must admit, the movie has flaws. It feels rushed in several areas- particularly with Ultron himself (who is fascinating but needed more time to develop). There were some beats that didn't quite work (Quicksilver). The movie also feels overstuffed with characters- they ALMOST manage to successfully juggle them, but they don't quite get it right (unlike Cap 2- when you think about it, that film has lots of major and minor characters, but they balance them very well). They dispense with some things far too quickly (von Strucker).

On the other hand, the film gets a ton right- more than enough to make up for its flaws. The team's chemistry remains spot on, and each of the Avengers gets a chance to shine at some point. The humor is also very sharp and witty. The action scenes are top notch- filled with excitement but never too much to follow. The movie (despite its 2 1/2 hour length) moves briskly. I was also very happy with how they handled Vision. I can't wait to see more of him. The movie also has a bigger scope, with the Avengers running to several nations to fight Ultron (Korea, Eastern Europe, "Wakanda"). Ultron was an impressive villain- a dark reflection of both Iron Man and Banner (I just wished we got more time with him).

So- I didn't give any spoilers, but I think Avengers 2 is a great movie- action, humor, good actors. Better than Avengers 1? Does it have to be? I don't know. I do know it was a fun time at the theater, and it certainly is strong enough to be in the Marvel Pantheon. For me, the Marvel films are fun, and I love watching them. But- they are not deep films. Certainly Nolan's Batman is deeper and more thought provoking- taking current issues and using them for comic book stories while also having emotional resonance. The only Marvel film that has done that is Cap 2- NSA / drone strikes along with the sinking feeling that Cap's fight against Fascism / Totalitarianism has not been won, rather it is only just begun. Its current, but also resonant emotionally. The rest of the Marvel films are fun affairs, and seeing these characters handled with such respect has been a pleasure for this former comic book collector.

If you like the Marvel films, go see Avengers 2. It is, at the very least, a fine comic book film. Chances are you will enjoy the heck out of it! I know I did. In fact, I am hoping to see it again soon...

Examining A Movie: The War of the Worlds (1953)

Hey there Chaos followers and assorted mutants. Old Man Chaos has been working on lots of Warhammer stuff- I'm trying to finish up my Harlequin vehicles while also working on some new stuff for my Khorne Daemonkin force (loving that book at the moment). However, I'm not done with anything to show yet, and as you know I don't want this blog to just be about 40K... So, I've decided to do a little movie review. With that, let us now turn to...

First, a little personal background: I loved this movie as a child. My parents were both into Sci-fi to one extent or another, and between the two of them I was introduced to tons of Sci-fi stuff, including Star Trek, The Black Hole, Star Wars, Alien, and a whole lot more. So, of course my parents ended up watching this, and I was just sucked in. Since they owned it on the old Videodisc format, I know I saw it many times as a young kid. It would also be a movie I would revisit quite often; I watched it over the weekend on Netflix, as a matter of fact!

The movie is very, very loosely based on the famous book of the same name by H.G. Wells. I have read it twice- the book is about a British man trying to survive a Martian invasion of England. The character (who is the narrator and hence never gives his name) tries to find his wife, while seeing the horrors of an alien invasion. The Martians, in their tripod walkers, lay waste to the British army with both "heat rays" and poison gas ("black smoke"). The book is written in older English, and it really helps if you know the geography around London. The book was quite revolutionary for its time, and also serves as a critique of British Imperialism. The Martians, so technologically and mentally advanced are able to sweep the British away so easily (just as the British seemed to do to other Asian/African peoples). Allegory? Perhaps, though the book has more than just that going on. The book has become a classic, inspiring Sci-fi creators for over a century.

The 1953 film is, as I said, a rather loose interpretation of the book, though they are accurate when it comes to the broadest strokes (and gist). This time, the story takes place in America, where Dr. Clayton Forester takes the lead in examining a crashed meteor in California. Of course, its not a meteor, but a cylinder that contains three Martian war machines. The American military goes against these Martians, and they are totally destroyed. Now, Forester and Sylvia must try to survive while also, hopefully, finding a way to defeat the alien invaders, who are seemingly unstoppable.

First and foremost, the special effects make the movie so memorable and striking. Now, I admit they are dated, but actually hold up better than you might actually think. The Martian war machines hover and tick menacingly, gently gliding along, incinerating anything in their path. The heat ray is quite simple in look, but effective due to the sound effect that goes with it. The martians themselves, which you never get a close look at, or appropriately weird. Their eyes are obviously a poor effect, but their flesh moves and pulses, which actually looks creepy and real. You also get to see all kinds of US military hardware on display, including a flying wing and an atomic bomb.

The big battle scene, which takes place in the middle of the movie, is still rather exciting, even now. Tanks, planes, and all kinds of ordinance are fired at the Martians, blowing up spectacularly, but also without result. Martian shields prevent any damage, while their death rays just vaporize the army. It is thrilling to watch, even now. We throw everything at them, and they just move forward at an even rate, not stopped by our "powerful" weapons. Later in the film, even nukes cannot harm them.

The other big scene of destruction comes at the end of the movie, with the war machines descending upon Los Angeles. There is no army. No resistance. The Martians are just destroying everything in their path without mercy. It is not as thrilling as the earlier battle, but you get the feeling of hopelessness. It seems no power on earth con stop them.

The movie, surprisingly for 1953, isn't afraid to get its hands dirty. As the people flee LA, there is chaos and anarchy. Mobs of wild people (some criminals, others just left behind) attack any trucks or cars. One of the trucks has important scientific equipment on board; Forester begs the mob to stop, but they won't listen. From that point on, Forester is a desperate, slightly crazed man, without any hope. Not bad for 1953.

The movie is not an allegory, though the Cold War comes up obliquely here. The Martians are cold and unsympathetic, their home world a frozen wasteland. They are advanced in technology, but not in morality. Americans viewed the Soviets in such terms (even before Sputnik was launched). Their "godlessness" is also emphasized. One of the first people the martians kill is a minister; later, references are made to God, creation, etc. Finally, as the Martians burn LA, the only place of safety is the church- take that you godless commies, er, Martians.

What this movie really is, though, is a kind of prototype of future Hollywood sci-fi / destruction films. Whether its Independence Day (which is, in many ways, a direct rip off) or any other large scale disaster film, it is War of the Worlds that sets the tone. The film's main character is a famous scientist advising the military. The smaller characters are either killed or forgotten with total abandon. The scenes of destruction are top notch. The film also has a montage, showing other nations fighting (and losing to) the Martians. This film set the tone and troupes that many movies would use. Frankly, it does it better than half of them do today, that's for sure.

The acting is good enough, as it is the action and effects that will make the movie, not the actors. That said, Gene Barry does a good job of making a "thinking man's hero" out of Dr. Forester. He is a genius, but he realizes early on that even his gifted intellect is of no match for the Martians. As his hope evaporates, he breaks down, becoming near hysterical at the end. His "girlfriend" (they aren't dating but they fall for each other during the Martian assault) Sylvia, played by Ann Robinson, has little to do but scream and run, though she suffers the personal loss of her minister uncle. Finally, Les Tremayne plays General Mann, an Eisenhower-esque soldier who relies on Forester's knowledge and America's brute strength, and he too does a good job of showing frustration and defeat, though he never "loses" it as Forester does. Tremayne has a the air of command, making Mann a tough, but reliable soldier.

The film starts slow, but once it gets going it simply doesn't stop. The action, special effects, music, and solid lead acting make War of the Worlds a first rate classic. It may not be as thought provoking as say Day the Earth Stood Still or Invasion of the Body Snatchers, it is still a great movie, and it set up incredible precedents, which are still with Hollywood today. If you are a Sci-fi fan, check this film out. I know you won't regret it.

** For the record, Steven Spielberg made a version of War of the Worlds in 2005. That movie is also very good (for different reasons). It is a "bit" more faithful to the book, and the alien war machines are very cool looking. The film is also a strong Allegory to the War on Terror- is that blood or oil? However, I prefer the 1953 version (I can only take so much Tom Cruise running and little girl screaming, which the movie does in spades). Perhaps I should review this one in the future...

Until next time...