First Rank, Second Rank

Commission: Fire Belly

2011-09-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

After a long hiatus I'm back at it with a new camera, a new MacBook, and Lightroom...

Battle Report: IG vs Eldar 1500

2011-06-01T11:49:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I played my first game in quite awhile last week. We finally got our gaming group going and I got a "War of Attrition" in from the battle missions book. Quick outline of the scenario and then I'll post the link up to it.

The victory condition was old school victory points (yay!). Special rules being that all troop units could recycle back onto the board edge the following turn they were destroyed. Dedicated transports do not benefit from this special rule.

The board was split right down the middle, and there was no minimum distance to how close you could start from the enemy, as long as you were on your half of the table edge. That being said.. here is the video!

Grey Knight Squad Alpha

2011-04-25T22:45:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, Just finished my full 10 man squad and based them, quick pic here. Once I get my new lens I'll take some professional pics.

What's new around FRSR

2011-04-21T17:40:00.001-04:00

Hey guys, just wanted to give a quick rundown of what I've been working on this week.
Read more »

Grey Knight Squad Alpha

2011-04-19T20:16:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, finished my first Grey Knight squad last night.

Read more »

Grey Knights Test Mini! Update!

2011-04-18T17:44:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I went back and finished up the base. I was unhappy with it the first time, but I'm REALLY happy with the way it came out this time. Here are a few more pictures of the mini. I'm diggin' it so I'm locking it down. Off to finish the squad..

Grey Knight Test Mini!

2011-04-17T01:05:00.000-04:00

~So there he is! What do you think?

Death Korps of Krieg Demolisher Tank

2011-04-14T04:04:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys! Time to do a bit of spring cleaning...
Read more »

Grey Knights

2011-04-13T21:40:00.001-04:00

So.. the new kids on the block..
Read more »

eBay Auction: Retribution of Scyrah Blow out!

2011-04-04T18:21:00.001-04:00

Hey guys, I wanted to shamelessly advertise my auction! Good luck bidding!

Link to the auction!

Officer of the Fleet Completed!

2011-04-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

Officer of the Fleet!

Read more »

Command HQ Finished!

2011-03-24T13:24:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, another day, another installment of the Cadian 501st. This time I finished up the Command squad. I still have 1 advisor to paint up, but the core squad is done.

Read more »

Back at it with the Cadian 501st

2011-03-22T15:04:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, after a long hiatus from war gaming I've decided to come back and work on my Imperial Guard army. The Cadian 501st.

Read more »

eBay Khador blowout

2010-11-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, the time has come for me to part with my Khador. I'm moving on from the hobby and just wanted to give anyone a heads up that follows my blog that the auction ends tonight. Here is a direct link.

Festus' Khador Auction

~ Good luck and good bidding!

Legion of Everblight: 15 Points Finished!

2010-10-31T12:27:00.002-04:00

So I've been away for a bit.. what have I been working on? Legion of Everblight!

Tables!

2010-10-07T15:31:00.001-04:00

Hey guys, I just finished up some tables the other day at the local gaming shop and wanted to show off some pix.
Read more »

Master Class: High Exemplar Kreoss

2010-10-02T09:10:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, Col. Festus here! It's been awhile since my last post so I decided to put up a good one! Time for another Master Class, High Exemplar Kreoss.
Read more »

Master Class Showcase: Kreoss and Some News!

2010-09-30T09:37:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys, just finished up my first Warcaster for Menoth and I wanted to post him up!

Read more »

Warmachine: My 35 point Butcher of Khardov list

2010-08-26T13:39:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys, so I've been playing my Khador for about 6 months now and have fine tuned most of my lists. I'd like to share the lists I've been using and the success I've had with them recently.
Read more »

Warjack-Warbeast BOLS Competition Entry: Beast 09

2010-08-18T09:21:00.000-04:00

Unleash the Beast!

With the competition deadline coming to a close I finished my entry for the Warjack-Warbeast BOLS Painting Competition. I wanted to share it all with you guys and ask you to vote for me! ;)
Read more »

Cadian 501st: Autocannons!

2010-08-11T22:40:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, just finished up some Autocannon teams. Just wanted to share a few pics with you. The shell casings are tube beads from Michael's Craft Store. I simply applied them to the bases like I would static grass. Feedback is appreciated!

~ Starting work on Infantry Squad 2 tomorrow night. I have to finish up a commission piece for the local game store.. with the credit the owner is paying me I'm planning on picking up 3 or 4 Chimeras. Keep an eye out for the Krieg weathering techinques to be applied to the Cadian tanks! As always if you have any questions feel free to drop me a line at col.festus@gmail.com.

Cadian 501st: Platoon Command Squad

2010-08-01T01:40:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, just finished up my first platoon command squad. Figured I'd share the finished result with you! I plan on running these guys in a chimera. I have a few commission pieces to finish this week and then with the cash I'll be buying this squad and a few other some wheels... or should I say treads. Anyway keep an eye out for more updates!

501st: Mechanized Infantry 1500 points

2010-07-30T07:59:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! So I've been toying around with lists and I decided I wanted to go with "Panzer Grenadier" type army. Basically the idea is to have a bunch of heavy tanks (AV 14) backed up by mechanized infantry and support elements.
Read more »

Cadian 501st: First Squad Done!

2010-07-29T23:39:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I just finished up the first squad and took a few pics. I'll take some more formal stuff and include a tutorial hopefully later this week.

40k Project: Cadian 501st

2010-07-26T20:01:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys, I know it's been awhile since my last update... life's been quite busy as of late. Any who I got some time again and I want to introduce a project that I will be working on for the foreseeable future. The Cadian 501st Shock Trooper Regiment.
Read more »

Warhammer Fantasy Gets a Facelift

2010-06-28T08:32:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys, this morning I wanted to talk a bit about the release of 8th and the overhaul that Warhammer: Fantasy Battles is getting.
Read more »

Hordes News: New Trollblood Warlock spotted!

2010-06-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, was cruising the PP forums and came across this little guy... Gunnbjorn!
Read more »

Warmachine Hobby: Painting Retribution of Scyrah Myrmidons

2010-06-18T09:08:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, here to give you some insight into painting Retribution of Scyrah myrmidons!
Read more »

Unit Review: The Widowmaker Marksmen

2010-05-28T13:06:00.000-04:00

One Shot, One Kill: The Widowmaker Marksmen

The Widowmaker Marksmen

Overview
Just like his less experienced brothers (and sisters) the WidowmakerMarksmen is a sharpshooter with high RAT, however he brings a POW 12weapon to the party that will keep solos and UA's on their toes. Ithink he a ton of applications that don't immediately jump out, most ofthem become more apparent as you team him up with other parts of yourarmy (more on this later!).

Stats, abilities
The biggest thing that stands out on the marksmen is his exceptionalRAT. It's one point higher than our already accurate Widowmakers. Hewill hit most things and can stay on the move while doing it. Even highdefensive models will sweat it out when he stands still for an aimingbonus. He also brings 5 damage boxes to the table, which can be nice isAOE's are heading his way. Also of note his his speed. When paired withSwift Hunter he can be quite mobile.

Speaking of Swift Hunter, as long as other Widowmakers will gain thisability when in his control area. This effectively makes their threatrange 16" as they can shoot and back up (if they kill something ofcourse). One big benefit of the marksmen is his stealth ability. Withhis extremely long range weapon he can remain fairly safe as long asAOEs aren't thrown his way. Even then the change of rolling a 1 on thescatter is low and if they are throwing AOE's at him, then somethingelse in your army isn't taking the hit. Seeing as Khador has many moreimmediate threats in their army this problem usually doesn't come upmuch.

Finally I will touch on sniper very quickly. He has the ability tochoose where he puts his damage on warjacks and warbeasts, or cansimply deal 1 point of damage (which he can also chose where it goes).At first this doesn't seem like much, but he can reliably damage lightjacks, especially arc nodes (I'm looking at you Cryx) and when teamedwith Widowmakers they have a great shot at knocking out crucial boxes.

Just like Widowmakers he also comes with Advance Deploy. I typicallyuse this to simply place him last rather than in front of my army. Thismakes sure hes in the right place to take out his targets.

Synergies
Widowmakers - This is a fairly obvious choice as he grants them SwiftHunter when in his command range. As well as giving them swift hunterit can be another auto damage point to jacks or solos that require thatmagical 5 damage to bring down.

Destroyer/Fieldgun/Mortar/Decimator
Matching him up with any of the above is awesome and is almost alwaysin any army I built. When you hit a heavy jack with one of the aboveyou are usually a few boxes away from taking out systems. Thewidowmaker with his PS 12 gun on average can do a few points of damageto a heavy, and a moderate amount to a light. This will often be enoughto cripple systems. A great boon and something the enemy usually won'tsee coming. I personal field a "detachment" of a `Jack MarshaledDestroyer with widowmakers + marksmen backing them up. I run them onthe opposite side of the field and chew away at flankingunits/jacks/solos. The Destroyer with power booster and `Jack Marshalcan fire a boosted to hit and damage shell every round followed by thehail of 1 point damage can really cause headaches to an opponentsjacks.

eIrusk
He is actually a great solo to throw Fire for Effect on. His ability tochoose where he damages can mean some pretty crippling shots onwarjacks. Solos will also run for the hills. He can also hide withother infantry and shoot through them taking out key solos, just bewary of AOE's getting throw their way, or arc lightning.

pButcher
Similar to eIrusk but for one round he can help lay on some crucial damage during the feat turn.

pVlad
Everyone benefits from Signs and Portents, the widowmaker marksmen is no exception, especially with the sniper ability.

pIrusk
Inhospitable Ground is awesome and greatly increases his survivabilityas enemies trying to run to engage him will find themselves shortstaring down the barrel of his gun.

Lady Aiyanna and Master Holt
These guys greatly increase the hitting power of the Marksmen. If theycan Harm a unit hes targeting its almost like having boosted damagerolls against them. Very handy especially with the Destroyer/Widowmakercombo I mentioned earlier.

~ I love the marksmen. Where as the Manhunter can be sort of a one timemissile, the Widowmaker Marksmen can keep laying on the pain in crucialareas from the safety of 14 inches away. I almost use him with anycaster I play as I can always find a use for him. Lately I've even beentaking him over the Manhunter and it's been working out very well. Ihope this helps anyone thinking about using him! Feel free to add yourown thoughts and ideas!

Protectorate Of Menoth: Test Miniature

2010-05-15T22:22:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys `n Gals, I just finished up my test mini for my Protectorate army. I thought I would discuss a little what went into his creation.
Read more »

Forum Find: Magnetizing the Protectorate of Menoth Plastic Jack Kit

2010-05-14T11:25:00.001-04:00

So I was browsing the boards over at Privateer Press and I came across this lovely tutorial by Plarzoid.
Read more »

Forces of Warmachine: The Protectorate of Menoth Released - 2nd Faction Decided!

2010-05-01T20:59:00.000-04:00

So another month down and another faction book released! I must say it's quite a beautiful book.
Read more »

Showcase: Widowmaker Marksmen

2010-04-27T23:34:00.001-04:00

Hot off the paint table... the Widowmaker Marksmen!
Read more »

Kommander Irusk

2010-04-20T20:44:00.000-04:00

So I just finished up my favorite caster, Kommander Irusk. I recently started playing him and I am blown away by his flexibility!

Read more »

Chestnut Ink Replacement Found!

2010-04-20T12:57:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, being an avid user of Chestnut Ink from GW I was crestfallen when they discontinued it... however I have found a better replacement!
Read more »

Auction: Lizardmen Starter Army

2010-04-10T21:30:00.002-04:00

So the time has come for my first eBay auction! I have painted up some Lizardmen that fell into my lap and am selling them as a great starter army, or an add on for an existing army! Bid away!
Read more »

Showcase: Yuri the Axe

2010-04-08T13:19:00.000-04:00

Alrighty guys, got some more Khador fress off the paint table today. Yuri the Axe!

Read more »

Showcase: The Great Bears of Gallowswood

2010-04-06T23:19:00.001-04:00

Just finished this badass unit! Used the new Dullcote formula on them!

Read more »

Warmachine: eCaine 35 Point Tourny List

2010-04-01T22:07:00.000-04:00

So with my pButcher Khador list just about done I've been looking to start a 2nd list with a new faction, a certain gunslinger has caught my eyes...

Read more »

Tactica: The Butcher of Khardov pt. 2

2010-03-30T11:16:00.000-04:00

So I wrote an overview of the Butcher earlier in the week. I wanted to complete the review with some synergy with `jacks and unit/solos.
Read more »

Hobby: Custom Dice

2010-03-29T21:35:00.000-04:00

Here to give you a review on the custom dice ordering process from Chessex so your army can roll in style... pun intended!
Read more »

Showcase: Ironfang Pikemen

2010-03-28T12:43:00.000-04:00

So I finished my Ironfang Pikemen unit the other night... oh the horror!
Read more »

Tactica: The Butcher of Khardov

2010-03-27T11:02:00.000-04:00

Hi guys, after 2 months straight of nothing but games with the Butcher I felt I would write up a small review based on my experiences!

Weathering 101

2010-03-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys, as per request here is the low down on weathering your models!
Read more »

Showcase: Kodiak

2010-03-15T22:48:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, just finished up my Kodiak. I took step by step pictures of this bad boy, keep an eye out tomorrow for the weathering tutorial!

Showcase: Winter Guard Mortar Crew

2010-03-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, got some more Khador for you tonight!

Read more »

Warmachine MKII: Thoughts One Month In

2010-03-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

I wanted to do a little write up detailing my thoughts on Warmachine MKII one month in for anyone else debating on taking the plunge.
Read more »

Showcase: Devastator

2010-03-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

I finally got the missing legs in for my Devastator so I went right to work!

Read more »

Warmachine Tactica: High Executioner Servath Reznik

2010-03-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

Read a wonderful overview of the tactics used for this Menoth Warcaster over on the PP boards. I wanted to post it up here for all to enjoy!

Showcase: War Dog

2010-03-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hot off the paint table, my Khadorian War Dog!

Read more »

Showcase: Widowmakers

2010-03-07T00:23:00.000-05:00

Alright guys, Widowmakers are done!
Read more »

Windowmaker Test Mini

2010-03-04T23:56:00.001-05:00

Test mini for my Khador Widowmakers done!

Read more »

Rumors: Kommander Strakhov

2010-03-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

So apparently over on Privateer Press' web site they have some rules leaks for this new Khadorian Warcaster Kommander Strakhov.

Showcase: The Butcher of Khardov

2010-02-28T02:20:00.001-05:00

Alrighty guys just finished painting my first Warcaster for Khador and I felt like showing him off ;) I present the Butcher of Khardov!

Read more »

Two Days, Two Jacks!

2010-02-26T14:16:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, two days down two jacks down! I'm really trying to crank through these for the weekly gaming day Wednesday.
Read more »

Death Korps of.... Khador?!

2010-02-25T21:50:00.001-05:00

Hey guys! Quick post tonight to show off the first of my Khador units. I picked up a battle box last night and wanted to get painting pretty quick. I tried to capture the sheer brutality of Khador with this paint job. I used some of the techniques from the Forgeworld Master Class book to help add some realism to the model. Anywho.. heres some pics!

~ This model was a blast to paint! It went fairly quick too, I finished it in just under 5 hours! Got a bunch more coming in next week, keep an eye out for them intermingled with Death Korps!

40k Tutorial: Death Korps of Krieg

2010-02-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! I've had numerous requests for a tutorial on how I paint my Death Korps of Krieg, so I decided to write up my recipe!

Demolisher Master Class Sneak Peek!

2010-02-23T19:52:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, I started in on my Demolisher last night. I'm documenting it for my next Master Class article. Keep an eye out for it next week sometime. Here is a little teaser shot to wet your appetites!

~This is the first time I'm trying the oil blending technique. I'm finding it very rewarding albeit time consuming!

40k Conversions: Demolisher Engine Filters MKII

2010-02-22T20:23:00.004-05:00

Hey guys, just wanted to share a fairly straight forward conversion for your tanks!

Death Korps of Krieg: More Vets

2010-02-21T22:17:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! Just finished another batch of veterans. I'm currently writing up the tutorial for how I did them. It should be up in the next couple of days! Just a few shots of the squad for your enjoyment!
Read more »

Forgeworld News Letter!

2010-02-19T22:33:00.001-05:00

Hey guys 'n gals. Forgeworld released a news letter today, sounds like we have some new models coming and by the end of march should have a pretty good idea what we will see over the next few months.
Read more »

Battle Missions

2010-02-19T00:45:00.001-05:00

Looks like Scryer In the Darkness from Warseer has compiled a great list of the Battle Mission scenarios and some details surrounding them.

Death Korps of Krieg Update

2010-02-17T17:38:00.003-05:00

Hey guys, just installed photoshop this afternoon. Definitely worth it if you are planning on selling models or taking competition shots.
Read more »

Tools: Foam Knife

2010-02-17T08:32:00.001-05:00

Hello guys 'n gals! Here this morning to give a quick tool tip! Something every terrain maker should have in their arsenal, the foam knife.
Read more »

Terrain: Gorilla Glue and You!

2010-02-16T18:22:00.010-05:00

I want to let you in a little secret I've been experimenting with. Terrain made simple with Gorilla Glue.
Read more »

Tools: Metal Scraper

2010-02-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

Alright guys, I want to introduce you to my favorite new tool! I picked up one of these babies over the weekend and I feel like stabbing myself with it for not buying it 10 years ago...
Read more »

WHFB: A Few Rumors From the Weekend

2010-02-15T08:41:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend I was doing some snooping in the rumor forums over at Warseer and came up with a few interesting tidbits that were confirmed by those in the know (Harry, Steppingonyou, etc)
Read more »

Tools: Quick-Grip Clamps

2010-02-11T08:44:00.002-05:00

Hey guys! I wanted to make a quick post this morning about a tool I found last night while I was shopping the local Home Depot.
Read more »

Hobby: All That Glitters Is Not Gold!

2010-02-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

I wanted to talk today about a simple technique that can help add some character to your minis. Of course the technique that I'm speaking of is the art of painting gemstones.

Master Class: Avatar of Khaine

2010-02-02T10:04:00.003-05:00

Hey guys, Col_Festus here. I want to introduce a new series that I will be running. I call this series Master Class. These articles will focus around a miniature or sets of miniatures that I have deemed master class quality. So grab your brushes recruits!
Read more »

Death Korps of Krieg: Veteran Squad

2010-02-01T20:42:00.001-05:00

So I just finished painting up my first veteran squad for my Death Korps Assault Regiment. I want to talk a little about why I equipped them so.
Read more »

Army List: Imperial Guard Assault Regiment

2010-01-29T11:11:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to post the list that I will be building over the next few months. I`ll go more in depth as to why I took each unit and the fluff behind them as I paint and finish the model. So here is the list.
Read more »

40k Tutorial: Rivets

2010-01-29T09:03:00.003-05:00

Ever want to add some extra armor to that battle tank? How about custom made Ork vehicles from scrap metal? Well let me introduce you to a little tool that I swear by.

WFB: Gale Force 9 Magnetic bases

2010-01-29T08:33:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, here to talk to you today about Gale Force 9's wonderful selection of magnetic bases and how they work with GW's modular movement trays.
Read more »

Death Korps of Krieg Assault Regiment : The Beginning

2010-01-28T00:19:00.001-05:00

I wanted to talk today about how you go about creating your armies. What inspires you? How do you decide to get started? What do you start with?

An Introduction

2010-01-21T14:56:00.000-05:00

First Rank, Second Rank

I choose the title for a few reasons, and by sharing these you will come away with an understanding of what I’m trying to accomplish here.
Read more »