Monday, November 7, 2011

More Tau Rumors

Here are some more Tau rumors culled from Warseer's forums.  These are mostly from Warseer member ghost21:

http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=321393

On Demiurg:



ghost21:
the preliminary rules make demiurg equal to banshees in combat?... without the scream thing though

ok one more the demiurg ancients , think of them as cranky old wise men who saw the imperium in its infancy they had seen the eldar come n go, n thought it was another decadent empire... though they normally take hundreds of years to make a decision... the tau have something special the demiurg like

(standard demiurg have 2 options)




Originally Posted by MajorWesJanson
The idea of a feudal system actually seems like a good one. The Tau are in it for the Greater Good, but have other species that are essentially mercenaries. As they expand, it does make a lot of sense to essentially make lesser Alien Empires into Fiefs of the Tau Empire. They do their own thing, don't oppose the Tau, and provide a tithe of resources and troops to the Tau as needed. the Central leadership, instead of a monarch, is made up of a council of Etherials, with lower ranked Etherials mostly taking the place of Dukes and Barons.

ghost21 response:
exactly how there relations with the demiurg are pointed out





On Kroot units and possibility of Kroot riders:

Quote:
Here's hoping for Knarloc riders. They need more cav. in the game.

ghost21 response:
no riders in any dex ive seen, though id love them


Tastyfish:
For Kroot, I'd guess a Kroozilla - perhaps with two options following the recent Warhammer examples (though 40K lends itself more to just having different weapon options rather requiring two completely different roles for variety). The diplodocus or triceratops to the Great Knarloc's T-rex.

Though then again there's been plenty of units that never got made which were in the old Kroot mercs army, I just feel that stalker and/or vulture kindred would more likely come from a recut kroot sprue.

ghost21 response:
all ill add to this is gw love big gribblies



On Crisis Suits:

Originally Posted by AlphariusOmegon20
I don't have an issue with the look of the XV-8's, but fixing the ankle issue does seem like a good idea since they have the chance to do so.

Beyond that, I'd like to see the XV-88's go to underslung guns, like the FW ones. It would bring their look more in line with other Xv sytems.

ghost21 response:
ive seen less boxy crisis suits, experimental suits for characters, and a special sniper suit



Originally Posted by xerxeshavelock
But the ankles man! Priorities......

ghost21 response:
well there completely new suits so the ankles are fixed



On Different Races:

Originally Posted by Rogue Star
So the Tau have the Kroot, Vespid and Demiurg now?

ghost21 response:
plus one more.. but yup (im not including the nausicar)


could this be that 4th race in the codex?


Friday, October 28, 2011

Tau in early 2012???

Right after the floodgates of Necron opened, new rumors surface of Tau getting redone in Spring of 2012 just before 6th edition.  

Key bits include new Kroot and Vespid units, Demiurg (short but not space dwarfs?), and a few other alien auxileries that may or may not included either a Centaur like race or a 4 armed race... or both??

http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/405123.page

http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=321393


Tabitha from DakkaDakka writes:

"The Tau are, I believe, due out next summer.

They are getting some pretty big changes, mostly to their troops and elites. In addition to the broadsides getting new sculpts they are getting a number of new “Suits” to help them become a more dynamic force with more choices over all in the way they are played. While
GW is giving the tau a host of new units, the are actually getting fewer new plastic kits then say the Dark Elder release because most (/all) of the new plastic tau kits build several options.


Their fluff is being expanded to reflect the growth of the empire and their current state of expansion. Most of the fluff centers around the ‘factions’ as you might call them in the Tau empire, and mostly covers a few dynamic characters (who will be getting models!) and the factions they are a part of or influence. Some of the Tau are quite badass (and not so goody goody).


Tau are out before Eldar but more then likely after sisters.
BT have a few models/kits that have been done for like EVER so who knows when they will be released."


Some more snippets from Warseer:

"DuskRaider wrote:Last I heard was Tau were next (whenever that may be), then Chaos. Eldar are supposed to be coming shortly after that.
 
ghost21 wrote:It matches what I've heard.
I think a new mercenary race is obligatory. Demiurg /wishlist.

No need to wishlist there.
 
Frgt/10 wrote:All the new Tau models are done; Dave Thomas worked on them for roughly 18 months and he's finished them all now.
They're just waiting for a releases slot, I don't now when that is but my guess it is has since been locked in since I found out this info.
 
Harry wrote:@Frgt/10 : I can't believe you blabbed.
(In fact ... I only know about this because I asked someone when was I going to see something else from Dave for Fantasy and was told not for a while because he had been on one 40K project for the last 18 months )
As you know I don't know much about 40K and so couldn't possibly shed any light on what it might be but ....
... amongst other things ... Dave has been working on something pretty big. (Helpful as always. )

Also Frgt/10 is correct in that Dave Thomas has been exclusiely on Tau for 18 months but he is not 100% correct. Whilst MOST of the models are done. My understanding is Dave Thomas still had some bits and bobs to do. (i am guessing finishing characters?)


But even so that means they could be in the next six months.


(But I am not expecting them quite this soon).
 
Frgt/10 wrote:also Harry I heard down here that he was 100% done with them, hence why he was in oz for GD. Or have you heard otherwise in the last month or so?
 

Mirbeau wrote:Bang on, a new vehicle besides characters to finish with, they've had it an age but can't decide on it's weapons load-out! That could be for a bit later mind. 6 months is a bit too soon, 8-10 from what I've heard.

Edit - I was quite confident that Alex Hedstrom had got involved for this too?
 
Harry wrote:Oh, Dave has not been working on his own.


I don't know when they are released.
I just said six months could be possible.
I have them for the early summer in my, constantly updated, release schedule as the release right before 6th Edition
(I just don't take the same interest in 40k to have nailed it down).
These rumours are hugely exciting, I wonder how many models 18 months hard work gets you...

More if there are dual kits

Obviously you are free to not answer or may not know but there is only one thing I want to know how many new alien auxilaries and I don't mean new units of Vespid/Kroot I mean new species? Pretty please

More.

OK, OK ... What I heard was ... 'The Empire is expanding to include more races' (Plural)
So that would suggest at least two "More". "

ghost21 wrote:The demiurg are there as are a bizzare race, the vespid get 2 slots, and the kroot get an additional.
The guy on the left well, they have plans for him:  









The Dude wrote:
Oddly, GW tends to nerf troops choices people actually use. The lack of fire warriors in almost every list these days makes me wonder if they might be improved.

The rumored changes for 6th edition will improve them a bit.
Additional rapid fire shots at long range. A gunline putting out 20 S5 shots at 30" would be rather nasty IMO (and that's just 1 squad).
I don't know what their range will be, but taking them as they are now, under the rumoured changes to rapid fire weapons, Fire Warriors will get double shots at max range (30" if that's what it is) if they stand still. That makes them a fair whack better IMO."


Some Demiurg and other alien sketches:


Friday, August 19, 2011

More 40k Magnets including Tau!

Ok, I made a batch of new 40k magnets that go perfect on your car.  Show your nerd street cred!  I made Tau, Inquisition, Chaos and a From the Warp logo magnet, I also have some Blood Angels magnets left too.   If interested, email me at ajefferism@hotmail.com.   Supplies are limited and I will not be making more of these.  Here are some picts:





Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Guest appearance on Turn 8 podcast!

Rich, Opy and Bill from Turn 8 podcast were gracious enough to invite me to the latest episode of their 40k podcast this week.  For those who don't know, Turn 8 is a podcast with a noob (Rich), rules maestro (Opy), and the grizzled veteran (Bill) giving unique perspectives to all things 40k.  They also have a unique take on battle reports that play sorta like a "radio screenplay". 

In this episode, we talk about Necron rumors, Kill Team for Xbox 360 and 6th edition rumors (we spend a lot of time on this... there are a lot of interesting things allegedly coming with the new rules set next year).

Here's the link to Episode 4: A New Hope -

http://turn-8.com/2011/podcast/episode-4-a-new-hope/
 

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Finecast Preview!

OK, here's a preview of some new Dark Eldar Finecast miniatures.   So my next army is gonna be Dark Eldar (after winning some Kabalite Warriors at the Berks Spring Assault).   I was in the Granite Run mall Saturday, near Media, PA, and saw that Showcase Comics had some new Finecast models.  I remember talking to Kung Fu Dave about our trepidations about the new line of models because of some early negative previews this past week.   So I wanted to see if some of these problems were true (bad miscasts, bubble problems, warped peices).

First off, I took a brief look at the Finecast models they had for sale that were in the clear backed packages.   Overall things looked pretty good, no GLARING miscasts to speak of.   I looked at the same Librarian in Terminator armor that Legion from Dakka Dakka reviewed earlier this week.   The model Showcase had was in good condition.  The bolter was NOT miscast and overall it looked good.  The only issue with that Librarian model I saw was that his Force Staff thing was a bit warped, as in it had a slight curve to it (just like Legions model).

So having inspected the different models I picked up a Dark Eldar Succubus, Archon and a pack of Incubi.  Doing a quick open and inspection in my car afterwards all the models looked good with no major defects or bubble issues.

After getting home and taking photos for you guys to inspect, I did fine one minor bubble issue with a specific posed model of the Incubi.   See below outlined in red.   You'll see a small bubble issue on the model's left elbow joint.   Seems to effect the elbow and the cloth ribbon right below it.  This isn't a huge issue, I'm sure a little bit of green stuff will fill in the gap easily, but a small defect non-the-less.


























Otherwise the models looked nice.   There is A LOT OF FLASH on these, you will have to spend more time cleaning them.  But you will be able to model and do conversions MUCH EASIER than metal.   The detail is very good and pretty much on par with Forge World resin parts (i've included a pict of Forge World Blood Angels' Land Raider doors for reference.)

Overall Impression of Finecast:  Good.

I would highly recommend inspecting the sprues before you buy (for the clear container models anyways), but then again I did that with my metal blister purchases too, so its only common sense.

Here are pictures of the rest of the sprues.  Please inspect and point out any miscasts or anything I may have missed.   If any are found I will update the blog.

















































Forge World piece:

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Berks Spring Assault II results

Golden Grot Painting Competition:
 1st Place: Leslie McCormack of Berks-PA Gaming Club, with her awesome Tyranid Harradin conversion
2nd Place: Andy Miller of Brave New Worlds with his Blood Angels Storm Raven
3rd Place: Eric Bates of Berks-PA Gaming Club with: Blood Angels Storm Raven

Best Overall:
 1st Overall: Tony Spino, Gaming Garage, West Chester PA (Eldar...made from Skaven)
2nd Overall: Matt Defranza
3rd Overall: Wilson Badillo Jr, Beltway Gamers, Rockville MD: (Chaos Space Marines)
(4th: honorable mention: Dave Setzman, Brave New Worlds, Willow Grove PA (Tyranids)).

Sportsmanship:
 1st Sportsmanship: Gary Klinger, Snake Eyes Gaming, Altoona PA
2nd Sportsman: Tom McCole, Philadelphia Area Gamers, Philadelphia PA
3rd Sportsman: Bill Olstein, Snake Eyes Gaming, Altoona/Pittsburgh PA

Appearance:
 1st in Appearance: Frank Osborne, Gaming Garage, West Chester PA (Traitor Imperial Guard)
2nd best appearance: Chris Smoker, Pottsville PA, (Dark Eldar)
3rd best appearance: Josh Toriano, Snake Eyes Gaming, Altoona PA

Best Youngblood overall: Alex Fulmer, Lancashire Wargaming, Lancaster-PA

Best Youngblood sport: Wilon Badillo III, Beltway Gamers, Rockville MD ( Imperial Fists)

Player's Choice: Best Army (Theme, composition, appearance): Wilson Badillo Jr, Chaos Space Marines, Beltway Gamers, Rockville MD

Smoking boots! (Last place): Steve Regrut (Battle Sisters/ Whitch hunters), Berks-)A Gaming Club, Pottsville PA

Army Domination Awards (by codex): 
 * Black Templars: Isaac Nohr, Lancashire Wargaming, Lancaster PA
* Blood Angels: Jon Kissinger, Berks-PA Gaming Club, Reading PA
* Chaos Space Marines: Wilson Badillo JR, Beltway Gamers, Rockville MD
* Dark Angels: Jon Sullenberger, Lancashire Wargaming, Litiz PA
'* Dark Eldar: Charlie "Darklance" Emslie, Berks-PA Gaming Club, Boyertown PA
* Eldar: Tony Spino, Gaming Garage, West Chester PA
* Grey Knights: "Texas Joe" Seaman, Beltway Gamerss, Rockville MD
* Imperial Guard: Matt LeBaron,
* Orks: Alex Fulmer, Lancashire Wargaming, Lancaster PA
* Space Marines: Marc Smith, Beltway Gamers, Rockville MD
* Space Wolves: Mike Mirobelli, Snake Eyes Gaming, Altoona PA
* Tau Empire: Jerrome Nicolson, Gaming Garage, West Chester PA
* Tyranids: "Kungfu Dave" Setzman, Brave New Worlds, Willow Grove PA
* Witch Hunters: Mike Keisling, Brave New Worlds, Willow Grove PA


Not Represented:
* Chaos Daemons, Necrons, and the last chance to play the old Daemon Hunters codex.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Berks Spring Assault II

Participated in my first BIG tournament this past weekend in Reading, PA.   The tourny was a lot of fun and a big hats off to Mike "Steel Thunder" Biancone for organizing the event.  They brought in 50 participents and was a big success overall. 

I brought my Tau army and had a fully painted army to play.  I finished my Broadside just in time to play and highlighted, decaled and varnished the rest of my main forces too (will have photos up soon for each unit).   I was very pleased to receive a lot of great painting comments from the players at the tournament and actually recieved a few votes for the Player's Favorite Painted army competition too.

I also submitted my Blood Angels Stormraven in the Golden Grot competition and won 2nd prize overall, winning a $25 gift card to The Adventurer's Guild in Harrisburg, PA.  The winner, a huge Tyranid dragon, was beautiful and got my vote for best of show too. 

Gameplay wise I did OK.   It started out VERY rough.  My final tally was 1 win, 1 narrow victory (technically a Draw) and 2 losses (one of which I got tabled!!!)  Luckwise things didn't go my way either, every game I got first turn the opposing player Seized the Initiative (facepalm). 

First game was Dawn of War, which between the night fighting and the fact that I had to walk my Pathfinders from the table edge (not letting them able to shoot markerlights) didn't make for a very good start.  It was an objectives game and my opponent was Alex Scheiler's (sp?) Space Wolves.   He was smart and had a heavy weapons team that destroyed one of my Crisis Teams pretty quickly.   I shot up all his tanks but he was able to sit on the middle objective and the objective in his deployment zone without me getting to contest them so he won 2 objectives to my 1 objective.  Also both our Generals survived.   The final Victory points tally was 1250-750 which was a Minor Victory per the Tournament's scoring scale.




















The second game was an Annihilation Victory Points match versus Wilson Badillo Jr. from Maryland who played a Khorne Chaos Space Marines army.   Oh, and this time, the ENTIRE GAME was Night Fighting (more facepalm).  I got first turn and he Siezed the Initiative so I knew this was gonna be a badddd game for me.   He deployed near the center of the board and then turns 2 and 3 all his deamons teleported in and ate all my Tau.  One morale victory though is my Broadside was a Close Combat beast lasting basically 3 turns in close combat with his Deamons thanks to his 2+ save.  He proceeded to table my army.... I don't wanna talk about this game anymore heheh.   Though to his credit, Wilson did go on to win a bunch of prizes and best overall army/general so I dont feel TOO bad about the devastation heheh.




















My third game was a Capture the Flag game versus Stephen H. (forgot his full last name, sorry) and his Sisters of Battle army.   From a morale standpoint, I REALLY needed to win a game and I did much better in this game.   We basically had to capture 2 objectives and if we brought that objective back to our deployment zone we got double points.   We both retreived 1 objective each but combat wise I was the clear cut winner.   I think he killed 3 pathfinders and immobolized my Devilfish but otherwise my Tau were unscathed.  I destroyed his Exorcist tank and wiped out 3 squads of his sisters.






















My last game was a great game versus Levell Harmon's Tyranids (beautifully painted by the way - I'm a sucker for the earth tones!).   I got first turn and he Seized the Initiative but chose to go second (he had a deep strike/outflank army).   The first 2 turns I really had nothing to shoot at... then turn 3 almost all his stuff (except his gaunts) came in at once.  But fortunately my Tau (and markerlights!) shot well and I almost wiped out his entire Gene Stealer squad (which destroyed my Devilfish).   The next couple turns we went back and forth.   I shot up his Tyranid Warriors, he wiped out a Firewarrior squad, my Crisis Suits forced his outflanking gaunts to flee and then his Trygon Prime jacked up my HQ/Crisis Suits.   In the end only his HQ was left standing and my Hammerhead, Broadside and a unit of Firewarriors was left.   Because his HQ was SO expensive I only won by about 20-30 points (apparently his army was only 925 pts he said?) so my victory was only a Draw technically.   Still, it was DEFINATELY the most intense game of the day for me. 




















Overall it was a great day, again hat's off to Mike Biancone for organizing the day.   I won a box of Dark Eldar Kabalite Warriors in the auction so now I'm musing a new Dark Eldar army and I have a pretty cool idea for a theme for it. Probably gonna pick up a new battalion box in June.

Can't wait until next years event and now my goal for next year is to show up with my fully painted Blood Angels army which will definately be better suited for a small quarters assault tournament. 

Oh, here's a bonus pict of a nice Tau themed board at the event:

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

New Tau FAQ 1.1 is live on GW's site

Here's a link to the new FAQ:

http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m1760102a_Tau_Empire_Version_1_1.pdf

Not too much new or earth shattering here.   It clarifies how Drones on Vehicles count as Kill Points only if they've disembarked, otherwise they are considered part of the vehicle.  Also sensor spines now prevent vehicles from having to take Dangerous Terrain tests. 

I think the timing of this release may indicate that out of the upcoming codexes for 40k, Necron, Sisters of Battle and Tau,  Tau will probably be the last of the bunch.   I'm kinda glad for this for many reasons:  first, Necron need to be updated the most by far.  Second, I don't want the Tau update to be a minor update, I would like them to take their time and do it right.   Third, the closer the Tau codex releases to the new 40k 6th edition, the better.