One of the topics I indicated that I was going to post on was Gamesmanship.
Tournaments in the Asia-Pacific region, both Fantasy and 40k, generally include some form of Sportsmanship scoring. Over the past ten years this has evolved from the “Popularity Contest” where you score a mark out of 5 depending on how well you entertained your opponent to the current iteration which is more a checklist of behaviours. The key thing with this is that in this latest system the default score is full marks and a TO will generally check up any dropped points to confirm validity.
The first system was fraught with difficulties and it was obvious some people used it as a method of punishing opponents who beat them. I remember being marked down by one opponent, who was known as the Twin Torpedo (regularly gave out scores of 0/5) because he felt it was ludicrous that Noise Marines could take “Infiltrate” – because they are noisy. Well, that was the excuse he gave anyway!
Anyway with the evolution of Sports scoring to the checklist system, pretty much all the shenanigans of the early system are history. As a TO and a player, you find that when people have to justify giving a negative mark they are pretty careful in giving them out.
In the past three years I believe I have only given out one negative mark for sports – and that was for slow play. The player involved was in a poor position and therefore actively limited the number of turns we got through. I deduct a sports point for slow play – and indicated to the player that I had done it.
So we have moved to a situation where expectations of sports have moved from entertainment to where they now are set up to only punish negative behaviour. It is now possible to be competitive (strive to win) without being unsporting (negative behaviour).
Which brings me on to Gamesmanship.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
New 40k FAQs
There are a bunch of new 40k FAQs here
Charlie will be happy that he can have two Crypteks in his units.
As a "hater" of Gav Thorpe's Turd (sorry, Codex: Chaos Space Marines), I'm happy to see that two of the only viable "tactics", Lash and Warptime have been nerfed. Hopefully, it will hasten the clamour for a replacement from the hoi polloi.
Charlie will be happy that he can have two Crypteks in his units.
As a "hater" of Gav Thorpe's Turd (sorry, Codex: Chaos Space Marines), I'm happy to see that two of the only viable "tactics", Lash and Warptime have been nerfed. Hopefully, it will hasten the clamour for a replacement from the hoi polloi.
Monday, January 16, 2012
UK Masters 2011!
Hi ho,
just a quick update, the UK Masters were held over the weekend for the year of 2011.
The field had a few interesting inclusions... and some more unoriginal and expected additions, namely almost a third of the field had grey knights! It was however good to see a couple of ork lists kicking along, but ultimately the win went to the player who best adjusted his list to the meta scene, and produced something that could best out manourvre the more foot based armies, produce no expensive point sinks to be eaten by the paladin deathstars, and could chop down the heavily mech forces all while pouring s8 ap2 shots into the paladin wall.
Lists and a break down of player details can be found here: http://skcuzzlebumm.blogspot.com/2012/01/uk-40k-masters-2012-army-lists-and-draw.html#more
The final results were as follows:
1st - James Taylor (Necrons)
2nd - Josh Roberts (Grey Knights)
3rd - Dave Symcox (Imperial Guard)
4th - Courtney Rhodes (Orks)
5th - Alex Harrison (Blood Angels)
6th - Sharan Reddy (Grey Knights)
7th - Garath Donnelly (Grey Knights)
8th - Tim Smith (Grey Knights)
9th - Andy Oakham (Orks)
10th - Nathan Roberts (Dark Eldar)
11th - Paul Burke (Templars)
12th - Neil Kerr (Grey Knights)
13th - Kiran Reddy (Blood Angels)
14th - Rob Sims (Blood Angels)
15th - Gaz Jones (Eldar)
16th - Richard Grint (Guard)
- Charlie
just a quick update, the UK Masters were held over the weekend for the year of 2011.
The field had a few interesting inclusions... and some more unoriginal and expected additions, namely almost a third of the field had grey knights! It was however good to see a couple of ork lists kicking along, but ultimately the win went to the player who best adjusted his list to the meta scene, and produced something that could best out manourvre the more foot based armies, produce no expensive point sinks to be eaten by the paladin deathstars, and could chop down the heavily mech forces all while pouring s8 ap2 shots into the paladin wall.
Lists and a break down of player details can be found here: http://skcuzzlebumm.blogspot.com/2012/01/uk-40k-masters-2012-army-lists-and-draw.html#more
The final results were as follows:
1st - James Taylor (Necrons)
2nd - Josh Roberts (Grey Knights)
3rd - Dave Symcox (Imperial Guard)
4th - Courtney Rhodes (Orks)
5th - Alex Harrison (Blood Angels)
6th - Sharan Reddy (Grey Knights)
7th - Garath Donnelly (Grey Knights)
8th - Tim Smith (Grey Knights)
9th - Andy Oakham (Orks)
10th - Nathan Roberts (Dark Eldar)
11th - Paul Burke (Templars)
12th - Neil Kerr (Grey Knights)
13th - Kiran Reddy (Blood Angels)
14th - Rob Sims (Blood Angels)
15th - Gaz Jones (Eldar)
16th - Richard Grint (Guard)
- Charlie
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Registrations Open For Fields of Blood 2012 - NZGT Warhammer 40k
After its
hiatus for the Rugby World Cup, Fields of Blood – The New Zealand Warhammer 40k
Grand Tournament is back in 2012.
This year
the event will be held at a new venue and an earlier time in the year. The
Players’ Pack is being prepared for distribution in February but tickets ARE
NOW ON SALE.
Here are
the details to whet your appetite:
When:
7/8 July 2012
Where:
Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand
Points:
1500
Rounds:
Six Rounds – 3 rounds on each day
Umpire:
Pete Dunn
Scoring:
60% Battle, 20% Painting, 20% Sports
Armies:
Armies must be painted to at least a tabletop standard. That means three
plus colours, highlight or wash and fully based.
Painting:
Checklist scoresheet where all armies painted to at least a tabletop standard
will score 15/20. The extra 5/20 will be awarded for presentation standard that
exceeds tabletop standard.
Sports:
Checklist. Default
score is full points.
Composition: No restrictions.
You may bring any legal army up to 1500 points. There are no restrictions on
Special Characters. “Imperial Armour” units will be at Umpire’s discretion.
Trophies:
1st
Overall
2nd Overall
3rd Overall
Bloodthirster – Highest Gameplay
Harlequin – Best Painted (Players’ Choice)
Living Saint – Best Sport
Best in Race Trophies for Highest Finisher in each race with four or more
competitors
Prizes:
Spot prizes each round
Cost:
$50 (AUD 40) up to 29 February 2012
$60 (AUD 50) from 1 March 2012
Tickets:
Limited to 70 participants
Registration:
Email to fieldsofblood@paradise.net.nz
(I’ll provide you with payment details)
Happy to
take registrations and answer any questions.
Look
forward to seeing you there.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Initial Thoughts on Playing With Ogres
Over the holiday break I picked up my Ogres and have started to play some games with them. I have been using a list that fits Pete-Lite, Runefang V and Equinox Hard Cap comp.
The lists I've used have three characters - Slaughtermaster, Firebelly (or Butcher) and BSB, blocks of Bulls and Ironguts, Mournfang(s), Maneaters, Sabretusks and Ironblaster. I've also tried Leadbelcher unit(s).
During the period I have played nine games - three against Dwarfs and one against each of Daemons, Woodies, High Elves, Empire, Brets and WoC. From this I've managed to settle on a few observations.
MAGIC
A lot of people have gone down the Greedy Fist/Lore of Death route which according to internet wisdom is the way to go. Personally I'm really enjoying the Lore of the Great Maw and think that the buffs it provide really complement the build I'm using. The two standout spells for me are Toothcracker and Trollguts.
RESILIENCE
Ogres really suffer from their lack of armour. Yes, they have three wounds but it doesn't take much to put a unit of three Leadbelchers under pressure. Coupled with low leadership that can be .....problematic. Wherever I can I try to get as much armour as possible. It is surprising how vulnerable your average Irongut is in combat. The key is to ensure that you limit the number of attacks hitting your 5+ save ogres.
WS3
WS3 is a bitch. A real bitch. You get your 19 attacks and think great. And then WS3 kicks in. It generally means only 50% of your attacks are hitting. Suddenly things aren't so great after all.
You still do damage but it always feels better on paper than reality.
However overall the Ogres are a fun army to play.....and I suspect play against. This is because they are a combat army so hopefully you'll be throwing some dice. Or you'll sit their having your eyes picked out by an opponent that doesn't want to engage.
Will they replace my rats? No way....no way at all.
The lists I've used have three characters - Slaughtermaster, Firebelly (or Butcher) and BSB, blocks of Bulls and Ironguts, Mournfang(s), Maneaters, Sabretusks and Ironblaster. I've also tried Leadbelcher unit(s).
During the period I have played nine games - three against Dwarfs and one against each of Daemons, Woodies, High Elves, Empire, Brets and WoC. From this I've managed to settle on a few observations.
MAGIC
A lot of people have gone down the Greedy Fist/Lore of Death route which according to internet wisdom is the way to go. Personally I'm really enjoying the Lore of the Great Maw and think that the buffs it provide really complement the build I'm using. The two standout spells for me are Toothcracker and Trollguts.
RESILIENCE
Ogres really suffer from their lack of armour. Yes, they have three wounds but it doesn't take much to put a unit of three Leadbelchers under pressure. Coupled with low leadership that can be .....problematic. Wherever I can I try to get as much armour as possible. It is surprising how vulnerable your average Irongut is in combat. The key is to ensure that you limit the number of attacks hitting your 5+ save ogres.
WS3
WS3 is a bitch. A real bitch. You get your 19 attacks and think great. And then WS3 kicks in. It generally means only 50% of your attacks are hitting. Suddenly things aren't so great after all.
You still do damage but it always feels better on paper than reality.
However overall the Ogres are a fun army to play.....and I suspect play against. This is because they are a combat army so hopefully you'll be throwing some dice. Or you'll sit their having your eyes picked out by an opponent that doesn't want to engage.
Will they replace my rats? No way....no way at all.
Runefang V - Warhammer Tournament
On the 3rd/4th march, Fields of Blood is hosting it first tournament of the year - Runefang V.
This will be held here in Wellington and is the first Fantasy event for 2012 in the region. The Umpire for this event is Peter Williamsom and while the rest of you have been enjoying your holidays, he has been slaving away on a Players Pack for the event. That can be found here.
All the required information you need to compete at the event can be found in the pack. Headline details are 2400 points, five rounds (three Saturday/two Sunday).
Hope to see you along.
This will be held here in Wellington and is the first Fantasy event for 2012 in the region. The Umpire for this event is Peter Williamsom and while the rest of you have been enjoying your holidays, he has been slaving away on a Players Pack for the event. That can be found here.
All the required information you need to compete at the event can be found in the pack. Headline details are 2400 points, five rounds (three Saturday/two Sunday).
Hope to see you along.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
My 2012 Resolutions/Aspirations
Okay I said I was going to look at my aspirations and resolutions for the year.
Gamer
Finish in Top 5 of New Zealand Fantasy Rankings as at 31 October 2012. I played no tournaments last year – HomeCon I and NZ Masters excluded – and as a result my ranking fell from #1 to Unranked. I’m looking to play at least three events in March/April period (Runefang V, Equinox and NatCon) and that will give me a ranking again.
Play in at least one Campaign Weekend over the course of the year. I’ll likely organise a Fantasy one mid-year but may get inspired to do a 40k one as well.
40k-wise, everything hinges on Chaos Legions for me.
Tournament Organiser
The big one for me is Fields of Blood –The New Zealand Grand Tournament for Warhammer 40k in July. I want to achieve 80 participants so the work needs to start in the next few weeks.
I acting as TO for Runefang V in early March with Peter Williamson running and umpiring the event. also have the second HomeCon in February where fourteen gamers will get together for a five round event.
I’m also looking to run at least one Campaign Weekend for each system over the course of the year.
And in 2012, the New Zealand Masters return to Wellington. I’ll be looking to build on the success of the event over the past four years.
Hobby
Fantasy-wise, I am looking to add units to existing armies as new books are released rather than look to start new armies. The Ogres are finished sans an Ironblaster and the Tomb Kings but for a Herald and Hierotitan. I’ve ordered a Terrorgeist and plastic characters for my VC and will add an Engine, Vargheists, new cavalry and plastic characters when they are released.
This will likely be my pattern going forward. Two of the rumoured upcoming books are armies I don’t own – Dwarfs and Brets – and I’ll resist the urge to build them. Okay, not so hard. This will give me an opportunity to paint the mountain of scenery I have to paint.
40k-wise, I have terrain to do but for me it all hinges as I said on Chaos Legions providing inspiration.
Blog
Continue building the readership base. I’d love to get to 1000 hits per day but that depends not only on me but also on both the subject matter and my fellow contributors. One of the greatest motivating factors is the interaction with other gamers so always keen for people to post comments giving their thoughts on matters raised. I don’t expect people to agree with me and its important that it is a two way street where the outcome is thought-provoking discussion.
Clearly I don’t drink the GW kool-aid but the goal is to be positive where I believe good things are being done and offer alternatives when I think they are on the wrong track.
Hope you’ll continue to follow the blog in 2012.
Gamer
Finish in Top 5 of New Zealand Fantasy Rankings as at 31 October 2012. I played no tournaments last year – HomeCon I and NZ Masters excluded – and as a result my ranking fell from #1 to Unranked. I’m looking to play at least three events in March/April period (Runefang V, Equinox and NatCon) and that will give me a ranking again.
Play in at least one Campaign Weekend over the course of the year. I’ll likely organise a Fantasy one mid-year but may get inspired to do a 40k one as well.
40k-wise, everything hinges on Chaos Legions for me.
Tournament Organiser
The big one for me is Fields of Blood –The New Zealand Grand Tournament for Warhammer 40k in July. I want to achieve 80 participants so the work needs to start in the next few weeks.
I acting as TO for Runefang V in early March with Peter Williamson running and umpiring the event. also have the second HomeCon in February where fourteen gamers will get together for a five round event.
I’m also looking to run at least one Campaign Weekend for each system over the course of the year.
And in 2012, the New Zealand Masters return to Wellington. I’ll be looking to build on the success of the event over the past four years.
Hobby
Fantasy-wise, I am looking to add units to existing armies as new books are released rather than look to start new armies. The Ogres are finished sans an Ironblaster and the Tomb Kings but for a Herald and Hierotitan. I’ve ordered a Terrorgeist and plastic characters for my VC and will add an Engine, Vargheists, new cavalry and plastic characters when they are released.
This will likely be my pattern going forward. Two of the rumoured upcoming books are armies I don’t own – Dwarfs and Brets – and I’ll resist the urge to build them. Okay, not so hard. This will give me an opportunity to paint the mountain of scenery I have to paint.
40k-wise, I have terrain to do but for me it all hinges as I said on Chaos Legions providing inspiration.
Blog
Continue building the readership base. I’d love to get to 1000 hits per day but that depends not only on me but also on both the subject matter and my fellow contributors. One of the greatest motivating factors is the interaction with other gamers so always keen for people to post comments giving their thoughts on matters raised. I don’t expect people to agree with me and its important that it is a two way street where the outcome is thought-provoking discussion.
Clearly I don’t drink the GW kool-aid but the goal is to be positive where I believe good things are being done and offer alternatives when I think they are on the wrong track.
Hope you’ll continue to follow the blog in 2012.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Pete Lite Comp 2012 v1.0
With the advent of 2012 it is timely to update Pete-Lite Comp for recent books.
The changes are very minor - more permissive for Wood Elves and the removal of all specific restrictions on Vampire Counts until we see how the book settles.
I thought about restrictions around Hellheart/Greedy Fist/Lore of Death in Ogre Kingdoms but I am not convinced that that particular combo is all conquering. It is being use at this weekend's UK Masters so it will be interesting to see the upshot. I think it comes with downsides but I'll see if I'm proved wrong. Should it cut a swathe through the UK's top players then it may need to be revisited.
Here are the current restrictions:
General Restrictions
• No Special Characters
• Max Power Dice usage of 12 in Magic Phase (as distinct from max of 12 dice in pool at any time)
• Army to have no more than four (4) potential template weapons
• Army to have a maximum of four (4) warmachines
• No more than two (2) of any Special choice
• No double Rare choice worth more than 70 points
• Only one item that automatically dispels a spell or potential takes/destroys a spell
Army Specific Restrictions
• Daemons of Chaos: No duplication of Daemonic Gifts
• Empire: Steam Tank is classed as Warmachine in terms of General Restrictions
• Lizardmen: Slaan may have maximum two of Focus of Mystery, Becalming Cogitation, Cupped Hands or Focused Rumination
• Skaven: Maximum of three Engineers
• Orcs & Goblins: Maximum of three Mangler Squigs and/or Pump Wagons total
• Wood Elves: May have two units of Waywatchers, ignoring General Restriction
The changes are very minor - more permissive for Wood Elves and the removal of all specific restrictions on Vampire Counts until we see how the book settles.
I thought about restrictions around Hellheart/Greedy Fist/Lore of Death in Ogre Kingdoms but I am not convinced that that particular combo is all conquering. It is being use at this weekend's UK Masters so it will be interesting to see the upshot. I think it comes with downsides but I'll see if I'm proved wrong. Should it cut a swathe through the UK's top players then it may need to be revisited.
Here are the current restrictions:
General Restrictions
• No Special Characters
• Max Power Dice usage of 12 in Magic Phase (as distinct from max of 12 dice in pool at any time)
• Army to have no more than four (4) potential template weapons
• Army to have a maximum of four (4) warmachines
• No more than two (2) of any Special choice
• No double Rare choice worth more than 70 points
• Only one item that automatically dispels a spell or potential takes/destroys a spell
Army Specific Restrictions
• Daemons of Chaos: No duplication of Daemonic Gifts
• Empire: Steam Tank is classed as Warmachine in terms of General Restrictions
• Lizardmen: Slaan may have maximum two of Focus of Mystery, Becalming Cogitation, Cupped Hands or Focused Rumination
• Skaven: Maximum of three Engineers
• Orcs & Goblins: Maximum of three Mangler Squigs and/or Pump Wagons total
• Wood Elves: May have two units of Waywatchers, ignoring General Restriction
Vampire Counts - 2012 Vintage
My White Dwarf arrived yesterday and I managed to have my first good look at the new Vampire Counts. The following comments are based on this cursory investigation but you know what they say about first impressions.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Happy 2012
The blog has been quiet over the past week as the holiday break continued. However the time has not been wasted!
Over the break I have played seven games with the Ogres and a few things are coming clear. I'll be posting my thoughts on the army and where I'm going with it over the next couple of days.
Hobby wise I painted a Thundertusk and an Ironblaster and finished bases and movement trays for the Ogres. I'm now working on a Stonehorn and hopefully that will be finished over the next week. Jack painted five Venoms and a Razorwing and they are looking great. Hopefully we'll see some pictures up soon. And Charlie painted his necron army over the break - the wonders of the airbrush - and that is looking fantastic. Pictures!
So some of the topics I'll be canvassing over the next week:
1. The new Vampires
2. Thoughts on Ogre list development
3. Gamesmanship
4. My 2012 Hobby and Gaming Resolutions
I'm really excited about the new VC and was really disappointed last Thursday when I realized they weren't out until the 14th (for some reason I thought it was the 7th). I have ordered a terrorgheist, cairn wraith and necromancer and once the new models are out I can see some Black Knights, Mortis Engine and Varghiest coming my way.
So 2012 will be a big year for Fields of Blood. There are two events already planned - Runefang V in March and the New Zealand Grand Tournament (40k) in July. Also I'll be running the NZ Masters in December. Thanks for your support and look forward to providing you with continuing hobby comment.
Hobby wise I painted a Thundertusk and an Ironblaster and finished bases and movement trays for the Ogres. I'm now working on a Stonehorn and hopefully that will be finished over the next week. Jack painted five Venoms and a Razorwing and they are looking great. Hopefully we'll see some pictures up soon. And Charlie painted his necron army over the break - the wonders of the airbrush - and that is looking fantastic. Pictures!
So some of the topics I'll be canvassing over the next week:
1. The new Vampires
2. Thoughts on Ogre list development
3. Gamesmanship
4. My 2012 Hobby and Gaming Resolutions
I'm really excited about the new VC and was really disappointed last Thursday when I realized they weren't out until the 14th (for some reason I thought it was the 7th). I have ordered a terrorgheist, cairn wraith and necromancer and once the new models are out I can see some Black Knights, Mortis Engine and Varghiest coming my way.
So 2012 will be a big year for Fields of Blood. There are two events already planned - Runefang V in March and the New Zealand Grand Tournament (40k) in July. Also I'll be running the NZ Masters in December. Thanks for your support and look forward to providing you with continuing hobby comment.
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