Running on Fumes

So, hey there. Time for some real talk, but you don't have to worry.

... well, you kinda do, but in a not terribly worrisome way.

Listen, here's the thing... I'm worn out. I am. Maybe it's work, maybe it's with moving out, maybe it's my (relative) lack of free time compared to when I (re)started this blog three years ago. But, whatever the reason, I'm just... worn out.

I'm sure that you've all noticed a general drop in the quality of my posts over the last year. Getting shorter, moving to fortnightly, then missing weeks...

So, here's the thing. Boy, oh boy do I say that a lot. But here it is - last Monday, I was meant to tell you about how my draft went. Well, it didn't - I was at a Christening instead, and stayed over to spend time with my new Goddaughter and family. And when I came home Tuesday I just... didn't. Then Wednesday passed, Thursday, Friday, and I thought "fine, I'll just do it Monday". But come Monday I realised - I didn't have anything to tell you about. Well, I did - I painted a Chaplain... but it wasn't especially impressive, but more importantly - I didn't feel the urge to.

And that's sorta when I realised - I'm not doing this because I enjoy it anymore. I'm doing it because that's what I do. And to be honest, it kinda feels more like work than an expression. I'm spend Sunday fretting over what to write about, and Monday procrastinating because I don't really want to stretch out a short update into a full post.

And then I think back to when I started, when I had posts ready to go, weeks in advance, just cos I had so many ideas, and wanted to get them down, and share them...

... So, here's the out and out of it; I'm going on Hiatus til I get my shit sorted. That might be the New Year, when I'm in my new place, and have some free time. That might be in five years, when I belatedly remember that I have a blog. I... I just honestly don't know.

But before I go... thank you. For coming here as often as you do, for putting up with my awful jokes, for giving me some way to express myself. I've really enjoyed my run on here, and I hope that I do come back. It's been a blast.

Volodanti out.

Let's D-D-D-Draft!

Yes, I'm late. That's to be expected. I could make excuses, but I won't. Instead, I'll just say - if you live in the North East, go to Wet n Wild. It is so worth it.

Anyway, I did something for the first time last Monday. I drafted. Specifically, I Chaos Drafted, which I believe that I'll be doing again a week today. So, we'll see if I have time to write up the results afterwards. Otherwise, it'll have to be Tuesday.

The drafting portion itself itself went surprisingly well for me. Someone dropped out at the last minute, so there were only five of us, but we made it work. Somehow, I ended up as the only person in Green, so half my deck was basically free. I figure that out about halfway through the first pack, when three decent Green cards wheeled, and there weren't many players in white either, so I basically had the run of Selesnya.

Well, actually, there were two drafting White, but it was still not that popular.

Also, yeah, I was Selesnya. The White cos it just happened, the green due to my first two picks; Predator's Howl (which didn't make it into my final deck) and Animus of Predation (which did). Incidentally, a Flying, Trample, Deathtouch, Lifelink 4/4 for 4G is basically unstoppable. Shame I only drew it once.

So, my deck? Well, at the end of the draft, it was Animus of Predation; Voyaging Satyr; Menagerie Liberator; Search for Tomorrow; Nylea's Disciple; 2x Dragonscale Boon; Anthousa, Setessan Hero; Gift of Paradise; Tangle Asp; Ashcoat Bear; Rhonas' Stalwart; Scour from Existence; Inspiring Captain; Celestial Crusader; Emissary of the Sleepless; Oketra's Avenger; Leonin Snarecaster; Cast Out; Ainok Bond-Kin; Apex Hawks; Windswept Heath; 10x Forest and 6x Plains... oh, and the Unhinged cards Emcee and Land Aid '04. Incidentally, Ainok Bond-Kin > Emcee > literally anything is a winning combination.

So, how'd it go for me? Well... not bad. We never actually finished, so I came somewhere between 3rd, and joint 1st. Lemme expand.

Round one, my opponent was in Dimir colours, and just had an answer. I drew a little badly, but mostly it was just that he was playing his cards better than me. A goodly amount of removal, and some very well reserved counters meant that I couldn't really stop him from chiseling away at my life total. Plus, a 5/5 Flyer with Shadow is basically game over unless you draw premium removal... and they don't counter it.

Either way, I lost fair and square. Don't believe I won any games actually...

... Round two went much better. He was playing Grixis, and mana-screwed himself a couple of times, but also I was just a little punchier. Three games this time, and in the end it was a game of inches rather than a crushing defeat. Which I am actually very proud of, because at worst he is going to draw with me for first, after beating every other player.

Final opponent first picked Teysa Karlov (the second version) and just went for it. Which is unfortunate, because he was to my left, and I took all the good white cards.

These were slow, grindy matches, which I believe is a necessity of Orzhov (my Warriors being the exception), but in the end I wore him down faster than he could stop me. Once again - Bond-Kin, Emcee, Menagerie Liberator is just instant victory. And this was the round that I saw the Animus.

Unfortuately, I did not get the chance to face the last player (which is a shame, cos I would like to see a 4 colour durdle-nought), because of time constraints, but I intend to face him at some point. Maybe I'll even record it! I won't.

So, all in all... Yeah, I loved it. I quite enjoy MTGO Drafts, and Paper has the added benefit of playing with friends, which is always more fun. For anyone considering it - I'd highly recommend getting some friends together, and giving it a go. Seriously; you will enjoy it.

And now, because it is half eleven, and Master Grixis is wanting to read my many praises to him, I am afraid that I shall be forced to depart. Once again, thank you so much for joining me, and I oughta see you next week.

Volodanti out.

Hour of About-Average-Actually

Alright, first off - sorry it's late. Again. I realised on Thursday that I should have posted, so... yeah, sorry. I'll have another post - a longer one - next week, and then possibly something the week after. We'll see.

So, the big question - the prerelease. How did it go? My flatmate says 'who cares?', but I hope you do... anyway it went pretty well. About the same as ever - possibly slightly better? I went two-and-two, but it was a lot closer.

I deckbuilt a hell of a lot smarter this time round. I decided from the get go that I was only going to play two colours, and when I didn't open any fixing that just helped me stick to my convictions. My Prerelease foil was an Angel of Condemnation, which was a) ridiculously good, and b) what helped me settle on white as my second colour. After blue - yes, blue was actually my first choice. Which is weird both for me, and in general. Since I've started, it's been a bit too slow for limited, but this time... well, between Aerial Guide and Unquenchable Thirst, you can get in for some good damage while your opponent has a decent board presence. Then a Dauntless Aven, a couple Aven of Enduring Hope, and Oketra's Avenger... well, I was in with a Azorius Soft-Control Deck.

Or so I had thought. Then, about turn six of my first game, when my opponent was on 8 life, I came to realise that I was in a blue-white flyers deck, with a slight life-gain sub-theme. Not a great deal, but through a combination of Aven of Enduring Hope and Angel of Condemnation, I could eke out advantage if the game went on too long.

Anyway, Round One went... I mean, I lost. But they Junded me out, so I'm fine with that. I lost 0-2, because I could knock them down very quickly, but then I had nowhere to go... in no small part due to them having the Scorpion God. Even if they don't have anything that can block Flyers, -1/-1 counters are great against cheap flyers...

Round Two was against one of my friends (Team Wansbeck Represent!), who had built a Mill deck... somehow. He had Fraying Sanity and a couple of spells that milled, plus a bit of recursion to bring back old spells. When you have to dump 20 cards from a 40 card deck, you know things are going badly. Anyway, this went better, in that I won. I killed him the first game cos he was mana screwed, won the second round when he assembled his Milling Engine (he was on 3 life when he decked me), and won the third game due to wasting ludicrous amounts of removal on anything that could mill.

Third Round I also won, though my opponent wasn't really into it. They were playing a similar deck to mine - Orzhov, rather than Azorius if I remember correctly - and I ended up having to withhold my Angel for several turns because he had his own out. That was a close couple of games, but I was playing a slightly better deck in that kinda match-up - or possibly I'm just a better player than someone who starts the game by telling me they're going to lose. Who knows?

Round Four was came down to the skin of my teeth, and is also the one I remember the least about. I remember scooping in the first game when he played out three different 5/5's, and I remember winning the second game - though I don't know how. Third game was very close too - I believe that I died due to garbage topdecks, though I can't remember the exact circumstances... but that's my fault for leaving it too late. Shame, the third guy was canny. Second best opponent that day.

Anyway, that was my prerelease, in not all that much detail. Perhaps I oughta start making notes between rounds... that's not actually a bad idea. I might try that for Ixlan. Ixilan? Xilan?

... Yeah, that's gonna be an easy pun. Look forward to that.

Volodanti out.

A New Triumvirate?

Heeey there chiiiiildren!

So, I'm gonna get straight into this - partially because there's not a lot of time, and partially because I wanna get this out before I get distracted. So.

Do I need a third Alpha Legion Lord?

First off, I realise that, theoretically, I should get a Dark Apostle. Or, a Sorcerer - hell, even a Warpsmith. Well, theoretically, I oughta get a Warpsmith regardless, since one was mentioned in my fluff from some time ago... but I don't use vehicles so I'm not sure there's that much point.

So, right, why do I want a third Lord? Well... partially because I think things work better in threes. Although, that could just be my knowledge of Hellenic Rhetoric, Debate and Comedy. Technically, the first two are basically one, but I couldn't think of a third, and I was trying to make a point... Writing! Bugger; that would've worked.

... Anyway, so I don't have the fluff down yet, but I have three ideas for the model. Three, again. See, it's omnipresent.

Alright, first off, we have the rifleman, as I intend to call him. As you can probably guess, he's equipped with a rifle, and his role is a battlefield sniper. Obviously, this would have the benefit of completing the trio - 'Epsilus' with the pistol, Iotum with the carbine, Sigmon - that's a terrible name, we'll work on it later - with a rifle. Model wise, I imagine him either sprinting between cover, or else poised with rifle raised, sighting a target. Either way, I probably imagine him swathed in a heavy cloak with a hood...

Second Option - the assassin. He has a pair of combat blades - preferably knives, though swords would work - and is tasked with advancing behind enemy positions. In contrast to the other leaders, he is melee focused, and actually good as a fighter. While he specialises as a one-on-one fighter, he is perfectly capable of shredding his way through troops to reach the target... well, provided he gets the drop on them. Model wise, I reckon he's probably leaping from cover, knives bared... once again, probably with a cloak flared behind him.

And option the third - the poisoner. Admittedly, this was originally Iotum's design, but I really like it... so the idea is that he works mostly behind enemy lines. He moves in, poisons the supplies and does some minor saboteur work before the battle begins, then moves in to sow discord amongst the enemy ranks. For this model... I kinda like the idea of him holding a single knife, venom dripping from the blade, as he skulks. He's probably the most static of the three, but perhaps that could be a nice contrast.

... Anyway, those are the options as I see them. I genuinely dunno which I would want to go for, but I am sure that I want to give something a try. I say give a try - I mean convert. Seriously, I enjoy converting individual models far more than is reasonable.

Oh, and in unrelated news, I've started a new show on my Youtube Channel. It's called Andrew Attempts and in it I attempt to play through a new game. In this case, Dishonored 2. So, if you'd like to watch me mumble semi-coherently as I repeatedly balls-up a run through of a year-old game, just click that link there.

Volodanti out.

We Are Legion

Hello there, and welcome back. I've a show for you today, by which I mean a look at some models.

With the fluff I posted a while back, you may have noticed a slight change-up with the leadership of my Alpha Legion. In that Zetum has vanished, and Epsilus has started acting very... un-Epsilus-y. Which is totally a word.

So, obviously, I needed a new model to represent the change. And, also, I just kinda wanted to make a new model. For an old character. Totally not Zetum. Honest.

Anyway, here he is - Epsilus Alpharius as I have come to call him. Initially, I'd wanted a running model with a camo-cloak, partially as a test of my skills, but mostly due to a beautiful piece of artwork that I found of a sniper poop at sunset. However, it quickly became apparent that the only way to do that would be to buy a squad of 30k snipers, try to ship 4 of them off to a collector, and settle for a crouching model lacking any real personality.
So, I moved on, and decided on a cloak and tabard, possibly with a hooded helm, with cloth in various shades of grey - since I have based my alpha legion for city fights - but I realised that would be... well, canny boring to look at. It was a greyish blob with a bit of blue here and there.
So, at some point, I looked at the images of a Stealth Suit activating it's field - and the eye of the gods table - and thought "yeah, like that". So, I thought of having him next to some minor terrain, and having the areas near it starting to blur. Then I found that bit of wall, and after a brief little of cutting, pinning, and posing... well, here you are.
For the colours, I decided on quite a muted scheme - greyish blue, with a green wash, with the exception being where he touches the rock. It's a little difficult to see, but the armour matches the stone, with a bright flare at the edges as the colour changes.

However, since Zetum has vanished, the Warband needs a new independent operative. A role filled by...

This guy! Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Iotum. As you can probably see, he's a Raptor. More importantly though, you can probably tell that he's a) a lot more chaotic than Zet- um, Epsilus. And b) he's armed with a sighted bolter. Which is important because he's not a melee fighter. To be honest, he's not a fighter at all - if he's using his gun at all, he's not doing his job properly.
He went through three or four variations of weapons before I settled on the bolter. Initially he had a sword and pistol, but that felt a bit too... generic. I wanted him to have a poisoned dagger, but I couldn't find appropriate parts, and had already spent my budget. So, I swapped the sword for just the pointing hand, which worked better, but left him too similar to his commander. I tried a pair of empty hands for a bit, but... well, I used him in game, and as interesting as it was in fluff, being unarmed is actually pretty terrible.
So, the bolter. Idea is he uses it mostly as a telescope to spy on enemies, but can use it to defend himself in a pinch. Or, if it calls for it, a sniper with the ability to fly could prove very useful...
Anyway, you'll notice that his colour scheme is significantly darker than the commander's. Personally, I prefer the dark blue, but I think that it might be better if I only use it on infiltration specialists - chosen squads, or possibly any raptors I might buy. Epsilus' scheme will be how I paint regular marines; if for no other reason than it takes a lot less work.

Anyway, that's all you get today. Thank you very much for turning up, and I hope that you've enjoyed it. I'll see you again next time.

Volodanti out.

The Metallic Menace

So, really, Wednesday would be a better day for this. Which is a weird way to start a post, but let me explain why:

Tomorrow, we're playing Bug Hunt.

Well, sorta. You may all remember that we made rules for DeathHulk a while ago. Well, that kinda died, but we kept the basic idea of it - a couple Deathwatch fighting their way through a series of corridors, fighting xenos. However, we didn't want to just be fighting 'nids, or perhaps Orks (since we have a goodly few of them), so we started debating various things to fight.

And then, at some point, someone had an idea - what about it we made our own minor race of xenos?

It took a significant amount of debating, throwing around ideas, and mostly arguing, but in the end we came up with an idea that we all liked. They're called the Rusties. Well, technically, they don't have a name, just an Imperial Designation, but they're nicknamed Rusties. 

Basically, they're a sentient lump of rust. Yeah, I get that that sounds pretty flipping stupid, but go along with me here. They're an microscopic, barely-sentient organisms that survive by consuming metals. Individually, they're perhaps the size of a mite, and would take months to devour a nail. However, they live as colonies. At their most basic level, this means several hundred, but can extend into the billions if left unchecked. And, most disconcertingly, they possess something akin to a localised hive-mind. So, if you find a patch the size of a plate it will only know to eat, or find something to eat. Once they reach the size of a cat, they possess the fight or flight reaction. The largest are as smart as some dogs, capable of limited reasoning and problem solving. 

Oh, incidentally, you may have noticed that I refer to a colony as 'it' rather than 'they'. That's because they group together to form a single body, similar to a Portuguese Man-'o-War, but lacking the uniformity. The weakest of them appear as little more than an uneven patch of rust on a wall. The next stage, 'Swarms' is a slug the size of a glasses case. Then there are the 'Cats', an asymmetrical mass that stand to waist height, 'Stalkers' that are crabs the size of men, and even larger beasts that are referred to as 'brutes'.

Rules wise, they're all tough, but with a strength of 1. They also reduce the armour save of any models in base contact with them, but typically move very slowly and lack any ranged weapons. It's an interesting trade off, and actually they're incredibly difficult to fight. Well, at least for a small kill team. I reckon they'd be very poor in a proper game.

As I said, we're playing with them tomorrow, and it'll be our first real game with them. We've had a quick match versus them to play test the rules, but tomorrow is time for a mini campaign. 

... Which will probably be the topic of next time. Unless I get something else done. Well, either way, we'll see what happens, I guess.

Wow, that was a terrible, awful sentence. I'm leaving that in so you can experience the disappointment I deserve. Really Can't come back from that, so I'm not even gonna try.

Volodanti out.

Mid-May Round-up

Right, so, the usual apology and excuses come first. I was on holiday last week, and completely lost track of time. Incidentally, Bolton Castle > Skipton Castle... I got to fire a bow. Twas a good day.

Now, moving on, what have I been up to recently?

Well, first off, Let's Tea is progressing relatively well. We're on episode 13 or so, with more ready to upload... When they decide not to fail.

Next up, I'm working on a retinue for a game of Inquisitor. I'll go into more details soon, since I've finally got all the parts, but I'm really excited for it. It's pretty low key we've decided - no power weapons, one chainsword per team. The guy who's playing Tau has limited himself to three men, rather than the usual five, to keep everything fair. Well, 'fair' is a strong word, but you know what I mean.

And, moving on, I'm actually making a new D&D setting. Yes, another one, I know, but I have a reason. Some old friends of mine decided that they wanted to do an occasional session over skype, and I've ended up as the GM for some reason. Once again, I'll go into more details later, but for the moment, I'll let you know that it's basically a poor man's Kamigawa.

... and, last off, I am keeping up to date on the 8th Edition rumours. And getting very excited. I went from Cautious to Cautiously Optimistic to just plain Optimistic. I'm still not entirely sure on everything, but I'm happy to give it a try.

Anyway, this is just a little post to keep you up to date with what's going on in my life as a nerd. Not a great deal of anything practical, but sometimes it's just nice to throw a bunch of words at you and hope something sticks.

And with that, I'll bid you fairwell. Sorry again that it's late, but I'll try and get something a bit more chunky up sooner rather than later.

Volodanti out.

Amonkhet to the Point

I am so sorry. I couldn't help myself.

Anyway, Prerelease was last weekend, so you know what that means! The regular round-up of my attempts to not come last. In a startling change of pace, I once again placed in the middle third. Though, technically speaking, this was my worst Prerelease so far...

... So, how do I usually start these? Right, decklist. Sweet, so:

Anointed Procession, Fan Bearer, Binding Mummy,Vizier of Deferment, Winged Shepherd, Trueheart Duelist, Unwavering Initiate,Tah-Crop Elite, Rhet-Crop Spearmaster, Start // Finish, Never // Return, Baleful Ammit, Soulstinger, Cursed Minotaur, Doomed Dissenter, Wasteland Scorpion, Liliana; Death's Majesty, Angler Drake, Aven Initiate, Glyph Keeper, Oketra's Monument, Bontu's Monument, Painted Bluffs, and a host of basic Plains, Islands and Swamps - including a surprising number of full-arts.

So, I continued the surprising trend of both pulling a Planeswalker at the Prerelease, and it being on-colour. Though, for a change, it was mono-coloured, which kinda helped. To be honest though, my pool wasn't amazing. Technically speaking, it was fully functional, but with the exception of Liliana and the Glyph Keeper, there weren't really any standout cards. I actually fluctuated between Esper, Mardu and Jeskai about five times before finally settling on my deck. And it was... well, fine. Nothing amazing - as you'll see - but it worked.

Anyway, round one. As it later turned out, my opponent won the event, so you can probably guess how it went... 0-2, for those of you keeping score at home. It was here that I discovered that the Khenra Charioteers can go home and die. Seriously, it is ridiculously good, and I don't think that I ever won a game when it resolved.
To be honest, I have rather mixed feelings about this round. My opponent was very competitive, and after we finished the matches he told me that he'd noticed a couple occasions that I'd forgotten about Bontu's Monument triggering... Which left me in an awkward position. On the one hand, that's my job to keep track of, and I can't expect him to remind me every time. But on the other hand, it was a casual rules environment, and it's expected that you'll make the occasional mistake and everyone will help out. And on the other-other hand, he finished game two one 3 life, so that bastard stole my prizes.
... but, then again, he helped me retool my deck (as is tradition), so my future successes are at least partially owed to him. Well, probably more so, cos he made me play Fan Bearer and that card was worth it's weight in copper. Copper being quite expensive presently.

So, on to round two. My opponent, it transpires, is playing Azorius, and it was pretty damn close to a mirror-match. Which is a surprise, given that I didn't use a lot of blue... but he had a lot of white, so shush. Also, a ridiculous number of counters. Seriously, I didn't manage to resolve a creature until turn five. That was my first draw at any Prerelease - I lost the first round, and just won the second before time was called. As it turns out, Amonkhet limited can be a very slow format when it wants to be. Luckily, the solution to that is, apparently, Liliana. She was very helpful in this, even though I only ever +1'd her.

Round three was actually against someone I recognised - specifically, the person who helped me fix my deck in the Kaladesh Prerelease. What was more surprising is that he actually recognised me. What's the most surprising though is that I won. 2-0 over a Gruul deck, even inspite of those flipping Charioteers. I was just lucky to be holding removal when they resolved (early).
It was during this game that I came to a depressing realisation; Winged Shepherd is not a good card. It's has flying, vigilance, and cycling, but it's just too much. I was disappointed whenever Ihad to cast it, because I always felt like pitching it to draw was a much better use of resources that a 6 mana 3/3... though, in retrospect, a 6 mana 3/3 was never gonna be worth it...

... Anyway, round 4. This time, I played against someone who finished in the top 5, and yet another Charioteer. Seriously, I hate that card with every fibre of my being.
First game went... well, it could've been better. He built up a small army while I floundered to find a plains. Then, game two, our roles were reversed; he was mana-screwed, and I quickly rolled over him.
So, finally game. The game that decides whether I finish in the top 10 or the- I already told you how this ends. Yeah, I went 1-2, and came 17th out of 27. Which is fine - almost in the top half, and going 1-1-2 isn't the end of the world. I won two packs, and enjoyed myself.

So, what knowledge have I come away with? Well, a couple things. First off, figure out early on whether your opponent is here to enjoy themselves, or to win. Second, Glyph Keeper is a very powerful card, but suffers greatly against aggressive decks - the mini-Hexproof effect is great when your opponent carries removal, not so much when they just punch you in the face. And, most importantly, that Khenra Charioteers can get f-

Volodanti out.

Innocence Lost, Part Two

Hello again. Just a quick message to apologise again for my tardiness, and my hopes that you enjoy this.

Volodanti out.

“Venris, this isn’t a fairy tale.” Lucas replied. “Fight me or don’t, but by the Warp, shut up.”

Stepping past the knot of bodyguards, forced down the nearest Astarte’s bolter, before he motioned them to board the waiting dropship, which even now powered its engines to a whining crescendo, urgently calling for its passengers to board.

“There’s not enough room for all of us anyway. I’ll deal with the hero, and meet you aboard the Hunter. Make ready to leave as soon as I board.” The renegades seemed reluctant to abandon their commander but did as ordered, quickly ascending the ramp and buckling in. As the last sat down the ship took flight, spinning about to find a new heading even before the ramp was fully closed, trusting the life-sustaining armour of the passengers to keep them safe and conscious.

As the dust settled on the landing pad, amidst the dulled sounds of combat from below, Lucas and Venris faced one another, weapons at the ready. Lucas held the volgue that he’d once used as a Company Master, though he seemed to have abandoned the storm shield he’d favoured. That gave Venris some chance, though truth be told he’d have preferred that the shield stayed than the polearm. Lucas moved to a familiar stance, left hand to the front so that the bionic limb could be used as an impromptu buckler, whilst his right controlled the weapon. Venris, meanwhile, settled into a knife-fighter’s stance, blade extended, knees bent, whilst he held his pistol close to his back leg. They took stock of one another, eyes poring over every detail for a long moment, before they launched into action.

As Lucas took his first step, Venris snapped around, lining up the shot and firing before Lucas foot even touched the ground. Lucas responded with equal speed, stopping his thrust and raising the weapon’s head to deflect the incoming bolt of plasma so that it exploded before his face, rather than against it. It still blinded him for a moment, giving Venris the chance to strike.

He turned his movement into a charge, launching forwards to shoulder-barge his foe. Lucas, though blind, expected such a manoeuvre and stepped back, swinging his weapon in a wide arc to allow himself a moment. Venris pulled up just shy of the deadly arc, dropping under his foe’s guard to trust his knife into the softer armour covering the stomach. The knife bit deep, but failed to do much damage before Lucas instinctively lashed out, kneeing Venris in the face and sending him reeling backwards, rolling as he landed to avoid a hasty chop of the polearm.

As Venris recovered his feet it became apparent that Lucas was once more in possession of all his senses, and stood ready to repel any attack. Venris gritted his teeth – not only was his foe’s weapon significantly longer, Venris knife lacked the sheath of armour-sundering energy that surrounded it.

Still, Venris had one advantage. Focussing a moment, he activated to short-ranged teleporter in his power pack, willing it to move him to a spot a yard behind his opponent, before launching himself backwards, turning into a thrust. As he began to move the teleporter activated, shunting him through the Immaterium to the chosen spot, his momentum unchanged. Lucas was quick to turn, but even an Astartes’ reflexes could do little to counter a charge from that distance. Venris crashed in, knife scratching across his breastplate before it found his armpit and left a deep gouge, even as he tackled his foes, near knocking the pair sprawling. They just about managed to maintain their balance and began to grapple, hoping to gain some advantage in either strength or stance.

After a moment, it became apparent that Lucas was the stronger of the two, and began to dominate the contest. Venris responded in the only way he could, slamming his head forwards, so that their foreheads met with a resounding crunch, before repeating the manoeuvre, repeatedly hammering his helm against his foe’s face until one broke. Sadly though, what gave fist was Venris balance as Lucas stamped down on his foe’s shin, knocking his foot from underneath him, and allowing his attempted headbutt into a faceplant. Venris managed to roll so that he landed on his shoulder, jolting him but doing no real damage, before he once more saw afterimages of the Warp and reappeared on the far side of the roof.

Apparently, his displacer field had carried him to safety as Lucas attempted to finish the fight with a quick thrust of his weapon. Recognising a chance to do the same on more favourable terms, Venris drew and fired his pistol once more, targeting the exposed power pack. Unfortunately, the weapon failed spectacularly, overheating such that it exploded in a brilliant ball of super-heated plasma. Venris gasped in pain as the misfire melted the armour, and skin, of his forearm, leaving it near useless. The pain-suppressors in his suit quickly got to work, leaving the raw wound as little more than a dull throb as Lucas turned to him, weapon at the ready as he surveyed his opponent.

He marched slowly over to Venris, aware that even injured an Astartes was a significant threat to the unwary. His weapon flashed out, Venris intercepted the strike with his knife, and was left with three fingers and most of a handle, the missing limb and blade falling to the floor even as the blade plunged into his collarbone, cauterising the wound even as it severed an artery. The injury wasn’t immediately lethal to Venris, and would likely even heal fully with some minor care, but it left his arm hanging limply by his side. Lucas stepped in, batting aside Venris feeble attempts to counter it, and gripped him by the throat. He studied him for but a moment before hurling him bodily across the roof, so that he crashed into the wall, cracking the stones and near bulldozing his way straight through it. Lucas was by his side almost before he’d landed, one boot resting upon his burnt wrist, the blade of his weapon pressed against Venris throat. Venris stiffened, anticipating the thrust and the slow death that followed, but none came. Instead, Lucas spoke.

“You’re better, but you’ll never match me. If I were still your teacher, I might be impressed. But I’m not, and I’m just irritated. Don’t follow me. I’m going to kill the Beast that ravaged our home, and when I return I expect a Warp-damned parade. I’m not sparing you out of sentimentality, but because if I do Banekai will launch a hunt, or Faescestus will make it his sworn duty, or perhaps Volodanti will actually do something for once.” Lucas glanced behind him as a dropship painted in the livery of the Fists of Decay approached the rooftop, the ramp open invitingly. “And try to go limp.” He added, kicking Venris through the wall, and off the hundred-foot drop. His fight concluded, he turned around, and marched towards the waiting ship, and his continued quest.

Raincheck?

Right, so, first off, Happy Easter. Or, if you don't celebrate, Happy Fourth Sunday after the Spring New Moon, or however on Earth the church decides when to eat chocolate eggs. Apparently, the Pope is considering making it a set day each year, like Christmas. Which would be a hell of a lot easier for Calendar makers and School Holiday planning... I'm off topic, aren't I? Point is, I am full of chocolate, and drinking Baileys.

With that out of the way, bit of bad news - not everything went to plan today. Or rather, yesterday, as it rained, which meant that I couldn't spray my Deathwatch. I got it done today, but that meant I had to spend the morning at my parents - which, actually, was really nice, I don't visit half as often as I should... - but that meant I couldn't spend this morning writing today's blog. And, being a sensible grown-up, I spent my time after work making chili for me to eat tomorrow, so I didn't get a chance to write it tonight either...
... So, I'm going to tomorrow. It should be up by midday, so if you're having a late lunch, you'll have something to read whilst you eat. Sorry again that it's late, but to be honest, you oughta be used to that by now.

By Morrow, I am a terrible at this.

Volodanti out.

Innocence Lost

Hello there, and welcome back.
So, right, sorry this is a week late - I got my dates mixed up and didn't realise til Friday that I'd missed a post. Don't worry though, you'll still be getting a post next week - specifically, part two of today's fluff. Speaking of which, here continues the saga of Epsilus' demise, and me moving plot forward. So, without further ado.

Hope you enjoy this, and thanks for reading.

Volodanti out.

Venris marched alongside his command, finally approaching the Traitor’s base. Why, precisely, they had congregated on this dead world was a mystery; but not one which he overly cared to answer. The alliance of sorts had caused great harm to the Imperium over millennia, many of its members having once fought alongside the Arch-Traitor Horus, and it was today that they would finally face justice for their crimes.

Already, some fled – as Venris crested an outcrop, he saw the enemy laid out before him, some two miles away. They surrounded an ancient ruin; possibly it had once been a temple to some forgotten gods, but now it appeared more as a single finger of brownish stone, pointing defiantly to the heavens. Traitors of various Warbands milled about near it, collecting equipment, keeping lookout, or else escorting their champions. They were hurriedly boarding dropships, hoping to escape the noose inexorably tightening about them as his own allies approached; Ultramarines, Aquillon Guard, Blood Ravens and Thunder Wyverns. Venris sent a quick message over the vox to request interceptors even as he ordered his men to deploy into formation.

Within minutes of gaining line of sight, the first casualties were lost to traitor weapons – Brother Girrodostun taking a shell from an autocannon to the softer armour of his stomach. He collapsed, grunting in pain as his internal organs turned to pulp. Perhaps he might survive, if help came, but that was beyond Venris’ capabilities. As more fell to the enemy’s heavy weapons, Venris men spread out, moving between pieces of cover, but always advancing towards the Traitors.

Within ten minutes, Venris had made his first kill – a bolt of superheated plasma bursting upon the breast of a Night Lord, quickly vaporising his torso. A quartet  of smoking limbs fell to the ground, but Venris had already moved on, selecting a new target. His men moved with him, gunning down the traitors and their cultists as they charged; their advance no less implacable than a glacier’s.

On the third shot, Venris pistol overheated, venting superheated gas from its core as an Khornate Champion barrelled towards him, teeth bared as screamed his warcry. His armour protected him from the worst of the damage – likely, even a mortal would not suffer overly , so the Black Blade didn’t even register pain. Venris ground his teeth in frustration, cursing his ill-luck – his blade still lay lodged in the secondary heart of the Night Lord Estragor. Since their encounter, he’d not had the chance to replace it and so settled instead on drawing forth his combat knife; a sidearm which had not seen use in several decades. Still, Venris kept it well maintained and to hand at all times, and was thankful for the blade at this time. He caught the creaming teeth of the chain axe with his knife even as he shifted his weight, turning the Berserker’s charge into a throw, slamming him bodily into the ground. As the champion rolled over he was met by the sight of Venris’ boot descending, crushing his skull underfoot. An ironic end, Venris thought, considering their warcry.

As the battle progressed, the clear lines blended into a series of small skirmishes – rarely more than five warriors engaged in any single fight. Venris continued through the camp, moving ever towards the tower, and the enemy command, noting that the foes became ever more challenging, and that each yard  became hard fought over. By the time he reached the plaza before the doors he’d all but emptied his plasma pistol’s charge, and had suffered numerous wounds. He made a break for the entrance, sidestepping a veteran renegade with a power maul and leaving him with a severed  hamstring, and a squad of his own veterans to contend with.

Inside, the temple was a cavernous building; vaulted ceilings gave way to buttressed walls, built upon a stone floor. Clearly, there was once an architectural masterwork, but time had worn all the surfaces smooth, removing any touch of artistry. Venris sprinted through the oddly empty building, past a chamber where unholy runes had been drawn on the floor, in circles around the corpse of a Night Lord. A sacrifice perhaps? Venris doubted he’d ever know the answer, and found that he did not much care. Once less Traitor was not something worth investigating.

Venris quickly found the stairs and careened up them; the stone steps cracking under his heavy footfalls as he launched himself up them, five or six at a time. By the time he reached the top of the spiral, he found himself breathing heavier than usual – though more likely from injury than exertion. He passed through the door without stopping, the plasteel door flying from its hinges to clatter noisily  as Venris emerged onto the roof. Opposite him were a few Renegades, garbed in grey and bone armour, surrounding a figure in an ebony robe. A few turned to look as he emerged, weapons drawn, armour scarred almost beyond repair, cloak little more than a shredded mess. He raised his right arm, knife pointed accusatorily at their leader and called out.

“Company Master Tutella, for desertion, dereliction of duty, and bringing the name of our Chapter into disrepute, I am to execute you. Throw down your weapon, and I shall grant you a quick death.

The figure turned, revealing a familiar face warped beyond all redemption by the heresies he had committed.

“Venris, this isn’t a fairy tale.” Lucas replied. “Fight me or don’t, but by the Warp, shut up.”

After The Ritual

Alright, first off... sorry it's late. The store had some... maintenance issues. Basically, the door broke, and we had to wait for a repairman to come fix it. Which meant that I didn't have access to my kindle (so I couldn't write this post on my break), and also that I had to stay late (so I couldn't write it when I get home). On the upside, I'm done now, and have a follow-up to that last piece of fluff I wrote. So, without further ado... the end of Epsilus story.

Epsilus stumbled through the door, slamming it shut behind him as he punched the stone walls, spreading a spider web of cracks and a gust of pulverised stone. Eight millennia of work, lost in a moment. That fool Vaako, curse his name, had ruined his ritual, denying Epsilus his freedom and costing him his life as well. It was lucky that he’d died, else Epsilus would have killed him himself, in a far less pleasant manner. Epsilus screamed in rage and despair, ripping his helm free to throw it across the room, revealing a pale, hairless head.

“It seems that hasn’t gone quite to plan…” The voice came from behind him.

Epsilus span, looking for the source in the seemingly empty room. Leant against the doorframe was his lieutenant, Zetum. Epsilus clenched his fists, teeth ground in frustration as he regarded his subordinate.

“No, Zetum, it did not. Thanks to your little friend, the ritual failed.”

“I’d hardly call him a friend. We only worked together because you ordered me to.” Zetum replied, arms folded as he inspected a portable-cogitator. “What are your plans now?”

Epsilus sighed, shoulders dropping as he began to consider his options. Obviously, he couldn’t just repeat the ritual now, but perhaps, with team…

“I suppose that we’ll have to start again. The disciples are not easily replaced, but, with time… I think that I could find suitable specimens.”

Zetum seemed to muse over it a moment, before uncrossing his arms and standing at attention. “No, that won’t work.”

“I know it’s not ideal, but I’m not left with much choice. What other option do I have?”

“No, you misunderstand me. I meant that we are not going to do that. We’ve spent seven millennia hunting your ‘salvation’… and failed. You had your chance – accept it, and move on.”

“I’m sorry, Zetum, I seem to have misheard you,” Epsilus growled, “it almost sounded like you are advocating mutiny.”

“No, I’m advocating reason. Epsilus, I have followed you since our Legion was shattered, and do you know why? Because I trusted you to lead. Ten thousand years ago, I trusted you. Seven millennia ago, you were marked, and I trusted you. Five millennia ago, you started this quest, and I trusted you. Three millennia ago, when this consumed you, and yet I trusted you… and now, your quest is failed. And I do not know that I trust you.”

“Trust is irrelevant. Obedience is all I require.” Epsilus snarled.

Zetum sighed, arms slumping in defeat. “And that, my lord, is why I cannot allow you to lead anymore. You have forgotten our goal, so consumed by you own petty desires, and will lead us into ruin.”

“’Petty desires’?” Epsilus shrieked. “This is my soul, Zetum!”

“And you have, repeatedly, placed it above the good of the warband. I cannot, will not, allow it to continue.”

“This band is mine. And you will do as I tell you.”

“I will do what I must.” Zetum replied, stepping in front of the door.

“And so shall I.”

+++

Estragor slammed the door open, growling in frustration as he sought out his ally. The dilapidated door cracked and flew off the hinges, metal shattering as it struck the wall. Before him was his erstwhile companion, Epsilus. As Estragor entered the room he was just replacing his helmet, and the Night Lord caught a brief glimpse of pale skin before the seals locked.

“Little Hydra, I hear that the ritual failed.” Estragor half laughed and half growled, amused that at his ally’s misfortune, but equally enraged at the waste of time, effort and resources.

“What makes you think that?” The Legionnaire replied, evenly.

“I hear that my Crimson Claw disruprted the ritual, and paid for it with his unlife…” Estragor said, unsure. There was something wrong here.

“He attempted, and he died for his troubles. I am fine.” Epsilus stated, slowly unclasping the cloak from shoulders. After a moment, he held the fabric and maille in his hands, seeming to study it, before he let it drop to the ground.

“Little Hydra… what are you doing?”

“I don’t think that I have much need for this anymore.” Epsilus replied, walking past him and out of the door. Now, if you don’t mind, I think it prudent that we leave.”

“But… your spear.” Estragor replied, nonplussed, as he indicated the combi-weapon left propped against the wall.

“Leave it, I have no further use. It was ostentatious and impractical.” Epsilus replied, continuing on his way. Estragor cast the empty room one last look before hastening to follow his ally. “Now that the ritual is complete, maintaining the character is… unnecessary.”

“Character?” Estragor growled, arching an eyebrow.

“Epsilus Sancrenus, the Chosen and Abandoned. A bit grandiose a title, but it served its purpose. Now that I am… free of outside influence, I can return to anonymity.”

Estragor stepped infront of the Traitor marine, holding him up. “You’re not Epsilus, are you?”

“I just said, Epsilus was a character, not who I am.”

“Yes, but… you’re not the same Astartes that I have fought beside since the Heresy, are you?” Estragor growled, barely resisting the urge to activate his claws.

“I am Alpharius.” He replied, slipping past the Night Lord. By the time Estragor caught him, he was boarding a dropship.

“So what now, ‘Alpharius’?” Estragor called over the whine of the orbital’s thrusters.

“What do you mean, Night Lord?” Espilus replied, vox leaving his voice inflectionless buy clear.

“You always have a next step. What is it this time?”

Estragor couldn’t see his partner’s face, but he could well imagine the impertinent smirk as the Legionnaire cocked his head.

“What makes you think that this relationship isn’t over?” He replied, close to laughing in spite of the crackling vox.

With a whine that grew into a roar, the lander took off, door slowly closing as Estragor’s oldest ally waved a final salute, leaving the Night Lord on an empty world, the noose of Imperial forces slowly tightening about his position.

Volodanti out,

The Glorious Return

Well, hello there everyone, and how are you?

Yes, I return, bearing the gift of another dumb post... am I too self-depreciating? Be honest here, it's sometimes hard to tell whether it's humble sarcasm or self-esteem issues when I'm writing... That's probably something I oughta consider when I'm not writing a blog...

... anyway, enough on that - hello! I'm back from my holiday - a week of sun, Kinnie and so much goddamn walking that my knees are still stiff. Though, going straight back to work probably didn't help. Either way, back to reality, lets get to nerding.

So, as you may remember, recently I posted a picture of the starts of a new army; a small force of Deathwatch, which I promised to go into more detail on soon enough... and then didn't. A few of you may be wandering why that it, and the answer, such as it is, is pretty dull; I'm not finished. Originally, it was going to be a small kill team - just six or seven models, probably Fire Team Crimson, with a couple random blokes to make up numbers.

That... didn't really work. Partially because - in spite of the game being named after them - Deathwatch aren't actually very good in Kill Team. As it turns out, it's really more of a numbers game, and at best you can get 9 veterans in a kill team. So, I decided to combine them with the Overkill marines, convert a couple blokes up, and turn them into a small army.

Which worked slightly better. They're still a bit expensive for a 500 point army, but I reckon that 1000 points would work better, so I thought I'd buy a captain, maybe another terminator and get to painting

... and then my girlfriend bought me a Start Collecting box for my birthday. Which was freaking amazing, but since I flew to Malta two days later, I didn't get a chance to build them in time for the blog. Oh well, never mind, I'd have them done for today, right?

Well... no. Cos I don't like Smoke. My model, I mean. I have gone through something like six iterations, and I just can't make a version that I like. It's actually surprisingly annoying, because I'm fast running out of models, and have gone through about three variations of 'guy with a heavy flamer'. Technically, it should be flamer and powerfist, but that's ridiculously expensive for a 1 wound model, and even if they are gonna be a fluffy army, I still kinda want them to work as a force.

So, yes... it's not going massively well. Which is a shame, mostly cos I actually really want to get this army up and running, and maybe for once have a fully painted force... it'd be a novelty if nothing else.

... but, otherwise my friends, I'm afraid that this is where this post much end. I'm sorry it doesn't include that much in the way of... well, anything, butif the weather clears up, I'll be able to spray my men, and then maybe start painting... and if not, I'll try and get that story finished off for next time.

Anyway, cheers for reading, and if you have a particular desire to listen to my mumbly tones, Episode 3 of Let's Tea is uploading as we speak. Cheers everyone.

Volodanti out.

I'm on Holiday/Fluff

So, I'm actually writing this in advance - I know, I'm surprised myself - but when you read this, I'll be in Malta, wandering around in shorts and a silly hat, reading a book on the beach, or possibly even going out for a nice meal.

... Well, actually, I'll be in Newcastle, checking out the new Forbidden Planet, cos my flight isn't til Tuesday. But my girlfriend comes over Sunday, so finding the time to post this is probably gonna be a struggle, never mind writing a whole post.

With that in mind, I'm not going to be able to show you any new stuff I've done, since I've been too busy getting everything prepared to actually game. So, instead, here is some fluff I wrote for the occasion. Hope you all enjoy it, cos it took me far too long to write...

Volodanti out.

Epsilus waved for his congregation to follow him; a half dozen champions marching in what could best be described as a loose cluster towards the ruin’s central chamber.

Once, perhaps, it has been the ballroom of a fallen governor’s manor, or perhaps the altar of some long-forgotten cathedral. Octagonal in shape, and near a hundred yards across, the dome soared above their heads, supported only by slender buttresses against the room’s corners; each separated by a faded mural, barely frescos images of great heroes, holy men, and glory-soaked battlefields flaking off the grey stone. At the top of the dome there remained the edges of window, stained glass bled of its colours by the passage of time, but the different strokes still distinct where the lead had rotten away.

Epsilus lead them to the centre of the room, feet crushing the broken mosaics beneath their feat. Whatever image was once displayed was long since gone, the shards each stained a grubby white from centuries of neglect. He stopped just past the locus, arms spread as he turned to address the throng.

“This moment is the goal I have been pursuing for centuries,” he began, ethereal voice echoing in the silent chamber, “For near five millennia I have been cursed by the mark of a beast that thinks itself a god. Today, my children, I shall rid myself of this foul infection.”

“This… this is why you have summoned us?” Korak growled, eyes blazing with barely suppressed rage, fingers twitching as he held his chainaxe. “You truly think that you can reclaim your soul?” He let out a bark of laughter, scorn and hate rebounding within the sanctum. “I knew you were a weakling and a fool, but clearly I overestimated you. Whatever pact you signed will endure until the stars themselves burn out, and the last skull is added to Khorne’s Throne. Make your peace with that or live in denial – just don’t include me in your idiocy.”

“Though it pains me to agree with a blood-crazed butcher,” Thaw began, casting a look of disdain and arousal in the direction of the hulking berserker, “he is correct. Tzeentch has laid claim to you, and little can change the mind of The Changer of Ways.”

“Do not speak the name of that purveyor of falsehoods,” Epsilus growled, levelling a single finger in the direction of the garish Slaaneshi, “for he is no more a god that I. He is powerful, that much is certain, but none of the denizens of the warp are true gods, merely spirits possessed of an overabundance of pride.”

Dresdae bristled at that, turning his three-eyed helm upon Epsilus in obvious distaste, while the sorcerer Kappius spluttered inarticulately, feet near touching the floor as he lost concentration. Thaw and Lucas were more muted in their disapproval, simply shaking their heads in amusement and disinterest, whilst Korak appeared at least partially interested in the idea, even if it was clear he didn’t agree. Seeing that further words were, ultimately, pointless, Epsilus motioned to Kappius to step forward.

“My… aide has studied the ritual in depth, and we believe that with his power, at this moment, with these people, it might be possible to move the mark; for another to take on my curse and leave me freed.”

This received a much less muted reaction; heads snapping to stare, eyes darting between the mailed champion and the robed sorcerer, cries of shock and denial all silenced by the sorcerer gliding forward.

“My… lord Epsilus is not wrong. I have studied the ritual, and it seems possible. The warp cares little for the individual, for souls burn bright but bodies are fleeting. By bringing together so many marked by greatness, we might confuse the immaterium – five champions enter, four marked, and five leave, four marked. I doubt it will work on a god,” he gave Epsilus a hard look through his horned helm, “but whatever milord wishes is my desire.”

“So, if there are no more pointless comments, we are on a timetable…”

“If you would fan out – Korak, eight paces to the north-east. Thaw; six to the south-east, Dresdae seven to the south-west, and lord Epsilus nine to the north-west. Lucas, you are the focus…”

As each moved to their position, Kappius moved about, using a stick of chalk to trace lines upon the floor connecting the five champions together, rings about their positions, and various runes to a pattern only he could see. It took near twenty minutes to finish preparation, and only then was he able to begin.

Kappius circled the group, chanting in a language long forgotten by mortals, each syllable seeming to pain him as it slipped from his lips. Sometime around his thirtieth rotation a wind seemed to pick up, catching any loose fabric and sending it fluttering irregularly, each gust coming from a different direction, and often multiple sides at once. Near the fiftieth they felt a charge in the air, like a storm about to break, and by the eightieth there were sparks in the air, static flicking between the figures with an audible crack. Soon enough, there was a literal tempest in the room, and Kappius had to scream to be heard, lips bleeding as he continued his incantation. Multi-coloured lightning ran across their armour, arcing between their limbs, as cold fire burned any loose cloth, and the winds lashed dust through the air to scour the paint from the edges of their suits.

Near an hour had passed since they entered the room, and it seemed that millennia of wear had befallen the interior; the few shards of glass has turned to dust as formed a whirling tornado, whilst the walls, already smooth, now shone like marble, and the floor was like glass but for the markings that glowed like hellfire. Finishing his stanza, Kappius motioned to Epsilus, calling out over the howling of the storm.

“Do you forsake the mark of a god, that which binds your soul to His halls for eternity?” The words were but a whisper against the gale.

“Rid me of this curse, sorcerer.” Epsilus replied, voice clear in spite of the tempest.

“And do you accept the mark of your god, that He may be your patron and you His champion?”

“For the ends I seek, my soul is a small price.” Lucas called, metallic fingers clenching.

“Then take each other’s place – and do not place a toe outside the markings.”

The pair moved quickly, each step heavy but purposeful. In a matter of seconds, they once more stood within individual rings, facing one another as a strand of nothingness connected them. With each second, it grew brighter, seeming to draw the storm into itself, howling with lights, sounds, and temperatures beyond human reckoning. It slowly formed into a twisted strand of light, the coil slowly moving to encircle the two figures.

Perhaps the momentary lull was a fluke, or maybe it was preordained, but regardless a second of relative quiet was enough to hear the slap of an armoured foot against the stone floor. Kappius turned, confused, in time to be barrelled over by a figure clad in midnight. His face was a leering skull, lit from within by green fire, one arm ended in a writhing chain of flesh and steel while the other was a blood-red claw.

He came at Epsilus from behind, leaping into a kick as he crossed the threshold of the circle. His foot connected solidly with the champion’s power pack, launching him through the air whilst arresting his own momentum, allowing him to land catlike in the Tzeentchian’s spot as the string of fate closed about the ring.

“Kappius!” Epsilus called over the roar of unsound. “Stop this!”

“I… I can’t. Once the ritual has crossed this point, there is no way to end it…”

“Vaako you bastard…”

The figure only grinned in response, a tongue of flame licking out to mock the Alpha Legionnaire, before grimacing as a stream of black-and-white blood began to leak from his chest plate, rivulets running to pool in the centre, forming into an ever-larger sphere of swirling potential.

Slowly, achingly so, it began to flow down the strand of energy toward Lucas, sinking through the robes he wore and into the armour beneath. What was once grey cloth stained jet black, while bone armour bleached to porcelain white. Vaako, meanwhile, gasped as his heart-fire spluttered and died, extinguished as flesh and brain matter slowly filled his cranium, dark skin inching up his neck as the last touch of Malice fled his body.

He grinned, triumphantly, as he raised his arms in mock praise. But after a moment his smile slipped, a hand fell to cradle his chest as those around him realised that the blood still seeped from his armour, though it was now the deep crimson of arterial blood. Thin lines opened within his plate, four cuts slowly widening as though to match his eyes; shock and fear and despair chasing each other as his breaths grew laboured and turned to bloody coughs. The claw marks were finished growing now, each about an inch wide, six tall, and from the blood dripping down his back, clearly passing wholly through his form. As the winds died, he collapsed to his knees, arms limp by his side as he gurgled his last, a sardonic smile on his crimson lips, eyes frozen between horror and humour, Kor’Tu of the White Scars died.

YouTube Sensations

So, lets keep this short and to the point - myself and my friend Peter 'The Unjust' have taken it upon ourselves to attempt a Lets Play of Fallout 4. First episode is kinda rough, and we had to delete the second due to overrunning on time and loosing the first twenty minutes, but... on the upside, we actually did a thing. I know, I'm surprised myself.

So, basically, I'm just here to tell y'all that it exists. It's up to you if you want to check it out...

... though I would really appreciate it.

Anyway, if it's something you'd enjoy seeing, give it a like - easier to do via YouTube than on here - and I'll see about developing that a bit more.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and I'll see you again next time.

Volodanti out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UAmRX-bzvk


... Yeah, I done soem nerd stuff too - I'll save the in depth explanation til next time, but for the moment, I'll say this; I have a new army. And Fire Team Crimson is part of it.

What a Revolting Prerelease

D'ya get it? cos it was the Aether Revolt?

It's a pun. Deal with it.

Anyway, yes, I attended the Prerelease once again, and once more, I went 2 and 2. which is fine - given that I only attend three sealed events a year, the fact that I always place consistently mid-tier, that's probably a sign that I'm not a bad player. Not great either, but at least I'm not terrible.

Anyway, I opened a pretty decent pool.I was a little shy of a blue-green energy deck, and just off a white-green revolt. after the first two packs, I'd actually expected to be running a Sultai deck, but then pack three I pulled a lovely catman, and suddenly Selesnya seemed much more appealing.

Unfortunately, due to a combination of tardiness (yes, I'm sorry that this is so late), and my deck changing so much between rounds, I can't actually give you a proper deck list, but heres what I finished the event with:

Ajani Unyielding, Hunt the Weak, Deft Dismissal, Reservoir Walker, Silweaver Elite, Ghirapur Osprey, Thriving Ibex, Cultivator of Blades, Aetherstream Leopard, Trophy Mage, Renegade Freighter, Aether Inspector, Larger than Life, Walking Ballista, Aether Herder, Aerial Modification, Inspiring Statuary, Mobile Garrison, Blooming Defence, Highspire Infusion, Decommission, Solemn Recruit, Spire of Industry.

Originally,there were five or so Blue Spells in there, but over the course of the event, I sideboared them all out. Which means Trophy Mage may seem an odd choice, but it was a way of finding my Vehicles,which were always useful. Renegade Freighter, as we all know, is an amazingly aggressive card, but as it turns out, Mobile Garrison is pretty awesome too. In most decks, Id actually prefer the Garrison,since it lets you keep your shields up while attacking, doubly so if you have creatures with Vigilance. It's no Smugglers Copter,but that's banned anyway, so who cares?

Anyway, as to my games...
First Round was kinda a squash; my opponent was relatively new to the game, and so made a couple mistakes that a more experienced player wouldn't... such as letting me ultimate Ajani with Consulate Dreadnought active... yeah... second game we were timed out.
... I'm not bragging by the way. I wish it had been closer, cos he was a canny lad, and deserved a lot better. But,we all have to learn, and he's gonna do a hell of a lot better next time.

Round two was by far the closest of them all, yet oddly the hardest to remember. First game I narrowly lost, after he unleashed a couple Pyrohelixes, second game I won after stabalising, and third game I just barely lost,both of our lives in single digits.

Third Round was kinda a freebie for my opponent. Not being there, it was just that we didn't really interact. First game I got in for a little early damage,then he blew up my vehicle and I drew 3 lands in the emtire, 7 turn game. And in the following game,I drew 4 spells in an 8 turn game.
... Which is fine. It happens to everyone sooner or later, and my opponent deserved the wins anyway. It's annoying, sure, when you're flooded or screwed, but that's just a part of the game. My opponent had a decent deck, so I don't mind the loss. I'm just disappointed that I didn't get to actually play. I like playing.

... Fourth Round.
Not too bad, actually. My opponent lost both games, but I think that was more due to a bad match-up than my skill. Seemed I had an answer to most of her spells - to the extent that I was playing hellbent due to her Herald of Torment, and managed to top-deck one of my few pieces of removal. In the end, it was a canny match, but her cards just weren't agreeing with her.
... On the other hand, she pulled a Chalice  of the Void, so I reckon she won in the end...

So, anyway - that was my Prerelease experience. I'm sorry that the recap is late, been busy as all he'll, but I'm gonna try and get stuff out a bit more regularly going forward. As ever, thanks for reading, and I'll see you next time.

Volodanti out.