Tale of OG Gamers - High Elves

[cunningmatt]

It's just odd, probably dire, but maybe cult to be. No replacement for Hole in the Wall though - that was classic. All together now "Bring on the Wall!" Better with Dale than Anton though.

[cunningmatt]

As part of my commitment to public service information on this blog I thought I should remind you that tomorrow, Tuesday, is the last day you can apply for the London Olympic 2012 ballot. I have, I hope to god I don't win all the tickets though else no more models for me until the 2016 Olympics.

On an almost as important note, remember to keep your entires coming in for the Tale of OG Gamers - High Elves Easter Egg hunt - a box of Cream Eggs awaits the winner! (PMs only for this competition please!)

[fatolaf]

Am I too late for the boxes?

If not, again I will plump for No:17 please....

[cunningmatt]

Am I too late for the boxes?

If not, again I will plump for No:17 please....

Nope still have another week for boxes, and also Easter Egg hunt - keep hunting real prizes at stake!! So far no one's found all 12 so if you do you'll be in poll position for some chocolatey goodness!

[cunningmatt]

Thursday 28th April - WEEK 17

Welcome back to the Tale of OG Gamers – High Elves, before we get into the usual random chatter and drivel, you may have read in the papers this week that I have been painting more High Elves than I actually need to for this month's blog. Serious rumours that suggest that as well as painting my Lord on Griffon I've been painting extra units for the army not in the standard 200 point structure, simply because I've had some days off. At this point I'd like to point out I've taken out an injunction which means no one, not even I can reveal the identity of the units painted and if they existed.

On that note, here's the Stage 1 painting guide for my latest High Elves.

Stage 1 – Unknown



Base: Unknown
Leather: Unknown
Cloak and Sleeves: Unknown
Silver Metal: Probably Silver
Gold Metal: My guess would be Gold
Flesh: Can't say
Armour Trim: Nope not allowed to tell you
Weapons Haft: Not even this one
Banner: And especially not this one, you're not allowed to know.

Even the resident 4-year old artist is not allowed to draw what I've been painting, her felt-tip pens have been taken away and the only thing marking her paper is the tears pouring from her eyes as she cannot draw.



I would tell you Stage 2 but I've now upgraded my injunction to a super injunction, which means that not only can no one talk about my painting of additional High Elves and what they might be, but no one can talk about the fact that I've taken out an injunction at all. In fact the only way this can ever be mentioned is if one of the OG Games committee brings it up in an OG Games parliamentary meeting. Well they could if it wasn't the fact I've also taken out a hyper injunction which means no one anywhere in the whole world over all time can ever mention what Elves I've been painting. In fact you have to now forget the whole of the last three paragraphs and pretend they never happened. Sorry but that's the law, only I can know.

Except that I've know taken out a super-duper-hyper-wyper-uber-duber-with-cherry-on-top injunction which now means not even I can talk about or know what I've been painting. In fact what have I been painting? And what have we been talking about? I seem to have suddenly forgotten. Though I do have a strange urge to tell you I've been having an affair with Andrew Marr. How strange.

Jabberslythe

Anyway on to more pressing matters, not involving Andrew Marr, and whilst I haven't been painting any High Elves at present (my lawyers asked me to say that), I have got on with my Jabberslythe, which you may remember I converted two weeks back. I used the Games Workshop online guide to painting River Trolls as a starting point for the main body, the rest was just what I dam well fancied. Unlike my Elves after basecoating I've completed each section separately hence a slightly different guide this week. Please bare in mind I painted this at my parents' house over Easter hence the selection of different photographic backgrounds and lighting types which only help to confuse the matter!

Basecoat – Jabberslythe





Base: Khemri Brown
Rocks: Charadon Granite
Main Body Flesh: Knarloc Green
Wings (back and limbs): Orkhide Shade
Wings (membrane): Khemri Brown
Horns, Teeth and Claws: Khemri Brown
Mouths, Tongues and Gums: Liche Purple

Flesh – Jabberslythe





The flesh was firstly shaded with 1:1 Knarloc Green : Orkhide Shade, followed by pure Orkhide Shade. Then it was highlighted by layering with the following colours 1:1 Knarloc Green : Desert Yellow, then pure Desert Yellow, then 1:1 Desert Yellow : Kommando Khaki followed by pure Kommando Khaki. After this it was highlighted with 1:1 Kommando Khaki : Bleached Bone followed by pure Bleached Bone.

With large areas of skin like this, I definitely think it's worth using lots of layers to get as "natural" a gradient as possible. This was then washed Thraka Green which has the effect of drawing the layers together smoothing the transition.

Horns, Teeth and Claws – Jabberslythe







The horns were painted my usual Beastmen (and Warriors of Chaos) method, in order to tie the army together. Washed with Badab Black then feathered Khemri Brown, Dheneb Stone, Bleached Bone and 1:1 Bleached Bone : Skull White. I should point out I am sick of painting bloody horns, having painted over 150 Beastmen infantry in the last year, so at least 300 horns, I am bored of them. I don't find feathering easy despite all the practice I've had. Sorry just had to get that off my chest – no more horny armies (so to speak).

Mouths, Tongues and Gums – Jabberslythe



The dental areas of the Jabberslythe were layered as follows. 1:1 Liche Purple : Warlock Purple, pure Warlock Purple, 1:1 Warlock Purple : Tentacle Pink and finally pure Tentacle Pink. The mouth was then washed Leviathan Purple again to draw the colours together, also the skin surrounding each mouth (yes I mean "each mouth") was washed a watered down Baal Red to emphasis the mouth.

Wings – Jabberslythe



The outside of the wings was layered with 1:1 Orkhide Shade : Snot Green and then Pure Snot Green (I was originally planning to layer further but was happy with the result at that point), this was washed Thraka Green.



The wing membrane was washed Devlan Mud, then layered as follows; pure Khemri Brown, then 1:1 Khemri Brown : Kommando Khaki, pure Kommando Khaki and finally 1:1 Kommando Khaki : Bleached Bone. It was then washed Gryphonne Sepia.

Boils – Jabberslythe



All the myriad of boils on the skin and tongue were painted 1:1 Dark Flesh : Blood Red, followed by a spot of Bubonic Brown.

As it stands I still have the eyes, base and weeping wounds to paint – I intend to paint the wounds black as the background in Warhammer Armies: Beastemn mentions a thick black blood leaking from every wound the enemy strikes.

But as of present the Jabberslythe looks like this:







Any connection you make between that photo and tomorrow's Royal Wedding is entirely in your own mind and quite frankly unpatriotic – you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Outdoor Painting

It can't failed to have escaped your attention that some of those pictures were taken al dente as the Italians would say – oh hang on that means firm but not hard, it can't failed to have escaped your attention that some of those pictures were taken al fresco as the Italians would say – no apparently that means eating outside. Try again. It can't failed to have escaped your attention that some of those pictures were taken outdoors as the English would say.

So far this year the garden has seen about as much action as the Playstation Network has this week, but with a 4-day bank holiday weekend and the Mercury (technically it's probably not Mercury in your thermometer for safety reasons) soaring to the high twenties (Celsius, I don't do Farenheit – ewww) that was all about to change. It was time to relax in the garden with a bit of painting whilst soaking up the Sun. Even though the next bank holiday weekend isn't forecast to be such a scorcher, with summer fast approaching I thought it's about time I give you my super top guide to Outdoor Painting and the pitfalls to avoid.

First up you'll need somewhere comfy to do your painting, that critically doesn't put any unwanted strain on your back/neck by forcing you to sit at an awkward angle – you know it's important, if boring. Step forward my parents' lovely little outdoor bench/table:



Whilst the table section is to the side of the seat I made sure I leant back firmly in the chair (like an idiot on a roller coaster), and held the model in front of me to avoid annoying twisting.

Do remember newspaper is important, just because it's outdoors doesn't mean parents/spouses/siblings/flatmates won't want to turn your genitalia into an attractive pair of earrings if you spill paint on the porch/patio/garden table/lawn/cat etc.

Next up whilst you might like the Sun, your paints definitely won't. They'll dry up faster than Jodie Marsh's lady bits when her legs have been left open – which is all the time (sorry that's a disturbing image, I can only apologise). Always make sure your paints are stored in the shade, in a bag under your chair is often a good place.



Any paints I'm working with sit in the shade of another object on the painting table to give them a chance of survival.



And yes that is my leg you can just see in the bottom left corner of the photo. Oh yes the legs were out, I know what you're thinking "sexy", but keep those thoughts to yourself – your partner's in the other room and it would be difficult to explain if you were rubbing my leg on the screen when they come in.

I should also point out that I have had situations where models have melted in the Sun, admittedly I was in the South of France and the temperature was high thirties, not twenties, but it's probably worth mentioning that whilst your paints and washes will dry on the model in record time, be aware of how long your models sit in the Sun for. Fortunately for me only the slottabases warped in the heat and I have loads of those, but with the increasing prevalence of plastic models we don't want your brand new Khemrian Warsphinx melting all over the patio.

Next remember suncream is important, you don't want to look like you've been dipped in a giant pot of Baal Red when you finish.



Although you're not sunbathing, you're not likely to be moving in the Sun, so be careful and follow the safety advice. Though I am puzzled by this line:



"Avoid the Sun between 11 and 3", well when the hell can I go sunbathing?! Only when it's not sunny, are you telling me I can only be sure your product will work and protect me from the Sun if I go sunbathing at midnight (and then not in northern Scandinavia during the summer), what a stupid piece of advice.

Seriously do top up regularly, and don't confuse the sun cream with Skull White, even though they both have a similarly dodgy level of coverage!

You'll need water for your paints:



An obvious point perhaps, but you'll find changing the water much more annoying if you're enjoying the sunshine. And a lot harder if you are not doing it in a garden, say in a park or the like. If so it's worth bringing a larger bottle of water to decant from (I know a posh word for this forum, and used correctly – be impressed), and pouring the dirty water away. Don't worry paint residue is unlikely to kill all the plants, unless of course you've been using metallic paints then it will get in the groundwater supply and kill everything within a 50 mile radius.

You'll also need refreshments for yourself:



Though I'd advise not eating such refreshments whilst wearing a white T-shirt, bloody chocolate stains.

Whatever you have to drink, be it juice, water or neat vodka, as pictured here...:



...something will come along and die in it.



Usually an insect, you have to be pretty unlucky for it to be a Water Buffalo. Still you'd think with millions of years of natural selection that by now nature would have taught all it's creations that flying into a body of water isn't good for your health. I mean are rivers just giant graveyards for the insect masses? Mind you if natural selection was any cop we probably wouldn't have Wayne Rooney.

Not really a tip, but does any one else find this label I found for a pair of garden gloves quite funny:



Sorry not very mature is it?!

Also I don't know if it's anything to do with being outside, but I've noticed my Badab Black stinks to high heaven:



Has anyone else noticed this? I'm sure my last pot didn't smell like Peter Stringfellow's dirty underwear.

And lastly amazing as the natural world is, and as natural as it may look – it doesn't really provide natural looking scale backdrops for your models. Try as I might the garden didn't look like a Warhammer battlefield, as my Jabberslythe found out:











Of course you don't have to have a garden to make use of this advice, nor even a balcony. Painting on holiday is always an option (loved ones willing – not a problem for me sadly), I've even taken to painting on Clapham Common. No that's not a euphemism before you start. You may be worried that you'd look odd sitting on the common painting little men, but if you've ever been to Clapham Common you'll know that is by no means the oddest thing that goes on there. Only yesterday I was overtaken whilst jogging by an elderly balding transvestite on a bike wearing a tartan mini-skirt, and I've not even made that up.

Hope that proves of some help, if it does why not send us a picture of your painting outdoors I look forward to seeing it.

High Elves vs Ogre Kingdoms Battle Report

With the High Elves finally at 1,400 points it was time for another battle report to see how they faired. Step forward Noah and his Ogre Kingdoms for a fight.

Here's my army list which was pretty much decided by what I've painted:



And here's Noah's, who had to make a revision after realising you needed 3 units to make a legal army – easily done!



* in the spirit of foolishness both myself and Noah made a bit of an error. I forgot to spend my 15 points reserved for magic items for Wizbit and Noah forgot that he'd taken 3 Leadbelchers not 2, which he actually fought with. For simplicity we left victory points as set.

Wizbit chose to take Fire Magic, taking Fireball and Flamestorm.

Deployment

We set up quite a lot of terrain for our battle:



This included the Elven Waystone I painted for my army (eastern edge of battlefield) which unsurprisingly played the role of an Elven Waystone (+1 to all channelling attempts within 6"). Dreadstone Blight played the role of Arcane Ruins (any wizard within 6" can attempt to channel up to 4 dice, but 3 or more 6s result in a miscast), the woods were all mysterious forests.




The High Elves and Ogres deploy against one another, apologises for the lousy photography this is partially my fault and partially the fact that the club room is darker than Frankie Boyle's stand up material.

The High Elves deployed the Bolt Thrower on the hill and the Archers with a good field of view. The Phoenix Guard set up in a ruined building and the Lothern Sea Guard by the hill behind which the Great Eagles deployed. The Ellyrian Reavers used their Vanguard move to get behind the Elven Waystone, whilst the Shadow Warriors scouted behind the ruined temple.


The Shadow Warriors start sneaking around, not distracted by Noah's chequered shirt which could have easily caused them to misdeploy.

The Ogres deployed their main character laden units on the eastern flank with the Leadbelchers holding the western flank.

Despite taking far longer to deploy the High Elves won the roll and elected to go first, let battle be drawn.

High Elf Turn 1
High Elves: 0 victory points
Ogres: 0 victory points



The High Elves used their movement to try and surround the Ogres with their fast moving troops. The Ellyrian Reavers sweeping up onto the hill out of the Bulls' charge arc. The Eagles getting ready to ambush the Leadbelchers should they advance on the Bolt Thrower. The Shadow Warriors took up position in the ruined temple and the Lothern Sea Guard advanced to threaten the main Ogre flank.

The Winds of Magic blew strongly with 12 dice. Wizbit tried to target the Ironguts with a Fireball, but the Ogre Butcher dispelled, so then he tried to cast Firestorm on the Ironguts, however Wizbit was unable to control the power during such a strong magic phase rolling a double 6. To add insult the Firestorm scattered off the Ironguts harmlessly scorching the grass, but Wizbit's attempts to drain the power of the spell meant he lost 2 magic levels forgetting all his spells! The High Elf magic phase was unlikely to be any more bother.

Hoping for better luck in the Shooting phase, the Archers levelled their bows at the Ironguts. Scoring an impressive 15 hits (needing a 4+), they caused 4 wounds and only one was saved by the Ironguts' armour felling an Irongut. The Bolt Thrower joined in with a volley off bolts causing a further 2 wounds. The Shadow Warriors attempted to join in, but their arrow couldn't penetrate the tough Ogre flesh and do the final wound on the second Ogre.

Ogre Turn 1
High Elves: 0 victory points
Ogres: 0 victory points



The Ogres wasted no time charging towards the Elven lines determined to shatter some pointy-eared heads.

The Winds of Magic eased to 8, but both Wizards (despite Wizbits' mishap) managed to channel. The Butcher started off by casting Trollguts on the Bulls boosting their toughness but took a Wound from the spell – despite the Halfling Cookbook. Wizbit then dispelled both Toothcracker and Braingobbler, but was unable to stop the Butcher casting Bloodgruel and regaining his lost wound. With the Leadbelchers out of range and no combat the Ogre turn finished.

High Elf Turn 2
High Elves: 0 victory points
Ogres: 0 victory points



The High Elves begun their turn by sending the Great Eagles charging into the Leadbelchers' flank who were unable to fire their cannons in retaliation. The rest of the army repositioned with the Sea Guard continuing to threaten the Ironguts' flank, the Reavers and Shadow Warriors repositioning to get better shots on the Ogres and the Phoenix Guard deciding discretion was the better part of valour and returning to the ruins.

I'd hoped to out manoeuvre the Bulls but soon realised there was no advantageous position for the Phoenix Guard to move into that wouldn't result in the Bulls being able to charge them next turn. So I moved them back into the ruined building, meaning if the Bulls did charge they'd count as behind a defended obstacle and would avoid those troublesome impact hits.


The Phoenix Guard would have objected to the calls of cowardice thrown at them, as they withdrew into the ruined building, but vows of silence make it hard to object that forcefully.

With no magic to cast Wizbit simply dispelled Trollguts, hoping the shooting phase could do more. Another impressive volley from the Archers scored 12 hits on the Ironguts inflicting 3 wounds and removing another Irongut. The Lothern Sea Guard joined in causing a single wound killing another Irongut. Again the Shadow Warriors were unable to penetrate the tough Ogre hide. The Ellyrian Reavers and Bolt Thrower targeted the Bulls bearing down on the Elf battleline doing 4 wounds between them and killing a single Bull.

In the combat phase the Eagles did 3 hits, but failed to wound the Leadbelchers who responded by inflicting two wounds. The combat was drawn but the Leadbelchers' musician won them the combat. Requiring a 7 to hold, fortunately both Eagles rolled exactly 7 for their leadership tests and held, but the Leadbelchers were able to combat reform and bring both Ogres to bare.


What's the Eagle word for "bugger it"? Their failure to wound the Leadbelchers allows them to reform to face the Eagles head on.

Ogre Turn 2
High Elves: 0 victory points
Ogres: 0 victory points



Realising that the Lothern Sea Guard were trying to outflank them, the Ogres consolidated their position on the eastern side of the battlefield to draw the Sea Guard out of position. The Bruiser Battle Standard Bearer moved out of the depleted Ironguts unit to join the Bulls.

The Ogre Butcher was easily able to outwit the crippled Elven Mage casting Trollguts and Bullgorger on the Bulls. He then cast Braingobbler on the Archers, realising they were within 12" of Caradryan and able to use his Leadership of 9 Wizbit let it through, only for the Archers to roll an 11 and flee 10" stopping just short of the battlefield edge. Wizbit did dispel Bonecruncher aimed at the Sea Guard but was powerless to stop the Butcher reinforcing the Leadbelchers with Toothcracker.

In combat, despite Toothcracker and one of the Great Eagles failing their fear test, they manage to wound a Leadbelcher, in response the Ogres did two further wounds on the uninjured Great Eagle meaning both majestic birds were down to their last wound. Again however both Eagles passed their break test.


From the safety of the ruins the Phoenix Guard watch the Ogres do the character dance.


The Battle Standard Bearer has enough of the Shadow Warriors inability to wound him and moves himself to join the Bulls.

High Elf Turn 3
High Elves: 175 victory points
Ogres: 50 victory points



Fortunately for the High Elves the Archers rally and get ready to recommence their bombardment of the Ogre lines next turn.


Not only do the Archers rally on the board edge, but they all pass their dangerous terrain test for being on a board clip.

The Lothern Sea Guard decide they can't make the charge distance to the Ironguts, but just in case the Ironguts think they can they shuffle backwards away from their foe, their chance to get the Ironguts in the flank gone.

Using the Arcane Ruins to channel extra power dice, with limited risk, Wizbit is able to dispel all the Gut Magic spells from last turn bar Bullgorger allowing the Bulls to maintain their enhanced Strength.

Without the Archers the High Elf shooting phase is depleted, but the Ironguts still receive a load of arrows in their face, with so few models left in the unit the Butcher takes a wound from the Bolt Thrower whilst the Sea Guard, Shadow Warriors and Bolt Thrower all do one wound each on the unit removing another Irongut. The Ellyrian Reavers have less success unable to wound the Bulls.

Despite one Eagle failing it's fear test, the Eagles finally get their act together all 4 attacks wounding the Leadbelchers and killing one. The remaining Leadbelcher cause one wound killing one of the Eagles, but it's not enough and he breaks caught by the screeching Eagle who is bought to a halt by the Arcane Ruins.

Ogre Turn 3
High Elves: 175 victory points
Ogres: 325 victory points



The Bulls charge headlong into the Phoenix Guard, who hold and take the charge. Whilst the Ironguts march past the Sea Guard to threaten the Archers, moving quickly to avoid exposing their flank to the Sea Guard.

The Butcher attempts to cast Trollguts on the Bulls to give them regeneration, but Wizbit throws in all his dispel dice to ensure it's stopped. Sensing the defenceless Elves the Butcher goes to cast his next spell only to fail to roll the casting value ending the magic phase.

After realisation that the Bulls won't get any impact hits on the Phoenix Guard due to the defended obstacle settles in. The Ogre Tyrant accepts Caradryan's challenge (forgetting that the Battle Standard Bearer has a 2+ Ward save against flaming attacks!). Caradryan has his work cut out, but both attacks hit, and requiring a 6 to Wound he manages to roll two 6s, only to see the Tyrant pass one armour and one ward save. Caradryan is completely caught out when one of the Tyrant's sword Gnoblars wounds him bypassing his armour and mystic ward. Despite a flurry of 1s rolled by the Tyrant he does the final wound striking down Caradryan. Caradryan calls for Asuryan's wraith, unfortunately Asuryan isn't listening only doing 1 of D6 wounds which the Tyrant's ward save repels. The Phoenix Guard manage to kill one bull, but take 5 casualties from the Ogres and Battle Standard Bearer despite their ward save. Losing the combat by 5 the Phoenix Guard just about hang in with a roll of a 4 for their break test.

High Elf Turn 4
High Elves: 465 victory points
Ogres: 508 victory points



In a desperate bid to save the Phoenix Guard the Ellyrian Reavers charge the rear of the engaged Bulls.

This may have seemed like madness, but the charging Reavers would gain +3 to the combat resolution even before they struck (+4 if I'd remembered they were charging downhill!), and with their spears they would at least be wounding on a 4+ - this plan might have worked had I not forgotten about the Battle Standard Bearer in the back rank.


The Ellyrian Reavers make the long charge to the Bulls only to find a Bruiser waiting for them, oops!

Elsewhere the Eagle extracts itself from the building and repositions itself should it be needed later on, but sufficiently out of harm's way given it's on its last wound.

Meanwhile Wizbit manages to dispel Bullgorger on the Bulls reducing their strength and giving the Phoenix Guard a fighting chance.

The shooting phase cause more pain for the Ironguts, the Archers scoring 12 hits and 4 wounds, 3 on the Ironguts, killing the last Irongut, and one on the Butcher. The Lothern Sea Guard are unable to wound, but the Shadow Warriors do another wound on the Butcher. The Bolt Thrower attempts a flank shot on the unit through the soft cover of the trees but misses.


Thank goodness my units had moved up the western flank, else where would I put my army book?

In combat both the Phoenix Guard and the Ellyrian Reavers do a wound on the Bulls, but the Tyrant and Bulls kill another two Phoenix Guard their ward saves absorbing a lot of the pain. However the Battle Standard Bearer kills 4 Ellyrian Reavers. The combat is lost by one and both units flee. The 3 Phoenix Guard get away, but the Ellyrian Reaver champion doesn't see the Butcher who is able to swipe him from his horse as he runs through the spell caster.

Ogre Turn 4
High Elves: 465 victory points
Ogres: 688 victory points



The Tyrant charges the Phoenix Guard who are forced to flee off the table, whilst the Bulls and Butcher get closer to the Archers to try and remove their threat.

In the magic phase Wizbit again struggles he stops Trollguts, but the Butcher is able to cast Braingobbler on the Archers again, this time they fortunately pass their panic test, two are however killed by Bonecruncher before the Butcher fails to cast Toothcracker ending the magic phase.

High Elf Turn 5
High Elves: 640 victory points
Ogres: 688 victory points



Other than the Eagle's continued repositioning, this turn is all about killing the Butcher for the High Elves. The Lothern Sea Guard manage a wound with their bows, as do the Shadow Warriors, but the Butcher makes his ward save. The Archers, hoping they'd be free to shoot the approaching Bulls, are unable to wound the Butcher. Fortunately for the Elves the Bolt Thrower shoots through the wood, doing the final wound required.


Never trust an Archer to do a Bolt Thrower's job!

Ogre Turn 5
High Elves: 935 victory points
Ogres: 688 victory points



The Tyrant repositions himself to threaten the main High Elf army whilst the Bulls charge out of the ruined building into the Archers. In a flurry of marksmanship the Archer score and impressive 6 hits which all wound killing two Bulls on the spot.

In the combat phase the remaining Bull and the Bruiser each crush an Elf with impact hits, but the Archers swarm up killing the remaining Bull before he gets a chance to strike. Despite losing four Archers to the Bruiser the unit remains stubborn and refuses to budge.

High Elf Turn 6
High Elves: 935 victory points
Ogres: 688 victory points



The Shadow Warriors, Lothern Sea Guard and Bolt Thrower all try to shoot the Ogre Tyrant but only two wounds are caused, both of which are saved. In combat the Hawkeye sacrifices himself in a challenge, he's ripped to shreds but prevents the Bruiser from doing enough wounds to stop the Archers being stubborn.

Ogre Turn 6
High Elves: 935 victory points
Ogres: 688 victory points



In the final turn the Tyrant charges at the Lothern Sea Guard who decide it's too late in the day to die and leg it, thereby denying the Ogres any chance of claiming their victory points.

In combat the Archers are forced to fight the Tyrant fair and square but manage an impressive two wounds after rolling six 6s to wound! Ouch! The Tyrant does 3 wounds back but it's not enough and the Archers pass their break test.

Debrief

So it was victory to the Elves, horray! I should firstly say thanks to Noah for being a great opponent, and putting up with my note-taking and photography and providing me his full army list for the report. Before I go on to talk about my performance I should point out Noah had just come off nights so had a massive handicap!

Ogres and Elves are an odd matchup, with the Elves really struggling in combat against them - impact hits being a personal hatred for Elves as the bypass the initative system which they love, but on the flipside Ogres can really suffer from Elven shooting - as the Ironguts certainly found out.

Generally I was pleased with my performance, building on the lessons learnt with the Elves of only fighting the battles you want to fight. At the time I was a little disappointed with the Phoenix Guard, my first ever battle using them, I've often fought them and been stunned by their ability to constantly pass ward saves. So understandably when I only rolled an average number of 4+s I felt a bit cheesed off! As Noah put it I claeraly haven't been to Daemon school -  he he. Poor old Caradryan didn't really stand a chance against an Ogre Tyrant, but to be wounded by a Sword Gnoblar, oh the shame! I honestly expected a few more wounds from Asuryan's wraith though, which is the only reason I sent him into the challenge!! Bloody gods.

I was saved by my shooting and most notably my Archers, who must get Elves of the match. They always hit way above the average, twice getting 15 hits out of 20 on a 4+. Except the Champion, who was useless, but he died so just desserts. Not only that, but their impressive performance standing and shooting two Bulls dead on the charge and killing the final Bull in combat gave me the win, else I'd have only managed a draw. And then two wounds on the Bruiser. Normally you'd say the game ended and saved the Archers from the Bruiser, but I'm not sure if that in this case it was the other way round and the Bruiser got a lucky escape.

Many thanks again to Noah for taking part in this battle report.

Before I go this week to get my bunting out for the wedding, there's a couple of bits of housekeeping. Firstly to say if you'd like to take part in a battle against my High Elves for a battle report for this very blog please let me know (it will take longer than usual to play the game as I feverishly draw maps and write notes!).

Secondly bon voyage to Mike, who's off to York I believe – sometime soon, but it's his farewell tournament on Sunday, which sadly I can't attend. Thanks for the games we've had Mike and for wasting your time reading my blog, hope you keep it up from York!

And finally a reminder about our outstanding competitions, keep your numbers coming in for What's in the Box? You've got until the beginning of next week. And we're yet to have a winning Easter Egg hunt entry. Remember all you need to do is find the 12 Eggs featured in the photos of this blog, as a clue I'll tell you they all appear in April's entries! PM where they are and you could be winning this delicious 3-pack of Cream Eggs.



Who wouldn't want them, except those who don't like sickly food, those on a diet and nut intolerant people?

On that note enjoy your second 4-day weekend, you lucky people. See you next week.

[Toast]

Box 36 please, if I'm in time...

[cunningmatt]

Nope you're still in time, going to close this one Bank Holiday Monday. Though you do realise by picking Box 36, should you win, I will have to move my chest of drawers to get to it - I hope you understand what you've done!!

Don't fancy a go at the Easter Egg hunt?

[fatolaf]

Pm sent, I have found 11 for sure, not so sure about number 12, I know it's some trick...

[cunningmatt]

Good spots, yeah the 11 you got are correct. The 12th is not a trick, you've already got the trickiest ones, and it's not in the picture you suspected it might be in. Though no one else has found that egg yet.

[fatolaf]

The 12th is not a trick, you've already got the trickiest ones, and it's not in the picture you suspected it might be in.

But it's in a picture posted during April on this blog??