Procrastination by Numbers

[cunningmatt]

Yeah start to get the hang of using the chaff better for the Beastmen - rather than relying on their rather mediocre infantry units! Lots of glue required, my new unit of Minotaurs plunged off the desk too, so I'm going to need a large bottle of glue!

You say we did well against the Daemons, but it felt like a real struggle particularly given we had a 50% points advantage! Would dread to face them on even terms.

Thanks for the compliments on the Ultramarines, didn't show them up too close as most of the details are just a basecoat at present - including the Terminator's heads! So hopefully your early praise bodes well, I really like the way the details actually bring the blue to life. The little touches of red and white are making a quite simple painting scheme looking more detailed than they are!

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Friday 14th December 2012



It's Day 14. Who could it be? Who could it be? You didn't read this you just clicked on the spoiler didn't you?

Hmm. Here's Day 14:

[spoiler]
14th December: Grotfang



Name: Grotfang

Original Points Cost: 121 points

Background: Grotfang is warlord of the Ironclaw tribe, he was a powerful Orc tribe until his power was weakened when he lost a by-election and his ancient burial site fell into Empire hands. His tribe demanded that he retake the area or forever lose face and be consigned to history as no better than Ken Livingstone.

Original Appearance: Idol of Gork Campaign Pack, model released White Dwarf 208 (April 1996)







Last Appearance: Idol of Gork Campaign Pack

Special Rules: Grotfang inspire his troops with his Yell, available on yell.com, he may shout at any fleeing troops that fail to rally (except Trolls) if they lie with 4D6" they automatically rally. Depending on the outcomes of battles in the campaign, Grotfang will either have The Crown of Gork – all units immune to animosity or the The Sword of Dork – the bearer and unit are immune to their first animosity fail.



My Memories of the Character: He was one of the first of the new look Orcs & Goblins that had the less cartoony expression. At the time I remember being very resistant though you have to admit this style looks a lot better now I look back.

Person most Reminds me of: Deposed ruler of all they surveyed, poor Carol Vorderman. And I do think Grotfang would make an excellent host of Loose Women.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: His rules are pretty straight forward so I think it's a straight Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V job into the current Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins book. The current model is even still available, though you don't have to paint the base Goblin Green if you don't want to.



Many thanks to Ol for allowing me kind access to his copies of the Campaign Packs for this update.

[/spoiler]

You know the drill... http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg49992;topicseen#msg49992

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Saturday 15th December 2012



A new week another Monday and you should be going down to play a game at the OG Club tonight. If not why not, organise one immediately! Oh ok it can wait until after you've looked at today's Special Character but then...

[spoiler]
15th December: Boris Todbringer, Elector Count of Middenland



Name: Boris Todbringer, Elector Count of Middenland

Original Points Cost: 145 points (including magic items) in Warhammer Armies: Empire – 4th Edition, 278 points in Warhammer Armies: Storm of Chaos.

Background: Boris Todbringer has been Elector Count of Middenland for many years, fighting the naughty Beastmen who live in the Drakweld forest. He lost his eye to Khazrak the Beastlord, also taking one of his in a fight sponsored by Monocle-Savers the one-eyed Opticians. He also killed Khazrak's beloved hound Redmaw. He originally opposed Karl Franz's election as Emperor but has proved himself to be a trusted lieutenant though still hasn't made Karl's Christmas card list.

Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Empire – 4th Edition. Model released in White Dwarf 184 (April 1995)





Being cool back in 1995 White Dwarf didn't actually bother with a photo of the finished model in this issue! You had to make do with flicking to the very back for this:



How times have changed. For the better!

Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Storm of Chaos



Special Rules: No specific special rules originally, he has a Runefang like all Elector Counts and the special item Talisman of Ulric originally this restored a single lost wound to him every turn.



In Storm of Chaos the Talisman of Ulric restored all lost wounds every turn (as long as he wasn't dead) and gave him Magic Resistance (1) and Immunity to Psychology. Additionally in Storm of Chaos he allowed one core unit to take a magic banner.



My Memories of the Character: One of the seemingly billion Empire Elector Count special characters that were all available when half my Orc special characters didn't have a model. Empire favouritism!

Person most Reminds me of: The one and only Boris Johnson, a Boris in power who is just about tolerated by the ruler of the country. Though that does make Khazrak Ken Livingstone – which I think could work.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: His rules seem reasonably fair, the Talisman is a little nasty for a general but seems appropriately expensive. Modelling wise sadly he's not available, though there's enough kits for making Empire characters you should be fine. A simple eye patch made of green stuff should finish him off.

[/spoiler]

Remember another character from The Official OG Games Advent Calendar 2012 is just a click away – this click in fact: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50010;topicseen#msg50010

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Sunday 16th December 2012



I've run out of things to say in these stupid introductions. Here's a character:

[spoiler]
16th December: Ungrim Ironfist



Name: Ungrim Ironfist, Slayer King of Kadrin

Original Points Cost: 425 points

Background: Ungrim Ironfist is the current Slayer King inheriting both ruler ship of Karak Kadrin and his Slayer Oath plus a haircut that would even make Pat Sharp feel embarrassed. He also runs the Shrine of Slayers – which meets on Thursday to play Bridge. After destroying the Orcs at the Battle of Broken Leg Gulley, Thorgrim Grudgebearer presented him with a Dwarf Armoury gift voucher which Ungrim exchanged for the Dragon Cloak. He fathered Garagrim Ironfist who decided to save his kin by completing the Slayer Oath before Ungrim died and passed his ruler ship to him.

Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 4th Edition. Model released in White Dwarf 165 (September 1993)





Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Storm of Chaos.



Special Rules: Ungrim has a mix of Slayer rules his is immune to psychology, except hatred of Orcs & Goblins, he cannot be broken in hand-to-hand combat (though he will if with a breakable unit), his Strength is increased to be at least equal to his target's toughness. He has a selection of runic items which are all made with standard runes giving him the following: Causes D6 Wounds; enemy lose 1 Attack; +1 Toughness; 4+ Armour Save; rebounds wounds on a 4+; immune to fire; may re-roll one roll a game – phew!!



In Storm of Magic his wounds are retweaked to give him +1 Wound instead of Toughness, but otherwise they are unchanged.



My Memories of the Character: I love this character, sadly I seem to have lost my model of him – he needs to come back. He lead my Dwarfs in many ferocious attacks where they all died – but he's a Slayer so technically I won!

Person most Reminds me of: Me at university – go who let me near hair dye!!

Inclusion in 8th Edition: Easy peasy! The rules in Storm of Chaos still use rules/runes from the current Dwarf book (I say current, I certainly don't mean new), and the model is still available. I may have nearly clicked on the Buy button!



[/spoiler]

Remember another character from The Official OG Games Advent Calendar 2012 is just a click away – this click in fact: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50018;topicseen#msg50018

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Monday 17th December 2012



A new week an old character such is the disparity of life, here's Day 17:

[spoiler]
17th December: Harry the Hammer



Name: Harry the Hammer

Original Points Cost: 365 points

Background: Harry the Hammer or Harald Hammerstorm, was friends with Sandy Screwdriver, Percy Pliers and Daisy Drill. Together they lead their warband across the Chaos Wastes until they played a game of Warhammer Quest and found a buried Undead city. Harry spent all day and night smashing apart Skeletons and enjoyed it!

Original Appearance: White Dwarf 340 (April 2008), though he also appeared on the cover of Warhammer – 1st Edition.





Last Appearance: White Dwarf 340 (April 2008)

Special Rules: Harry is Unbreakable and has Hatred and Killing Blow against Undead (traits he passes onto any unit he joins). Harry causes Terror in Undead, and his unit causes Fear in Undead (even though they are immune to psychology!). The Undead need to pass terror test, leadership tests to charge Harry, and if outnumbered and lose the combat will break and flee from Harry (they automatically rally next turn). In addition Harry has The Hammer of Harry – inflicts D6 wounds with no armour save, against Undead, Daemons and Forest Spirits Harry can re-roll all failed to wound rolls.



My Memories of the Character: Mainly buying him on Warhammer's 25th Birthday only to find my kit had no head. Though Games Workshop replaced my model and gave me 10 White Lions as compensation – excellent customer service, so there!

Person most Reminds me of: Isn't he a character from Bob the Builder.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: To be honest he's only useful against Undead, as you may have guessed!!! But as long as you use the 8th toned down rules for Fear and Terror it should work, though it does mean you don't get fleeing Skeletons any more. Insert sad face. Model wise I've got Harry the Hammer (and 10 White Lions) so I'm fine!!

[/spoiler]

Another Special Character this way: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50031;topicseen#msg50031

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Tuesday 18th December 2012



If you haven't got the idea by now what have you been doing? Here's another Special Character forgotten about, lost to the annals of time. Do you remember them?:

[spoiler]
18th December: Liandra Athinol



Name: Liandra Athinol

Original Points Cost: 575 points

Background: Liandra Athinol was the last daughter of the Athinol line who was roused to anger when her father and brother were killed in The War of the Beard, the terrible battle over sponsorship money for Movember. Filled with anger she mounted (not in a rude way) the noble dragon Borgash and went to battle defending the Phoenix King. Like all flying models in 8th edition Borgash was killed by a Dwarf Bolt Thrower leaving Athinol to be cut apart by Dwarfen infantry.

Original Appearance: White Dwarf 267 (March 2002), she appeared as a special character in a three part set of rules allowing players to recreate the War of the Beard with scenarios, special characters and army lists.





Last Appearance: White Dwarf 267 (March 2002).

Special Rules: Liandra is a level 1 mage who always uses Fire Magic, she carries two magic items The Shield of Ithinar enemy models suffer a -1 to hit Liandra, and she gains a 5+ Save. The Signet of Athinol all magic, missile and hand-to-hand attacks against Liandra have a -2 Strength penalty.

My Memories of the Character: Anyone who remembers this character deserves a medal, not a clue!!

Person most Reminds me of: Bambi, her family were slain – though she didn't ride a dragon and fight Dwarfs, she befriended a skunk.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: Liandra's rules are relatively simple (ignoring the fact she's a magic user with armour!), the -2 Strength penalty is pretty tasty. Model-wise the conversion shown is Dragon Prince legs, Dark Elf crossbowman torso (for a more feminine body), right arm and lance Dragon Prince, left arm Silver Helm and head Shadow Warrior. Green stuff has been used to make a scarf to cover her face. She rides Imrik's Dragon. Most of these parts are still available, bar the Dragon Princes which don't provide such good legs now (as they are moulded on the horse) so you may want to use either Silver Helms or the High Elf Prince plastic kit.



[/spoiler]

Roll up, roll up for another special character. Click here! http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50054;topicseen#msg50054

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Wednesday 19th December 2012



Who will it be today? Who will you open up in the Special Character Calendar? Will it be a much loved character? A often fought against rival character? Or someone you don't remember at all.

Time to find out!

[spoiler]
19th December: Oglok the 'Orrible



Name: Oglok the 'Orrible

Original Points Cost: 90 points (+8 points if mounted on a war boar)

Background: Oglok the 'Orrible lived with his tribe in that wild place twinned with Croydon – the Badlands. His tribe was defeated by Morglum Necksnapper in a brutal game of paper, scissors, stone. Impressed by Morglum's ability to make the scissor symbol despite having typical dysfunctional Orcy hands Oglok joined Morglum leading his fierce pack of Boar Boyz against the Dwarfs of Karak Azul and a group of Bretonnians stupid enough to fight at the Battle of Death Pass – I mean the clues in the name guys, engage them at the Battle of Lovely Custard or the Battle of Long Life and Good Health!

Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins - 4th Edition, no model ever made.



Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins - 4th Edition

Special Rules: None, though Oglok had an improved set of statistics with increased Weapon Skill, Attacks and Leadership over a standard Orc Big Boss.

My Memories of the Character: Whenever I designed classic Orc & Goblin armies I'd flick through the back pages of this book wondering when Oglok (and Gorbad Ironclaw) would get a model. Gorbad clearly slept with one of the Citadel designers, Oglok did not.

Person most Reminds me of: The Stig, I always wondered what he looked like too!.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: Pretty straight forward really looking at magic item costs the bonuses for his improved statistics cost about 30 points(ish), so just add that to the basic cost of an Orc Big Boss. I think in the spirit of the new rules, he'd represent an upgrade to an Orc Boar Boyz unit rather than an independent character. Given the limited description in his background, any mounted Orc from the plastic Boss kit would work well. Though I'd want to mount him on one of the newer Boars from the Boar Boyz kit.



[/spoiler]

More special characters tomorrow, until then there's a classic over here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50086;topicseen#msg50086

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Thursday 20th December 2012



Tomorrow could be your last day at work before Christmas? If so horray!! Or if you were inappropriate at the Christmas party it could be your last day at work! Either way Day 20 will improve your mood:

[spoiler]
20thDecember: Ardrath



Name: Ardath

Original Points Cost: 199 points

Background: Ardath lived in the former High Elf colonies on the Old World, before holidaying at home became cool for High Elves. His own colony was destroyed in The War of the Beard when the Dwarfs besieged it, he has now settled in Tor Eldroth and will defend it against the Dwarfs at all costs, unless they interrupt his After Eight Mint supply (yes I know I am writing rubbish, I can't be stopped!)

Original Appearance: The Grudge of Drong Campaign Pack, no model released.



Whilst there was a wave of High Elf character models released in White Dwarf 205 (January 1996), to support the Grudge of Drong campaign pack Ardath was sadly not amongst them.





Trust me to pick the character with no model!!

Last Appearance: Grudge of Drong Campaign Pack

Special Rules: Ardath hates all Dwarfs, additionally he has the Talisman of Hoeth which makes him a Level 2 Wizard using Battle Magic – seriously did anyone like that deck?!



My Memories of the Character: High Elves were one of the first armies to get a revamp in 5th edition, and at the time I remember being annoyed that existing models I had were being replaced by new ones – such as the Silver Helms at the time. I soon calmed down and embraced the new painting opportunities and ways to spend money.

Person most Reminds me of: The Borrowers nemesis, I don't know who that was, I never read it, but they probably hated small people to.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: His rules are so pathetic they require no work from me. In fact The Talisman of Hoeth currently exists though you'll have to nick it off Eltharion But if you suggest bringing back Battle Magic I will slap you. Model wise the plastic High Elf kit is your friend, as it is so many cases. Though I have limited friends so you may wish to set your judgements higher.



Many thanks to Ol for allowing me kind access to his copies of the Campaign Packs for this update.

[/spoiler]

There's no other characters today. None. Haha fooled you, there is. Head over to The Official OG Games Advent Calendar 2012 edition:
http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50112;topicseen#msg50112

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Friday 21st December 2012



With only one weekend to go until Christmas you probably have better things to do, but just in case here's the 21st door on our Advent Calendar:

[spoiler]
21st December: Sir Amalric of Gaudaron



Name: Sir Amalric of Gaudaron

Original Points Cost: 160 points

Background: Amalric grew up in Carcassone and at early age demonstrated a spectacular ability to kill the Undead, winning the fifth series of Bretonnia's Got Talent with his abilities. After being awarded status of Knight of the Realm, he went on a Grail quest defeating many evils including Beastlord Shadeflench, Goblin raiders and a stealthy pack of Parking Wardens. Eventually he would return to fight the Undead once more.

Original Appearance: White Dwarf 310 (October 2005), Sir Amalric of Gaudaron is featured as a special character in a three part scenario entitled "Return of the Lichemaster".





Last Appearance: White Dwarf 310 (October 2005)

Special Rules: Amalric has the Grail Virtue and the Virtue of Stoicism from Warhammer Armies:  Bretonnia. He has the Icon of the Lady special rule giving him a 5+ Ward Save and Magic Resistance (1), he also Bane of the Undead – at the start of any combat phase all Undead units suffer D6 wounds with no armour save distributed as shooting and counting towards combat resolution.



My Memories of the Character: Like you I had no idea he existed until I wrote this!

Person most Reminds me of: The only person who destroys the bones of the Undead this fast is Bonebreaker Kevin who shattered every bone in my body at primary school in a brutal and entirely fictional campaign of violence.

Inclusion in 8th Edition: With no update to Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia since this article was written he transfers across well, though he is a complete waste of points fighting against non-Undead armies. He has no distinguishing characteristics in terms of modelling so any Bretonnian Knight would do, the one shown in the White Dwarf is a combination of parts from the Knights of the Realm and Men-at-Arms sprues.



[/spoiler]

More here. You knew that didn't you?: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50144;topicseen#msg50144

[cunningmatt]

Procrastination by Numbers: Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar Saturday 22nd December 2012



The big day is almost upon us your relatives are clawing at the door, the turkey needs stuffing and the dog's just urinated at the foot of the Christmas Tree. Take a moment out and enjoy the Forgotten Special Characters Advent Calendar.

Hmm. Here's Day 22:

[spoiler]
22nd December: The Red Duke



Name: The Red Duke

Original Points Cost: 460 points

Background: The Red Duke is the great, great ancestor of the Red Devil before the plane was invented. He was a formidable Knight of Bretonnia, loyal and dependable. However during the Crusades in Araby he failed to follow the guide book's advice, drinking the water from the hotel. He succumbed to the curse of Vampirism. He now leads his Undead horde against his homeland attacking the Kingdom of Aquitine, because it sounds a bit like Aqua – and after the Vampirism thing he's not a fan of water type things.

Original Appearance: Circle of Blood Campaign Pack, model released White Dwarf 211 (July 1996)





Last Appearance: Circle of Blood Campaign Pack, though I believe his background is mentioned in Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia – 6th Edition, probably.

Special Rules: The Red Duke follows all the usual rules for a Vampire, in addition he is armed with The Armour of Blood, which gives him a usual 5+ Armour Save for heavy armour, but does not inhibit his ability to cast spells. He wields The Blade of Leaping Gold giving him +3 Attacks.



My Memories of the Character: None, never had this Campaign Pack – clearly I had a deprived childhood.

Person most Reminds me of: Who made up this stupid category, I have no idea!

Inclusion in 8th Edition: To be honest this chap doesn't have very many special rules to worry about, I'm pretty sure Vampires can now wear magic armour anyway. The Blade of Leaping Gold lives on in Warhammer Armies: High Elves so that's not a problem. I wonder if it might be worth adding some Knightly Virtues from the Bretonnian army book just to emphasise his Bretonnian character and make him a bit different? Due to the odd order these advent calendar articles are written in, I Initially looked at the Games Workshop website, before researching the old model and selected this Vampire Lord:



I was going to say it looks quite a good match for the artwork, plus if you added a Bretonnian shield, and heraldry, maybe even replace his head for a Knight's helmet, you could tie him in nicely to the theme. It's only now as I add all the pictures in that I realise that is the original model intended for The Red Baron. I'm just too keen that's always been my problem.

Many thanks to Ol for allowing me kind access to his copies of the Campaign Packs for this update.

[/spoiler]

In a few days time I will have stopped nagging you about this. In the meantime head here for a classic character: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3314.msg50160;topicseen#msg50160