Thursday 1st December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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Welcome dear reader to this the brand new* official OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar.
If you missed it (where were you?) but last year I featured this advent calendar in my blog Tale of OG Gamers – High Elves. Each day featured a Forgotten Special Character – a special character who once featured in the Warhammer World at one time, but now in the current set of active supplements no longer has any rules – hence a Forgotten Special Character.
I believe at the time it was commented that all the doors should be put on their own separate thread so I've only gone and done it! Veteran readers, don't moan that this is a repeat, because firstly all the doors have been shuffled (so you've got the thrill of not knowing who is next), secondly I've added a 2011 update to each character (it's largely pointless drivel – but it is at least in keeping with the rest of it), and thirdly I've only gone and put a completely brand new Advent Calendar with a brand new set of special characters on my current blog Procrastination by Numbers for you to enjoy.
So the countdown to Christmas starts here with 24 days of double Special Character fun enjoy!!
Simply click on the Spoiler to open up today's door and see who is in today's calendar.
[spoiler]
December 1st: Redmaw
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog957.jpg)
Name: Redmaw
Original Points Cost: 75 points
Background: Redmaw was the massive Chaos Hound raised by Khazrak the One-Eye, so in some senses he was halfway to being a guide dog for the blind. Khazrak was famous for raising packs of Chaos Hounds that terrorised Battersea Dogs' Home.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Champions of Chaos – 5th Edition, supplement to Warhammer Armies: Realm of Chaos – 5th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1042.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Champions of Chaos – 5th Edition, supplement to Warhammer Armies: Realm of Chaos – 5th Edition. Khazrak the One-Eye went on to appear in Warhammer Armies: Beasts of Chaos – 6th Edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1211.jpg)
(Remember when army books were only £12?)
And Warhammer Armies: Beastmen – 7th Edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1207.jpg)
But without his trusty hound, what happened to Redmaw? Did he run away and Khazrak couldn't see him because he was in his blind spot? Maybe Khazrak had him put down? Did he die of natural causes and the other Beastmen tried to find a matching Hound so Khazrak didn't notice? Or was he killed in the Coronation Street tram crash? We just don't know.
Special Rules: Redmaw can be sent by Khazrak to charge any model or unit within Khazrak's charge range. Redmaw must return to Khazrak's side once target is killed. Should Khazrak be killed Redmaw becomes subject to the rules for frenzy.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1246.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1248.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Having collected quite a sizeable Chaos army in the 4th edition, I had the somewhat difficult task of splitting this into three separate armies when 5th edition came along. Beastmen were never really a priority, Warriors and Daemons were my favourites. However Khazrak and Redmaw made a nice cheap special character to lead my fledgling Beastmen army and the unique idea of character and 'pet' made them stand out on the table. Still have the old Khazrak model too, except I've lost his head – slightly vital part.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Lassie
Inclusion in 8th Edition: You could as an addition to the existing Khazrak, and I don't even think you'd need to change the rules from above as far as I can see. Probably should insist Khazrak's army takes some Chaos Hounds as he had to in the original rules.
2011 Update: The Coronation Street Tram Crash was relevant this time last year! Also thanks to Tom who has since pointed out that in the Warhammer Armies: Beasts of Chaos – 6th Edition book we find out that Redmaw was killed by Khazrak's bitter rival Boris Todbringer and nailed above his fireplace (nice), leading to Khazrak going on a bitter rampage. Incidentally I also discovered that this year Tom only turned 22 which is enough to make you sick!
[/spoiler]
And if you haven't been to check it out yet, there's a brand spanking fully new Advent Calendar over on my blog, click here to enjoy: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new)
And of course head back tomorrow for Day 2!
Yay it's back........ :))
Friday 2nd December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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Welcome back to the best advent calendar in the world, except one that contains any form of chocolate!
Day 2 and hopefully you're getting the hang of this by now, click on the spoiler and see who is up today! And remember there's a brand new calendar over on the Procrastination by Numbers blog.
[spoiler]
December 2nd: Belannaer
Name: Belannaer, Loremaster of Hoeth
Original Points Cost: 555 points
Background: Belannaer spent ages trying to walk to the Tower of Hoeth, only for him to never get there, until he tried to walk away from the Tower of Hoeth when he couldn't avoid it – essentially a fickle version of the Metropolitan line commute. He shrouded the coast of Ulthuan in a maze of spells to prevent Norse raids (the fantastical equivalent of giving them a malfunctioning sat nav). He also trained Teclis, and became jealous of his fame after Teclis appeared in more army books than Belannaer.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: High Elves - 5th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1000.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: High Elves – 5th Edition
Special Rules: Belannaer is a Level 4 Mage, Glamour of Hoeth means any charging unit must roll two dice and subtract the difference between the two from their charge distance (the charge is failed if they don't make the distance). Belannaer has four magic items – Cloak of Stars: all combat and shooting attacks at Belannaer resolved at -2 Strength (to a minimum of 1), first spell cast against Belannaer will be dispelled. Blade of Bel-Korhadris – no armour save from non-magic armour, one combat phase per battle Belannaer may automatically strike first with an extra D6 attacks. Book of the Phoenix – at the beginning of the battle select one of the following rules: 1. If Belannaer is killed causes S6 hits on all models on base-to-base and returns to life with D3 wounds in any High Elf unit on the battlefield (one use only). 2. Belannaer can cast one spell with no magic cards per turn. 3. Belannaer's strength is doubled to 8. Staff of Cyeos – Any spell cast by Belannaer counts as being cast with one extra power card.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1003.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1006.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: None what so ever, he never had a model and I never really used the 5th edition High Elf book.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Anna Ford, maybe because his name contains the word "Anna", maybe because the artwork looks a little like Anna Ford, or is that me?
Inclusion in 8th Edition: God this is going to be complicated, there's a lot of special rules! Basically we'll go with a Level 4 Archmage. Glamour of Hoeth works as is. Cloak of Stars works as is. Blade of Bel-Korhadris – I'd make it Armour Piercing (as there seems to be no distinction between magic and non-magic armour in 8th) and once per turn Belannaer gains D6 Attacks (always strikes first not being a major boon for High Elves), Book of the Phoenix as before choose one of the options 1. Broken, but don't really know how to tone it down without ruining it, 2. Acts as bound item with randomly chosen High Magic spell (cast at appropriate casting value), 3. Unchanged. Staff of Ceyos adds +2 to casting rolls for all spells. Points – oh who knows? More importantly we have no model, but I do think the picture of Belannaer bares a very strong resemblance to the plastic High Elf mage kit (model on foot), here's my painted example:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1060.jpg)
I'd probably use the head with long flowing hair if I was to actually build one specifically to make Belannaer, maybe mixed with some parts of the Mage from the Dragon kit. The book definitely sets the character. Worth a go, if you're the kind of person who wants Belannaer in their High Elf army!
2011 Update: Belannaer still hasn't returned to the game, despite all our protestations, though I believe the general consensus at the time was a High Elf Mage more powerful than Teclis was not what Warhammer required! Oh and I never made my own Belannaer model.
[/spoiler]
Get yourself over to Procrastination by Numbers right now for more advent fun, click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37206;topicseen#msg37206 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37206;topicseen#msg37206)
I forget how powerful 4th and 5th edition special characters were, they really were monsters of the game back then.
They were about half and half, for each super mega broken character there was one who was basically just a named unit champion.
In fairness all characters were pretty powerful back in 4th/5th edition - four magic items for your Wizard Lord with no points limit and a vast number of magic items to pick from... it made army selection turn into a trolley dash!
Saturday 3rd December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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Happy Birthday Mummy (she's not reading, but it's the thought that counts). For the rest of you here's today's classic Advent Calendar.
[spoiler]
December 3rd: Astrogoth
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Name: Astrogoth, High Priest of Hashut (or technically High Priestof Hashut as the typo in the book says!)
Original Points Cost: 358 points
Background: Astrogoth is the oldest living Chaos Dwarf Sorcerer, so old his body has started to turn to stone – that common aging problem you can't get sorted on the NHS. However his body has been replace by a mechanical construct made by his slaves, what everyone wants for Christmas.
Original Appearance: White Dwarf Presents: Warhammer Armies: Chaos Dwarfs – 4th Edition, which for those of you too young to remember (god I hate you) was a compilation of a series of White Dwarf articles.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1347.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Chaos Dwarfs – 4th Edition.
Special Rules: Astrogoth is a Level 4 Sorcerer with four Chaos Dwarf spells (remember them people – lava and magma and stuff?). His mechanical body gives him a 3+ armour save but means he can't ride a monster. Astrogoth cannot move faster than his move of 6" to either march or charge (although he can flee and pursue as usual) – well you wouldn't want a Dwarf moving faster than 6" would you? If all three of Astrogoth's Attacks hit the same target, then he can immediately strike all the blows again against the same target.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1331.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1333.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Think this was the only Chaos Dwarf special character model, queue everyone desperately replying to correct me. And as one of my regular opponents of the time, it was nice to have some characterful creatures in the army, and someone slower than the blasted Bull Centaur and Lammasu chasing me round the board!
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Bruce Forsyth he's old, and has all the personality of an artificial, mechanical robot – oh no sorry that's Tess Daly I'm thinking off!
Inclusion in 8th Edition: I could, but I'd need to make up rules for a whole army to go with it, and I have better things to do with my time – it may not appear that way but I do. But you never know what will come out of Forgeworld next year, who knows you may be able to pick up a new Astrogoth model for a mere £250 in the summer?
Many thanks to Mr Shaky Shaky, my Wood Elf painting friend, for lending me the book and providing the photograph of Astrogoth.
2011 Update: The forges of Forge World have been busy pumping out new Chaos Dwarf models this year, so far I am yet to see Astrogoth feature, maybe someone can update me as to if he is in Tamurkhan The Throne of Chaos book?!
[/spoiler]
Remember the brand new Advent Calendar as part of Procrastination by Numbers, click here to enjoy: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37267;topicseen#msg37267 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37267;topicseen#msg37267)
Sunday 4th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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Day 4 of December and hopefully you're using today to do some Christmas shopping, if so High Elf Army Box Set would go down well for me - well you're going to want to thank me somehow for these lovely calendars aren't you?
[spoiler]
December 4th: Ariel
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1360.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1357.jpg)
Name: Ariel, Queen of Athel Loren
Original Points Cost: 600 points (suggested rules for 6th edition – see below).
Background: Ariel is the Queen of Athel Loren and once starred in the Disney film The Little Mermaid. She has been embodied with the power of the Elven god Isha, god of Nature. She makes the whole of Athel Loren grow, like Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don combined, and of course is married to Orion, King of Athel Loren. When roused for battle she takes the form of a giant insect with moth-like wings and antenna springing from her, in this state she's often been mistaken for Lady Gaga.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves – 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1370.jpg)
Ok sorry I haven't got the 4th edition Wood Elves book I had to take this picture from White Dwarf 197
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1368.jpg)
Though I did find this which did make me laugh, for some unknown reason!
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1369.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Wood Elves – 4th Edition, her husband did make the next book, but she didn't though she is mentioned throughout the 6th Edition book.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1373.jpg)
Special Rules: I have a confession I didn't have the 4th Edition book, so I don't know the rules, thankfully James supplied me with the rules from the Games Workshop website to convert them into 6th Edition. She Flies, is a Forest Spirit and causes Terror. She can move through all forms of Difficult Terrain without penalty, all friendly units within 6" are immune to panic, any unit charging Ariel counts as moving through Difficult Terrain, additionally should Ariel flee, pursuing units roll an extra D6 and discard the highest result. Magic Item – The Heartstone of Athel Loren (Magic Resistance 2, if the spell is dispelled then the casting wizard takes a Ld test – if they fail they lose a magic level and can't cast that spell again).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1503.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1504.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Sorry didn't know any Wood Elf players, can't help you. Looked like a nice model though!
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Charlie Dimmock, but with a bra.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Well the 6th edition inclusion almost does it, need a couple of changes. Ariel automatically passes all Dangerous Terrain tests and all units charging must take a Dangerous Terrain test. The magic item could stay the same, but if Ariel passes the 5+ ward save against any spell taken, then the casting wizard takes the Ld test as described. What do you reckon?
2011 Update: Since 2010, I've picked up the old Wood Elves book on the mighty eBay for a couple of pounds.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1061.jpg)
So here's an update of her 4th edition rules that were missing from the above:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1345.jpg)
4th Edition Points Cost: 491 points including magic items Wand of Wych Elm, Acorns of the Oak of Ages, Dart of Doom and Berry Wine.
4th Edition Rules: Ariel is a Mage Lord, can fly, has a 4+ Save against the effects of spells, no armour (or magical armour) saves are allowed against her attacks, Ariel can dodge any attacks or missile weapon blows on a 4+ (never modified). The magic items work as follows – The Wand of the Wylch Elm choose a spell from Ariel's hand to be inscribed on the wand, this can be cast every turn without power cards. The Acorns of the Oak of Ages – once per game Ariel can spread the acorns creating a wood 12" in diameter with Ariel at the centre (wood only sprouts on flat ground), the wood can only be removed when the Drain Magic card is deployed. The Dart of Doom, once per game Ariel can throw the dart (using her BS to hit) if the target is wounded their strength is decreased by D6 to a minimum of 1. The Berry Wine – once per battle Ariel or a character in base-to-base contact may drink the wine regaining D6 wounds.
The general consensus this time last year was the model was awful, has she improved with age?
[/spoiler]
Remember the brand new Advent Calendar as part of Procrastination by Numbers, click here to enjoy: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37288;topicseen#msg37288 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37288;topicseen#msg37288)
Monday 5th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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It's the moment you've been waiting for since yesterday, it's Day 5!
[spoiler]
December 5th: Plaguestrangler Vilestench
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Name: Plaguestrangler Vilestench, Champion of Nurgle.
Original Points Cost: 525 points
Background: Plaguestrangler single handedly defeated over three score of High Elves in combat, destroyed the city of Averheim in a day, and infected the town of L'anguille with Black Fever – and you thought Julian Assange had been a naughty boy. The last feet led to Nurgle rewarding him with a Palanquin of Nurgle – better than a book token. Additionally like most teenagers he has not washed since he was 12.
Original Appearance: Citadel Journal Issue 12.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1085.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1089.jpg)
Last Appearance: Citadel Journal Issue 12. Did anyone read this?
Special Rules: Any enemy in base-to-base with Plaguestrangler must roll a D6 on a roll of 1 they are incapacitated by his smell and may not attack, they may only be attacked by the Palanquin's Nurglings that turn. The Palanquin causes Fear, may not march (for god's sake!), suffers Daemonic Animosity – remember that?! And all Nurgle units within 6" are immune to psychology and add one to their Ld for all break tests. The Plague Sceptre may be used to cast a magic spell Black Fever – the target takes D6 S4 hits, if the spell is not dispelled by next turn it takes 2D6 S4 hits and so on, any unit entering base contact with the target also contracts Black Fever.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1087.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1090.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: The initial fun of having a Nurgle special character for my Chaos army (as there were none at the time) and a special model not everyone knew about was short lived when I realised at Movement 4 and no march move chances are he won't ever cross the battlefield – pointless for Chaos and at 525 points a big waste.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: The smelly man I had to sit next to on the Tube.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: There is a Palanquin of Nurgle in Warhammer Armies: Warriors of Chaos – 7th Edition, so yes, but this category is annoying me now and I can't be bothered!
2011 Update: There was absolutely no chance this character would get an update in 2011, turns out probability was correct.
[/spoiler]
In case you've forgotten (how could you?) the brand new Advent Calendar as part of Procrastination by Numbers, is just a click away: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37318;topicseen#msg37318 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37318;topicseen#msg37318)
Tuesday 6th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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Day 6, you know the drill...
[spoiler]
December 6th: Inxi-Huinzi
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1537.jpg)
Name: Inxi-Huinzi
Original Points Cost: 85 points – cheap as chips
Background: Inxi-Huinzi came to fame for fighting back the Norse of Skeggi, who formed a colony on Lustria, and for being worth loads of points in Scrabble – which we all know the Slann love to play. Inxi-Huinzi and his Cold One raids were unable to drive the Norse from Lustria but have significantly halted their expansion and holed their longships preventing them sailing up and down the rivers of Lustria to pillage the gold of the Slann.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen – 5th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1536.jpg)
Thanks again to Mr Shakey Shakey, this time for loan of his Lizardmen book!
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen – 5th Edition, I'm sure he's mentioned in the blurb in the 6th edition, but it's been a long time since I've read it, so couldn't tell you!:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1533.jpg)
Special Rules: 2+ Save, which never becomes worse than 6+, rides a Horned One – special breed of Cold One, Cold Blooded. Inxi-Huinzi has a number of Poisoned darts he can throw as he charges or is charged. He can throw one dart for each full 4" of charge distance (flyers count as charging from 16"), there is no penalty for long range. Roll to hit using Inxi's BS all hits wound on 4+ due to poison. All casualties count for combat resolution. Inxi-Huinzi cannot throw darts in the Shooting Phase. Inxi-Huinzi rides a Horned One, an almost extinct breed of Cold One, the Horned One is immune to stupidity (as are any Cold Ones in the unit it joins) and causes Fear.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1540.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: There was no model for it, and I never had Warhammer Armies: Lizardmen – 5th edition, and I'm old and forgetful. How would I remember?
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Timmy Mallet, well #It's an Inzi-Huinzi, Itzi-Bitzi (another Lizardmen special character), Yellow Pokka Dot Bikini#. Follow this YouTube link at your peril: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77tirxSTAWU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77tirxSTAWU). Don't blame if that's in your head all day, I did warn you.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: I think all the rules work in the current edition, you might want to specify 16" as the maximum charge distance over which Inxi-Huinzi can fire darts, as now it's possible for cavalry to charge from beyond the range at which his darts are thrown (16" in the book). Points wise 85 seems good, he's not a very powerful character. Still no model for him, but I bet the keen amongst you could convert something by adding horns to a Cold One to make a Horned One. Go on give it a go over Christmas – ok don't then see if I care!
2011 Update: Thanks to Lee for pointing out that I am a fool! There was a model for Inxi-Hunizi all along:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1331.jpg)
[/spoiler]
More Advent Calendar fun over on Procrastination by Numbers, click here now: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37366;topicseen#msg37366 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37366;topicseen#msg37366)
Anyone think the Inxi-Huinzi model looks a bit like Andrew Lloyd-Webber?! (minus the yellow crest, I don't think Andrew has one of those)
With or without the Horned Cold One thing?
I was just judging by the skink's face, but he may well enjoy riding horned lizards (wouldn't like to comment on his personal life)
Glad to see this lovely Christmassy thread has already been driven to the flight fate of every other thread on this site!!!
Quote from: cunningmatt on December 06, 2011, 12:24:36 pm
Glad to see this lovely Christmassy thread has already been driven to the flight fate of every other thread on this site!!!
You didn't really expect I'd be able to go a whole month without making at least one inane and/or smutty comment did you? :wink;m::
If it makes you feel better I'm enjoying your calendar, it's almost as good as chocolate!
Wednesday 7th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Quote from: jackhoneysett on December 06, 2011, 01:40:21 pm
If it makes you feel better I'm enjoying your calendar, it's almost as good as chocolate!
Wow, almost as good as chocolate, well that high praise makes all this effort seem worthwhile then! Here's Day 7:
[spoiler]
December 7th: Thyrus Gorman(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1243.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1245.jpg)
Name: Thyrus Gorman, Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic
Original Points Cost: 365 points
Background: Thyrus was a Bright Wizard and trusted ally of Karl Franz, until Wikileaks revealed they didn't really get on. He bares the Staff of Volans made for first Supreme Patriarch and probably has red hair and made Fire Magic blow strongest.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: The Empire – 4th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1214.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: The Empire – 4th Edition, I think. Thryus is referred to in Warhammer Armies: The Empire – 7th Edition as being defeated by the new Supreme Patriarch Balthasar Gelt of Gold magic fame.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1229.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1225.jpg)
I'm pretty sure Balthasar was in Warhammer Armies: The Empire – 6th Edition and Thryus was culled before Warhammer Armies: The Empire – 5th Edition when the vast range of models available to Empire players was culled. However I don't actually have either book, so if someone in the know can confirm that would be amazing!
Special Rules: He's a level 4 Bright wizard with a special magic item the Staff of Volans – that's all, however it's a goodie, any spell cast with the Staff of Volans cannot be dispelled by any means, however on a roll of 1 or 2 the staff is exhausted.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1222.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1224.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Don't really have many, he was part of my abortive attempt to collect an Empire army, when I got a box of random Empire bits from an independent supplier on the Isle of Wight whilst on holiday. The box included Thryus and was quite cheap, though I remember hearing a presumably regular customer tell the owner as I left the shop, "I'd never thought you'd shift that" which always fills one with confidence on leaving shop. I do generally remember him among the vast array of Empire special characters at the time that were wheeled out for every White Dwarf battle report.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: A ginger Paul Daniels – now there's a disturbing thought.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: The character himself not a problem, the Staff of Volans is interesting, does he just use Balthsar's current Staff of Volans from 7th edition? Or do we give him a meaner version, every spell cast by Thryus is cast with Irresistible Force, without a Miscast, but on the roll of a 1 or 2 the Staff is exhausted. Seems horrendous. And can Thryus and Balthsar appear on the same army? Both have the Staff of Volans? Many questions peeps, what do we think?
2011 Update: As an amendment to the above there never was a Warhammer Armies: The Empire – 5th Edition (it went straight from 4th to 6th). The general consensus to my above question was the above Staff of Volans is awful. Oh and thanks to Ol who pointed out this Forgotten Special Character lives on in Warhammer Invasion:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1332.jpg)
[/spoiler]
Why haven't you checked out the other Advent Calendar over on
Procrastination by Numbers? Naughty! Click here now: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37440;topicseen#msg37440 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37440;topicseen#msg37440)
He was in a box with Kurt Helbord, Ludwig Schwarzhelm and an Imperial Standard Bearer blowing horn called Heroes of the Empire, and there was another one called Elector Counts of the Empire, with the Hochland, Middenheim, Averland and Ostland elector counts. Apart from the Imperial Standard Bearer all of these were special characters, the warhammer 4th edition book was very good in that it had a lot of special characters and nearly all (except Magnus the Pious) had a model, compared to other books when there wasn't models for lots of special characters.
The question I really need you to answer Matt:
is that a wedding cake on Thyrus Gorman's head, or a chocolate fondue fountain?
Quote from: The Trampoline on December 07, 2011, 12:12:28 pm
He was in a box with Kurt Helbord, Ludwig Schwarzhelm and an Imperial Standard Bearer blowing horn called Heroes of the Empire...
Yeah I think you're right, I'm pretty sure that box set is where I got my model from! I remember as a non-Empire player being jealous of all the models they had available!
Quote from: jackhoneysett on December 07, 2011, 04:23:26 pm
The question I really need you to answer Matt:
is that a wedding cake on Thyrus Gorman's head, or a chocolate fondue fountain?
Isn't it a Fruit Pastels ice lolly?
Quote from: cunningmatt on December 08, 2011, 09:10:04 am
Isn't it a Fruit Pastels ice lolly?
Ooh yes, good call. I think it would have to be a semi-licked lolly, given the tiered structure.
Thursday 8th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
I think too long has been spent discussing Thryus's hat, so in a desperate bid to move the conversation along here's another character:
[spoiler]
December 8th: Krell
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog915.jpg)
I think this is the most up to date model for him. Though I can't be sure.
Name: Krell, Lord of the Undead
Original Points Cost: 335 points
Background: Krell was leader of a barbarian tribes at the dawn of man and the great disaster when the polar gates collapsed unleashing Chaos across the Earth (some how even Sky News managed to over dramatise that story!). His barbarian tribe became corrupted by Khorne and he quickly carved out an empire amongst the barbarians, and they quickly formed fairgrounds and started short changing the locals. He along with Night Goblin allies stormed Karak Ungor and Karak Varn during the Dwarfen Times of Woe. He was finally slain by the Dwarf Grimbul Ironhelm during the assault on Karak Kadrin. 1,500 years later Nagash (you remember the one who looks like Janet Street-Porter) raised Krell from the dead, and he led Nagash's legions against Sigmar's Dwarven allies. However Sigmar cut down Nagash and his army crumbled. Krell was one of the few survivors who escaped and went on a rampage around The Empire protesting about £9,000 student fees until he was eventually imprisoned in a magically constructed tomb at the Battle of Glacier Lake by Sigmar. Since then he was risen by Heinrich Kemmler to launch an attack on Bretonnia, seriously don't you hate it when you can't get a good night's sleep.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Undead – 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1198.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Undead – 4th Edition, I think. I don't think he's in Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts – 5th Edition, but I don't know. In fairness I think his history got a bit mixed up when Undead split up, like I got all mixed up when Steps split up – sad times.
Special Rules: Causes Terror and is immune to all psychology. He can ride a Skeletal Steed – though you'll need another pack of Lego for that. He has the Armour of Protection (5+ Save, and he can reroll all failed saves on an unmodified 4+) and the Black Axe of Krell, well it is his, (Double-handed weapon, no saves allowed, any person suffering a wound from the Black Axe but still alive, rolls a D6 at the beginning of each magic phase on a 1-2 they suffer a further wound).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1542.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1543.jpg)
The drawing doesn't look as much like the model as you'd expect.
My Memories of the Character: I don't remember him having such easily detachable hair.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Peter Stringfellow – more so now Krell is dead in fairness.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Well the Armour of Destiny from the rule book is much like the Armour of Protection. Not sure I like the Black Axe of Krell, too annoying to remember who has and hasn't been wounded. How about does D3 wounds instead for 50 points. Also maybe as a former Chaos Champion he should be forced to issue and accept challenges, that could be fun?
2011 Update: So it turns out Krell was in Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts – 5th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1234.jpg)
So here's an update of his 5th edition rules:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1334.jpg)
5th Edition Points Cost: 280 points including magic items Black Axe of Krell and Armour Protection.
5th Edition Rules: Krell is Undead and causes Terror, he has the following magic items: The Black Axe of Krell - ignores all armour saves, any modelled wounded by Krell rolls a dice at the beginning of each magic phase on a 1 or 2 they suffer a further wound. Armour of Protection – 5+ Armour Save, if Krell fails his armour save he may re-roll it and save on an unmodified 4+.
And because I was making a silly joke last year I didn't include a picture of his model, released way back in White Dwarf 185 (May 1995):
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1343.jpg)
Here he is:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1339.jpg)
And with a new Vampire Counts book expected in early 2012 Krell may once again raise from the dead.
[/spoiler]
Who is over on our other Advent Calendar over on Procrastination by Numbers? Find out by clicking here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37532;topicseen#msg37532 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37532;topicseen#msg37532)
Friday 9th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Blah, blah, blah, get to the point. Ok here's the character:
[spoiler]
December 9th: Tristran le Troubadour et Jules le Jongleur
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog944.jpg)
Name: Tristran le Troubadour and Jules le Jongleur (and an unnamed horse)
Original Points Cost: 205
Background: Tristran le Troubadour is on his Grail quest and goes around the country singing songs (he's auditioning for The X Factor), Jules le Jongleur is his court jester and goes around on a hobby horse (he is annoying).
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia - 5th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog986.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog989.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia - 5th Edition
Special Rules: Tristran: Questing Virtue – Immune to Panic, Virtual of Noble Disdain – Hates all enemy with missile weapons or war machines, if joins a unit may sing one of three songs with the following effects: +1 Combat Resolution, 3+ Natural Dispel, Leadership 10. May change song (or continue) at the beginning of each turn. Jules: Can only be hit by missile fire or in hand-to-hand on a 6+, one enemy of Tristan takes Ld test in hand-to-hand or loses first attack.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog990.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog991.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Not bad models, despite the 'classic' Bretonnian horse The 5th edition Bretonnian book is filled with a whole host of special characters (14 in fact, of which some are pairs, as in this case, or even triplets), and struggling through French GSCE at the time this raft of French names didn't go down well. Still loved the Bretonnian army, can't work out whether Jules is characterful or just annoying, but he'd probably be fun to paint. Of the Bretonnian characters however not as good model as many of the others at that time, including the amazing Green Knight and Louen Leoncour on Hippogriff (the first one).
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Prince Charles, Camilla Parker-Bowles and Prince Harry – you can work out who is who.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Seems to work reasonably well, Tristran would be a Paladin with Questing Virtue and Virtue of Noble Disdain (which both still exist in 6th edition). As before he could sing to either get +1 Combat Resolution, Magic Resistance (4)!, seems a bit high, maybe make that Magic Resistance (3) or Leadership 10. Jules would have the characteristic of a Yeoman Warden (Men-At-Arms Champion), with sufficient movement to keep up with Tristran, 6+ to hit in hand-to-hand (can't see the shooting version of this being any use in 8th) and one enemy must take Ld test or lose attack. Valuing Tristran's special rules at 60 points (I don't know Games Workshop probably just make up the values) and Jules at twice the cost of a Yeoman Warden +10 points, makes the pair worth 206 points (bizarrely close to the original given I just guessed values for the rules!!). Though he'd be annoying to field as, to be any use he'd have to be in a unit and Jules would have to sit at the end (and I don't like units that don't look like neat rectangles – my OCD).
2011 Update: And I was sure 2011 would see a new Bretonnian army book, alas not, maybe 2012 will mark Jules' return?!
[/spoiler]
There's more Advent Calendar goodness awaiting over on Procrastination by Numbers. Just click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37584;topicseen#msg37584 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37584;topicseen#msg37584)
Saturday 10th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
The X Factor final kicks off tonight, are you excited? – Oh you're the viewer then!
[spoiler]
December 10th: King Kazador
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog919.jpg)
Yeah I've lost the little runic bit of the top of his banner, sure it's around somewhere!
Name: King Kazador of Karak Azul
Original Points Cost: 494 points
Background: Kazador was a crazy man his youth on Dwarven 18-30 holidays he used to lift fully-laden ore ponies, out drink all the Dwarfs in his kingdom, hunt Goblins and cause a disturbance in Magaluf. However since Gorfang Rotgut raided his kingdom, took away his kin and shaved his brother, he's been depressed, the Victor Meldrew of the Dwarf Kingdom. He no longer enjoys the pleasures of life and can't even stand X Factor. He's hell bent on revenge on Gorfang.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 4th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1028.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 4th Edition. Though rules for his inclusion, using standard runic items were included in White Dwarf around the release of the 2nd Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 6th Edition book.
Special Rules: Not many, he has +1 Strength on his rival, and then just a specific set of magic items made from commonly available runes. The Hammer of Karak Azul contains Master Rune of Death (all wounds kill), Rune of Striking (+1 WS) and Rune of Might (Double Strength against targets with higher Toughness than Kazador). The Armour of the King of Karak Azul contains Master Rune of Adamant (+2 Save) and Rune of Resistance (re-roll save on 4+). And The Thunderhorn contains Master Rune of Dismay (once per battle, enemy mast pass Ld test to move).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1029.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1030.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Lovely model, lovely character, expensive but not prohibitively so – he could be a reasonable sized game and boy could he chop up monsters! Definitely worth painting up for my current Dwarf army, if I ever get time. The current trend in army books is to bring back old characters so who knows Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 8th Edition he could be there.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Sir John Butterfill, former MP for Bournemouth West
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Pretty straight forward, you could cost out his +1 Strength from appropriate runic items. Most of those runes he has exist in the current book, so go for your life. Or find the issue of White Dwarf that does it for you!
2011 Update: My predictions of a 8th edition Dwarf book in 2011 turned out to be very wrong, but it's got to be a dead cert for 2012 hasn't it?! And surely Kazador will return, won't he? On another note King Kazador was the only character not to get any reader comments when this Advent Calendar was originally published. Will he be luckier this time?
[/spoiler]
Today's character not up your street? Head over to Procrastination by Numbers for another by clicking here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37628;topicseen#msg37628 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37628;topicseen#msg37628)
Sunday 11th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
I am actually feeling festive now, yes I've put up the Christmas decorations, wrapped my presents and written my cards. Now to get fat eating chocolate.
[spoiler]
December 11th: Beastlord Rakarth
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1377.jpg)
Thanks again to Mr Shakey Shakey for this photo of the model!
Name: Beastlord Rakarth of Karond Kar
Original Points Cost: 629 points (including Black Dragon)
Background: Rakarth's father was a mighty beastlord and attempted to break in an unruly Dark Steed Bracchus – the steed however bucked and threw him from his mount. Rakarth's father ordered the steed killed, but Rakarth being a big Black Beauty fan persuaded his father spare the beast if he could tame it. Rakarth fixed the steed with his stare, and he's gone onto tame hundreds of creatures. He now rides a Black Dragon Bracchus in honour of the steed. Note in the blurb for the 6th edition, the Bracchus Rakarth's father failed to tame was a Black Dragon, not a Dark Steed – guess his dad beefed the story up over time as didn't sound that good!
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1505.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1509.jpg)
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves – 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1512.jpg)
It's another 4th edition book I haven't got, you've found me out. Army book is from White Dwarf 187:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1511.jpg)
And rules are from White Dwarf 189:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1510.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves – 4th Edition, though there is background blurb in the 6th edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1514.jpg)
Remember when army books were £12?
Mentioned in the 7th edition too:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1513.jpg)
Special Rules: Has the following magic items: Whip of Agony (Before any side strikes in hand-to-hand Rakarth makes on attack with Whip, if strikes enemy must pass a Ld test to make any attacks back. Ridden monsters must use own Leadership), Enchanted Shield (adds +2 to armour save, though may not be increased beyond 1+), Armour of Fortune (5+ Armour save, if failed, may immediately retake Armour Save on an unmodified 5+). Special rules, in addition to hating High Elves. Rakarth has a Beastlord special rule, any monsters Rakarth beats or draws with in hand-to-hand combat switch to the Dark Elf side. This lasts until Rakarth is killed. Ridden monsters may only be broken by Rakarth if the character riding them has been killed.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1507.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: I think this was the first character with the infamous plastic wings, that almost every ridden creature had for years to come. Nice model and gave Mr Shakey Shakey a powerful creature for me to shoot at with my Dwarfen cannons.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: I only know one person who can control animals like Rakarth, it's Animal Hospital's Rolf Harris come on everyone sing along: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMWSh6kZxGc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMWSh6kZxGc)
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Technically all of Rakarth's magic items exist, in the current edition: The Whip of Agony in the Dark Elf book even mentions him as the owner (Armour piercing, always strikes at Strength 5 can never be modified). The Armour of Fortune (5+ Ward Save) and Enchanted Shield (adds +2 to armour save) exist in the common magic items in the 8th edition rule book. Though Rakarth technically can't take both, as they are both Magic armour. Tut tut. Rakarth's Beastmaster rule could probably be transferred over affecting Monstrous Beasts and Monsters only. Monstrous Cavalry are always ridden, so unaffected and I think would be a bit too much if entire Monstrous Infantry units switched sides. I think would be valued at +50 points – plucking a number from thin air entirely. What do you reckon, too powerful?
2011 Update: The brand new Dark Elf Lord on Black Dragon model released this year give you the perfect opportunity to field your very own Rakarth!
[/spoiler]
Don't forget there's another Forgotten Special Character over on Procrastination by Numbers click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37646;topicseen#msg37646 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37646;topicseen#msg37646)
Monday 12th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
It's the beginning of another working week..., but don't worry I've got another character to bring joy to your faces!
[spoiler]
December 12th: Tzarina Katarin
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1240.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1215.jpg)
Name: Tzarina Katarin, The Ice Queen of Chicken Kislev
Before you start moaning, it's not another Empire character she's Chicken Kislev – so there!
Original Points Cost: 300 points
Background: Tzarina Katarin is ruler of Chicken Kislev the land to the North of the Empire filled with bears, Chaos warbands, stout determined warriors and gorgeous chicken filled with garlic butter. She succeeded her father Tzar Bokha, is the most powerful wielder of Ice Magic ever and is a judge on Dancing on Ice.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Empire – 4th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1214.jpg)
Last Appearance: Almost certainly Warhammer Armies: Chicken Kislev – 6th Edition. This was a supplement released as part of White Dwarf I believe – I actually never had it, just saw it listed on eBay once when I was looking for something else. So this is all guess work.
Special Rules: Level 3 Ice Wizard, carries Fearfrost – if an enemy suffers a wound by Fearfrost it automatically suffers a further D6 wounds. Only Magic Armour saves against Fearfrost.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1217.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1219.jpg)
You even get to photocopy some spell cards for some arts and crafts fun (or wait for Warhammer Armies Arcane Magic to release them on card):
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1220.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1221.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: A character too far for The Empire, mind you Kislev units were an army too far for The Empire. Would probably make a nice separate army one day, but it all got mudded with Empire. Would Tzarina Katarin really accompany an Empire army just because of a unit of Kislev Horse Archers were there?
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Anne Robinson on horseback.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: If she had an army probably.
2011 Update: Thanks again to Tom who clarified Tzarnia appeared in a White Dwarf Kislev army book released as part of Storm of Chaos. With rumours circulating that 2012 could see a Warhammer: Allies supplement, could Tzarnia be returning? Oh and the Chicken Kislev joke was not funny in either 2010 or 2011.
[/spoiler]
More Forgotten Special Characters over on Procrastination by Numbers come on don't be late: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37669;topicseen#msg37669 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37669;topicseen#msg37669)
Tuesday 13th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Who could it be? Who could it be? Well click and you'll find out...
[spoiler]
December 13th: Lucrezzia Belladonna
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1080.jpg)
Name: Lucrezzia Belladonna, Hireling Sorceress
Original Points Cost: 358 points
Background: Lucrezzia was married to the Prince of Pavona until he was killed by rival merchants, much like Heather Mills she was desperate to keep her fortune, so married a mercenary general and made him Prince of Pavona. Every time her current husband is about to make a mistake, they mysteriously die of poisoning and she marries a new general, after a duration so short Heat magazine would describe it as "OMG", she's now on more husbands then Kerry Katona.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dogs of War - 5th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1075.jpg)
Clearly I own this book, I haven't taken a picture of the cover from White Dwarf 225:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1084.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dogs of War – 5th Edition, though I believe rules for them may have been updated in the White Dwarf for 6th edition at some point, anyone able to shed any light?
Special Rules: Lucrezzia is a level 3 Battle Wizard riding a warhorse. Stunning Beauty: All fleeing friendly units within 6" automatically rally, ashamed to flee from such a beauty, I'd leave the bitch to be honest! She has three poisonous items, not magic items as such: Phial of Poison – At the beginning of the game roll a D6 for each character on the enemy army, starting with the lowest points value, the first character to roll a 1 suffers 2 wounds with no save possible, if no 1s are rolled no one is poisoned. Poisoned Stiletto – Lucrezzia may use this in combat, but automatically strikes last, however all hits automatically wound (armour saves may still be taken). Potion of Pavona, before the battle nominate one friendly character, D6 of their characteristics can be increased by 1 (up to a maximum of 10), however should you roll a 1 the characters suffers a wound and receives no benefit.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1078.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1079.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Don't remember her, sorry. I almost had bailed on Warhammer at this point, and Dogs of War never really interested me, preferred the more classic armies fighting for state rather than cash.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Rosa di Marco – mother of the axed Italian family in EastEnders
Inclusion in 8th Edition: You could. But no one in their right mind plays or paints with Dogs of War armies in 2010, so why bother?
2011 Update: As mentioned yesterday rumours circulate of a Warhammer: Allies supplement next year, does this mean more Dogs of War?
[/spoiler]
Hate this character? Well there's another to hate over at Procrastination by Numbers click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37704;topicseen#msg37704 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37704;topicseen#msg37704)
Wednesday 14th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Here's Day 14.
[spoiler]
December 14th: Be'lakor
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1237.jpg)
Name: Be'lakor, The Dark Master
Original Points Cost: 650 points
Background: Be'lakor the Dark Master was once the favoured son of the gods of Chaos until his own pride caused him to be cursed by Tzeentch to millennia of insubstantial, maddening existence – well we've all watched Loose Women and know what that's like. When Archaon the Chosen of Chaos was crowned Be'lakor was at last freed. However he was bitter and twisted (like me) and hated Archaon (as I hate happy couples), he bought back to life the dying body of the Grand Theogonist Volmar the Grim to eternally terrorise him, in the hope of getting one up on Archaon – and he also sent Archaon to Boots the Opticians rather than Specsavers to make him look foolish, how bitter is that?
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Storm of Chaos. Although referred to throughout the literature to the Dark Shadows Campaign
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1236.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Storm of Chaos. Whilst the model's still available he failed to make Warhammer Armies: Daemons of Chaos – 7th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1234.jpg)
And as Archaon made Warhammer Armies: Warriors of Chaos – 7th Edition that's not going to improve his mood.
Special Rules: Loads! He has Mark of Chaos Undivided, all enemies suffer -1 Ld on attempts to rally, additionally all enemies within 6" suffer a further -1 on all Ld based tests. Any spell directed at Be'lakor will cause a miscast on the role of any double. Be'lakor causes terror, and all units must continue to take terror tests even if they have already taken one against Be'lakor. All enemy shooting is at -1 to hit. At beginning of the turn he must pass a Ld or move directly towards/charge nearest enemy. He may re-roll all failed rolls to hit, and must pursue broken enemy. He is Daemonic, Large Target and can Fly. He is a Level 4 wizard with his own set of spells – Bolt of Dark Light (7+) magic missile range 18" causing D6 Strength 5 hits. Nightmare (7+) forces one unengaged enemy unit within 24" to take panic test. Curse of the Dark Master (8+) cast on any enemy unit which suffers -1 on all rolls to hit in combat and shooting – remains in play. Fog of Death (10+) every enemy unit suffers D6 Strength 3 hits, however roll for every friendly unit on a 4+ they are also affected. Coils of the Serpent (12+) A single unengaged model within 12" must pass a Toughness test or be slain outright with no saves. Enough special rules for you?
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1238.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Sadly none, I wasn't into Warhammer at this point. However I recently picked up Storm of Chaos on eBay and was really impressed with the contents looks like a really interesting way to play a variety of existing armies in different ways and create your own units. Shame Games Workshop don't do this kind of thing so much. Would really like to play some of the battles/special units one day.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Bitter, jealous and angry – me!
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Looking at it, all his rules seem to work in 8th edition, so could be used in either Daemons or Warriors of Chaos armies, and there's a model available to boot, or you can make him from plastic now!
2011 Update: 2011 saw Be'lakor drop off the Games Workshop website – insert sad face here.
[/spoiler]
More festive silliness awaits at Procrastination by Numbers click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37757;topicseen#msg37757 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37757;topicseen#msg37757)
Thursday 15th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Can't think of anything interesting to write here.
[spoiler]
December 15th: Gorfang Rotgut
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog959.jpg)
Name: Gorfang Rotgut
Original Points Cost: 90
Background: Gorfang Rotgut is chieftain of the Orcs of the Black Crag, leader of the Red Fang Tribe, neighbour and uneasy ally of Skarsnik and has a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. He broke into Dwarf King Kazador's Throne room and shaved his son (much like an 18-30 holiday then).
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins - 4th Edition (though originally a less tatty copy than mine)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog984.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog979.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins - 4th Edition (as far as I know)
Special Rules: Virtually none. He had one more point of Strength and an Extra Wound as compared to a Big Boss (his character level) and he Hates Dwarfs - that's it. Although he can ride a boar, monster or chariot.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog980.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Loved and still love the model for this, I have a bit of a soft spot for the 4th edition style, dare I say it more "cute"/friendly looking Orcs & Goblins and this was a nice model. Also as a child who hated painting and assembling, this was a cheap model that could be shoved on a slotta base and Bob's your Father's brother a special character ready to go.
Person most Reminds Me Of: Phil Mitchell
Inclusion in 8th Edition: I think even I could make up the rules to include Gorfang in 8th Edition. Standard Orc Hero character, with the special rule Hates Dwarfs. What do you reckon +5 points to the standard cost. Better let him choose some magic items too.
2011 Update: The brand new Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins – 8th Edition was the perfect opportunity for Gorfang Rotgut to make an almighty comeback to Warhammer, sadly he wasn't in it, he remains forgotten. Maybe in the 9th edition?
[/spoiler]
Check out another special characters at Procrastination by Numbers click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37830;topicseen#msg37830 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37830;topicseen#msg37830)
Friday 16th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
I went to panto last night. "Oh no you didn't" - don't start that. Here's a calendar for your enjoyment:
[spoiler]
Friday 16th: Prince Imrik
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1065.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1067.jpg)
Name: Prince Imrik, Lord of the Dragons.
Original Points Cost: 4th Edition: 229 Points (+450/600/750 points for Dragon of various levels), 5th Edition: 275 Points (+450/600/750 points for Dragon of various levels), 6th Edition: 335 points plus 340 for Dragon. – He's more complicated to price up than your car insurance!
Background: Prince Imrik is the last descendant of the Phoenix King Caledor, and is planning a royal wedding in the Spring, which means every High Elf gets a bank holiday – result! Imrik amongst others is able to raise the Dragons of Caledor back from their teenage-student-esque slumber, without getting shouted at.
Original Appearance: Not, Warhammer Armies: High Elves – 4th Edition as you may expect...
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1039.jpg)
...he was absent from this book, but he first appeared in White Dwarf 178 where the model and rules were first released.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1063.jpg)
He finally made it into a book in Warhammer Armies: High Elves - 5th Edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1001.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: High Elves – 6th Edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1074.jpg)
But like Cher Lloyd he was pipped at the last post and failed to make High Elves – 7th Edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1321.jpg)
And there for no reason I have included a picture of every single High Elf book – BINGO for those of you playing army book spotter!
Yes Imrik was cruelly dropped like a kitten over a bridge in a plastic ASDA bag, the life brutally crushed from it, in act of utter barbarism. At this time of giving can you spare some cash to help a Special Character sadly dropped from the latest army book, just five pounds a month will buy them an article in White Dwarf. Sorry I don't know where I was for a minute there!
Special Rules: A growing number, in the 4th edition he had none just the new magic item the Star Lance, +3 Strength and no armour saves on the charge.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1072.jpg)
In the 5th Edition the Star Lance became available to all, but he got two new exclusive items the Dragonhorn, once per battle his Dragon gets D6 extra Attacks in that round of hand-to-hand combat. Armour of Caledor, 2+ Armour save, which can never be worse than 5+ immune to all Dragon breath weapons. In the 6th edition, his dragon became named Minaithnir – an important detail and the rules grew: Star Lance remained the same, Armour of Caledor gives a 2+ Armour save and normal Dragon Armour rules, Dragonhorn, once per battle for that turn all friendly High Elf units may reroll failed psychology tests. And some special rules came to: Dragonkin – No enemy Dragons will fight Imrik. Minaithnir – if Imrik is slain, Minaitnir becomes frenzied but remains under control of the High Elves. Good job he's not in 7th edition the rules would be far too long.
My Memories of the Character: When I started playing Warhammer this was the first Dragon model, let alone Dragon model special character, that was available. Pretty soon loads of armies gained them, but initially it was just him, up until then we had to make do with Eltharon on his Griffon and an Orc Shaman on his Wyvern, and being a Dragon he could kick everyone else's arse (as we always took an Emperor Dragon – why wouldn't you!). Also we felt quite privileged because if you didn't have White Dwarf 178 you couldn't play along with Imrik!
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Harry Enfield, only because of that metaphor I came up with about getting students out of bed, and I keep thinking of his Kevin character.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Well there's still a model available for him, and a new one at that (not as good as the original one I think, but what do I know?):
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1324.jpg)
And all his magic items are available in the High Elf book, so there done straight forward.
2011 Update: The 6th Edition Prince Imirk model is still available on the Games Workshop website, quick get it. Too much to ask for it in Finecast?
[/spoiler]
Another day, another double special character check out the other one at Procrastination by Numbers click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37864;topicseen#msg37864 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37864;topicseen#msg37864)
Saturday 17th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
In case you don't already know, a quick reminder that in two hours I'll be at Wandsworth Waaagh XII tweeting live on my exploits fighting with the High Elves, you can catch up at Twitter I'm @ProByNumbers (don't understand Twitter that well, but hopefully it all makes sense!)
[spoiler]
Saturday 17th: Nagash
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1249.jpg)
Name: Nagash, Supreme Lord of the Undead and founding member of the Tufty Road Safety Club
Original Points Cost: 750 points
Background: Nagash is a powerful human being who was transformed into a 15ft tall monster by use of warpstone (judging by the model it's not a beauty treatment) His right arm was cut of by King Alcadizaar after a struggle for power in Nehekhara and then he got deported from the UK for preaching religious hatred – or maybe I'm thinking of someone else. He also has one of the Nine Books of Nagash and is hoping to pick up the other 8 on eBay to complete his collection.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Undead – 4th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1198.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Undead – 4th Edition. However he's mentioned throughout Warhammer Armies: Tomb Kings – 6th Edition as the individual who destroyed Nehekhara turning it into the land of Undead, creating all Undead creations and giving Games Workshop another army to sell. Noted as one of the most evil men in history, just behind Piers Morgan.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1206.jpg)
Special Rules: His immense stat line is bolstered by the following special rules: Level 4 Necromantic Wizard, who may cast each spell multiple times a turn, Immune to Psychology, causes Terror. Plus the following Magic Items: Black Armour of Nagash – 4+ Armour Save, that may always be taken and is never modified (a ward save to you and me). Mortis, The Great Blade of Death - +1 Strength, any Wounds caused by this recover Nagash one lost wound up to his starting value. Book of Nagash – Increase magic level (and number of spells known) by 1. Staff of Power – Store 4 magic cards each turn (except Total Power and Drain Magic), randomly starts battle with one stored card.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1199.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1201.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: I don't especially remember Nagash's model being quite so comical as it appears now. He genuinely seemed like one of the most evil monsters in the game, and would have been considered for my very, very short-lived Undead army (I bought the book!). When Undead split up into Vampire Counts and Tomb Kings it gave Nagash's background a massive chance to expand but curiously he was lost somewhere in the transition – maybe he will return at some point... probably not though?
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Janet Street-Porter, go on tell me you don't see it?!
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Who came up with this stupid category? It's far too hard to work out in 15 minutes before work. Yes you could include him, if you worked out some rules.
2011 Update: Whilst he was definitely a big part of the background of the new Warhammer Armies: Tomb Kings: 8th Edition, he didn't make it as a new character.
[/spoiler]
More classic characters over at Procrastination by Numbers make sure you click here: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37941;topicseen#msg37941 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37941;topicseen#msg37941)
But he did make it into my TK army as a heirotitan.
Sunday 18th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Quote from: Dave on December 17, 2011, 11:34:05 pm
But he did make it into my TK army as a heirotitan.
Sounds like good use of a Nagash model to me!
It's exactly one week to go, just 7 days until the big day!! The countdown continues...
[spoiler]
Sunday 18th: Alarielle(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1519.jpg)
Name: Alarielle, Everqueen of Averlorn
Original Points Cost: 475 points (plus 16 points per Handmaiden)
Background: Alarielle is the current Everqueen of Averlorn, co-ruler of all Ulthuan. She is so in touch with nature that birds fly to her, life springs from the ground and even her pot plants don't die on her. During the latest Chaos invasion she was hidden from Dark Elf and Chaos attackers by Tyrion until the battle of Finuvial Plain where the tide was turned.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: High Elves – 5th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1001.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: High Elves – 5th Edition, though the Everqueen is mentioned throughout all the books.
Special Rules: Lots! Level 4 Mage. The Boon of Isha: Any one unit within 12" of the Everqueen may add 1 to all it's dice rolls to hit in the shooting phase. Similarly any one unit within 12" may add 1 to all it's dice rolls to hit in the combat phase (including enemy turn). The Chaos Bane: At the start of close combat phase all Daemon models within 6" of the Everqueen take a wound on a 4+ - wounds count towards combat resolution. Roll a dice for each Chaos Reward or Magic items on the Chaos side within 6" of Everqueen at start of close combat phase on a 1 item is destroyed, 2 to 3 item doesn't work for the close combat phase. The Everqueen has 1 Attack at WS 10 should this strike the enemy is not wounded but cannot fight back this turn (applies to whole model for chariots/ridden monsters). She carries the following magic items: Star of Averlorn (May heal wounds on any friendly character within 12" roll a D6 for each wound recovered on a 4+ - may only be used on Everqueen if there are no other valid targets), Shieldstone of Isha (Araielle and Maidens if she accompanies them, get a "what we would call a ward save" on a 4+), Stave of Averlorn (deal 3 cards to the Stave from whatever deck Araielle draws from, player can keep any or none in the Stave, spell can be cast from the Stave at no power cards, but then leaves the Stave once cast. Can either be discard or Araielle can keep the spell and discard one of her own spells).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1515.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: None, sorry stopped playing High Elves around 5th edition.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: The Angels from Captain Scarlett.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Now it's not like me to not work out how to include these characters in 8th edition, I never shirk my responsibilities, but I am ill and that's a lot of special rules – am I getting any sympathy?
2011 Update: I have nothing new to add, though I did recover from the flu I had this time last year.[/spoiler]
Procrastination by Numbers is the place where you'll find another special character click here to enjoy: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new)
Monday 19th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Think of something funny to go here please and PM me, thanks.
[spoiler]
Monday 19th: Arbaal
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog946.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog948.jpg)
Name: Arbaal the Undefeated, Destroyer of Khorne (as in he destroyed on Khorne's behalf, not he tried to destroy Khorne – got to be careful here I heard Khorne's a bit of a grump)
Original Points Cost: 600 points (4th Edition), 570 points (5th Edition)
Background: Arbaal is a psychopathic murderer who broke down the doors of Prague in the siege and has killed thousands, however Khorne is a tough boss and could turn him to spawn at any minute. All in all a ripe character for inclusion on the Jeremy Kyle Show.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Chaos - 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1009.jpg)
Remember this came in a box with loads of tokens and spell cards, interestingly the artwork has a picture from the Warhammer 40,000 universe on with a giant titan rolling in the background. At least it had a picture though.
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Champions of Chaos – 5th Edition, supplement to Warhammer Armies: Realm of Chaos – 5th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1026.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1042.jpg)
Obviously work experience doing the army book cover art this week.
Special Rules: Arbaal is instantly turned into Chaos Spawn should he flee for any reason, and is not subject to the usual rules for frenzy despite having Mark of Khorne. He must issue and accept all challenges, should he slay a challenged enemy he may make a further challenge until no one accepts or he fails to kill the target, if no one accepts he may make a normal attack on regular troops. Magic Weapon: The Destroyer – Arbaal has only 1 Attack on his profile, should this hit it becomes 2D6 hits. Hound of Khorne – fights in all challenges (all Flesh Hound rules apply), hound is immune to magic items, hound and rider immune to all spells.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1016.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1048.jpg)
In the 5th edition this was virtually unchanged (even the background was basically word for word the same), except he was 30 points cheaper, The Destroyer became Destroyer of Khorne and gave him 2D6 attacks (rather than 2D6 hits for his 1 Attack – massive improvement) and the Hound became subject to the Monster Reaction test should Arbaal die, oh and the artwork was much better.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1043.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Genuinely one of my favourite ever models, loved this when it first came out and went down to Games Workshop on day of release to pick one up. I've always been a fan of the Warriors side of Chaos, my love of the Beastmen is very new, Tzeentch has always had a soft spot in my dark and twisted heart but Arbaal stood out for the forces of Khorne. Really must paint this model and do it justice one day.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Dale Winton, underneath that camp exterior when he's getting out his Lottery balls I'm sure he wants to kill in the name of the blood god and destroy all (for legal reasons I should point out I have no evidence to back this up).
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Probably, seems like a big arse ache though! I'd make him Chaos Lord with Mark of Khorne, challenge rules could probably be left as the current ones as they're very similar. Would be replaced by a Chaos Spawn if he fled, and Hounds rules would stay the same. Points wise the Lord weighs in at 225 points, Hound is similar to a Manticore in statistics roughly so make that 200 points. Destroyer of Khorne (was worth 25 points – needs to be worth a hell of a lot more), based on the price of the Chaos Daemon Sword in the current book, I'd say needs to be valued at about 100 points – so that would make him worth 525 points (expensive, yes but not the most expensive Warriors character by any means). If you were feeling less adventurous the Hound could be replaced by a Juggernaut and the Destroyer of Khorne with the Chaos Daemon sword – but where's the fun in that?
2011 Update: I still love this model in 2011, would painting it up ruin my Tzeentch only Warriors army?
[/spoiler]
Procrastination by Numbers is just waiting for you to come on over and look at another special character: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37996;topicseen#msg37996 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37996;topicseen#msg37996)
Tuesday 20th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Today is very exciting because not only is it 5 days until the big day, but today represents the first day you can vote in The 2011 Procrastination by Numbers Awards – woooooooooooooo! Now I know you're excited but remember to check today's Advent Calendars before rushing over to the blog!
[spoiler]
Tuesday 20th: Aekold Helbrass
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog974.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog976.jpg)
Name: Aekold Helbrass
He's the only Forgotten Special Character I've painted.
Original Points Cost: 230 points (4th Edition), 248 points (5th Edition)
Background: Aekold bears the most astonishing Chaos gift known to man - no not to look cool wearing sandals and socks. The second most astonishing Chaos gift known to man then – the Breath of Life. Everything he touches springs back to life, friend, foe, flora (not the margarine), fauna and Floella Benjamin.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1580.jpg)
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Chaos – 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1009.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Champions of Chaos supplement to Warhammer Armies: Chaos – 5th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1042.jpg)
Special Rules: 4th Edition: Mark of Tzeentch, Chaos Armour and Breath of Life (at the beginning of each Chaos turn can recover a wound on a 4+, once slain he can recover wounds but a 6 is required for the first, he reappears where slain. Any model in base-to-base friend or foe recovers a wound on a 6 as well).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1583.jpg)
In 5th edition Breath of Life remained the same except a 5+ is required for the first wound once slain. Because Chaos Armour became mundane equipment in 5th edition he gained the Wind Blade (Double-handed weapon, roll a D6 at the beginning of the game to determine other effects: 1-2: Aekold can fly. 3-4: Aekold Always Strikes First (still at +2 S for Double-handed weapon), 5-6: Windblade can be thrown in shooting phase, range 12", using Aekold BS, if successful does D6 S5 hits).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1582.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1579.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Great model, and I quite like the modelling I've done to his base with the vines growing from where he stands (if I do say so myself). Very characterful as he kept returning from the dead, and I'm always a fan of Tzeentch!
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Bruce Forsyth, surely he's died several times already.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Got to do this carefully, as it's model I actually own and have painted so could use in a game. Well the rules sound pretty good, though I think he needs 4 wounds, not 2, so Breath of Life can work more effectively. Probably a bit overpriced, maybe make him 15 points including magic items? And probably should include the rule that "If you field Aekold your opponent must immediately go and purchase you a Shakeaway". I think it sounds fair.
2011 Update: Thanks to Lee for reminding me his tongue appears as a magic item in Warhammer Armies: Warriors of Chaos – 7th Edition. A year later, he still remains the only Forgotten Special Character I've painted up, though I've added a few remembered ones this year.
[/spoiler]
Procrastination by Numbers misses you, click here and visit: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg38019;topicseen#msg38019 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg38019;topicseen#msg38019)
I just started following this calendar today, and it brings back so many good memories of playing 5th... :cool3:
Thank's Matt, this is a really cool idea. Looking forward to the last few... :thumbsup:
Quote from: Sascha1706 on December 20, 2011, 07:53:24 am
I just started following this calendar today, and it brings back so many good memories of playing 5th... :cool3:
Thank's Matt, this is a really cool idea. Looking forward to the last few... :thumbsup:
Great to have you onboard, and I'm glad you're enjoying it. Not that I'm a self publicising whore (I am :thumbsup:) but if you head over to my main blog you'll find another Advent Calendar with another set of 24 Forgotten Special Characters! You may have noticed me mention this once or twice before on this thread, probably, maybe!! :wink;m::
Enjoy!
What, there's more than one of these compilations, I had not noticed...
Quote from: Dave on December 20, 2011, 11:33:26 am
What, there's more than one of these compilations, I had not noticed...
I detect a hint of sarcasm here! :wink;m::
Wednesday 21st December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Just 4 chunky Christmas Days to go! Better start shopping I suppose...
[spoiler]
Wednesday 21st: Bertand the Brigand
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog925.jpg)
Name: Bertrand the Brigand, Hugo le Petit and Gui le Gros.
Original Points Cost: 83 points (+1 extra point per Bowmen of Bergerac)
Background: Bertrand is a commoner who is looked upon like the scum of the earth by the Knights of Bretonnian, much like Cher Lloyd. That was until he single-handed slew the "Great Flapping Monster of Chateau Mal", I've been called similar when looking for my house keys, using only his longbow. He has picked up an abnormally fat and an abnormally tall friend, and a whole host of normal bodied friends.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia – 5th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog987.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia – 5th Edition.
Special Rules: Bertrand le Brigand can reroll all rolls to hit with his longbow, and he has The Black Arrow – once per battle a shot with the arrow wounds automatically with no armour save except magic armour. Hugo le Petit's bow hits at Strength 5. Gui Le Gros can feed the unit wine once per battle, from then on the Bowmen of Bergerac are immune to panic, but suffer -1 to hit. The Bowmen of Bergerac may skirmish.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog994.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog996.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Nice set of models, don't take my word for it Gui Le Gros made the Citadel Hall of Fame in White Dwarf and has been re-released this month. At the time quite unique to have an upgrade for a basic unit, though something that seems to happen a bit more at present – what with the Beastmen having two unit upgrade special characters. Added some good variation to the Bretonnian army at the time.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: I'm sure I'm getting some kind of historical, legendary character, can't put my finger on it. Maybe Merlin and King Arthur?
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Yeah, pretty straight forward special rules for 5th edition, so should be pretty straight forward to move to 8th – not sure I'd ever use Gui's wine though, archers that can't hit are no good!
2011 Update: If you meant to get round to buying Gui le Gross in 2011 and didn't you missed your chance. He is gone from the Games Workshop website.
[/spoiler]
Procrastination by Numbers has yet another special character in need of attention, click here and visit: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg38053;topicseen#msg38053 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg38053;topicseen#msg38053)
Thursday 22nd December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Apologies for this morning's late running of the OG Games Advent Calendar, leaves on the line.\
[spoiler]
Thursday 22nd: Egrimm Van Horstmann
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog967.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog969.jpg)
Possibly need to do some minor repair work on this model.
Name: Egrimm Van Horstmann, Dark Sorcerer of Chaos
Original Points Cost: 1,121 points in 4th edition – possibly the most expensive character of the time, even more so in 5th edition as climbed to 1,146 points.
Background: Egrimm Van Horstmann became Grand Master of the Order of Light, pleasing his parents deeply (though his uncle wanted him to be a doctor), but little did they know he was planning evil. Whilst he served the Order of Light he worked corruption and unlocked many evil things like Piers Morgan. Eventually he was uncovered by the Grand Theogonist and the Inquisitors of Sigmar, just in time as they were dancing on the final of Strictly Come Dancing. Egrimm escaped after unlocking the Chaos Dragon Baudros from the Pyramid of Light. With his corrupted Acolytes of Light formed the Cabal one of the mightiest Tzeentch warbands and a terror of Croydon library.
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Chaos – 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1009.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Champions of Chaos (supplement to Warhammer Armies: Chaos – 5th Edition)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1042.jpg)
However he is mentioned in both the 6th and 7th edition books.
Special Rules: In 4th Edition none, he was equipped with standard magic items that were available to all: Chaos Armour, Chaos Runeblade, Chaos Familiar and Skull of Katam. With Mark of Tzeentch, Level 4 Wizard and mounted on a massive Chaos Dragon.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1501.jpg)
In 5th edition he gained his own special rule Power of the Mind, for all Ld based tests rolls on 3D6 discarding the highest result. And as Chaos Armour became standard equipment in the 5th edition his items were slightly tweaked to be: Chaos Runesword (no armour save, except magic armour, each wound causes D3 Wounds), Chaos Familiar (each player turn Egrimm may add or subtract 1 to any dice roll – declared before roll), Cunning of Tzeentch (Chaos player can always choose to go first, any one Chaos unit can be deployed after all other units have deployed in own deployment zone), Skull of Katam (Egrimm may cast spell with one less power card than normal, however each time he uses the Skull takes a Ld test, if passed Ld is reduced by 1, if failed turns insane and is killed).
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1496.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1498.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1500.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Lovely character, lovely model, when I played 4th edition our games were dominated by High Elf dragons so Egrimm gave the Forces of Destruction a chance to fight back. Was a bugger to keep in one piece, as I didn't know how to pin at the time! Don't think I'd ever risk the Skull of Katam though 1,146 points gambled on a Ld test – no thanks!
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Lucas North in Spooks, no one suspected he was a traitor either.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Level 4 Tzeentch Sorcerer on Chaos Dragon is easy to create, the Power of the Mind rule could probably stay at +20 points. Chaos Runesword and Skull of Katam exist in the 7th edition book, with different rules, but would use all the magic items allowance! Cunning of Tzeentch could still be used, I reckon +25 points and the Chaos Familiar could be swapped for one of the others.
2011 Update: I tried to rebuild Egrimm this year and I seem to have lost one of the Dragon's claws, don't suppose anyone's seen it?
[/spoiler]
Only a few more days left to head to Procrastination by Numbers and check out another set of Forgotten Special Characters, it's all only a click away: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg38172;topicseen#msg38172 (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg38172;topicseen#msg38172)
Friday 23rd December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers964.jpg)
Just one more day of Advent Calendar goodness to go after today, which leaves just 48 hours to run around madly truing to get everything done!!
[spoiler]
Friday 23rd: Gotrek & Felix
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog930.jpg)
Name: Gotrek Gurnisson & Felix Jaegar
Original Points Cost: 477 points
Background: Gotrek got very grumpy, no one knows why (maybe he had a bet on Shaun Ryder to win I'm A Celeb...) and became a slayer, however despite all his slaying efforts no one seems to be able to kill him. Felix was one of the instigators of the Window Tax Riots of Altdorf, a demonstration that erupted into an outbreak of looting and mob violence towards Nick Clegg. In a drunken binge afterwards (possibly at an OG Games night) Felix signed up to record Gotrek's eventual doom as his official biographer (available now in WHSmith at half price).
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs - 4th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1028.jpg)
Last Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 4th Edition, as official characters with rules! However that wasn't the last we'd see of them. A second version of the models was later released and they of course had a series of Black Library novels based on them. More recently a new collector's edition set of models to accompany the books was released in White Dwarf 319:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1091.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1092.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1094.jpg)
And to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of White Dwarf (White Dwarf 330), a new White Dwarf model carried by Gotrek and Bugman as shieldbearers was released:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1095.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1098.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1099.jpg)
Special Rules: Gotrek follows all the Slayer rules, except cannot join any unit, Felix must be with him and is Unbreakable so long as Gotrek is alive. Gotrek's Doom special rule means any wound suffered by Gotrek or Felix is ignored on a D6 roll of 4+. Gotrek carries Gotrek's Axe all hits in close combat wound on a 2+, with no armour save except magic armour which is at -3. All wounds do D3 wounds, except on Dragons and Daemons which suffer D6 wounds. Felix carries the Blade of Leaping Copper +2 Attacks.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1035.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: Great models, I still prefer the originals to all the other subsequent versions. Don't think I ever played with them much, as they were quite expensive, but is shame that such iconic characters don't have a place in the actual game at present. Fingers crossed they'll return for Warhammer Armies: Dwarfs – 8th Edition.
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: Robin Cook and Lembit Opik
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Pretty straight forward actually. Gotrek's Doom simply becomes a 4+ Ward Save, other than that they use the basic Daemon Slayer and Empire Captain statistics. Both magic items can be put together and costed from Dwarf Runes, as can the 4+ Ward save rule. Simple. I think I may even use them!
2011 Update: Lee claims that Gotrek & Felix appeared in a 6th/7th edition update to Dogs of War, but we are yet to see any evidence. My fingers have been crossed all 2011, they remain crossed for 2012.
[/spoiler]
Surely you've got the hang of it by now?! There's another special character in Procrastination by Numbers click here if you don't believe me?!: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new)
Saturday 24th December 2011 – OG Games 2011 Advent Calendar
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This is it the final day of the OG Games Advent 2011 Advent Calendar, I hope you enjoyed this thread and discovering what happened to last year's Forgotten Special Characters, hopefully you'll agree Door 24 is a fitting ending:
[spoiler]
Friday 24th: Golgfag
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1353.jpg)
Name: Golgfag
Original Points Cost: 285 points in the 6th edition for Golgfag and three Ogres including Skalf the Standard Bearer and Unnamed the Horn Blower, but in the 5th edition you ask, twiddles thumbs, do-do-doo, don't have the book.
Background: Golgfag switched sides between the Orcs of Gnashrak Badtooth and the Dwarfs of Ungrim Ironfist in a fight, after a disagreement over payment and in fact fought his way out with Gnashrak's severed arm. The Ogre band became famous mercenaries fighting many battles with the Bretonnians, and Gnashrak even ate Skalf's leg after being imprisoned by the Dwarfs. He then went onto to a pop career releasing Halleluiah to be Christmas Number One and was team captain on Series 3 of Hole in the Wall – may have made that last bit up, don't have the book!
Original Appearance: Warhammer Armies: Dogs of War – 5th Edition
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1075.jpg)
(and released in White Dwarf 226, where I got all the info from!)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1345.jpg)
Last Appearance: Updated rules in White Dwarf 252 for 6th Edition.
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1346.jpg)
Sadly they never made Warhammer Armies: Ogre Kingdoms
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1349.jpg)
Best I can do for an Ogre Kingdoms character I'm afraid, only one book means no one can be forgotten you see!
Special Rules: They caused Fear. That's it. Could be hired by anyone except the Bretonnians – those notoriously cheap Knights!
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1350.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1351.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/HighElfBlog1342.jpg)
My Memories of the Character: None, never had Dogs of War or played when they were around. Heard of Ungrim Ironfist though, does that count?
Person(s) most Reminds Me Of: The famous leg-eating Mitchell brother... I don't know, he doesn't remind me of any one in real life he's an Ogre. Oh maybe Shrek! Love that film, and 2, but not 3 - not so good.
Inclusion in 8th Edition: Yes very complex special rules - they'd cause Fear.
2011 Update:
NO LONGER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!!
Oh yes thanks to our petitioning on this very forum (maybe?!) Golgfag has made a triumphant return and earned a surname! Golgfag Maneater is now a fully fledged special character in Warhammer Armies: Ogre Kingdoms – 8th Edition:
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1348.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1351.jpg)
And he's even got a brand new model fresh from White Dwarf 381 (September 2011):
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1353.jpg)
(http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae119/cunningmatt/ProcrastinationbyNumbers1357.jpg)
Personally I can't think of a happier note to end this recap of 2010's Forgotten Special Characters!! Awwww I feel all magical just in time for Christmas!
[/spoiler]
Don't cry it's not all over, there's another special character in Procrastination by Numbers click here to see them: http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new (http://ogforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2370.msg37095#new)
Oh you've already been there? Oh well it is over, cry lots now!