Delves Progress Update: Map Templates

One thing I enjoy about Goal System: Delves is the old school feel the game has. The common statement when playing Delves is its ability to take gamers back to their roots, usually AD&D. It is with that in mind that the next adventure will be a mix of my favorite D&D adventures from the past.

As I started to plan the adventure I soon found that it took on a mind of its own and now its more of a project then anything. But like any war-gamer I'm enjoying every moment.

Without giving to much away this adventure will be a good mix of traps, puzzles, and combat, which would make any adventure fun and exciting.

For this adventure I wanted to reveal the map as the adventurers explored the area. To do this I decided to use 8th inch mdf. I cut the pathway sections into 2.5 inch widths and at different lengths. This way I will reveal sections of the map for the players to explore. 

The larger areas will be used for rooms, caverns or whatever I need. I decided to add a few cardboard squares to each template to kinda represent an underground corridor (jury is still out if I like the look) and then sanded around them to add texture to the surface.I then dry brushed the sand to match my table.

One thing I did find with the larger pieces is that they warped with the watered down glue for the sand. I have tried brushing the underside with waterdown paint and stacking heavy books on them but they would still warp. To address this issue I spray painted the larger pieces with urban textured paint followed by a dusting of matte black. It doesn't look as nice as the other pieces but will do the job and won't warp.

I'm about half done and hoping to have the other half down by the end of the week. What I like most about these is they will come in handy for numerous other games I play.

P.s. if anyone has any idea how to prevent warping of the larger pieces I would love to hear about it.


Cheers and thanks for reading,

Tenz

Pulp Alley: Liberators Vs. Sinister Syndicate

Last week Jet and I were able to get together for a game of Pulp Alley. We both were looking for to trying out the game again. We only managed to play it a few times before our gaming time had to take a back seat to other responsibilities.

Jet hosted, and the table setup was his masterpiece. He has quite the selection of terrain to add to any gaming table. The buildings were scratch built with cardboard, amazing stuff.

The interiors were deployed and could be accessed when you enter a crypt. To keep the game flowing he thought it best to have all the interiors met up for easy access for all players.

The main plot point was the center statue in the garden. Since we were playing on a smaller surface we decided the west side of the board wouldn't count against plot point deployment. I deployed the two tall statues, one next to the smaller crypt and the other next to the graves. Jet deployed to grave markers, one above the main plot point and the other was deployed closer to a crypt on his side of the table.

The game was started. We both chose not to use any points from our pot, just the abilities that our characters had. Captain Grant, leader of the Liberators had the "Network of Supports"  perk and rolled 3 goals and chose the "Lucky Devil" ability. Vladimir Vrex, the Crimson Professor, leader of the Sinister Syndicate had the "Bastion of Science" perk and rolled 3 goals as well. Vladimir enhanced one of his Skelebots with "Gadget X and a Utility Belt". He then pocketed a smoke grenade if his plans are foiled. The Professor also had the "Wealth" ability and chose the aid of a level one follower, Wach. One of the Professor's deadly hounds.

The Liberators won the initiative and choose to let the Syndicate to start activating characters.

The upgraded Skelebot ran to the first plot point while its counterpart rushed behind the larger crypt to take up a firing lane.

The Crimson Professor advanced to the main plot point to search next turn.

Boris headed to the other plot point aided by Kaiser and Wach.

To end things for turn one Captain Grant quickly raced to the plot point to the west, while Lester hurried to the other plot point. Monique headed to cover behind the trees Yuri advanced to the main plot point.

The Liberators still had the imitative and again allowed the Sinister Syndicate to go first. Vladimir started by moving from charge range of Captain Grant and explored the main objective, but did not find success. Continuing to let me activate, both hounds charged Yuri dealing no damage. The Skelebot advanced out of cover and took aim at Lester, but the return fire would hit the Skelebot damaging the ally.

Jet then stepped in and activated Monique who had the "Burst Fire" ability. He placed his blast template over the hounds taking out one of them from the peril and then activated Yuri. He then searched the main plot point but failed to find the hidden plans.

Again the Liberators allowed the Syndicate to activate and Boris searched his plot point. Luckily for the Professor his sidekick was able to find the weapons stash. Vladimir then passed the initiative back to the Captain. Grant then searched for a stash of his own but was unable to find the secret switch. Allowing the Liberators to continue Lester then investigated the grave discovering its plot point taking the initiative.

The Liberators had activated all their personnel, and were forced to allow the Sinister Syndicate to activate.     The final Skelebot searched the ancient statue. With the aid of gadget X the robot was able to obtain the plot point that was hidden inside.

The Skelebot tried to repair its damage but was unable to do so and fell to the ground. The next turn Boris rushed Yuri with fists flying. Yuri quickly evaded the blows. Kaiser then lunged at Yuri missing as well. The Liberators were then allowed to activate and Monique dropped another template taking out Kaiser in the process.

The Liberators continued their move and sent Lester to cover with his plot point.

The Captain then activated and charged Boris landing a hit, wounding him and taking the initiative. The Liberators had activated everyone and passed the turn to Syndicate. The Professor again searched the main plot point, but this time finding what was inside and regaining the initiative.

The Skelebot opt'd to stay in cover and protect the plot point.

The next turn The Professor engaged  Monquie to try and put a end to her "Burst Fire" and was able to wound the female sniper. Boris threw a haymaker but was unable to connect with the wiry Yuri. The Liberators then activated and Grant rushed to the aid of Monique wounding Vladimir Vrex. He then allowed the Syndicate to activate and the last Skelebot dashed up behind the crypt to try and aid its maker.

The final turn saw Monique wounded in the attack from the Skelebot but not before she was able to bash the robot who then dropped its important cargo. The attacks continued on all sides with none being wounded.

The game ended with a 4 to 1 victory for the Sinister Syndicate. Great game and look forward to playing Pulp Alley a lot more.

P.s. It should be noted that we played two games, one of which the Liberators were able to claim victory.

As always thanks for reading,


Tenz

Terrain update: Fencing

A bit of a quick update. As I've been gathering my ideas for the next Delves adventure I decided to finish my GW Fences. Here is how they turned out.

I had a lot of fun painting these terrain pieces as most aspects were dry brushed and made for quick easy results. As the plans for the next Delves adventure are unfolding I am discovering its turning into more of a project then a gaming session. Lets just say some new terrain is in order. I hoping it turns out as well as it looks in my mind.

As things progress I will supply updates when possible.

As always thanks for reading,

Tenz

WarmaHordes Battle Rep: Cryx Vs. Legion

Before I go on to the Warmachine Battle rep. I wanted to let you all know we were able to finished the final battle of our Journeyman Tourney. Unfortunately my log file was corrupted and I was unable to gather any screen shots of the remaining battle, but here is a quick break down. 

The following turn everyone advanced closer to the center to capture the objective, but the Khador player who was last brought out some "tom foolery". In a gutsy move, Corey sent his caster close to the center and popped his feat which made all targets in his line of sight and control area stationary, this included my warlock. Suffice to say he was able to bring the pain and dropped my caster. Legion was the first army off the board. 

As the turns progressed the Menoth and Khador factions were able to twart the Cryx opponent leaving both human races to fight. In the end it would be Khador standing tall taking the objective. In sportsman like fashion the Khadorian forces did not want to dispatch of the Menoth caster.

The final tally for the tournament would be a tie for first between Protectorate of Menoth and Khador. A great tournament had by all, with a new one on the horizon.

Over the weekend I was able to get in a game of Warmachine against Marc and Cryx army. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, but Marc was able to take a few snaps with his phone.  It was a 50 point game with the following lists.

Cryx

Lich Lord Terminus

Deathjack

Harrower

6 Bane Knights

10 Mechanithralls

Necrosurgeon & Stitch Thralls

10 Satyxis Raiders w/ Sea Witch

Bane Lord Tarterus

Warwitch Siren

Pistol Wraith

Bloat Thrall

Legion of Everblight T4 list

Absylonia

Succubus

Scythean 

Ravagore
Typhon
Shredder x3
Naga Nightlurker
Raek
Nephilim Soldier
Forsaken x2
Blighted Nyss Shephard

Marc won the roll off and decided to deploy and play first. One the first turn he basically ran everything up the middle around Terminus. The Sea Raiders took up the flank on the left.

I deployed most of my guys across a line for more coverage. Due to having a T4 list with Abby I was able to advance deploy my Shredders and the Scythean and Typhon were able to advance move due to having two forsaken. On my first turn I launched the Shredders out to the front line. The Raek and Soldier were placed to the front as well. The Scythean and Typhon followed in behind. My Ravagore advanced and shot a blast into the Mechanithralls, only to be saved my Terminus' power to give them tough. Suffice to say I would grow to hate that power as the night progressed.

Turn two for the Cryx was a blood bath. The Sea Raiders rushed in and took out one of my Shredders and brought my Soldier down to 3 hit points. The Bane Knights destroyed the other two Shredders and my Raek. The game appeared to be getting away from me quickly.

But there was a glimmer of light. On my turn I was able to advance my Forsaken close enough to the Sea Raiders and popped its Blight Shroud, which had 4 fury from the previous turn. The effect was able to hit each Sea Raider taking them all out but the Sea Witch.

The Ravagore blasted a large enough hole in the Bane Knights for the Scythean to charge the Deathjack. Two knights did survive due to Terminus tough power...Grrrr. The beast changed in hitting solidly with both attacks which activated the chain attack. In that attack the Scythean was able to drop a few Mechanithralls and another Bane Knight and was then able to finish off the Deathjack.

The following turn Marc was able to dispatch of the Scythean, the Nephilim Soldier and almost took out Typhon as well. But luckily Typhon survived and was able to take down Terminus the next turn.

It was a great game and the first time I was able to play Warmachine on the tabletop in sometime, which was awesome. Playing against a caster like Terminus was fantastic. It was something I haven't faced before and the model is insane to look at. Next time I'll be sure bring my camera and get a close up shot of that badboy. 

Until next time!

Tenz

A Tale of Four Armies

Over the past year a few of my high school buddies and I have been working through our own little Journeyman tournament for Warmachine/Hordes. Due to players living in different communities (one on the other side of the country) we have opted to play each game using the Warmachine mod for Vassal. If you haven't checked it out it has quite a variety of mods for board and miniature games. The application works great for this situation as you have the option to play via email with log files or play the game live if scheduling permits. 

We decided to keep things relatively small with four players. Khador played by Corey, Cryx played by Shannon, Protectorate of Menoth played by Steve and Legion of Everblight played by myself. The tournament consisted of six rounds with each faction playing the other once. The first round consisted of the faction starter followed by point increases in each round to be added to the army. The final round pits each faction against each other in a Mosh Pit scenario. 

Here is how things are shaping up after five rounds. Three points were awarded for winning the match and one for the loss. The current standings are as follows;

Legion of Everblight: 31 points
Protectorate of Menoth: 31 points
Cryx: 29 points
Khador: 29 points

Below are the final army lists that evolved through out the tournament. 

Legion of Everblight:
Lylyth, Shadow of Everblight
Carnivean
Ravagore x2
Blighted Nyss Legionaries - Leader & 9 Grunts
Captian Farilor & Standard Bearer - Unit Attachment

Khador:
Kommander Sorscha
War Dog
Destroyer
Juggernaut
Kovnik Jozef Grigorovich
Assault Kommandos - Leader & 9 Grunts
Widowmakers - Leader & 3 Grunts
Winter Guard Infantry - Leader & 9 Grunts
Winter Guard Officer & Standard - Unit Attachment

Protectorate of Menoth:
Feora, Priestess of the Flame
Crusader
Repenter
Castigator
Vassal Mechanik x2
Choir of Menoth - Leader & 3 Grunts
Temple Flameguard - Leader & 9 Grunts
Temple Flameguard Officer and Standard - Unit Attachment
Daughters of the Flame - Leader & 5 Grunts
Temple Flameguard - Leader & 5 Grunts

Cryx:
Lich Lord Asphyxious
Cankerworm
Slayer
Bane Knights - Leader & 5 Grunts
Bane Lord Tartarus
Bile Thralls - Leader & 5 Grunts
Satyxis Raiders - Leader & 5 Grunts
Satyxis Raider Sea Witch - Unit Attachment
Satyxis Raider Captain
Withershadow Combine
Necrotech
Scrap Thrall

Lets get to the action. The final round used the scenario of Mosh Pit which seemed perfect for a four-way free for all. The scoring for the round was as follows;
First - 9 points, Second - 7 points, Third - 5 points and Forth - 3 points

After the deployment was completed the game commenced in the following order. Menoth, Legion, Cryz and Khador.

Turn 1
The Protectorate forces advanced forward trying to cover each flank. 

Keeping formation the Everblight army marched toward the center objective. The ferocious Ravagores sent a blast of warning at the Khadorians massing to the south. Lylyth covered her beasts in the shadow to prevent a ranged onslaught.

Cryx rushed the center objective area with their Sea Raiders and advanced the Knights on to the Protectorate. The Lich Lord called down Caustic Mist to hinder the Flameguard and Hellbound to protect itself.

Khador issued the Widow Makers to move to cover and take aim at the Everblight Legionaires, taking down three in the process. The Assault Kommandos ran toward the center objective, while the Winter Guard took a wide formation and advanced towards the Everblight army. Scorcha and her warjacks took the left flank for protection. 

Turn2
Menoth slowly advanced the Flameguard and issued the Sheild Wall order. The daughters joined them closer to the objective. The Repenter and Castigator headed towards the right flank. The Choir filled in behind singing the "Hymn of Passage". Feora cast the Wall of Fire spell to hinder the Bane Knights. 

The Blighted Legionaries marched further towards the Khadorian forces forming a defensive line. With the aid of Captain Farilor the command of "Iron Zeal" was issued to prepare for the attack. The Ravagores advanced lobbing their fiery blast into the Khador faction, taking out two Widow Makers and  knocking down two Winter Guard due to tough. Lylyth called for the Shadow Pack and aided the mighty Carnivean with Spiny Growth.

Cryx sent the Cankerworm to creep towards the holy zealots. The Sea Raiders formed a unit inside the center objective, with the Slayer falling in behind for protection. The dreaded Bane Knights circled the Wall of Fire to open the charge lane on the Temple Flameguard. Lich Lord Asphyxious summoned three Caustic Mist templates to further hinder the Flameguard unit. 

The Khadorian Assault Kommandos and Juggernaut were ordered towards the center objective while the Winter guard advanced on the Blighted Legionaries. In a strange turn of events the Widow Makers turned and gunned down two of their Assault Kommandos. (A move related to the mission scenario no doubt) Sorcha and the Destroyer continued its path, edging closer to the center....it appears an alliance has been formed between the two human races.

Due to time and lateness in the evening we had to call it there. Luckily each of our schedules allowed us to pick the game up in a few days. 

Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of "A Tale of Four Armies"

As always thanks for reading,

Tenz

Dual Impact: Ravagore & Darkfire Lizard

We'll folks I have finally returned to the blog! It has been a hectic couple of weeks between work and home. It was busy enough that my geeking had to take a back seat to everything else. But I am back :-)

Over the past while I was able to finish off another warbeast for my Legion army, the Ravagore. This model will also be used for the next Delves adventure, the Darkfire Lizard.

I noticed after I took the pictures that I completely forgot to finish the dry brushing on the base, please forgive me :-). I did this guy a little different then the Scythean as I found the layers on the skin tone kind of washed together and didn't really bring out the details like I wanted.

For the Ravagore I started with a darker base, P3 Sanguin Base followed by the same formula I did with the Scythean. GW Scab Red to GW Red Gore. Followed by a mix of GW Red Gore and GW Blood Red to a highlight of just GW Blood Red. 

The armor, claws and carapace were done the same as the Scythean but I did a little heavier highlight with the GW Bleached Bone to give the model more of a rugged aged look. The fire was based with GW Regal Blue, followed by a layer of GW Enchanted Blue. The top highlight was done with GW Ice Blue to a mix with GW Skull White.

You can see the drastic differences in the skin tones on both the models. In my own personal opinion the Ravagore looks better to me. What do you think?

When delving in the world of Onyx the Darkfire Lizard is a beast to be feared.......

Darkfire Lizard (103 pts.): Flaming Darkfire bellows from its maw with malicious intent.... 

Monster 7D, Str 5D, Def 5D, Tough 7D, Init 9 Mv: 7”  HP: 16    

Primary ATT & DMG: Claws 7D/5D Alignment: E   Size: L 

Attributes & Powers: Armor +2D/+1D, Breath Weapon (Inferno Sphere-6D), Deadly +3, Hideous Strength +1D, Sharp Senses, Tremor-sense, Vigor +6 HP 

Drive: Consume  

Reward Level: +3D   

Breath Weapon - Inferno Sphere
Type: Attack
Prerequisite: Breath Weapon
Some dragons and their kin are able to prefect their ability from breathing fire and other elements to hurling them at their enemies like a fireball. The damage is reflective of the cone size chosen for the breath weapon. Just like their breath weapon, once this power or a cone breath weapon is used in an encounter, the GM must roll 3+ goals on a chance roll to obtain the power to release the ability again. +1 RL.
Cost:15

Cheers and thanks for reading,


Tenz

 

Hordes & Delves Update: Scythean & Razorback

After finishing off my Pulp Alley league, I decided I wanted to finish my Legion of Everblight model, the Scythean. The reason was two fold. The Scythean is a melee machine and will get a lot of playtime in my Horde games and the model is needed for my next adventure of Delves.

The process for this guy was pretty simple. The carapace and claws were based with GW Scorched Brown and then dry brushed with a layer of GW Bestial Brown, followed by a mix of GW Graveyard earth and GW Bleached Bone. With a final touch of GW Bleached Bone. This was done first as as their was no worry of messing up another part of the model.

The skin was based with GW Scab Red. A layer of GW Red Gore was then applied halfway down each recess and to all the raised areas. The next layer was a mix of GW Red Gore and GW Blood Red which was applied to the raised areas. The final hightlight of GW Blood Red was used in select areas. The base was painted black and dry brushed with a white mix in a progressive fashion.

The Scythean was relatively easy to convert to the Delves world. I created the Combat Frenzy ability represent the bloodbath. Here is what I came up with; 

Razorback Lizard (92 pts.): Ferocious killing machine of the dragon kin. 

Monster 6D, Str 5D, Def 5D, Tough 7D, Init 9 Mv: 7”  HP: 16    

Primary ATT & DMG: Talons 7D/7D (3” Reach) Alignment: N   Size: L 

Attributes & Powers: Armor +2D/+1D, Combat Frenzy, Deadly +2, Extra Attack, Hideous Strength +1D, Melee Attack +1D/+2D, 3” Reach, Sharp Senses, Tremor-sense, Vigor +6 HP 

Drive: Consume  

Reward Level: +4D    

Combat Frenzy
Type: Attack 

Prerequisite: Extra Attack
Once per turn if this creature is able to hit with both its initial attacks it can make another attack against a legal target within its melee reach. +1RL
Cost: 15 points   

As always thanks for reading,

Tenz