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How to start Deadzone

Deadzone is fast paced sci-fi miniature skirmish game set is a corporate dystopian galaxy. Played on a 2′ x 2′ area with an integrated terrain system, Deadzones rules are simple to learn and very intuitive. The game rewards players for using tactics in the game as much as their collection of miniatures.

The two books you need to play Deadzone are the Rulebook and the force list. The rules for all ten factions are contained within the force list book. Sixteen scenarios and a campaign system are included in the rulebook.

The first decision to make is whether to get the two player starter set or the main rulebook.

If you are starting Deadzone this set is perfect, it contains the rules, force lists, counters and dice that you need to run the game. As well as a play mat, terrain and starting models for two factions, the Veer-Myn and the Corporate Marines of the GCPS. On the reverse of the play mat is a tutorial map for introductory play, which is great for first time players.

The next stage is to get paints, glue and tools to assemble and paint your collection. The terrain assembly is very intuitive and supports multiple build types. The troopers themselves vary in complexity from the basic soldiers to the characters and monsters. There are detailed instructions for building these models contained in the box and if you get really stuck or this is your first time pop in and ask.

The alternative is to buy the Rulebook set.

The Rulebook Set is the rulebook, force List and counters from the boxed set above. This is perfect if you are upgrading from the previous version of the game, or if you would prefer a different faction from those included in the starter set. Of course to play you will need models for your chosen faction, command dice, D8s and terrain. All of which are available from the store.

Just a few images of a few factions for Deadzone, plenty more in the books.

OK you’re still reading? Great! Did you know that you can use the miniatures and terrain from Star Saga in your Deadzone games? Perfect companion system provided you enjoy tactical, fast-paced, sci-fi adventure. Pop in for your demo soon and remember #Deadzoneislife

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Ultramarines Painting Guide

Intro

A few years back I painted and subsequently sold an Ultramarines army. I have decided to revisit that project, while this time staying with the aesthetic of second edition of Warhammer 40,000. I acquired a few miniatures from that period and have stripped them of their previous paint.

In the early days of second edition and the later days of Rogue Trader, one of the main story events was The Battle for Armageddon. A huge planetary campaign which was the setting for a number of games, miniatures and white dwarf articles. This background setting introduced Commissar Yarrick, the disfigurement of Captain Tycho and later the Astra Millitarum Steel Legion. As the campaign setting was such a large part of 2nd edition, I decided to paint these classic marines as participants of that campaign.

Image from “Battle for Armageddon Scenarios” contained in Warhammer 40,000 2nd Edition boxed set. By John Blanche.

Painting Guide

The first thing I did was assemble and base the miniatures. Sub assembly makes it easier to paint details on the models. So I stuck the bolters and backpacks on cocktail sticks to a piece of kindling. I consider bases part of assembly, so I glued basing sand to the bases with PVA.

I then primed the models with brush on grey primer. Grey is a good neutral colour to prime models with.

The next stage is to base the model and start the metals. As these are usually drybrushed, which can get messy I do these first. Firstly the metals were base coated with black. The shoulder rims and chest were painted with Balthasr Gold and highlighted with Greedy Gold . The weapons were drybrushed using Gunmetal and Plate Mail. After that the metals were given a wash of Mixed Strong & Dark Tone .

After the leaving the wash to dry for a day. The final highlights were applied to the metals. This was again another round of drybrushing. This time with Plate Mail and Shining Silver. The other metals with Greedy & Bright Gold

I used thinned Dark Sky followed by a layer of Macragge Blue, for the base coats of the armour plates. This gives a good strong colour to work with and it’s first shading.

Here I have edge highlighted each piece of armour individually using Crystal Blue, Ultramarines Blus, Voidshield Blue, and Viking Bue. Using the same technique I painted bolter casings with uniform grey and hardened carapace. The model then gets its final assembly.

The final part is to detail the models. In this case chapter markings, tactical markings and codex dedications. I painted all these freehand with Matt White. Eyes were done with Pure Red, with a Matt White dot in the corner.

Combat Squad IV Ready

Finally a here is a group shot with a sergeant. I made the sergeant from different parts from a mid 90s plastic multipart space marine kit and the close combat weapons sprue. I have added a number purity seals from more recent kits. Unusually for a sergeant he is wearing a helmet.

Paints used from The Army Painter and Citadel Colour.

Models from Citadel Miniatures 1993

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Oldhammer Devastators

When you run a business you can get very busy, I’ve recently noticed that I have been neglecting the blog. So it’s time to recitfy and restart . There will be regular posts and updates about painting and gaming projects in the store. As well as articles and other things.

The store has a collection of Space Marines from the 1st edition of Warhammer 40,000. They form part of the store display armies and are painted as Dark Angels. Back then the Space Marines models wore what is now known as MK VI or Corvus armour. The Dark Angels had a black colour scheme with red markings instead of the green they are now known for. The original colour scheme is referenced by the Horus Heresy game, which is set around the early period of the Imperium, which is about 10,000 years before the main game.

Here is the Devastator Squad added to the Dark Angels RTB01 army. It was actually painted before the assault marines and chaplain, but gets posted now for some reason. This squad is the first painted to get sergeant and veteran sergeant markings. These take the form of helmet stripes and the Veteran Sergeant gets a rank badge on his power fist.

  • Full Devastator Squad
  • Combat Squad lead by Veteran Sergeant
  • Combat Squad lead by Sergeant

The squad makes use of plastic Imperial Guard heavy bolters and lascannons, from the weapons sprues available at the time. You may have seen the lascannon marine before as it was part of the second tactical squad painted. That squad is now equipped with a missile launcher. Their lascannon now forms part of the devastator squad.

  • Original Squad
  • now has a more tactical missile launcher

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How to start Kings of War

Kings of War is a fantasy battle game played with miniatures. You collect and command an army of your favourite fantasy figures against an opponents collection of fantasy figures, in a variety of scenarios across different fantasy landscapes. The action takes place on the world of Pannithor, which is the setting for the fantasy games produced by Mantic including Dungeon Saga, Vanguard and Armada. While it may be new to a number of people it does contain familiar elements, such as Dwarves, Elves, Undead and Dragons.

In order to play Kings of War you will need a Rulebook, Army list and of course models. You will find your army list in either the Core Rulebook or another publication called Uncharted Empires. Between both books there are twenty-six army lists so there is much to choose from. A review of the game has already been completed here.

Starter Sets

Uniquely there are two starter sets for Kings of War. Shadows in the North and War in the Holds. Both boxes contain the rulebook and two starting armies of Nightstalkers and Northern Alliance for Shdows in the North. Goblins and Ratkin for War in the holds. Both are great value and can be the perfect introduction for new players.

Books

There are two versions of the rulebook. The Hardback edition which contains the rules, army lists, maps and the background stories to world of Pannithor. The Gamers edition, which is a soft cover book that just contains the game rules and army lists. If you are have an existing collection of miniatures you may prefer to get the book instead of the starter sets.

Other books to consider is Uncharted Empires and Clash of Kings. As mentioned before Uncharted Empires is a book the contains twelve more Army lists for the game. Clash of Kings is an annual publication which has rules updates and new content for the game. While it is not strictly necessary to own Clash of Kings in order to play and enjoy the game, many existing players in the Kings of War community will be using the updated rules to play, particularly in tournaments.

Miniatures

The Army Boxes are excellent value and contain a good variety of troops, to start your collection. They can compliment an existing army or be the beginning of a new force. If you have decided that the armies in the starter sets above are not for you then grabbing one of these with a rulebook can be a great way to start.

  • Defenders of the Shire
  • Empire of Dust
  • Nightstalkers
  • Forces of the Abyss
  • Dwarves
  • Trident Realms of Neritica
  • Orcs
  • Elves
  • Undead

There are a good number of miniatures manufacturers and it’s really easy to incorporate your existing collection of miniatures into the game, or to collect an army for Kings of Kings of War outside of Mantics own brand of miniatures. Fantasy miniatures have a number of existing shared concepts, that although each may be unique they are recognisable. You’ll find that figures from Dwarves, undead, elves, orcs and various periods of human history to name but a few are perfectly usable in Kings of War.

Of course it will be up to you how they fit in and which miniatures to use. The army lists in Kings of War and Uncharted Empires should have you covered. For example the “Kingdoms of Men” army list in Uncharted Empires can fit in many figure collections of historical periods from ancients, through medieval to early renaissance. Likewise you’ll find Mantic own miniatures suitable for other fantasy battle and role playing games.

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Starting Warhammer 40,000

Miniature Wargaming, a hobby where you collect and paint figures which you use to represent your forces in games. A game like Warhammer 40,000 can be quite daunting for beginners. This guide will help out anyone who is thinking about starting this great hobby.

Essentials

What you need to start are a few essentials. Miniatures and paint might go without saying, however you will also need a rulebook so you know how to play and a Codex which has the rules specific to your collection of models. Below is a handy guide with the pro’s, cons and a few alternatives later on for your comparison

Warhammer 40,000 Command Edition

Pros : This contains the rules, dice, terrain and miniatures. The miniatures are very detailed and easy to assemble. The Command manual contained has easy to follow guides for assembly of miniatures and rules and missions for your first few games. . This is the most complete starter set for the game system and will offer the best value.

Cons : The only drawback, is if you are not collecting either of the starting forces, in the box.

Warhammer 40,000 Elite Edition

Pros – Good selection of miniatures, dice and a handy guide for painting and playing. Elite manual contains all the rules for all the models in the box, and has good ideas for expansion. Again easy to assemble miniatures with and handy guide. Excellent value and a good way to start the hobby.

Cons – In order to experience the full Warhammer 40,000 hobby, you will still need a rulebook, and terrain. As before if you are not interested in collecting the models in the box, this might not be the best set for you.

Warhammer 40,000 Recruit Edition

Pros – As with the others it contains dice, great models and a handy guide for painting gaming and assembly. Contains all the rules required for using the models in the box, with more ideas for expansion. Great value and perfect for “dipping your toe in”.

Cons – You will need a rulebook and terrain to continue playing. Mainly suited to those people collecting Space Marines or Necrons. So if you are interested in other factions in Warhammer 40,000, this might not be the way to go.

The above starter sets are great for beginning 40k though if you are not interested in the models in the box there are other options available. Luckily the Warhammer 40,000 rulebook is available on its own along with a number of “Start Collecting” boxes for the various different factions of Warhammer 40,000.

Warhammer 40,000 Rulebook

Pros : Detailed and easy to follow rules with examples of how to play. Rich background story with full colour illustrations containing the perfect overview of the Warhammer 40,000 galaxy and factions.

Cons : None. You will need the rules to play the game.



Alternatives



Deadzone
A smaller scale game set in the Warpath universe
Pros – As with Warhammer 40,000 Command Edition it has everything you need to start playing, including rules, scenery, dice and miniatures. A similar experience at a fraction of the cost.  Faster game play and easier understand rules. No need for additional army books.
Cons – The Warhammer 40,000 Brand may be important to you

Star Wars Legion Clone War Core Set

Pros: A tabletop Miniatures Game set in the Star Wars galaxy. Great set of rules and miniatures. Rulebook is available online as PDF from FFG, while the equipment and troop rules can be found on handy cards within each Star Wars Legion boxed set.

Cons: None – who doesn’t like Star Wars? In all seriousness, as before, branding may be important to you.

Necromunda This is a great game set in one of the planets in the Warhammer 40,000 galaxy. A smaller skirmish style games where gangs fight in the confined spaces of a “hive city”.

Pros – Same setting as Warhammer 40,000, in fact some of the components from both settings cane be used in both games.

Cons – None this is a great game.

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Halloween Spooky Painting Competition

Halloween of 2020 the store ran an online painting here are the four best entries:

This first one is a Primaris Space Marine. What is noteworthy here is the lack of any of the hallmarks of a typical Space Marine. Gone are the usual clean armour, purity seals and honours Replaced by the bloodstained battered armour, a slain enemy and a thousand yard stare. A great re-imagined War-Hound from this commission painter.

Painted by “The Hairy Painter”

This next one is a kit bash from a number of different models showing a ghostly horde of Cavalry. This is actually two “cavalry regiments” for Kings of War and really is a great demonstration of the possibilities for multi-basing in the game. Also notable is the artist using a number of miniatures outside of the typical undead range of miniatures. He simply lets his brush do the work.

  • Painted by Robert Alexander
  • Painted by Robert Alexander
  • Painted by Robert Alexander

If you have arachnophobia beware this entry! The models is from the Monster expansion to the game Rising Son by CMON . Some great additions here including the base and webbing on the collection of heads. A truly monstrous piece by this commission painter.

  • Painted by “The Bearded Bear’s Brushstrokes”
  • Painted by “The Bearded Bear’s Brushstrokes”
  • Painted by “The Bearded Bear’s Brushstrokes”
  • Painted by “The Bearded Bear’s Brushstrokes”
  • Painted by “The Bearded Bear’s Brushstrokes”

Possibly one of the best miniatures from the Age of Sigmar range – Lady Olynder! A slight alternate assembly here, working the wing spirits as part of the base really pays off. You attention remains on the model herself when looking at the Mortach of Grief and there is still plenty happening along the base. Noteworthy here are the bloodstained robes – just enough to make use of the surface area, while not detracting from the details.

  • Painted by Pat Sinnott
  • Painted by Pat Sinnott
  • Painted by Pat Sinnott
  • Painted by Pat Sinnott
  • Painted by Pat Sinnott
  • Painted by Pat Sinnott
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More Undead and Better Pics

Firstly it’s the Revenants, you may have seen them before… These are the first mantic miniatures I ever painted. A great set with many options on the sprue. I decided to go with a green theme to match with the shields. The metallic green armour represents the fact they wear magic arms and armour, which continues in death .

Every Kings of War game I play using undead, I include this unit. I learned they have much staying power due to their high defence, though lack the killing ability of other undead units. It would be nice to increase them to horde strength.

Next up are the Skeleton Phalanx. I kept the same shield design as the Revenants , because the skeletons served the same order in life as they do in death. Again built using Mantic plastic skeletons. A great set with many options.

Next are the zombies. I went for a non-naturalistic look here, and took time to experiment with The Army Painter strong tone wash. While they don’t quite fit the theme of the skeletons, they are great models and fulfil a role in the army.

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Imperial GCPS

While preparing to run a few games of Deadzone I noticed a similarity of the GCPS faction with the Imperial Guard. With that in mind I decided to use that excuse to paint up a few oldhammer Rogue Trader Imperial Guard.

The tall chap with the shot gun is a conversion using more modern pieces. As is the sergeant who has a modern chainsword. A quick and fun side project with added benefits and expansion potential.

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Oldhammer Jump Assault

I have been adding to the Oldhammer Space Marines. Nothing speaks to the nature of the Imperium more than a Chaplain. The model is a conversion from a number of different ranges. To honour his origins, I decided to add a mohawk to the skull helmet.

Father Eduardo

I took part in a recent Oldhammer Challenge on twitter, and used it as an excuse to make an assault squad. A the time of Rouge Traders release there were no plastic chainswords. Right now period plasma pistols are difficult to come by. So I made the decision to use modern weapons, but kept the period bolt pistol arms – of which there are many. The Jump Packs are from Max Mini. They are much larger than the metal ones from the time, though still in line with many illustrations from 1987-1992.

The model I actually entered was a homage to an original Rogue Trader metal model “Brother Romero”. He is in the middle at the back.

Models from

Citadel

Jump Packs from Max Mini

Mohwak from Warlord Games

Painted using Deco Art Acrylics and The Army Painter.

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Making Your Game Happen

There are a number of great games out there, and the store is happy to support them. Whether they be board games, collectible card games or miniature skirmish games. If you have a great game you want played and supported in store here are some tips to make it happen.

1 Suggest it! – You never know..

Come and talk about it in store. Post about it in the players group, post it on the main page, show pictures of games in progress or painted models – the more people that know about this excellent game the better. And the more people who want to play the more likely it is the store will support it.

2 Turn up and play! – You do want to play it right..?

Once the store has agreed to to host the game, support it. If there is a FB event share it, mark yourself as going – if you cannot attend that that mark yourself as “interested”. Do this well in advance of the day of the event. On the day of the gaming event turn up and play. Enjoy yourself and meet new people playing a game you love. If there are people new to the game help them out.

3 Buy stuff! – It’s not a conflict of interest

When the store is making an order – ask specifically for certain products and buy them – encourage others to do so. Even if it’s a small item like a booster pack or set of dice. The store is more likely to schedule more events for your game if people are regularly making purchases for the game.

4 Share it! – Always share

So the store has agreed to play your game, is stocking products and holds regular events. Now what? Share it! Post pictures of your games, work in progress, completed models whatever. If the store posts about it – share it, like it & comment. Be an active participant in the store groups and beyond. This helps build a community of gamers around your chosen game system