UK Nationals

Last year the decision was made to take the UK Nationals out of the UK Games Expo and create something more in keeping with the American events like Lock and Load.

On 29th – 30th June, the first ever UK Nationals will take place; with 128 player tournament; as well as the Iron Gauntlet qualifier.  For those not familiar with the new Iron Gauntlet, the UK Nationals will be the last place (this year) to be able to qualify for essentially the World Championships of Warmachine/Hordes.

It’s been a tough decision, but I have booked my hotel and bought my ticket and I will be going down to Stockport to play in the UK Nationals.  I don’t expect to do well, but it is more for the experience of it.  As of this time there was still 15 spots left, so if you fancy taking on some of the UK’s best players; head over to this thread on Warhammer Forum.

Painting Progress

It’s kind of ironic that the thing to get me back into painting, is the Paralympics; sports for people with disabilities like me.  Sadly Warmachine/Hordes won’t be there for Rio in 4 years time, so those dreams are shattered.

On to the painting though, the reason your here.  Finally got finished on the Freebooter model for my wife, it still needs some matt varnish on it; but I’m ok happy with this.  Biggest problem I have just now, is skin tones; which I can use my normal method.  This consisted of Vallejo Basic Skin Tone, with GW Gryphon Sepia as subtle shadows.  I liked this method as it allowed me to control the darkness of the shadows, better than thinned paints.  However, as I can’t get hold of the Sepia any more (thank you GW….not); it has resulted in moving to a new way.

Here’s some pics of the finished Fairy of the Woods from Freebooter, along with the Carnivean I started months ago; but only just getting around to finishing.

Skirmish 2012 – WM/H

 

Despite there being 2 months till Skirmish, I am already working on the format and additional aspects of the event.  I have made enquiries about chess clocks to several of the chess clubs in the area, as well as written to a retailer of them; see Sponsorship post previously.

The aim is to have the following format:

• 20 players (more if demand exceeds 20)
• 50pts (Divide & Conquer)
• 2 Army Lists (standard SR2012 restrictions)
• Death Clock Timings (53 Minutes)

Currently there is no premier WM/H event in Scotland, it is hoped this will be a test of the format for next year; when this will be over 2 days rather than just one.  It’s going to be a gruelling day, 5 games in one day, is not something I would normally contemplate; but then the Scots are a hardy and tough breed.

 

Sponsorship

There are exciting things coming for the world wide WM/H community, as well as the grass roots level of the game.

Recently it was announced there would be a World Team Championships, to be held initially in Belgium in 2013.  Each country would be allowed 2 teams of 5 players, to compete against the worlds best.  So this got me wondering about how people would finance this kind of venture, from a team POV; not the WTC organisers.

Certainly in Scotland, the 10 best players would be pretty easy to find; but would they be able to pay for it?  Not only that, does their real life situation even allow them to contemplate a venture like this; when jobs and family are considered.  I think realistically, Scotland could definitely field one team; two would need some planning.  This is where the sponsorship idea comes in, where there are many avenues that could be looked at.

• Game Related Sponsorship – Kind of like ‘Team Scotland will use X Product to compete at the WTC’
• Companies do have sponsorship programs, which might be applied to this.
• Fund raising, which could be put towards an overall fund for this kind of thing.
• Kickstarter, which has been banded about recently for Team England.
• Lastly, just asking for discount, special offers or arrangements.  It’s not begging, when all your doing is making a polite enquiry; as to the possibility.

Having worked with a charity in Scotland, I know some of the issues this can bring; but don’t let those rejections get you down.  It just takes one kind person, to make all the difference.

It’s a Scorcher!

Well once again the sun is beating down and I am no nearer to getting any painting done. I’m currently stalled, as I am supposed to paint a model for my wife; before I am allowed to touch anything WM/H related.

As such it’s piling up and I am getting to the point, that I am going to blitz them; not really worried about the look. Not that I am one of these players, that worries too much about them. Unless they are a center piece model, basic infantry are spray, base and dip.

Things are also hotting up with War Room, with being one of the lucky ones with access; there are still some issues with it. Not sure why, but I am able to access some cards; but not others. This is actually a bad sign, as I haven’t even bought the decks yet. However, what I have seen is looking really good.

The images even on a HTC Desire S (mobile phone), are crisp and clear. Loading is a tad slow, but nothing that I would have a problem with. Despite what others say, there is an army builder, though players were hoping for an iBodger replacement; not what War Room seems to be offering.

The problems are being addressed, the main concern for Tinkerhouse, is getting those Android devices; that aren’t able to use it at all. From that they can then work on the other, but certainly not lesser issues; that are being brought up. Patience is the key here, so go play some games the traditional way…..cards, dice and marker pens