Terrain for great justice!!!!!

Recently I have hit a gaming funk, so have switched to terrain and campaign design to keep my spirit high. After looking at my terrain making/painting tools I realised I need to update and jot down some tips. IMO the key to making good terrain is to have an idea and then let the creativity flow.

Bda does not have any dedicated hobby shops, so I tend to use a different approach.

Tools:
Large 2” paintbrush
Large 1” paintbrush
Scissors
Foamboard or cardboard
Gorilla glue
Spray paint
Spray glue and large bottle of Elmers
Spray varnish (matte)
Large pots of base colour paints (paint samples are good as they give enough paint at a reasonable price)
Cat litter (any cheap brand)

General Tips:

• Use a notepad to plan the initial design: This is a great tool, as when the design changes (and they all change) you will have a base guide that can be followed and visually see the changes.
• Paint large Surfaces: When painting a dry brushing large surfaces always use down ward strokes, this gives a natural (aka semi realistic) look to the weathering pattern.
• Sparse use of metallic paint: Be wary of using too much metallic paint on a building it can sometimes be too much and detracts from the other building features. Of course, if the building is something industrial go crazy with the metallics.
• Painting order: Basecoat, 1st highlight, 2nd highlight, wash and leave.
• Cardboard + cat litter on one side + varnish on the other makes a very sturdy base.

 Stay tuned for the next few post. I will be going over specific projects I have built, with pictures this time.

1 degree of seperation

Last week was very interesting!!

I found out I had 4 aunts and a bunch of cousins I never knew! A semi-family hushed secret was unburied. It is quite a shock when one finds 'new' family members. Even more shocking when you have known some of them for years, and could not figure why they seemed familiar. It also helps bury the stories of people seen your "twin" somewhere you have never been.

Now my brain in in less of a spin I can get to some updates.

Why the Hate ?!?

What is with all the Space Marine hate?

One would think they are unbeatable, and/or one would think they are unbalanced.

The iconic image of the Space Marine has been around since GW came into existence. The boxy square shape, the defenders of humanity. How heroic is it for someone to shed his humanity and protect that same people that would consider him a mutant?

SM on the workbench

I for one love the Space Marine in all his flavours. You have the Ultramarines (Vanilla) jack of all trades, able to do anything to an average degree, whilst not being stellar in any field without many special rules. You have the Space Wolves (Rock Road) masters of smashing face and taking names, an all rounder that focus on the short range brute force approach; Vikings in Space. You have the Blood Angels (Chocolate) the excel at the assault, fancy toys that suit their needs, pretty boys with a dark secret. And finally you have the Grey Knights (Rocky Road) special rules every and and even more specialized toys, the elite of the elite.

Sharksmile's Wolves in Action

Many of the young players (and we all were young at some stage) are drawn into the hobby wishing to play the superhero, the defender of humanity. So may are drawn to the Space Marine as their first army. As they learn to play, they find their feet and develop a unique play-style. During this growth many change and get a new army. But will still keep their SMs around.

Yes, that did not end well for the Space Marines

As they play with their new army they see the SM in a new light, cold brutal and deadly, but for the few they also remember how is also feels to play a Space Marine. To know the pain deciding what to field on your list, the torment ans you can not afford a 'needed' (a.k.a. wanted) toy. The dread as you faced off against a horde and the certainty that you could win but it would be bloody.

Not to sure where this ramble went. :)

But we all still love our ice-cream, even if we have not had it in awhile. We as gamers need to be careful of the venom we have towards certain armies as it can dishearten and scare away new players. Lets start spreading the love.

Have you had any unwarranted hate recently?