Warhammer 40K Report: Black Templars Verses Bloodletters - Part Two

SERGEANT MUNDAY BATTERS A BLOODLETTER AS HIS UNIT MAKE FOR HIS POSITION

"The story so far… Whilst exploring some ruins on the planet Simbad Seven, a small unit of Black Templars have discovered the presence of an ancient relic near to a long abandoned plaza. However Sergeant Munday's unit soon find themselves under attack by a small warband of Bloodletters, who seemingly want the relic for their Blood God, Khorne..."

THE ORIGINAL TABLETOP - THE RUINS OF SIMBAD SEVEN

Warhammer 40K Report: Black Templars Verses Bloodletters - Part One

The Bloodreaper advanced to the Ruined Plinth, and there joined the three Bloodletters moving west through the ruins. The daemons in the north travelled south, with one even reaching the north-eastern corner of the Plaza.

It was already the mid-way stage of the skirmish, so the space marines knew they had to be within striking distance of the Ancient Relic [Objective Four] just as soon as they could. However, the two Black Templars by Terrace Three actually moved further west, away from their objective so that the Bloodletters on the Ruined Plinth were just still within reach of their "Rapid Fire" Boltguns. Sergeant Munday moved into the south-west corner of the Plaza, noting on his visor feed that the space marine farthest north of his position was advancing south to Terrace Two.

THE BLACK TEMPLARS HOLD THE PLAZA, WHILST THE BLOODLETTERS INFEST THE PLINTH

The two space marines by Terrace Three opened fire upon the inhabitants of the Ruined Plinth, and despite the dilapidated structure providing the "Slaughter-Kin" with some protection, one of the daemons fell dead. Sergeant Munday and the Black Templars stood around the Plaza also shot towards the Ruined Plinth, yet found "Khorne's foot soldiers" remained unharmed due to their 5+ Invulnerability Save. Fortunately for the Adeptus Astartes though, a lone Bloodletter attempting to enter the Plaza was successfully gunned down.

In retaliation, two of the surviving Bloodletters on the Ruined Plinth leapt down and swarmed around the space marine stood by the Plaza's southern wall, whilst two more daemons and their leader actually entered the central structure and encircled Sergeant Munday. The Black Templar's commander was engulfed by seven attacks, but his "Tenacious Survivor" ability seemingly spared his life. Sadly however, the Adeptus Astartes by the Plaza's wall was not so fortunate and was cut down by a frenzy of Hellblades despite his 3+ Save.

 THE BLOODLETTERS LAUNCH A FEROCIOUS ATTACK UPON THE DEFENDERS OF THE PLAZA

Ordering his nearest brothers-in-arms into the fray, Sergeant Munday managed to club one of his daemonic attackers to the ground. Two of the three nearby space marines successfully charged into the fray, with one seeking revenge for his fallen comrade, whilst the other went to aid his embattled leader. Inspired by their presence, Munday managed to best the Bloodreaper in close combat before falling dead alongside a colleague under a torrent of Hellblades. Bodies were now starting to pile up in and around the Plaza, yet neither side failed the subsequent Morale phase.

Those Bloodletters not in close combat headed east towards the Ancient Relic [Objective Four], whilst the daemon skulking atop Terrace Four jumped down to the ground to join them. With time now against the Black Templars, the two space marines in the southwest corner of the battlefield advanced as far as the southern tip of the Ruined Plinth. However, the pair were still a considerable distance from contesting the skirmish's sole objective.

THE BATTLE OF THE PLAZA AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS INTENSITY

The Adeptus Astartes outside Terrace Two moved into the Plaza to assist his brother inside. He arrived just in time as the "Slaughter-Kin" launched another wave of formidable charges into the central structure. Fortunately, only one such declaration succeeded and amidst the ferocious close combat fighting the space marines somehow survived courtesy of a string of saving throws. In return, a single daemon fell to a well-placed blow.

Praying to the Emperor, the Black Templar closest to the Ruined Plinth charged right across the ruins into the Bloodletter stood guarding the Ancient Relic [Objective Four]. Disconcertingly the space marine was torn asunder by the "Unstoppable Ferocity" of the daemon, meaning that the Adeptus Astartes were still far from securing their prize, despite withstanding Khorne's assault upon the Plaza.

THE BLOODLETTERS LAUNCH A SECOND ASSAULT UPON THE PLAZA

With the skirmish drawing to a close, two Bloodletters positioned themselves by the Ancient Relic, one of which squatted on the eastern edge of the Ruined Plinth. A space marine managed to advance as far as the ruins itself, but was still too far away to have an impact upon control of the vital objective. However, another Black Templar in the Plaza, headed southeast towards the gruesome statue of a gargoyle, gunning down the daemon on the Ruined Plinth with an incredible demonstration of marksmanship.

A BLACK TEMPLAR ATTEMPTS TO CAPTURE THE ANCIENT RELIC SINGLE-HANDEDLY

The surviving Bloodletter by the Ancient Relic [Objective Four], realised he need only gut the Adeptus Astartes to win the day for Khorne, and so charged full pelt into the space marine, utilising his "Unstoppable Ferocity" to deliver a potentially lethal blow. Incredibly though, the Black Templar made both of his saving throws, and in return dropped the "Slaughter-Kin" with a punch packed full of the Emperor's righteousness. The day somehow belonged to the defenders of humanity...

"No Pity! No Remorse! No Fear!"

"Driven ever onward to righteous battle..."

This 28mm multi-part plastic model of an Adeptus Astartes is produced by “Games Workshop", and has been 'converted' using a single piece from the Nottingham-based company's Black Templars Chapter Upgrade kit to represent the "second founding chapter derived from the Imperial Fists." Probably assembled at least a decade ago, at a time when I first started seriously dabbling in "Warhammer 40K", this particular piece now means I can finally field a full ten-man Space Marine Tactical Squad on the tabletop, complete with both a Sergeant and Special Weapons (Flamer)/Heavy Weapons (Missile Launcher) option.

Initially undercoated "Citadel" Chaos Black, the figure had all of its armour's knee, elbow and wrist joints 'picked out' using a combination of Boltgun Metal and Badab Black, whilst his eyes were 'spotted' with Red Gore and (possibly) Baal Red. In order to break up the Black Templar's somewhat monotonous all-black colour scheme, I also applied some additional Boltgun Metal and Badab Black to certain areas of his backpack and Boltgun.

"Age Of Sigmar" WIPs - The Slaughterpriest and Skulltaker

Finally I applied some "Citadel" Skull White to the Adeptus Astartes' shoulder pads, and applied a decal of his Chapter, taken from the Space Marine Transfer Sheet to the defender of humanity's left pauldron. Unfortunately, I get the impression that the particular decal I used had possibly seen better days, as it quickly began 'breaking up' upon contact with the gloss varnished should pad. But I was easily able to later tidy it up with a dab of "Vallejo" White and "Citadel" Abaddon Black.

Sticking with "Games Workshop" plastic miniatures, I have continued making some progress on both the Slaughterpriest and Skulltaker models I have yet to finish before I can finally field a 750 point strong Blades of Khorne warband for "Age Of Sigmar". These two models are absolutely packed full of detail, so I am currently slowly working my way up each warrior, layering all their "Vallejo" Gold and Heavy Red areas as I go, so as to get them ready for some hearty washes of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade.

Gelatinous Cube WIPs - The monster's stomach partially-digested contents have been 'picked out'

Lastly, in an effort to clear a considerable area on my painting table, I have dusted down and pigmented an old Gelatinous Cube by "Reaper Miniatures". This translucent "Bones" model is absolutely crammed with the partially-digested, so I wanted to try and give its 'meal' some semblance of colour before it's completely engulfed in the monster's semi-transparent ooze.

Disappointingly, I am however, going to have to wait a few days before I am able to finish this classic "Dungeons & Dragons" creature as my usually trusty "Gale Force Nine" super-glue wasn't up to the job of sticking the two-piece cube together, despite using an elastic band to hold the ensemble together. As a result I am currently awaiting the arrival of some apoxy instead, which should not only make the ravenous blob whole, but subsequently allow me to fill in a few gaps I'm informed I'll still have once the model is complete.

Warhammer 40K Report: Black Templars Verses Bloodletters

A SQUAD OF BLACK TEMPLARS ENCOUNTERS A HORDE OF BLOODLETTERS

This game was played using the "Warhammer 40,000" core rules by “Games Workshop” which can be found within the "First Strike" starter set, and predominantly followed the parameters stipulated for the scenario found inside the booklet's "Only War" chapter. However, in order to allow both sides to get to grips with the rules for the first time and avoid painting numerous models before a die had been thrown in anger, a 'House Rule' was utilised which made each figure a unit within its own right. This meant there would be no unit coherency, and the Morale Phase would affect the entire army rather than a simple squad of space marines or daemons of Khorne. In addition, instead of a player completing all of a turn's different phases (e.g. Moving, Shooting, Charging) before passing over control to their opponent, each side was instead allowed to 'activate' their units during each phase.

"The story so far… Whilst exploring some ruins on the planet Simbad Seven, a small unit of Black Templars have discovered the presence of an ancient relic near to a long abandoned plaza. Lead by Sergeant Munday, the space marines are just within striking distance of their prize when a scouting party of Bloodletters appear before them. Clearly the Blood God, Khorne, intends to steal for relic for himself..."

THE TABLETOP - THE RUINS OF SIMBAD SEVEN

Totalling 91 points, the seven Black Templars were all armed with a Bolt pistol, Boltgun, Frag grenades and Krak grenades. Sergeant Munday was deployed within the ruins of Terrace Two, whilst three of his warriors were placed in Terrace One and the other three deposited in Terrace Three. Costing just 90 points, the ten-figure strong Bloodletter raiding party all carried Hellblades. Their leader, a Bloodreaper, and three of his red-skinned minions were inside Terrace Four, and were flanked by a trio more of their daemonic brethren in the Tower, as well as more Slaughter-kin in Terrace Five.

As per the scenario's stipulations, before the first turn began, one of the four objective markers [gargoyle statues] was randomly chosen. At the end of the battle it would be worth 6 victory points to the side who controlled it. Ordinarily, the other objective markers would have been removed from the battlefield, but on this occasion they remained on the tabletop as simple pieces of terrain. Objective Four was selected as the Ancient Relic. In addition, both Sergeant Munday and the Bloodreaper rolled the Warlord Trait "Tenacious Survivor" for the duration of the battle, meaning that they could "roll a dice each time" they lost a wound. "On a 6, the Warlord shrugs off the damage and does not lose a wound."

THE BLACK TEMPLARS FORM UP IN THE FACE OF SOME BLOOD-CRAZED BLOODLETTERS

As the Bloodletters were "the Underdog" faction, they went first and decided to "Advance" west with the three lesser daemons emerging from the ruins of Terrace Five so as to reach the Ancient Relic [Objective Four]. To the north, the trio of Khorne's foot-soldiers in the tower seemed to be far more eager, with one actually speeding its way to the outskirts of the Fallen Statue. The Bloodreaper, accompanied by one of his brethren, jumped down from Terrace Four and scampered to the eastern edge of the Plaza, leaving the remaining two Slaughter-kin behind.

 Across the cityscape Sergeant Munday also advanced, leading one of the space marines from Terrace Three out towards the Plaza. The remaining two Adeptus Astartes rushed east towards the ruined Plinth, whilst the three Black Templars inside Terrace One merely lined up outside ready to gun down any daemon foolish enough to show their fork-tongued head.

AS THE BLOODLETTERS ADVANCE THE BLACK TEMPLARS OPEN FIRE

Unhappily for the Bloodletters one of their number was indeed visible skulking beside the Fallen Statue, and Boltgun fire spat out across the deserted street. The Rapid Fire weapon was "within half the weapon's maximum range" meaning the space marine could double "the number of attacks" it made. Under such intense firepower even the blood-thirsty creature's "Daemonic" invulnerability save couldn't keep it alive, and it quickly died. The rest of the successful Black Templar's squad-mates tried to replicate his feat by firing upon the Bloodletter crouched beside the Bloodreaper. But the Emperor was not with them and they failed to fell the beast. Frustratingly, Sergeant Munday had sight of the Bloodreaper through a gap in the Plaza's ruins, but because he had 'Advanced' this turn he was unable to shoot (or Charge).

The Bloodletters by the Ancient Relic scrambled to the eastern edge of the Plinth, and watched as the Bloodreaper moved towards them using the wall of the Plaza as cover. Under the ever-watchful eye of the "Chosen of Khorne" who stood atop Terrace Four, the Slaughter-kin in the north scurried about the Fallen Statue looking to keep solid rock between them and the Boltguns of their foes.

KHORNE'S DAEMONS SWARM ABOUT THE ANCIENT RELIC

Anticipating a charge, the two space marines by the Plinth moved back to the edge of Terrace Three, whilst the Black Templar accompanying Sergeant Munday made his way to a nearby gargoyle statue [formerly Objective Two]. Munday himself entered the Plaza looking to take a shot at the big bad Bloodreaper skulking about outside its ruined eastern wall if he could. Using his communicator he summoned two of the Adeptus Astartes outside Terrace One to hurry south down the street to Terrace Two.

Both the space marine stood beside a gargoyle statue and Sergeant Munday opened fire upon the Bloodreaper. But the "Warmonger of Khorne" was spared from death by the saving bonus it repeatedly received from the surrounding ruin. In return the southernmost Bloodletter by the Fallen Statue charged towards Munday and remarkably successfully reached its target. The creature was awarded "Unstoppable Ferocity", gaining +1 to its Strength and Attacks "until the end of the turn" and momentarily appeared about to slaughter the Black Templar's leader.

Disconcertingly however, the "Crimson Death" failed to land a blow upon the experienced space marine, and soon afterwards fell to the ground dead with a shattered skull, courtesy of a well-placed punch to the face. The Bloodletters survived the subsequent Morale Phase but despite currently holding the Ancient Relic had lost two of their number in the process, and were about to relinquish control of the centrally-placed Plaza to the Black Templars as well...

To be continued...

"Man, You Just Blew Yourself A Pair Of Doors."

"Ah, good, that's all settled. And now we shall open these doors."

This excellent felt-lined MDF Flip Card Box is made by "N-FX Game Design Studio" and "is specially designed to hold and protect your deck of cards whilst you’re gaming." Sold unassembled as part of their Stands/Holders range, the Flip Box has been designed to help easily "pick your next card up without all the hassle of your stacked deck sliding around" and comes in nine unpainted parts.

As I was very keen to additionally use this 'gaming device' as a piece of scenery for my "Doctor Who: Exterminate" wargames, I super-glued one of my spare resin air-locks onto one of its ends, and decided to try and turn it into some sort of Cyber-vault by under-coating it in its entirety with two layers of "Citadel" Ironbreaker.

"Doctor Who" WIPs - A Dalek, a Sontaran and Professor Kettlewell's Robot

I then liberally washed the ensemble with Nuln Oil and dry-brushed it with more Ironbreaker. Before 'picking out' some of the details on the "Second City Games" futuristic door with some "Vallejo" Heavy Red, "Citadel" Carroburg Crimson and Abaddon Black. Finally, I applied some (pre-supplied) felt to the holder's base and interior in order to help prevent it from damaging either my gaming mats and the cards.

With my latest "N-FX Game Design Studio" scenic piece finished, I have added a few more of my "Doctor Who" miniatures by "Black Tree Design" to my painting queue. I've been pottering around on my Sontaran Warrior for a while already, but a recent "Warlord Games" sneak peek of their blue-themed modern day 'Nu-Who' versions has inspired me to try and get the militaristic clone finished before I find myself buying a load of theirs.

Black Templar WIPs - A tenth space marine for my first squad, and a Scout Sergeant

Similarly, whilst progressing a few of the Nottingham-based company's plastic gold Daleks, I have fortunately unearthed an entire bag of classic sculpts which I now want to paint so as to re-enact the Skaro mutants' civil war. As a result I've finished basing one piece and primed over its silver partial-paint-job with the admittedly more lack-lustre grey colour scheme of the Imperial faction's opponents. In addition I've set to work on an old miniature of J.P. Kettlewell's Experimental Prototype Robot K1; the Fourth Doctor's very first monster from his debut 1974 BBC Television story "Robot". 

Lastly, I've set to work on a pair of plastic "Warhammer 40K" figures, in order to help 'bulk out' my old Black Templar army. To be honest though, I'm presently rather 'out-of-love' with "Games Workshop" after they suddenly announced the cancellation of their weekly modelling magazine "Warhammer Conquest" before I'd even so much as seen an issue. I had been hoping the prospect of a few miniatures and bite-sized rule chunks would help me get into the Eight Edition of their tabletop miniature wargame, but now fear I'll have to preserver into the "dystopian science fantasy universe" unaided... and demotivated.

"Boromite Work Gangs Are Armed With Mass Compactors..."

"...Which are extremely powerful at short ranges..."

This 28mm metal Boromite Ganger is made by "Warlord Games" and forms part of the Boromite Work Gang boxed set for "Beyond The Gates Of Antares". "Supplied unassembled and unpainted" this "genetically-engineered" miner is the second of five miniatures I require in order for me to field a 123-point costing Work Gang armed with Mass Compactors, Implosion Grenades and a Mag Pistol.

Originally primed with "Vallejo" Heavy Bluegrey, the partially-knelt panhuman morph was shaded with "Citadel" Nuln Oil, and then had some Chaos Black painted over all its weaponry, ammunition pack and hip-flask. The Ganger's metallic areas, including its firearm's nozzle, were subsequently treated to a combination of Ironbreaker and Nuln Oil, whilst its Mass Compactor had its hand-grips and main body slightly corroded with a light touch of "Mig Productions" Extreme Rust Wash.

"Harlequin Miniatures" Kroton WIPs - The two crystalline creatures need their heads finishing

The power lighting on the Boromite's weapon was 'picked out' with "Vallejo" Heavy Khaki and "Citadel" Biel-Tan Green, plus his pouch was painted using "Vallejo" Heavy Sienna and a splash of "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. Lastly, the figure's yellow(ish) armour, his numerous "multi-functional nanite receptor nodes" and cumbersome tool's distortion compensator were all layered with "Vallejo" Heavy Ochre and washed with "Citadel" Reikland Fleshshade.

With just three more "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" miniatures left to finish, I have momentarily turned my attention back to some of the old "Doctor Who" models I recently discovered during a large clear out of my lead mountain. Quite possibly cast by "Harlequin Miniatures" as opposed to "Black Tree Design" in the Mid-Nineties, I did initially think I only owned a single model of the crystalline race from the planet Krosi-Aspai-Core.

"Trust in your hatred for the mutant and the heretic, brothers."

However, I've since discovered a second Kroton figure within my horde which rather interestingly does not have the "predatory quasi-organic tellurium based crystal" creatures' airline sculpted on it. Bizarrely though, both versions of the "semi-sentient armoured crystalline beings" are listed as Code DW212 on the internet, with a second variant entitled Kroton Armed available as Code DW214. Whatever the story, instead of painting them all metal as originally planned, I thought I'd try something a little different by making their 'frosted' heads white with a subtle blue hue.

Finally, having recently re-gritted and flocked part of my old Black Templars for "Warhammer 40K", I have gone back and done precisely the same thing to the rest of my Crusader Squad, including their Sword Brother and a couple of Heavy Weapon options; a rocket launcher and flamer. I've yet to work out just how many points this force costs using the statistics in the "Index: Imperium 1" supplement, but hope to have enough to at least put up some form of opposition against my Chaos Daemons...

(Lead) Mountain Musings - "Boromite Work Gang" March 2018

Boromite Work Gangers WIPs - The alien miners have an incredible amount of armour

This month's themed attempt to try and reduce my potentially insurmountable collection of metal, plastic and resin miniatures is to simply focus upon a unit of five Boromite Work Gangers which I desperately need to finish in order to finally complete my 500 point Scouting Force. I've been occasionally beavering away at these "Beyond The Gates Of Antares" sculpts for a few months now, and actually managed to complete the squad's first figure at the end of January. However, since then I haven't really found the motivation to get the other "Warlord Games" models tabletop ready...

Admittedly, part of my reluctance to tackle these extra-terrestrial miners is due to their incredibly time-consuming detail, but the recent loss of their leader (who most probably fell into my bin unobserved) has meant that I simply couldn't face painting them until I had obtained a suitable replacement. Now that has been done, along with a few extra personnel, I plan to have the "genetically engineered" workforce varnished, flocked and fighting for their survival within the next few weeks.

Putrid Blightking WIPs - The warrior has yet to have his bronze weaponry weathered and dry-brushed

Of course that doesn't mean I'll be turning my gaze away from the remaining Putrid Blightkings I require in order to field a five-strong unit of the "enormous, bloated warriors", nor the four tiny Nurglings I plan to use as wound markers for some of my larger "Age Of Sigmar" Chaos models. I want these miniatures to be finished sooner rather than later in order to be able to field a 'genuine' 1,000 point Nurgle Host and then begin work building up the strength of my Khorne forces.

There's also a lot of new models on the horizon for this rule-set too, with the Daughters Of Khaine army looking set to include harpies (Khinerai Heartrenders) and serpent-bellied warriors (Melusai Blood Sisters); all of which are going to be nearly impossible to resist purchasing. Plus I've been sat upon a boxed set of Kharadron Overlords for far too long, so its time to start thinking about working on a sky-fleet of iron-clad warriors, all "aboard fantastical machines of war armed with powerful aetheric weapons."

"Since its founding, the Black Templars have campaigned on a never-ending crusade."

Finally, I couldn't help but notice that the Nottingham-based company are about to embark upon a new subscription service involving "Warhammer 40K" which appears similar to their 2002 "Battle Games in Middle-Earth fortnightly magazine (published by "De Agostini"). As seems to be the way with all these offers "Warhammer Conquest" thus includes a number of deliveries per month "with minis and gifts included with each issue." Of particular interest to me though is the prospect that the publication will teach me how to play Warhammer 40,000 "in bite-size chunks"; something I enjoyed doing when learning their "Lord Of The Rings" tabletop rule-set almost two decades ago.

Hopefully this investment will help me finally get some use out of the "Dark Imperium" boxed set I bought last year, as it has already encouraged me to seek out my old Black Templars and re-grit/flock them. Admittedly, these members of the "second Founding chapter derived from the Imperial Fists" are on smaller bases than the Adeptus Astartes stand upon these days, but the models date back to a time when I 'protected' my figures using PVA glue as opposed to varnish, so I didn't want to risk needing to repaint any of them if I damaged one whilst re-basing them...