tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73254263885440735552024-03-16T13:50:13.091-05:00AdeptiCon 2015 DevelopmentMatthiashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692546909563451253noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-10625644270233581322013-11-19T12:36:00.000-06:002013-11-19T14:39:35.105-06:00Warhammer 40K Championships Survey Results<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rNEcLBzSbQ/UouvJM8A7jI/AAAAAAAAAKI/_gKWz8mNUps/s1600/surveyresults.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />Those of us involved with AdeptiCon tend to talk a lot about AdeptiCon. Don’t believe me? Just ask our significant others! They’d claim that we talk about it all the time! It’s particularly true on the Warhammer 40K side of the house. We yammer incessantly about the latest Games Workshop releases, current rumors, Forge World rules and models, event formats, point values, mission designs, and a host of other topics.<br/><br/>Feedback from our attendees is used to provide direction and scope for these discussions. We consider it to be the most interesting and most important item to consider for the next AdeptiCon. These surveys are used to measure the perception of players on what went well and where we need to improve. After all, we’re trying to make a better experience every time you come to AdeptiCon.<br/><br/>With the recent barrage of Games Workshop releases, Warhammer 40K has undergone a tremendous amount of change. The sixth edition of Warhammer 40K is only a little over a year old, and since the last AdeptiCon Games Workshop has released new army books for Tau, Eldar, Space Marines and the Inquisition, as well as supplements for Iyanden, Farsight Enclave, Adeptus Sororitas, Black Legion and Sentinels of Terra. If you include Forge World releases such as Imperial Armor Apocalypse, Imperial Armour Volume Twelve: The Fall of Orpheus, Imperial Armour Volume Three Second Edition: The Taros Campaign. Horus Heresy Two: Massacre, that’s a mountain of new content to absorb and evaluate for our tournaments. Add six months of digital releases and, and you can see the scope of our endeavor; and we have less than 150 days before the doors open on AdeptiCon 2014!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This year, we conducted a targeted survey of our 2013 Warhammer 40K Championship participants. We had a total 227 unique email addresses associated with accounts used to sign up for the 2013 event. Before anyone asks...wasn't the Championships sold out at 256 players? How is it possible that we only had 227 accounts? Several people purchased multiple tickets and in those cases we only collect the email address of the account holder.<br/><br/>It is also important for context to take into account the format for last year when viewing the results of our survey. For the AdeptiCon 2013 Warhammer 40K Championships:<br/><ul><li>Armies consisted of 1850 points or less.</li><li>All players played 2-hour-and-30 minute rounds.</li><li>Forge World/Imperial Armor units were NOT allowed.</li><li>Players placed terrain.</li></ul>We sent the survey to 227 email addresses. Of those, 5 emails returned as undeliverable, leaving use with a total of 222 surveys sent out to last year’s attendees. The survey was open from 10/22 through 10/28. From those 222 requests, we received a total of 104 responses over the seven days.<br/><br/>The Results:<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5VZ8cRAXUg/Uouse3loxHI/AAAAAAAAAJo/L_0IKRm4puc/s1600/40kpoints.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5VZ8cRAXUg/Uouse3loxHI/AAAAAAAAAJo/L_0IKRm4puc/s1600/40kpoints.gif" /></a></div><center>The overwhelming majority of respondents preferred 1850 points.</center><br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqWUjdQGRPI/UousfjN9OZI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/3sXmZN4E-Vw/s1600/40ktime.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VqWUjdQGRPI/UousfjN9OZI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/3sXmZN4E-Vw/s1600/40ktime.gif" /></a></div><center>Less than 14% of respondents were unable to finish their games in 2 hrs and 30 minutes.</center><br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHrNJ2XdtcY/Uousexsnh7I/AAAAAAAAAJk/tFRLjC-pMYQ/s1600/40kforgeworld.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHrNJ2XdtcY/Uousexsnh7I/AAAAAAAAAJk/tFRLjC-pMYQ/s1600/40kforgeworld.gif" /></a></div><center>Roughly 52% of respondents prefer that Forge World/Imperial Armour units be excluded.</center><br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPw4mb6dYt4/UoushUZIuwI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/RjKTq2vV3oU/s1600/40kterrain.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPw4mb6dYt4/UoushUZIuwI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/RjKTq2vV3oU/s1600/40kterrain.gif" /></a></div><center>57% of respondents preferred the alternating terrain placement rules.</center><br/>These results were considered along with verbal feedback received during and after AdeptiCon, the changes to the Warhammer 40K rules mentioned above, and how the Warhammer 40K Championships fit into our overall tournament offerings. Our conclusions:<br/><ul><li>The Championships will remain at 1850 points.</li><li>Round times will be expanded to 2 hrs and 45 mins.</li><li>Forge World will not be included in the Warhammer 40K Championships, but will remain a component of other tournaments.</li><li>Terrain placement will be similar to last year.</li></ul>We would once again like to thank those that took the time to respond to the survey. The motto of AdeptiCon has always been, “By Gamers, for Gamers” and that is never more evident than when our valued attendees take the time to make their voices heard. We look forward to seeing you all at AdeptiCon 2014!<br/><br/>- AdeptiCon 2014 Staff (and their significant others)<br />
<br />P.S. Current draft rules for the AdeptiCon 2014 Warhammer 40K Championships can be <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/14rules/201440Kchamp.pdf">found here</a>.AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-67361224390474978072013-02-06T09:09:00.001-06:002013-02-06T09:09:19.675-06:003rd Annual AdeptiCon Army Charity Raffle Drawing<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rrADsIHzvpA/URJx7AhfWfI/AAAAAAAAAwg/LEzM-F9HHWU/s1600/wwp.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />The third annual AdeptiCon Army Charity Raffle will support the <a href="http://www.wwphighcap.org/">Wounded Warrior Project</a>. 100% of the proceeds from the raffle will be donated to help honor and empower these brave veterans and service members.<br />
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This beautiful World Eaters army was masterfully painted by Brandon Palmer of <a href="http://gmmstudios.blogspot.com/">GMM Studios</a>. The models were generously provided by <a href="http://www.chaosmailorder.com/">Chaosmailorder.com</a>, with <a href="http://www.dragonforge.com/">Dragon Forge Design</a> kindly donating all the bases and AdeptiCon adding the essential Forge World coolness - including Angron, a Chaos Decimator, Khorne Berzerker and Terminator conversion kits, a Contemptor Dreadnought and more!<br />
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You can <a href="http://cart.adepticon.org/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=395">purchase raffle tickets in advance</a> (available for pickup along with your Weekend Badge starting Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00 pm) or onsite at the AdeptiCon registration desk for $1.00 each. You will receive a number of bonus tickets based on the total number of tickets you purchase.<br />
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This year’s prize? 2000 points of World Eaters! You can find out more information about this charity raffle in the <a href="http://cart.adepticon.org/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=395">AdeptiCon 2013 Webcart</a>.<br />
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The drawing will be held at 4:30 PM on Sunday, April 21st, 2013 in the Westin Grand Ballroom just prior to the start of the Sunday Warhammer 40K Team Tournament awards. Your ticket must be present to win (although you do not).<br />
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<a href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2013/charity2013-1.jpg" title="World Eaters"><img alt="World Eaters" src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2013/charity2013-1sm.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #636363; margin-bottom: 5px; padding: 2px;" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2013/charity2013-3.jpg" title="World Eaters"><img alt="World Eaters" src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2013/charity2013-3sm.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #636363; padding: 2px;" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2013/charity2013-4.jpg" title="World Eaters"><img alt="World Eaters" src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2013/charity2013-4sm.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #636363; padding: 2px;" /></a></center>
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<i>To see this army in its full glory, head on over to the <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=13416">AdeptiCon Photo Gallery</a>.<br />Click to enlarge photos.</i></center>Matthiashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692546909563451253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-34513495599638546742013-02-01T10:30:00.000-06:002013-02-01T10:30:00.932-06:00Battle (Points) for Honor<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PP6hidbIshM/UQvtY5NTHeI/AAAAAAAAAJA/8SB3N544CKk/s1600/honor.gif" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />Let’s take a look at the Warhammer 40K Championships scoring system and how one might do well at AdeptiCon 2013.<br />
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Shortly after the release of Warhammer 40K 6th edition, there was plenty of discussion about how the scoring systems and mission formats of the past stacked up against what was presented in the new rulebook. The practicality of tournament play was lacking. The simple introduction of Secondary Objectives and the transition from Kill Points to Victory Points (and the subsequent death of pre-W40K6e Victory Points) called for a significant redesign of the overall mission format. Shoehorning the format originally developed for AdeptiCon 2011 and 2012 into W40K6e wasn’t something we were interested in, yet we wanted to build on the successes and lessons therein.<br />
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At its core, the AdeptiCon 2013 Warhammer 40K Championships is simultaneously a W/L/D tournament and a traditional Battle Points tournament rolled into one. Participants should be playing for the win, for it is the overall Battle Record which determines who qualifies for the finals and who will ultimately be crowned the AdeptiCon 2013 Warmaster! At the same time, players will gain Honor by achieving objectives, regardless of the outcome of any given game. Honor is a cumulative total of all objectives achieved throughout the entire tournament and will be used when seeding games, breaking Battle Record ties when determining qualification, breaking applicable Awards ties and ultimately determine the winner of the Master Tactician Award. The lesson being, objectives are important – even when the game results in a draw or a loss.<br />
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So how does one win? Simply put, victory is won by achieving Primary Objectives. If winning games and advancing to the finals is your goal, then all you need to do is focus on the Primary Objectives. Does that mean you can completely ignore the Secondary Objectives? Of course not, but they are not required to advance. Secondary Objectives can result in Minor Victories if a draw occurs on the Primary Objectives and will gain you additional Honor which will help you keep your position in the rankings if you have a draw or a loss at some point. Each Secondary Objective also has an award category all onto itself! The more Warlords you slay, the greater chance you have of being bestowed the title of The Headhunter.<br />
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It is purposely difficult to win games in this format. Crushing Victories will have to be…well, crushing! It is highly unlikely that there will be 16 undefeated players at the end of Thursday evening. Combine that with the fact that we always have dropouts before/during the event, and the chances of wildcards qualifying for the finals is all but guaranteed. This gives players the chance to recover from a bad matchup, treacherous dice or other stumble – a highly beneficial holdover from the Battle Point tournaments of old.<br />
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Multiple paths to victory, missions rooted in W40K6e, the chance to fight your way back up, a scoring system that attempts to combine the best of both worlds…these are all directives that AdeptiCon attendees have requested and we hope will ultimately make for a fun and engaging event. April approaches…<br />
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The Warhammer 40K Championships rules and sample mission can be found <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/13rules/201340Kchamp.pdf">here</a>.<br />
AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-87599256908459371642012-12-19T15:54:00.000-06:002012-12-19T15:56:08.291-06:00Horus Heresy - AdeptiCon Bound!<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GlMzBhktBhE/UNIwox6TU4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/YymzAzgwyzw/s1600/horus.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />As long as I have been interested in Warhammer 40K, the Horus Heresy has held my fascination. It always seemed bitterly ironic to me, that despite the myriad of alien threats bearing down on the human species, the greatness of the Imperium it ultimately shattered from within by our own baser instincts. Or, as my seven year old stated with child-like innocence, <i>“Why would Horus attack his dad?!”</i>.<br />
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So naturally, my gaming has always evolved or turned towards recreating the events of the Horus Heresy. I’m sure many of you will wryly grin when I ask how often you have searched the internet for how to create Heresy-era terminator pads out of plasticard, read a Black Library novel searching for something interesting to add to your army, scoured eBay for unique sculpts, or anything else that might help to <i>Heresyize</i> your force. When Forge World announced they were doing the Horus Heresy series, being the addict of their resin crack as I am, I knew I should immediately start making deposits in the marriage favor bank for the inevitable withdraws in my future!<br />
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As if that wasn't enough to cement my descent into Heresy madness, I was asked to help run the very first AdeptiCon Horus Heresy Tournament! I couldn't say yes fast enough! The chance to help run a Horus Heresy event brimming with the exceptional armies and players that Adepticon attracts every year? Sign me up!<br /><br/><a name='more'></a>
After the excitement had diminished a little, and I started talking to the AdeptiCon staff about event particulars, I really started to get an idea of just how much work goes into AdeptiCon each year. As a multiple year attendee, I always appreciated how smoothly AdeptiCon ran and the open door policy the organizers had in regards to questions, comments and post-event critiques. That said, it wasn't really apparent just what that work consisted of until I started participating as a volunteer. The organizers really put a ton of time into AdeptiCon, making it the best event of the year. Being involved now only makes me appreciate the previous events that much more. Thanks guys!<br />
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All that said and introductions done, I would like to address a few of the more popular questions about the upcoming Horus Heresy tournament.<br />
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<b>Do I have to use Forge World Marks of armour and/or only Heresy-era marines? Why only 1500 points?</b><br />
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The short answer is no, Forge World Marks of armor are not required. One of the questions I wrestled with a bit concerning the Horus Heresy tournament this year was what to allow. Obviously, as this is the Heresy-era tournament, it would only make sense that players expect to face aesthetically suitable Heresy-era models. On the other hand, collecting Forge World is certainly not a poor man’s hobby and given the brevity between Forge World release dates and AdeptiCon this year, it might be difficult for the average gamer to get the funds and time together in order to get an army ready. Couple this with the relative cheap cost per marine found within the Legion units and it might turn into a real problem for players.<br />
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The above affected the tournament in a couple of ways. First, the points total of 1500 will be a bit more manageable for players who wish to collect and paint Heresy-era force. Second, the decision was reached to not exclude those players that did not have Heresy-era models, but rather reward those players that did bring them. Thus, Heresy-era equipment, conversions and modeling will be a boon when it comes to Appearance scoring - but not a requirement to play. <br />
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- Ryan Geiler, Horus Heresy Tournament OrganizerAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-54567289661614108872012-12-12T15:01:00.000-06:002012-12-19T15:26:24.145-06:00Change Will Do You Good<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhiXaiTb8PI/UNIrJiF3PPI/AAAAAAAAAIg/Ubdp0aOnLtc/s1600/change.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />It's that time again! We’re all gearing up for AdeptiCon 2013 and the Warhammer Fantasy Battles events are seeing a number of changes. In the months that followed AdeptiCon 2012, we received some very constructive feedback on how to help make the Warhammer Fantasy Battles events in 2013 even better.<br />
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The first thing most people will notice is the changes to the schedule. The Warhammer Fantasy Battles Team Tournament has moved to Friday, with the Warhammer Fantasy Battles Championship becoming a full two-day event on Saturday and Sunday. The Championships will now feature an additional round making it a 5-game tournament. In addition to the change of days, the schedule is also being expanded to create a more player-friendly environment. Expect longer games and longer breaks, allowing you more time to grab something to eat/drink, browse the vendor hall and experience all that AdeptiCon 2013 has to offer. This also means there will be an earlier finish to Friday and Saturday night events, giving you the opportunity to socialize and see friends that you may only get to see at AdeptiCon or other gaming events.<br />
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You might also see something missing this year...the Warhammer Fantasy Battles Big Brawl. In the past, the Big Brawl was run opposite of the ‘How You Use It’ tournaments, as an alternative style event. With AdeptiCon expanding the schedule well into Thursday, there was some uncertainty regarding the attendance of these events, as people were now required to take more time off from work and family...something that is just not feasible feasible for everyone. The interim solution was to run two ‘How You Use It’ tournaments on Thursday in order to give our players more schedule flexibility throughout the entire weekend. If the demand for Thursday events far exceeds what is offered, then expect the Big Brawl to return in 2014.<br />
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We’ll talk about some other changes in future blog posts, but this is a good starting point for now. As an organizer, I am personally very excited about the changes that have been implemented and I look forward to seeing everyone at AdeptiCon 2013!<br />
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-Alex Gonzalez, WFB Coordinator<br />
AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-40664428450709424342012-11-12T19:01:00.000-06:002012-11-12T19:01:10.887-06:00AdeptiCon 2013 Preregistration is Now Open!!!<center><a href="http://cart.adepticon.org/"><img SRC="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/adepticonbanner468x60.jpg" /></a></center><P><br/>'Ere we go! AdeptiCon returns to the Chicago-land area for its eleventh year on April 18th, 2013. Once again, the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center will be hosting AdeptiCon, providing a home for the one weekend that brings together those of us who are passionate about the miniature wargaming hobby.<br/><br/>Last year 2000 hobbyists took part in the fellowship, excitement, and enthusiasm that has earned AdeptiCon its reputation as the “can’t miss” event of the year for the miniature wargamers across the country and the globe. Last year found our schedule bursting with traditional Games Workshop favorites, Privateer Press’s Warmachine and Hordes, Battlefront’s Flames of War, Wyrd's Malifaux and a whole host of other gaming systems. You can expect all of our core gaming systems to return, with a lineup of both traditional AdeptiCon signature events as well as new, exciting challenges.<center><h2>Important AdeptiCon 2013 Registration Links</h2><a href="https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1206292863&key=676C1">Hotel Reservations</a> (Westin Lombard Yorktown Center)<br/><a href="http://www.lombard.place.hyatt.com/">Alternate Hotel</a> (Hyatt Place Lombard - Corporate/Group # G-ADEP)<br/><a href="http://cart.adepticon.org">AdeptiCon 2013 Online Registration</a><br/><a href="http://www.adepticon.org/?page_id=3783">AdeptiCon 2013 Event Rules</a><br/><a href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpfiles/2013/2013schedule.pdf">AdeptiCon 2013 Event Schedule</a><br/><a href="http://cart.adepticon.org/index.php?main_page=password_forgotten">AdeptiCon Webcart Password Reset</a></center>Matthiashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692546909563451253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-82592192486496373702012-06-29T11:16:00.000-05:002012-06-29T11:17:46.148-05:00AdeptiCon 2013: A New Era!<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gcrN2R4AH4Y/TYwcju1Hu9I/AAAAAAAAACY/JdgPHh4CVE0/s1600/objectives.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />AdeptiCon 2012 marked our tenth anniversary, and as we move into the second decade of our wargaming journey, we would like to once again thank all the attendees, sponsors, vendors and volunteers for making AdeptiCon what it is – the premier celebration of the miniature wargaming hobby! Last year over 1850 attendees from across the globe descended on the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center to engage in conflicts across a myriad of worlds...yet the battle continues!<br />
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AdeptiCon 2013 is the beginning of a new era, one that promises new adventures and expanded horizons! You won’t want to miss this! Pre-registration will open in early November, so clear your schedules and start making travel plans!<br />
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<b>What:</b> AdeptiCon 2013!<br />
<b>When:</b> April 18th – 21st, 2013<br />
<b>Where:</b> Westin Lombard Yorktown Center (Lombard, Illinois)<br/><br/><center><b><a href="https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1206292863&key=676C1" target="_blank">Make Your Hotel Reservations Now!</a></b></center><br />
Check back over the next several months as additional news becomes available concerning the convention, pre-registration, specific events, special guests and more!Matthiashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692546909563451253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-15380530441991779212012-04-17T17:05:00.001-05:002012-04-17T17:05:56.782-05:00Colossals Diorama by Privateer Press: Final UpdateAs we come into the final stretch leading up to AdeptiCon, what is a diorama involving a train heist without a train?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L2mUXQluAo/T43nrhkxSnI/AAAAAAAAAHo/28sW8fn0QBs/s1600/Train1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L2mUXQluAo/T43nrhkxSnI/AAAAAAAAAHo/28sW8fn0QBs/s400/Train1.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Trollbloods certainly picked the wrong train to hijack, as this one is packed full of Winter Guard escorting a pair of Conquests. Worse yet for the Trollblooods, with the train stopped on the tracks, the Khadoran forces can easily prep and deploy their colossals directly into the fray.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwLth_VvtuA/T43nsAehfoI/AAAAAAAAAHs/ppgWN94VRhE/s1600/Train2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwLth_VvtuA/T43nsAehfoI/AAAAAAAAAHs/ppgWN94VRhE/s400/Train2.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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The boxcar is admittedly somewhat plain. Essentially a box on wheels, the Khadoran military aesthetic is not known for ornamentation. Simple and reliable are the watchwords here, with exposed timber and riveted metal bracings being the primary aesthetic. The boxcar was assembled and partially painted since the open doors allowed the interior to be seen. It is far easier to paint without the roof, rather than trying to squeeze a hand, brush, and paint through a tiny door.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMErOabNyDI/T43nsSAmsLI/AAAAAAAAAH0/usCYiMdwS5g/s1600/Train3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hMErOabNyDI/T43nsSAmsLI/AAAAAAAAAH0/usCYiMdwS5g/s400/Train3.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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The transport flatbed holds the Conquest as well as stowed materials and tools needed on campaign. The stowed Conquest was converted into a neutral pose by taking an extra left leg and mixing pieces of a left and right leg to achieve a squatting position.<br />
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The second Conquest has already been offloaded, leaving behind the chains used to secure the colossal as it is being transported.<br />
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The train engine was envisioned as a hybrid of a real train and a Khadoran military bunker. The boiler section was built around a 7” section of a tube leftover from a roll of vinyl, then skinned with thin plasticard to get the appearance of curved metal plates. The cow catcher (and by cow, we mean the pieces that used to be a cow) in the front was made with the scratch-builder’s two standbys: math and swearing. A paper version was made first as a proof of concept and as a way to visualize the angles and shapes. However, making sloped plates meet at angles with a consistent line at the top and bottom was far more maddening than initially realized.<br />
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The engine was built primarily with various thicknesses of plasticard, cut, bent, and drilled into submission. However, a few parts were done with some shortcuts. Ben Misenar digitally designed the wheels in a mere fraction of the time it would take to do just one by hand. Once we had 3D prints of the wheels, it was a simple matter to make molds and cast as many wheels as needed for the project. The forward section of the boiler is a dose of resin poured into the bottom of a spray can, and the smokestacks are empty paint bottles. A few pieces of brass and aluminum tubing and some copper pellets completed the shopping list, and now we have a brand new train engine!<br />
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This will be the last blog post concerning the diorama, so be sure to come by the Magnolia room at AdeptiCon to see the finished piece!AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-67589595601105127242012-04-16T21:13:00.000-05:002012-04-16T21:13:42.410-05:00Building The Tower of Orthanc - Part II<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQFswNG0gKo/T1EFe-svrjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/zG6bm4LIA64/s1600/p1.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" /><i>Back for its fourth year, the AdeptiCon Lord of the Rings tournaments give players the chance to test their skills against each other throughout Middle-earth. Yet not all is battle and iron...witness the power of Orthanc!<br/><br/>This beautiful model will be on display in the Cypress room all weekend long, come look...yet gaze not overly long...</i>
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Welcome back to another installment of, Building Orthanc. If you were wondering, why lower whacker drive has not been finished, it is because the construction crews have been working on Orthanc... This will be the final update before its premier unveiling at AdeptiCon, Friday April 20th.<br />
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I give you the completed tower before it faces the paint brush. I can proudly say, not counting Lego versions, that this will be the 4th built recreation of this movie icon according to a definitive Google search.<br />
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The balcony can fit a standard 25mm based model, perfect for overseeing an army before it marches to war. Thankfully the entire piece is big enough that the spikes, spires, and edges will not get in the way of moving models or baggy sleeves. Bonus points awarded for climbing a model to the top.<br />
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The top 10 inch section was cut so that it is removable and can be transported and stored easily.<br />
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This pinnacle of blue foam measures in at a final 42.5 inches tall with close to 1000 individual pieces cut and glued. At this point Plastruct should give me stock options...<br />
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"Together, my lord Sauron, we shall rule this Middle-earth. The old world will burn in the fires of industry. Forests will fall. A new order will rise. We will drive the machine of war with the sword and the spear and the iron fist of the Orc." The Two Towers<br />
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To complete the fire and ash of Isengard, here is a sneak peek at some additional terrain for the final tournament table. I hope you can all stop by and check it out in person as well as all the other great terrain for the Lord of The Rings Events. I cannot wait to see some games with this terrain; I think it will be a real treat for all fans.<br />
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- Jeremy Williams<br />
Lord of the Rings Championships Tournament OrganizerAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-48984279230347795332012-04-14T00:06:00.000-05:002012-04-14T00:06:28.115-05:00Enter the AdeptiConstruct!You may have noticed something missing in all of the news leading up to the tenth anniversary of AdeptiCon...what exactly is the exclusive swag bag model? Almost two years in the making, the AdeptiConstruct was originally envisioned by artist extraordinaire Nicolás Giacondino for AdeptiCon 2011, but a lack of time and proper resources prevented it from being completed. Shortly thereafter, it was realized that the AdeptiConstruct would in fact make the perfect model to help us celebrate ten years of dice and destruction...production began in haste!<br/><br/>Standing roughly 5 inches tall, the AdeptiConstruct has arrived! The first 1000 preregistered attendees with an AdeptiCon 2012 Weekend Badge will receive this monstrosity in their swag bag! Chilithium Fusion Cell not included.<br/><br/><table width="100%"><tr><td><center><a title="AdeptiConstruct" href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct1.jpg"><img src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct1sm.jpg" style="padding:2px; border:1px solid #636363;" alt="AdeptiConstruct" /></a></center></td><td><center><a title="AdeptiConstruct" href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct2.jpg"><img src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct2sm.jpg" style="padding:2px; border:1px solid #636363;" alt="AdeptiConstruct" /></a></center></td><td><center><a title="AdeptiConstruct" href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct4.jpg"><img src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct4sm.jpg" style="padding:2px; border:1px solid #636363;" alt="AdeptiConstruct" /></a></center></td><td><center><a title="AdeptiConstruct" href="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct3.jpg"><img src="http://www.adepticon.org/wpimages/2012/construct3sm.jpg" style="padding:2px; border:1px solid #636363;" alt="AdeptiConstruct" /></a></center></td></tr><tr><td colspan="4"><center>Sculpted by The Ravages of Time | Painted by Tom Schadle</center></td></tr></table><center><i>Click to enlarge photos.</i></center>AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-8322824855960139802012-03-30T20:13:00.003-05:002012-03-30T20:19:55.304-05:00Colossals Diorama by Privateer Press: Update<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sow1hdUfgw/T3ZXVH4pg0I/AAAAAAAAAGY/uVbBg1Wc5OU/s1600/wip.jpg"><img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLZ5qC_JpEI/T3Za2zMBslI/AAAAAAAAAGo/fefsRUleEhU/s1600/wip2.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" /></a><i>The Privateer Press Colossals Diorama will be on display all weekend long at AdeptiCon 2012. You will find this beast residing in the Magnolia Room along with endless hours upon hours of intense Warmachine and Hordes gaming. Stop by at any point to witness this truly colossal project in all it's glory!</i><br />
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Since our last update, the hobby team has been working on the stunning diorama display, and they have the photos to prove it. While Stuart Spengler set up the final touches for the main board and has started to lay down paint, Leo Carson completed the Khadoran Village, and Meg Maples lent her invaluable assistance to get the armies painted to the finest quality. This is a no-holds-barred confluence of effort, and we hope it shows.<br />
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Click on the image to the right to see a work-in-progress shot of the table being painted. The major ground features have been blocked and water effects have just been laid over the riverbed.<br />
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The Khadoran village is fully painted and ready to be demolished by cantankerous Dire Trolls. See how these buildings were made on the <a href="http://privateerpress.com/hobby/hobby-blog/khadoran-mining-village"> Privateer Press Hobby Blog</a>.<br />
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For a job of this proportion, no tool is quite so efficient as the airbrush for achieving a smooth, consistent basecoat. For the Trollbloods, the models were separated into two categories: mostly skin and mostly leather. The former was based with Trollblood Base, the latter with Bootstrap Leather. The Khadorans were based with Khador Red Base. A layer of zenithal highlighting was then applied over the initial coats.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_yGNwmwpCY/T3ZXUxB3nOI/AAAAAAAAAGM/cBa_whxus4I/s1600/trollblood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_yGNwmwpCY/T3ZXUxB3nOI/AAAAAAAAAGM/cBa_whxus4I/s400/trollblood.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here we see the Trollblood forces painted by Leo Carson and Meg Maples. Once completed, this diorama will feature a total of eight (!) huge-based models and hundreds of points of infantry, beasts, and warjacks. In order to get the models to stand without bases, each model has a pin painstakingly inserted through its foot.
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Here’s the new plastic Blitzer being backed up by several War Wagons.<br />
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That’s all for this time! Keep checking back for more updates.AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-59952672824434315252012-03-08T12:00:00.032-06:002012-03-08T12:00:05.402-06:00Colossals Diorama by Privateer Press at AdeptiCon 2012!<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fzMMwLZ9Agc/T1giycyyIEI/AAAAAAAAALw/LPhpWgWG50E/s1600/colossals.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />For the last two years <a href="http://privateerpress.com/" target="_blank"">Privateer Press</a> has unveiled a new diorama at AdeptiCon that illustrates an iconic event from the WARMACHINE and HORDES world. When preparing for AdeptiCon 2012, we knew we wanted to feature perhaps the most exciting models we’ve yet produced: the mighty colossals.<br />
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This project began life, as many Privateer projects do, within the hallowed walls of our conference room. While there was no end of exciting possibilities discussed, two items in particular determined the final concept. First, we wanted to feature a climatic battle between WARMACHINE and HORDES factions. Second, we decided the central theme should revolve around a great train heist. After much deliberation over the details, these two ideas were shaped into a rough plan. This year’s AdeptiCon diorama features a Trollblood army, fronted by the mighty gargantuan Mountain Kings, assaulting a Khadoran supply train as it transports two of the hulking Khadoran Conquest colossals through a rugged mountain pass.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>With this concept firmly in mind our hobby team, led by Stuart Spengler, began the construction process. First, Stuart created a rough small-scale mock-up of the scene as it had been described in the initial planning meeting. The mockup allowed Studio Manager Ron Kruzie and Creative Director Ed Bourelle the chance to review the overall composition of the scene in three dimensions. After some small adjustments, it was time for real construction to begin!<br />
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The board is composed of high-density insulation foam. Stuart began with a 4´ x 4´ base and then built up the rugged mountain terrain with several layers of foam.<br />
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Utilizing all manner of sharp tools, Stuart and his assistant Leo Carson-DePasquale carved stone faces into the foam. As appropriate when using multiple bladed instruments to wreak havoc, this task was driven by the use of blaring heavy metal music.<br />
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Once they had completed the basic cliff shapes, the hobby team began the long process of detailing the carvings with liberal amounts of filler, sand, and other construction materials. This is also when they started building the rail system, using plasticard and balsa wood.<br />
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Keep an eye out for updates on this epic project, and be sure to stop by the <a href="http://privateerpress.com/" target="_blank">Privateer Press</a> events area at this year’s AdeptiCon to see the fully completed diorama!<br/><br/>- Privateer Press StaffAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-61199422183232222892012-03-07T13:54:00.003-06:002012-03-07T21:04:52.563-06:00Themes Explained: An Inside Look at Killzone Design #3<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T3cyCTHEcuI/T1e7Gk_xMHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/D8p6ZGk93xo/s1600/kz2-1.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" /><b>Reposted from <a href="http://agentlemansones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Gentleman's Ones (02.27.12)</a>.</b><br />
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As stated previously, this series is designed to offer a peek behind the curtain, and to illuminate our collective thinking about the current state of Special Operations: Killzone as we run up to AdeptiCon.<br />
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<b>Themes:</b> During the process of revising the old, ambitious, but challenging version of Killzone in this last year, we stumbled square into a problem that, to my mind at least, seems utterly indicative of the tension fundamental to the fun and fluff v public stresses imposed on the peculiar nature of Special Operations in the 41st millennium. Killzone is, unerringly, a fluffy game –positively inviting characterful attention to individual teams, sportily indulging the desire to craft carefully small numbers of models, and yet also working extremely well when brought into the greater public sphere. Those basic impulses do not always sit well next to one another. Check the internet if you doubt me.<br />
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Also please note that I did not mention the word “competitive” above for a good reason. To be clear, Killzone can never be competitive as such. I mean, we have rewoven a game notorious for its intuitive approach to “balance” and then asked enthusiasts to play said game in a manner it was absolutely never intended. When played in the basement with your mates, these issues should never be a problem, see any Standard Bearer column to confirm; however, in the setting of a public event like AdeptiCon (even among players fully aware that they are playing a system in a manner it was never originally intended, nor designed to withstand) there are stresses of balance and propriety looming like an 8 foot bio-engineered monstrosity in the corner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blood Angel Assault Marines move into position.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chaos Raptors countermove to protect the objective.</span></td></tr>
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Themes, then, represent this tension writ boldly –as they attempt not only to partake sportingly in an already threadbare system but also to make it even more wildly evocative and, well, rich in vitamin fluff. Put simply, a “themed” Special Operations force ignores one of the “Standard Restrictions” discussed in the last post, and there are four basic themes:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Armored Might:</b> This theme allows you to ignore the standard restriction and to field additional models with 2+ Armor saves in your team.</li>
<li><b>Death From Above:</b> This theme allows you to ignore the standard restriction and to field additional Jump Infantry models in your team.</li>
<li><b>Behemoths:</b> This theme allows you to field a Special Operations team composed entirely of models with 3 wounds. ouch.</li>
<li><b>Swift As The Wind:</b> This theme allows you to field additional models that are Bikes, Jetbikes, or Cavalry/Beasts in your Special Operations Group (you must pick which exactly). Furthermore, any Bike or Jetbike model may add the Skilled Rider USR for an additional 5 points per model.</li>
</ul>
Any one of these comes off pretty saucy at 250 points. <br /><br/>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fnHQoCOP10/T1e7HUy8phI/AAAAAAAAALA/kVLXu7_QAFY/s1600/kz2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9fnHQoCOP10/T1e7HUy8phI/AAAAAAAAALA/kVLXu7_QAFY/s320/kz2-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugWvWUJBfEU/T1e7HohWe_I/AAAAAAAAALI/V0dy5Tz_yfA/s1600/kz2-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugWvWUJBfEU/T1e7HohWe_I/AAAAAAAAALI/V0dy5Tz_yfA/s320/kz2-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Space Wolf Terminators prepare to enter the fray!</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Blood Angel Assault Team flanks the objective building.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Initially, we worked out a series of costs and counterweights designed to offset the effect that breaking restrictions (if even only slightly) might have for a particular team. It was a morass. Every step we made to offset a broken theme caused another problem somewhere else down the line. We were sinking in this soup. The solution we found is wonderfully simple in its brilliance. We called it the “in for a penny, in for a pound” mechanism.<br />
<br />
In short, if one wants to further break the game mechanism by opting for team that breaks a standard restriction designed to introduce a bit of balance, then one most embrace that break fully. For example, my “Armored Might” themed SW team has more than two 2+ saves… thus the entire team must have 2+ saves. While that might sound like a wild boon, it is also a very costly and serious impediment. In a 250-point team, I can bring about 6 models to the table. That’s rough, particularly as we have stretched mission objectives in manner that really taxes a team’s resources. Playing this team is extraordinarily tense, as their elite nature stands directly in the forefront, and I feel the cost of each model with each and every roll of the dice. Great stuff, really, and just the thing. At the end of the day, I can’t power game this list because its greatest strength is also a rather telling handicap.<br />
<br />
Likewise while playtesting, we were most concerned by the “Death from Above" theme, in which the entire team must be Jump Infantry. We were concerned that this might swing the game too dramatically; again however, we very quickly discovered –on the back of three consecutive maulings- that the boon is also an impediment. In other words, teams that rely entirely on “jump” also forfeit a broad number of other weapons options that make the team organization a very fickle monster in the field.<br />
<br />
All of which is to say that the themes work exactly as they should, and that “balance” as an issue therein seems to have a kind of self-correcting equilibrium when a boon becomes a burden as well.<br />
<br />
What a wonderful thing.<br />
<br />
Find out more about Special Operations: Killzone at AdeptiCon 2012 over at b. smoove's blog, <a href="http://agentlemansones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Gentleman's Ones</a>.AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-56227396461226278362012-03-02T12:06:00.001-06:002012-03-02T12:06:37.395-06:00Building The Tower of Orthanc - Part I<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jQFswNG0gKo/T1EFe-svrjI/AAAAAAAAAJI/zG6bm4LIA64/s1600/p1.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />One day while sitting around, a faint voice crawled over the ground. Not down the chimney, not quite like a mouse, but a booming whisper that soon shook the whole house. This tell tale heart could not be forgot.<br />
<br />
A look in the kitchen, a look by the TV, but no source could be found for this mysterious clamor. A creak of the door, and a look in my room, where a dull glow shown through the gloom. A slab of black lay on the desk, menacing and brooding, hummed the muffled voice.<br />
<br />
A lift of the lid, and that dark palantir opened. A dark burning eye that grabbed my innards. I saw a tower of white, with a dead white sign, it read Westin; erupt with red flame. And from that thick smoke, the Dark Lord Jamie Welling did spoke, “Build me a tower, worthy of AdeptiCon...”<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>That brings us at to the project at hand; the great construction of our time. With Jamie’s words echoing in stone, I warmed up my foam cutter and set to creating a tone with that great big blue foam; and the forging of the two towers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wvEIwJiVPc/T1EFfQAwLyI/AAAAAAAAAJU/zzyS0bmRY80/s1600/p2.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" /><br/><span style="font-size: x-small;">Build me a tower, worthy of AdeptiCon...</span></div>
<br />
This being the first of a series of terrain articles that will feature this dark tower and its hard journey to the brutal table tops of AdeptiCon’s Lord of the Rings tournaments. So whether you are a Rings player, first time attendee, or AdeptiCon veteran, I hope you enjoy the photos and stop by that weekend to see the tower in action.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkzl_zfhR50/T1EFfv4hrlI/AAAAAAAAAJg/sym2D-D5-qg/s1600/p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xkzl_zfhR50/T1EFfv4hrlI/AAAAAAAAAJg/sym2D-D5-qg/s320/p3.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="239" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wm6WeBMwjQw/T1EFgGH9H9I/AAAAAAAAAJo/3s7UOIeRdt4/s1600/p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wm6WeBMwjQw/T1EFgGH9H9I/AAAAAAAAAJo/3s7UOIeRdt4/s320/p4.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A beautiful model of Orthanc.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Orthanc - Games Workshop Style.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went about looking for some inspiration and only found a couple actual models of the movies tower of Orthanc. One being seen above, from <a href="http://www.lotrscenerybuilder.org/" target="_blank">lotrscenerybuilder.org</a>, basically an awesome Weta Workshop replica, and the other a Games Workshop store model.<br />
<br />
I quickly realized that I had two options with this project; 1) Buy a new car to fit a 5 foot tall model, or 2) make the model smaller. So with amateur Microsoft paint skills I went about shrinking Orthanc to a more manageable level.<br />
<br />
I knew that this had to stay big in eye appeal yet still be playable for a tournament setting. So I set on a nice round number of 3 feet for the central core and side towers. The hardest part by far was achieving the tapered obelisk design. Having only a classic woodlands scenic foam cutter, I built wooden frame panels that I could then make crisp, even cuts.<br />
<br />
I have built many terrain items over the years and have developed my own concept on the future of skirmish terrain, height. This third area of design is often sacrificed for better storage, playability, etc on the table. I believe that to keep taking terrain farther and better, this frontier of making the realism grander and larger is required. Think Warhammer 40K tables with 10 storied, half-ruined buildings or the mines of Moria with so 3-4 cave/tunnel height variations and levels for battling. Not being the biggest Star Trek fan in the world, but that <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uXgmNB7TD98/T1EJfns72II/AAAAAAAAAKY/sxKAGofSiOg/s1600/orthanc+chess.jpg">awesome chess board</a> they play on sums up my inspiration.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTjf26RQJ58/T1EFgaH63uI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Tcnj6zv-gxo/s1600/p6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTjf26RQJ58/T1EFgaH63uI/AAAAAAAAAJw/Tcnj6zv-gxo/s320/p6.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="239" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Herj3REHpLo/T1EFgsHZePI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/hgvVNfcjDsY/s1600/p7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Herj3REHpLo/T1EFgsHZePI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/hgvVNfcjDsY/s320/p7.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The tower takes shape.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Another view of the tower structure.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The base measures around seventeen inches square, while large, it will make for a fun table top setting. It can also serve as an eye blocker if your opponent is having a bad hair day.<br />
<br />
With the core built, the next step was the most iconic part of this tower, the spires. I knew they had to be one piece each and razor sharp, no bumps or divots. Thankfully I got these squared away on a table jig saw before moving to Chicago; as well as sanding them down to nice points.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpnoxe9rWF0/T1EFhQas9lI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/VX6MYBQhKRk/s1600/spires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpnoxe9rWF0/T1EFhQas9lI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/VX6MYBQhKRk/s320/spires.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk1xLOuv5a0/T1EFg3-mZzI/AAAAAAAAAKA/hizzMgSC34w/s1600/p8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gk1xLOuv5a0/T1EFg3-mZzI/AAAAAAAAAKA/hizzMgSC34w/s320/p8.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The top of Orthanc as depicted in the movie.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The top of Orthanc as depicted at AdeptiCon!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the shrunk down version of my tower, I am able to separate it into 4 sections of 8 inch paneling to wrap my head around better. With that, this is the first 8 inches of the towers paneling and the frame work for the next section. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Aslb1JqMoc/T1EFhD-BiGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/FRUvkGJR9mY/s1600/p9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Aslb1JqMoc/T1EFhD-BiGI/AAAAAAAAAKI/FRUvkGJR9mY/s320/p9.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="239" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5dcoDUg-3w/T1EFfL8WVwI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LQBdGuzigjo/s1600/p10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5dcoDUg-3w/T1EFfL8WVwI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/LQBdGuzigjo/s320/p10.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The base of the tower.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The entrance to Orthanc!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for next time when I tackle the spiked buttresses of the higher panels. An unexpected turn might occur too, when I think about cutting off the top 16 inches for easier transportation, storing, and painting.<br />
<br />
If you can’t wait, check out my blog, <a href="http://chefofwar.blogspot.com/">Chef of War</a> for lots of other terrain projects.<br />
<br />
- Jeremy Williams<br />
Lord of the Rings Championships Tournament OrganizerAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-63409661563632586942012-03-01T14:04:00.002-06:002012-03-04T20:49:21.239-06:00Telling Better Stories, Period<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0I0HKxGJas/T0_U9gcsc6I/AAAAAAAAAJA/rRZYW_uZIwU/s1600/combat.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />This year, I open the Warhammer 40K Combat Patrol update with a statement for everyone to think about and comment on. Every Warhammer 40K player has a story about that one time...<br />
<br />
Aside from any story involving a Shokk Attack gun, most players can recall at least one game where a model defied the dice gods and proved that no unit is to be overlooked. This is what I hope the AdeptiCon Warhammer 40K Combat Patrol tournament embodies.<br />
<br />
Five year ago, Combat Patrol began as a free-form tournament at AdeptiCon. A handful of players banded together to enjoy a series of games, while avoiding the infamous ‘Gladiator’ event. Loosely based off the 40K in 40 Minutes format, a tournament event was born that focused on small scale actions in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The rules were heavily exclusive on units, focusing on troops and less on the super heavy tanks of the 41st Millennium.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>The Next Era of Combat Patrol</b><br />
For better or worse, the Combat Patrol event needed to align with new rules and codex alterations, while preserving the original nature of the event. Based off of attendee feedback, this year marks the removal of much of that restriction seen in the past. These changes are meant to balance the basic codex options when played with in the confines of the Combat Patrol missions (4x4 table and a 400-point army restriction).<br />
<br />
<b>What is New?</b><br />
2+ saves, limited psychic powers and monstrous creatures, oh my! Quantum shield, shock prowls and reinforced rams are also allowed with modifications (they can only upgrade an armor facing to maximum of 12).<br />
<br />
<b>What is the Same?</b><br />
The maximum armor value cap of 11 on non-troop transport (12 for dedicated). 2 wound maximum on non-troops and non-swarms. No HQ requirement. No unique or special characters.<br />
<br />
AdpetiCon is just around the corner...can’t wait to hear the stories from all 180 Combat Patrol attendees this year!<br />
<br />
Download: <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/12rules/2012cp.pdf">AdeptiCon 2012 Warhammer 40K Combat Patrol Rules</a><br />
<br />
- Tyler (Chubs)<br />
Warhammer 40K Combat Patrol Tournament OrganizerAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-28393393568971728802012-02-28T11:35:00.001-06:002012-02-28T11:36:43.916-06:00Team Building: An Inside Look at Killzone Design #2<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mog0VUQ7tPQ/T00MOAaYdKI/AAAAAAAAAFA/h2ZcCmr0j5o/s1600/killzonetb1.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" /><b>Reposted from <a href="http://agentlemansones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Gentleman's Ones (02.24.12)</a>.</b><br />
<br />This series of posts, apart from getting the gears engaged as we spin into AdeptiCon and the Killzone events featured therein, is designed to offer insight into the machinations that formed Killzone into the hearty and robust mechanism that it is currently. More than simple promotion of the game itself, this series hopes to present a kind of RaI blueprint for how we got from the broad (and largely unmanageable) Kill Teams dynamic suggested in previous 40K editions and loosely suggested in the contemporary Battle Missions book, to last year’s Special Operations: Killzone ruleset, and finally to the extraordinarily fun, rounded dynamic that we have conjured for AdeptiCon this year.<br />
<br />
This first installment covers some ground that might already be familiar to enthusiasts of Joe and Skarvald’s timely and sporting blog (Wolves for the Wolf God. Go check it out if you are unfamiliar), but the topic is worth visiting once more. Although the series might cover some expected territory, the idea –simply- is to discuss what on earth we were thinking.<br />
<br />
For those of you not versed or familiar, there are a number of basic restrictions that act as the foundation for a standard team -250 points. These restrictions are essential and act as the leveling skeleton upon which all teams are built. There are a few simple guidelines that I will not discuss here for practicality’s sake –so please have a gander at the larger ruleset for the whole picture.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This first set of restrictions act almost exactly as they did in the original version last year. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDTX5dhUGj8/T00OBdKOtGI/AAAAAAAAAFI/tCxwh_e_bXo/s1600/killzonetb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDTX5dhUGj8/T00OBdKOtGI/AAAAAAAAAFI/tCxwh_e_bXo/s320/killzonetb2.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcPGZ59Hv6Y/T00OCXn75mI/AAAAAAAAAFg/Wq7Xf0OT1R4/s1600/killzonetb5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wcPGZ59Hv6Y/T00OCXn75mI/AAAAAAAAAFg/Wq7Xf0OT1R4/s320/killzonetb5.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Imperial Guard Stormtroopers take cover from Orks.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Space Marine Scouts protect an critical objective.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Standard Restrictions:</b> a team may select a limited number of models with the following attributes:<br />
<ul>
<li>0-2 models with a 2+ armor save</li>
<li>0-2 models with 3 wounds</li>
<li>0-2 models with 3+ invulnerable saves</li>
<li>0-2 models with Jump Infantry designation</li>
<li>0-2 models with Bike/Jetbike, and/or Cavalry/Beasts designation</li>
</ul>
So a valid team could have two Chaos Terminators, two Raptors, and two Chaos Bikers… and so on. This mechanism helps curb potential abuses and also keeps the spirit of Special Operations teams appropriately aligned –genuinely spec ops stuff, prepared for all situations. Likewise, these characteristics stack, so a TH/SS Terminator fills both a 2+ armor save and a 3+ invulnerable slot.<br />
<br />
That solved the basic problem of potentially imbalanced team structures, but there was another lingering issue with armaments and upgrades. Thus the inspiration for a second set of restrictions intended to remedy a very complicated and troublesome problem; we wrung our hands about this one for weeks and weeks and weeks during the revision process. Previously, we had suggested that there could only be a limited number of weapons upgrades for participants in any given “squad”; however, this left quite a few armies with basic troops choices that already enjoyed a kind of MEQ upgrade equivalent (looking at you Eldar Fire Dragons). Without heavy redaction to each and every weapon option in each and every codex, our first stab at remedy would be ineffectual. <br />
<br />
I think Joe gets credit for this one. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C22YJoUBscM/T00OCG5naaI/AAAAAAAAAFY/dRbKEVLPBEk/s1600/killzonetb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C22YJoUBscM/T00OCG5naaI/AAAAAAAAAFY/dRbKEVLPBEk/s320/killzonetb4.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Mm4k2qsgE/T00OBi3PaWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/dOAEZGaiDxU/s1600/killzonetb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Mm4k2qsgE/T00OBi3PaWI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/dOAEZGaiDxU/s320/killzonetb3.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sapce Marine Scouts take up position near a bulkhead.</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An Imperial Guard Operations Team advances towards an objective.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Weapon Restrictions:</b> Killzone teams identify four basic type of non-standard and limited weapons. In any mission, a team may field the following number of non-standard weaponry:<br />
<ul>
<li>0-3 Template - designated Template</li>
<li>0-3 Incisive - with AP2 or lower</li>
<li>0-3 Suppressive - with 3 or more shots</li>
<li>0-3 Heavy weapons - designated Heavy.</li>
</ul>
Once again, these characteristics stack, so a Lascannon fills both an Incisive and a Heavy slot. Likewise, models with variable weapons and weapon types count 1 for each available or potential characteristic (thus a Chaos Obliterator tallies 1 Template, 1 Incisive, and 1 Heavy regardless).<br />
<br />
In this manner, we have addressed the kind of weapon on the table, and thus circumvented the weapon upgrade consideration entirely. The basic pricing of a basic weapon for any given race still operates in relation to all the others (for better and for worse), and in the same gesture potentially formidable weaponry takes the proverbial knee before upsetting all semblance of balance at such a limited points value. Result.<br />
<br />
With those basic guidelines, you have the heart of the matter.<br />
<br />
Find out more about Special Operations: Killzone at AdeptiCon 2012 over at b. smoove's blog, <a href="http://agentlemansones.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Gentleman's Ones</a>.AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-6633647211327309002012-02-27T15:54:00.003-06:002012-02-27T20:16:42.580-06:00Inquiries From the Underhive<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1J1_lEY83ug/T0v55z2OYRI/AAAAAAAAAI4/zT4Xt5SOM6I/s1600/rumble.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />I received an interesting question via email today in regards to Redemptionist gangs in the tournament. Specifically:<br />
<blockquote>
I know that you cannot recruit new fighters as per the tournament rules. But Redemptionists have this special rule:<br />
<br />
<i>The death of the faithful only serves to fuel the belief of the devout and may attract new Devotees to join a gang. So as Redemptionists fall others take their place. After a game in which a Redemptionist of any type dies (11-16 on the serious injury chart) roll a D6 for each member of the gang who died. On a 4+ the gang gains a Devotee armed with a knife for free. Additional equipment may be given to the new Devotee using the gangs stash or income.<br /><br />Does that rule still apply or not?</i></blockquote>
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That's a really great question and one I haven't been faced with before. So now I'm faced with a difficult ruling to make in regards to this issue.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>On the one hand, I can see how this fits with both the established Redemptionist fluff and the prevailing "horde strategy" of many players. The title of the rule in question is "A Gathering of the Redeemed", which assumes the mob holds some form of macabre revival in an effort to recruit more followers after one of their previous fighters dies. It's an interesting rule even outside the tournament setting, as it allows the Redemptionist player the ability to utilize their biggest strength - keeping a large contingent of fighters on the board in the late stages of campaigns, when most other gang's manpower is depleted through injuries, capture and deaths.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I can easily see how this could be viewed as unfair in a tournament that limits recruitment. First, it can be seen as a backdoor recruitment process, circumventing the overall rules set. Second, an unscrupulous player can exploit this rule to their decided advantage.<br />
<br />
Redemptionist players running a Mob benefit greatly from this rule, as their Leadership score is based on the highest Ld model + the number of friendly fighters on the table. In this way, it's easy for the Redemptionist player to keep both a high model count and a high Ld, when most gangs would have a smaller model count and, occasionally, less Ld (if their Leader is killed).<br />
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It's a tough call...In the spirit of fairness, I'm willing to make a compromise. The "A Gathering of the Redeemed" rule is amended for the tournament, as follows:<br />
<blockquote>
The death of the faithful only serves to fuel the belief of the devout and may attract new Devotees to join a gang. So as Redemptionists fall others take their place. After a game in which a Redemptionist of any type dies (11-16 on the serious injury
chart), roll a D6 for each member of the gang who died. On a 5+ the gang gains a Devotee armed with a knife for free. Additional equipment may be given to the new Devotee using the gangs' stash, so long as it conforms to the Devotee's weapons limitations.<br />
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The maximum number of Devotees who may be recruited in this fashion is limited to (2) two for the entire tournament.</blockquote>
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I hope all players are satisfied by this ruling. If not, feel free to write me a sternly-worded email peppered with aspersions to my general character and ancestry!<br />
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Also, here are some FAQs:<br />
<br />
<b>The rules state that bonus credits may be spent on two (2) Rare and/or four (4) Common items. Is this a choice between 2 Rare and 4 Common or a combination of both?</b><br />
<blockquote>
Players may purchase any combination of add'l items, so long as they do not exceed the total of either Rare or Common items.</blockquote>
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<b>Does purchasing items "at full cost" mean that an item with a variable price costs its base price PLUS the maximum variable cost?</b><br />
<blockquote>
Yes.</blockquote>
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<b>Can items be left in the Gang Stash for later use?</b><br />
<blockquote>
Yes, but be aware that equipping a model with something from your Stash later in the tournament must conform to the WYSIWYG rule.</blockquote>
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<b>My gang is allowed to purchase items from either the normal Trading Post or the Outlaw Trading post. Can I by add'l items from just one or both?</b><br />
<blockquote>
You can buy any combination from either Trading Post, so long as you do not exceed the 2 Rare/4 Common item limitation.</blockquote>
<br />
- Jeremy Olsen, Necromunda Tournament Organizer<br />
<a href="http://empireofghosts.blogspot.com/">http://empireofghosts.blogspot.com</a>AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-47165919559639199922012-02-25T18:26:00.002-06:002012-02-25T19:35:08.981-06:00Concept, Theme and Competition in the Warhammer 40K Friendly<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K3gz4-IBot4/T0l75tO019I/AAAAAAAAAE4/ppa81wKYNaY/s1600/friendly.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />There have recently been some questions about army list expectations for the 40K "Friendly" event. Hopefully this communication helps clarify the style of gaming this event promotes. What follows are several examples that are intended as a stylistic synopsis not a checklist of available options. By no means should you feel obligated to include or account for everything in this document, and at the same time understand that this event itself is looking for more diversity or variety than a traditional tournament list might include. As you consider your choices here is one great question to ask, "Am I including these units because of their ability to perform in games or is it because of another reason?"<br />
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Many players love a good story. Some examples include; the heroic last stand of a space marine sergeant, tragic death of an inquisitor, doom of an entire planet, or even the twisted plans of the dread powers of chaos. These stories form the very foundation of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They appear in army codices, novels from Black Library, and even in short stories from GW. These flavorful event descriptions are one way to fuel your creativity when creating your army. For example, the Space Wolves Codex details the backgrounds of each of the 13 Great Companies, some of which are further described throughout the book. This can be a great jumping off point when developing an army. Take this simple quote regarding Kjarl Grimblood:<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><blockquote>His Great Company favors a great many flame weapons, boasting no fewer than twelve Land Raider Redeemers. So it is that his Grey Hunters have a special right of passage—once a grey hunter has killed his prey with flame, he has earned the right to paint his face with blood before each battle. - <i>Games Workshop Codex Space Wolves Page 17</i></blockquote>
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These few lines give a wealth of insight into a list theme; it might include a Land Raider Redeemer, not all of them, but maybe one or two. It also suggests that some of Grey Hunters be equipped with flamers, and those that are could have a unique marking, red helmets or open helmets with red face paintings. Having a good theme can make an army unique and incredibly fun.<br />
<br />
However, there remains a distinct difference between theme and concept. An army concept is something simple, and often very broad in nature. For example, "I want tons of tanks in my army", or "I want a hoard of Orks running around", or "I want to spawn wave after wave of bugs". Each of these represents a generalization about the composition of an army. Theme takes a concept to a deeper level and flushes out the details and backstory of the army. Detailing where your army originates from, how they train, their fighting method, motivations, leaders, and other personalities that might be included. Flushing out some of these details and then designing your army gives it character that is substantive. This represents an important distinction in list creation; <b>the theme is defined and then units are chosen to fit the framework outlined by the theme.</b> Often times many new players and tournament veterans alike sift through the vast amounts of information available to them and use articles on unit effectiveness, tactical prowess and point efficiency to determine their list composition. They might then craft a nifty back story to explain why their Ork Hoard is being marshaled by a mech-boy instead of a ferocious Warboss. In reality, the list doesn’t include a Warboss because of the perceived point inefficiency in that particular unit choice.<br />
<br />
A note on Characters, these alluring options can quickly summarize your theme with their inclusion. A chaos army painted black may be bland, but add in Abaddon and a unit of terminator body guards and suddenly everyone knows what your list is about. Adding a character can be a great option but should also make sense for your list. If you want to play with Ultramarines, then does Vulkan really make sense or belong? Or would Yarrick and Commander Pask take the field together? From a more general sense does your choice for a leader match the theme of your army? Choosing multiple pyskers to lead an army that hates psykers can be effective, but from a theme perspective is counterintuitive.<br />
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Characters can go beyond just the HQ units that you choose; naming sergeants or squad leaders is a great way to give your list a bit of extra flavor. Calling on your named Shas Ui to hold his troops before making that critical leadership check is a great way to add suspense and excitement to a game. Just as in sports we look to our icons in the time of greatest need, give your plastic soldiers someone to look up to and see what great things they can do.<br />
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Another example would be taking units because they have awesome models, great background, or appeal to you as a player. There might not be an all encompassing "theme" to the army but that does not mean you cannot make a list that interests you. Again the question arises, "Am I including these units because of their ability to perform in games or is it because of another reason?" The majority of players already know a list full of Chimera’s, veterans, and melta-guns makes for an effective list. What about all those units rarely seen on the Warhammer 40,000 battlefied? Starting a "fun" list off with 20 possessed, 3 Carnifex’s, 15 Blood Claws, or even a Blood Angels Captain can shake things up and put the fun back in the game. Every codex has a ton of unit options for you to take. The Friendly event strongly encourages unit diversity and variety.<br />
<br />
Hopefully this provides some clearer direction on what the Friendly event is trying to inspire. Just like <i>Whose Line Is It Anyway</i>, the "friendly" is a fun based event with no overall winner, and the points don't really matter. There will be games played with objectives and there will be "winners" and "losers" but this is more about relaxing with some people and playing some games of toy soldiers while enjoying a beverage of your choice. It’s not about trying to find out who is the best at playing for fun. There will be crazy things going on some may be fair, and others might just be there to help everyone relax. As always, specific questions can be directed to <a "="" href="mailto:info@adepticon.org">info@adepticon.org</a>.<br />
<br />
Regards,<br />
The AdeptiCon 2012 Warhammer 40K Friendly Staff<br />
Chris Mehrstedt and Tony CoutleyAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-36030549044043460152012-01-19T10:32:00.001-06:002012-01-19T10:33:01.440-06:00Death Area: An Inside Look at Killzone Design #1<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_Cte5rsd9k/TxhCEyxugZI/AAAAAAAAADs/r41r-yp-N8Y/s1600/killzone1.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" /><b>Reposted from <a href="http://wolvesforthewolfgod.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Wolves For the Wolf God (01.09.12)</a>.</b><br />
<br />
As promised, here is the first article about our involvement in Special Operations: Killzone. At the moment we are not sure about the length of the series, but expect at least two more. Hopefully by reading these articles you will be able to see Killzone for what it is and what it has been during the transition from v2.0 to v3.0. The entire Killzone team is very proud and extremely excited to bring you the new edition of Special Operations: Killzone and with the following articles we hope to share our excitement with you as well as the process of reshaping Killzone into what it is now.<br />
<br />
Article #1 is going to cover the story of how Joe and I become part of the Killzone crew, some of the general changes we had to make and the challenges we had to face with v2.0 after AdeptiCon 2011 was over.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br /><br/>
<a name='more'></a>
<b>Frozencore Joe:</b> For those of you who are familiar with the rules for Special Operations: Killzone, you may have noticed quite a few changes over the course of the past couple months. Those of you who don't know about Killzone should stop everything else they are doing right now and <a href="http://www.thecodexproject.com/killzone/" target="_blank">look up the rules</a>. It's OK, I can wait for you to get back.<br />
<br />
The more observant among you may notice that the file says version 3.0, though the truth is we have undergone many more iterations than just 3. Over the past two months large areas of the game have been worked and reworked, and dozens of subtle tweaks have been made to give a better Killzone experience.<br />
<br />
<b>Skarvald the Troll-faced: </b>That’s right, Joe. What a long, strange trip it’s been! Has it really been 2 months.. Christ, how time flies.. I suppose that when you are really busy it kind of doesn’t seem like you’re running out of time.<br />
<br />
With every Skype conversation and play-testing we had so many things to discuss, fix and play-test... It’s been hectic, to say the list. But now we are done. What say we start with some of the issue that we had to fix since Killzone’s first debut at AdeptiCon 2011?<br />
<br />
<b>Frozencore Joe:</b> Sure thing; my involvement with Killzone started about a year ago when Brian asked me if I could help him run this game for AdeptiCon. I wasn’t to sure exactly what it was about, but I soon fell in love with the skirmish-style game-play. The basic idea of Killzone back then was small scale skirmish battles that tell a rich narrative story, and that is something we have tried to keep on and enhance in the new rules.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f57xOdGAXlY/TxhCFKq9RUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/gwW5L82AFUE/s1600/killzone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f57xOdGAXlY/TxhCFKq9RUI/AAAAAAAAAD0/gwW5L82AFUE/s320/killzone2.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Frozencore Joe's Deathwatch Team!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the games at AdeptiCon 2011 went on I started to pick up on some issues that the core game had, that honestly hadn’t been foreseen. With such a competitive crowd at AdeptiCon the loose narrative style of the rules were easily exploited.<br />
<br />
Running the event was both fun and a little draining (I plan to have some hand sanitizer this year), as I had to make a few rulings on things that hadn’t quite been addressed yet. Fixing abuses, and patching up all the holes in the army creation were the two main priorities for all of us, right after AdeptiCon 2011. After that, though, things kind of lay dormant for a while until recently, which is when the two of us really got involved! Both Vlad and I were apart of the Heroes of Armageddon project, where we helped Brian build some spectacular tables for the Chicago Games Day. We both expressed our desire to help him again in the future, and a few months later we were called into service once more. For me, this would be my 3rd set of tables with that gentleman, and I just could not say no.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYObjVWmNNk/TxhCFRaeqLI/AAAAAAAAAD8/a0Lem97btIs/s1600/killzone3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYObjVWmNNk/TxhCFRaeqLI/AAAAAAAAAD8/a0Lem97btIs/s320/killzone3.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td><td></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFom_ZPWMYQ/TxhCFivCmfI/AAAAAAAAAEE/FlSXVVL4PpU/s1600/killzone4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFom_ZPWMYQ/TxhCFivCmfI/AAAAAAAAAEE/FlSXVVL4PpU/s1600/killzone4.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Skarvald the Troll-faced and Frozencore Joe ogling<br/>the Heroes of Armageddon tables!</span></td><td> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In all it's glory!<br/>The Heroes of Armageddon table! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Skarvald the Troll-faced:</b> To be fair, Brian didn’t even have to ask. We were both very eager to help out in any way we could. That we got to be a part of the Killzone experience was just an added bonus. Even after playing a single game of it as a ringer at AdeptiCon I was utterly hooked! HOW could I say no? I played a single game with Joe’s Deathwatch Marines and I have yet to have more fun playing a Warhammer 40,000 game!<br />
<br />
After AdeptiCon I got to spend some more time with Brian while we were working on his insane tables for the Heroes of Armageddon Games Day event and when we were done I offered to help with Killzone.<br />
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I was cautious at first, of course, because I was really hoping to play at the AdeptiCon 2012 Team Tournament for a third year in a roll, but when the tickets sold out faster than a Space Marine fails his armor save I had nothing to do. It was almost like a sign, you know?<br />
<br />
The rest is a blur of play-testing, Skype, phone conversations and many, many e-mails. But it was all in the name of Killzone, which was well worth it.<br />
<br />
Big Jim deserves a lot of credit here, gents. He started Killzone from literally nothing and with almost no help created the foundation of something glorious. However, Killzone is a very ambitious undertaking and one should not have to do all the work. Things had quieted down a little after AdeptiCon and especially after Games Day and the game didn’t have any major updates ever since its first debut. Fortunately for us we were able to use the knowledge we gathered from Killzone tournament and knew that the game had many, many loopholes. But that’s bound to happen when people have an incentive and competitiveness is at hand.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYdHIwDDU7g/TxhCFgydi4I/AAAAAAAAAEI/Q9SHQBdQ6dk/s1600/killzone5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYdHIwDDU7g/TxhCFgydi4I/AAAAAAAAAEI/Q9SHQBdQ6dk/s320/killzone5.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; padding: 4px;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Frozencore Joe:</b> I’m a little anxious to see what happens this time around. As the man on the floor from last year all I can say is, “We tried so hard this time I swear!”<br />
<br />
<b>Skarvald the Troll-faced: </b>Well, *I* certainly tried! :P One of the first things that changed was the dual point system for all the gear and skills. Basically each upgrade had a different cost depending on different stats. I personally liked it, but it was VERY prone to abuse. We actually went back and forth a few times until we eventually settled on a universal value for all models. It’s just hard to artificially come up with the correct points and some upgrades were always preferred by certain armies, while others were simply ignored. Our general policy is that all generic upgrades are at least a few points more expensive than the Codex variants. For example, assault grenades are 3 points, even though in Codex: Orks “stikk boms” are just 1 point. One of the biggest changes points-wise was the Crack Shot skill which doubled, becoming 10 points. This skill was literally on every model at AdeptiCon and quickly lead to some abuses. We also played along with the maximum points a model could be, to limit min-maxed builds of unkillable Assassin with a bunch of saves. We limited skills to one per column, per model. We wanted people to field many models with different skills and gear, not identical clones or powerhouses on steroids... which is why I suggested that gear be split into General and Limited Issue categories. The best items were then limited to 2 per team in order add some variety and encourage some more creative thinking. What else did we change, Joe?<br />
<br />
<b>Frozencore Joe: </b>As long as we are talking about list building I might as well mention something else that went through many changes over the past few months, Themes.<br />
<br />
In Killzone there are restriction on how many of each type special unit you can have, to prevent things from getting too crazy in a normal special operation team. There had always been this idea of dedicating you force to a particular theme, like all jump packs, allowing you to break the normal 0-2 restriction so long as the vast majority of your team was that type. Between last years AdeptiCon, and a month of play-testing or so afterwards we found that the original method of paying a few extra points for the ability to break the restriction was prone to min-max list building. To try an curb the possible abuses themes then went to paying extra points per model, with the first two being at normal cost.<br />
<br />
This ended up working in a way, there were fewer people who were willing to buy more than they would normally be allowed, because the premium you paid started to add up quickly.<br />
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<br />
What we found was that instead of sticking to a theme of “a bunch a terminators banding together” we ended up with people just buying 1 or maybe 2 more and then continuing with the rest of the list like normal. It wasn’t so much of a “themed” special operation team so much as “I can pay points to break the rules” special operations team. I didn’t particularly like this method because it actually ended up limiting people who wanted to completely stick to a theme, while rewarding those who wanted to just min-max even further. Themes continued to be a learning process for a few more iterations as the 75% of your force being in the theme came and went, and then we had our break-though which oddly enough had nothing to do with list creation at all. The whole idea of themes finally came together when we changed how the missions worked and how long games of Killzone actually lasted. We will talk more about that in the next article, but the basic idea is that games were much shorter, and there was a lot more to do in that short period of time. I noticed that with expensive lists you really lacked the models to be able to accomplish all of your goals in a particular game. Having a force of terminators, while tough, also hindered your ability to complete all of your objectives. Some missions were extremely difficult to the point of being impossible should you even lose a single model. I suggested that we test the idea of themes requiring no additional cost, because when it came to Terminators/bikes/3 wound models paying a premium on guys combined with the already low count made winning doubly hard. Even having jump packs (who we were most worried about), with their natural speed for objective grabbing, ended up being limited on weapon options to deal with all the opponents they might face. So after some input from the other guys and a few weeks of play-testing “all of X” type lists we settled on allowing someone to break the restriction for free, but the cost ended up being that EVERY model needed to be of the same type. Hopefully this will allow players to have a nice theme, should they want to be a little different, but it limits the min-maxing of having multiple different model types.<br/><br/>- Skarvald the Troll-faced, Killzone ServitorAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-1875435119700892452012-01-12T15:32:00.000-06:002012-01-12T15:32:41.514-06:00Battletech: Tactical to Strategic<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnv7HWTd-7U/Tw9RJRWyO2I/AAAAAAAAADk/VxKF2jyK9DU/s1600/battletech.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />When people generally think of Battletech, big fighting robots probably jumps to mind first. Then come the thoughts of playing the game on a dining room table (or in my case, tray tables). People have played Battletech, and still do, on just about every conceivable surface. Why? Because its a great pickup game, just open the box and off you go. It's a great formula for quick fun and its one that works all the way up to big conventions, Origins, GenCon, even AdeptiCon.<br />
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On the other hand, there is a limit to the variety that that system brings. We've all played the megagames, two teams with vast quantities of units fighting each other over some nominal objective. And there's a variety of things you can do with that, but they're all tactical. Winning that game, meeting that scenario's objective, or just killing some more Imperial Guards, Waffen-SS, Elves, or Uruk-hai, they all begin when the game starts and end when the GM calls time. Battletech has been no different and it has worked well. But what if you wanted to do more?<br /><br />
<a name='more'></a>Well that's what we're offering AdeptiCon 2012. We're taking Battletech to the next level. Over the past few years Battletech has seen a great deal of depth added to the system, strategic rules have been created, and options presented for playing more than a "play and forget" game. We're not talking about Campaign for North Africa level of detail here, but it is a layer that convention games have so far not built upon. So what will you see at AdeptiCon 2012? You're going to see interlinking: what you do on Table 1 is going to have an affect upon what happens at Table 2. Yes, that means teamwork and strategy are going to play bigger roles. You're going to see repairs and damaged units. You aren't going to be able to just assume that as long as a mech is alive you're going to get it back all pristine in the next round. You're going to see support units, maybe artillery, maybe air strikes.<br />
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Will it work, will we be able to merge the tactical and the strategic? We've spent hours discussing and debating how you play a game of Battletech and make it matter for more than just the few hours you're playing. We've grappled with how you ensure that what happens in the morning session doesn't predetermine the evening session before the evening session even begins. These are the questions we've grappled with and we look forward to showing the answers to those questions in April at our Counterattack on Kessel event.<br />
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-Alex Kaempen<br />
Catalyst Game Labs Agent #314AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-33658811957977777002011-12-07T14:35:00.000-06:002011-12-07T14:35:06.830-06:00Warhammer Fantasy: The Times They Are A-changin'<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKsQLJUCfzc/Tt_Ml1oOjdI/AAAAAAAAADc/FjWR3ViRKAM/s1600/times.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />Let's get right to it and cover two of the biggest questions/concerns received from the community at large about the Warhammer Fantasy Battles events at AdeptiCon 2012!<br />
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First off, we have a very big announcement! The single most common question we have received from the community is about the legality of the Tamurkhan: The Throne of Chaos book from Forge World. I am happy to say, that after careful consideration, we have decided to allow it. As of today, all units, Special Characters, and army lists from the Forge World book Tamurkhan: The Throne of Chaos will be legal options at AdeptiCon 2012! This includes the newest Chaos Dwarfs army list - a triumphant return indeed! Please note that you cannot mix Chaos Dwarfs/Demons of Chaos/Warriors of Chaos in a single army, as that follows the Alliance rules.<br />
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This decision was a lengthy one, as we wanted to have ample time to review the rules and make sure they were appropriate for our events. After much deliberation we have decided that they most certainly are! Like with every other army book, please make sure that if you fielding anything from Tamurkhan: The Throne of Chaos you bring a copy of the book with you and make it available to your opponents at all times. Most players have a general idea of what typical Warhammer Fantasy Battles units are capable of, but as this is a specialty book, we want to make sure that you have a copy for your opponent’s reference. This announcement also means that we will no longer be using the IndyGT Dwarfs of Chaos list for AdeptiCon 2012. I know Kevin Coleman and his team put quite a great deal of effort/work into that wonderful book, but for the sake of consistency, we will be using the Legion of Azgorh rules going forward.<br /><br />
<a name='more'></a>The second topic is something a little more game related, and is always a hot topic of discussion. We have received a few emails from concerned attendees about the inclusion of Special Characters in some of the AdeptiCon 2012 events. Last year, at the time we drafted the rules, and we did not feel comfortable putting Special Characters into the mix with so little experience with 8th Edition. The concern was that unknown balance issues could be ridiculous and game ruining in certain situations. With more experience under our belts, we honestly see no reason to disallow them. It is the opinion of the organizers that composition is truly in the books now (although we’ll give you the 6th/7th edition power creep, that’s kinda hard to fight) and we should be embracing all parts of the game - along the same lines as allowing Wood Elves their additional forest. On a personal note, I run several other tournaments besides AdeptiCon and attend even more. All those that I have attended recently have allowed Special Characters and to be honest, Special Characters just aren’t that special. I’ve seen Teclis go 0-5 even with a good general and Bugman with no Anvil go 4-1. So this year, Special Characters are in for all AdeptiCon 2012 Warhammer Fantasy Battles events except the Team Tournament. If this decision impacts the general environment of the event in a negative way, nothing says we can’t change it for 2013 - but we at least want to give it the old college try. If the inclusion of Special Characters affects your decision on whether or not to participate, then by all means please vote with your feet! We would certainly like to have each and every one of you in attendance, but as a player you should not be forced to play in an environment that you do not agree with. That said, I do ask that you give it a chance, you may even like it!<br />
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- Alex Gonzalez, WFB CoordinatorAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-35388028350870131352011-12-05T13:41:00.000-06:002011-12-07T15:35:55.436-06:00Warhammer Fantasy Battles in the 2012<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxAgVzW785A/Tt-_N0r16sI/AAAAAAAAADU/JHkJOdkgEZo/s1600/cogs.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />It's that time of the year again! AdeptiCon 2011 was another record setting year for Warhammer Fantasy Battles, and this year promises to be even better! Additionally this is AdeptiCon's ten-year anniversary, so if you haven't registered already...what are you waiting for!<br />
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Cutting right to the chase...what are we changing? This is a convention for gamers, by gamers, so the feedback you provided last year is what we are using to shape the future of the Warhammer Fantasy Battles events. The <i>It's How You Use It</i> tournaments will be returning on Friday and will now be comprised of three longer rounds instead of the four shorter rounds from last year. In response to feedback you gave us last year, we will also be adding more time between each of the games. Now that we have a little more experience under our belts with 8th edition Warhammer Fantasy Battles, our scenarios will be more inventive and better paced for the scale of the tournaments. We will also be working to increase our staff numbers and complete paint judging in a timely fashion.<br />
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Speaking of staff, we are looking for a few good men and women to help with the events this year. We have organizers, but we are in need of paint judges, rules judges, and general help. If you and your friends are interested in helping in any capacity, please <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/?page_id=5">contact us</a>. I know everyone wants to play in these events, but we could definitely use more volunteers over the course of the weekend.<br />
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That’s about it for right now. The <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/?page_id=2522">Warhammer Fantasy Battles draft rules</a> have been posted. Look for another article soon discussing a few other event changes and tweaks. I hope to see new and familiar faces this year, and that this year will be the best yet!<br />
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- Alex Gonzalez, WFB CoordinatorAdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-35134321028379252052011-10-28T16:20:00.002-05:002011-10-30T18:54:54.056-05:00Tournament Terrain Design Contest<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6AXA1nH3U30/TqsbvzXJHII/AAAAAAAAADM/uSBmckxsLU4/s1600/terrain.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />This year, as part of the 10th Anniversary of AdeptiCon, we are proud to announce the AdeptiCon Terrain contest! At its core, the contest is simple and straight forward. We are looking for a few talented people to showcase their creativity when it comes to designing terrain. This is a chance to show off your best work and pick up some great prizes in the process!<br />
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We will accept designs for single elements (see below), full terrain pieces, and completely themed terrain sets. Winners will not only get the satisfaction of knowing that thousands of gamers will enjoy playing on their terrain, but AdeptiCon will reward the best submissions with AdeptiCon Weekend Badges, prizes from our sponsors, event vouchers, and cool swag!<br />
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<li><b>1st Place:</b> $100.00 in retail product of your choice from any one of our AdeptiCon sponsors, an AdeptiCon Weekend Badge and we will pick up the tab for one hotel night on the AdeptiCon weekend at the Westin.</li>
<li><b>2nd Place:</b> $75.00 in retail product of your choice from any one of our AdeptiCon sponsors and an AdeptiCon Weekend Badge.</li>
<li><b>3rd Place:</b> $50 in retail product of your choice from any one of our AdeptiCon sponsors and an AdeptiCon Weekend Badge.</li>
</ul>
Entries that do not qualify for one of the top prizes, but are still usable will receive an AdeptiCon 2012 Weekend Badge.<br />
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What to do? Those interested in participating should design a piece, an element or even a whole terrain set. We will judge your submissions based on the following criteria:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Consistency with Existing AdeptiCon Terrain:</b> You can design additional elements for existing sets in which case we would consider how well they mesh with the existing terrain, or start completely new themes in which case you should follow the AdeptiCon modular design style. Our typical 40K table consists of 8 “terrain pieces” and has 25%-40% of the table coverage. See the following links for examples of our existing terrain sets: <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=5846&g2_page=1">City Fight Terrain</a>, <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=6142">Necron-themed Terrain</a>, <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=6062">Hills, Trees and Ruins</a>, <a href="http://www.adepticon.org/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=6126">Construction Examples</a></li>
<li><b>Playability:</b> AdeptiCon terrain should not only look great, but it should provide a great play experience. All terrain pieces for a 4x6 foot table should meet or exceed the 25% requirement and terrain sets/elements should be designed fairly with gameplay in mind.</li>
<li><b>Durability:</b> AdeptiCon terrain will take a beating. Terrain should not only be designed to withstand hundreds of games, but it should be designed to survive storage and transport. Terrain also should be easily repaired if damaged.</li>
<li><b>Storability:</b> AdeptiCon terrain elements are stored in totes that are roughly 20” h x 20” w x 32” d. Terrain elements should easily fit into this type of container.</li>
<li><b>Replication:</b> Each of the AdeptiCon terrain sets consist of 10-15 tables, as such, we need to be able to replicate your designs quickly and affordably. Consider the following:<br /><ul>
<li>Easily acquired and affordable materials (MDF, plasticard, foamboard)</li>
<li>Castable with resin or other materials.</li>
<li>Designs that can be laser cut.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ol>
Entries should be <a href="mailto:hank@adepticon.org?subject=AdeptiCon%202012%20Terrain%20Contest">submitted by email</a> no later than January 9th, 2012. If you have any additional questions, or want to submit your entry through the post, <a href="mailto:hank@adepticon.org?subject=AdeptiCon%202012%20Terrain%20Contest">get in touch</a>.<br />
All entries must provide:<br />
<ul>
<li>Documentation of the construction process (instructions)</li>
<li>Complete list of materials used</li>
<li>Photos of the construction process as necessary</li>
<li>Photos of a finished prototype</li>
</ul>
Basically, we should be able to look at your documentation and with the materials listed reproduce the prototype in a reasonable manner.<br />
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Hints: We need additional terrain ideas for all of our existing terrain sets, as well as fully develop additional full terrain set ideas. It’s the concepts, the themes, color palette and in some cases the building that we need your ideas for. Some of possible ideas for new themes include but are certainly not limited to:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Chemical Field” theme, including things like large chemical tanks, tube sections, chemical pits, industrial field elements, etc.</li>
<li>“Chaos Wastes” elements similar to what you might find in the “Eye of Terror”.</li>
<li>40K race specific elements/themes (Tau, Dark Eldar, Tyranid and the like).</li>
</ul>AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-28364439428619060282011-07-27T15:51:00.000-05:002011-07-27T15:51:55.665-05:00Celebrating Ten Years of Miniature Wargaming Awesomeness!<img align="left" imageanchor="1" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfCVFgbwSXE/TjB57pP_IpI/AAAAAAAAACg/Au7p8MGxjtc/s1600/10cake.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-right: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />We've come a long way in the last decade, from our humble beginnings as a regional convention with 150 attendees, to an extravaganza drawing over 1500 attendees from across the globe. Regardless of whether you've been with us from the start, joined along the way, or have yet to experience the excitement, passion, and excellence of AdeptiCon, this is the year that you won't want to miss! Pre-registration will open in October. Clear your schedules and start making travel plans, because AdeptiCon 2012 promises to be the premier celebration of the miniature wargaming hobby. <br/><br/><strong>What</strong>: AdeptiCon 2012! Ten Year Anniversary!<br/><strong>When:</strong> April 19th - 22nd, 2012<br/><strong>Where:</strong> Westin Lombard Yorktown Center (Lombard, Illinois)<br/><a href="https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=1106065205&key=BD66C">Make Your Hotel Reservations Now!</a><br/><br/>Check back over the next several months as additional news becomes available concerning the convention, pre-registration, specific events, special guests and more!AdeptiCon 2014 Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16711380319888533616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7325426388544073555.post-29678048655149154982011-03-26T20:33:00.000-05:002011-03-26T20:33:39.599-05:00Warhammer 40K Championships Live Coverage Details<img align="right" imageanchor="1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y-HvAR2_gm0/TY6TkYBUYVI/AAAAAAAAAGA/8QLQepW8lD4/s1600/ics.jpg" style="background-color: #353535; border-bottom: 5px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); border-left: 10px solid rgb(28, 28, 28); padding: 4px;" />With AdeptiCon nearly upon us, we wanted to walk you through what we have been doing to prepare for The Independent Characters coverage of the AdeptiCon 2011 Warhammer 40K Championships finals.<br />
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On Sunday we will begin our pre-game Show at 9:00am CST. We will be talking about our experiences at the event up until this point and airing video interviews with notables in the Warhammer 40K internet community, convention staff, Black Library authors, and other surprise guests!<br />
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Around 12:15pm CST, just as round 3 in the finals is getting underway, we will begin our in-depth coverage of the final two tables of the AdeptiCon 2011 Warhammer 40K Championships - live! We will be broadcasting live from multiple angles, including directly overhead both tables to bring you all the action up close and personal!<br />
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We hope to provide you with pre-game interviews of the four players involved in the final rounds, as well as a post-game wrap up. The winner of the AdeptiCon 2011 Warhammer 40K Championships will be at one of these two tables! You will be able to watch the entire thing on Ustream by visiting <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-independent-characters">The Independent Characters Ustream channel</a> (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-independent-characters) or by clicking on the link on the right. Additionally you will be able to interact with other fans and the hosts of the show live via chat throughout the event!<br />
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We will be running one more test broadcast on Sunday March 27th at 11am PST if you would like to see what we are up to! You can find out more information on <a href="http://www.theindependentcharacters.com/">The Independent Characters website</a>.<br />
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Carl and Geoff<br />
The Independent CharactersMatthiashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01692546909563451253noreply@blogger.com8