Goalsystem Delves: 10 Days Left

Chris Moeller's Gorgeous Cover!

Well, folks, there are 10 days remaining in the Goalsystem Delves Kickstarter, and we find ourselves a little bit behind the 8-ball. We're hovering near 70% funded, so we need a final push to get us into the black!

Once the actual KS got in gear I've shied away from over-posting Delves related stuff here; I like to keep the pure hobby stuff I do separate from the hobby-biz stuff I'm into, but this project blurs the lines a bit. If the KS does not make it, I still plan to release Delves, but it won't be the book I envisioned.  It won't be as special. But hey, that's life in the game biz.

Thanks for your consideration, and for those who have backed us and consistently stayed with us through this ride, we really appreciate you!

--Scott

Warhammer 40K: Necron Scarabs

Since I plan to field more than one Canoptek Spyder in my Necron force, I felt like I should go heavy Scarabs, as Canoptek Spyders can generate Scarabs during the course of play. 

I've always loved these little plastic guys, and you get a 3-base unit with each box of Necron Warriors--what could be better?

Anyway, I've got 5 bases done now!

There's more work to do!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: Bandersnatch BNDR-01A

Sometimes one project informs another in this hobby.  In working out my Necron paint scheme, I realized the plan I was using could be easily applied to BattleTech. So I set about using some of the extra 'Mechs I've gathered to make yet another company, this time a Mercenary Unit of my own devising. 

I picked up a pair of these 75-ton Bandersntach Heavies from IWM's web site. It's an archive-only miniature, so only available through IWM or a chance eBay auction.  Although it comes in a lot of pieces, it goes together well. I am really pleased with paint job, too.

With his wide stance, I had to place him on a GF9 hex base.

The cool vambraces are reminiscent of the classic Marauder.

To add a spot of color I did the lower legs and weapon pods in Vallejo Medium Sea Blue.

The 75-ton Bandersnatch towers over the 45-ton Komodo. 

The Bandersnatch was 'Mech designed for merc companies, so I think it will fit well in this unit.

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: Komodo KIM-2

It seems like my Colonials Rangers 'Mech company is destined to be composed of mainly Medium weight machines.

This week I worked on and completed the 10th 'Mech in the unit, the KIM-2 Komodo.  This 45-ton machine comes armed with two vambraces of Victory 23R Medium Lasers--yes, that's 10 Medium Lasers! The original design goal for the machine was as an Clan Elemental battle armor hunter. It also sports an Anti-Missile System and TAG.  This all boils down nicely into a very tough mid-range fighter in Quick-Strike, as you can see his stats on the BattleTech MUL right here.

I've also got Ninja-Shopper Sweet Lou picking me up the KIM-2A Komodo variant at from IWM's booth at Historicon this weekend. That one trades 5 Medium Lasers for one ER Large Laser for some long-range punch.

So here is the basic Komodo in my Colonial Marshal scheme:

This back shot is  a bit blurry, but shows the 'Mech's unique design.

Side-by-side with 70 ton Cataphract!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

Warhammer 40K: Canoptek Spyder

I love Monstrous Creatures in 40K, and the Canoptek Spyder is one of the best for the Necrons!  This plastic kit provides both a stunning visual and a great strategy piece.

Anyway, this represents a further test of my paint scheme, and so far I am very pleased with the results!

A group shot of what I've done so far! 

Later this week, more BattleTech!  

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

Warhammer 40K: Necrons

I'm thinking of doing a small Necron force for some Warhammer 40K 6th ed. action.  This weekend I toyed with a test paint job.

The scheme relies on Army Painter Uniform Gray and some highlighting.  I got some blue plastic rod from my buddy, Bill.   So far, so good!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: Cataphract CTF-4L

After playing a game of Quick-Strike with them, one thing I knew my Colonial Marshals needed was some longer range hitting power.  I still have not added an Assault class 'Mech to the unit, but I did just paint up another Heavy, one of my favorites from way back, the Cataphract.

The CTF-4Lversion of this Liao/Davion 70 ton Heavy packs a Shengli Arms Gauss Rifle, a Magna Firestar ER PPC, and 2 ER Medium Lasers.  In QS that translates into some decent damage at Long range, and a pretty deadly spread at Medium and Short ranges.  Here are some shots of the painted 'Mech:

The Cataphract stands next to my 2nd Wraith and some Epic IG jump infantry. 

This 'Mech came in two pieces and was a real joy to paint!

I am waiting on a few more pieces to round out the Marshals company, but it's coming together nicely!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

Goalsystem Delves KS Updates!

Well, folks, we have 23 days to go in Goalsystem Delves Kickstarter and we're at a little over 60%!

In case you didn't get enough of my "handsome mug" in the first video, Rico and I put together a second video to highlight the coolness of the Tinker's Lair terrain we're painting up for higher end backers.

Check it out!

Anyway, we're still waiting on the final sculpts for the last two of the five promo miniatures that also go along with this project, and I can't wait to see them!

Anyway, thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: The Marshal's In Town!

The 55 ton Marshal was literally made for this project.  It's a Periphery 'Mech whose origins lie in both the Taurian Concordat and Magistracy of Canopus.

Anyway, I've got two of them for this project, and here goes the first!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: The Mongoose

Another machine for the Colonial Marshals, this time the 25 ton Mongoose, a light 'Mech with an all-energy menu of weapons. 

It sports 3 Medium Lasers and 1 Small Laser. It doesn't jump, but it's incredibly fast.

I've got two of these for the unit, and here is the first one!

Played a great game of BT Qucik-Strike last night and the Wraith did pretty well against some long odds.  Did not field the Mongoose yet, but maybe next game!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: The Wraith

No, not the classic Charlie Sheen/Sherilyn Fenn revenge movie from the '80s!  Rather, another 'Mech for the Colonial Marshals unit--the 55 ton Wraith.

The Wraith once again perfectly fits the profile of Marshal machines: energy-heavy weapon loadouts and equipped with manipulators.  Featuring a Large Pulse Laser and a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers, the Wraith also possesses excellent speed and maneuverability for a medium machine. I like this figure so much I may make it my command machine.

Note the odd hand placement--the battlefist swivels up when the LPL deploys.

The lower right leg came separate; the positioning gives the 'Mech some added dynamism.

I've actually got a 2nd Wraith on the way; I feel like smaller units with limited resources would want duplicate models to save on spare parts and ease repairs.

Anyway, more 'Mechs in the next post!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: Colonial Marshals Get Some Power

Armor, that is!  While waiting on some more 'Mechs for the Marshals to arrive, I scrounged up some Gray Death Legion Power Armor from the old Wizkids MechWarrior Dark Age line.  The scale is a bit off, but I love these little figures, and they look great next to the 'Mechs!

I figure that with limited funds, it's sometimes easier for the Marshals to protect smaller outposts using a mix of PA troops and 'Mechs than full units of just 'Mechs.

Anyway, here you go!

This weekend I hope to add a few more 'Mechs to the Marshals.  Come on, Mr. Postman!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

Goalsystem Delves: Kickstarter Motors Along

Well, with 31 days remaining, the Delves Kickstarter stands at 55% funded!  I am humbled and excited by this progress on our project.  I thought I might take a post to share the cool graphic my partner Joe Dragovich created to illustrate the $100 backer level rewards:

Joe's developing some impressive skills on the Indesign front, and this bodes well for the final layout of the book, should we achieve our goal.

The rules themselves have not changed much in the last 10 days, and for me that is a sign that they're solidifying into what we'll see in the finished product. I am hoping for feedback from several newer play-test groups, so we'll see what becomes of that.

If you haven't checked out our KS page or the accompanying  video, please do! If you can make it through my prattling parts, Rico has a really fun section in the middle that will surely make you smile!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech: Grim Reaper

As I look around for more 'Mechs to fill out my 3060's - 3070's era Colonial Marshals force for the Magistracy of Canopus, I zeroed in on the Grim Reaper. This cool design fits all of the requirements for a Marshals machine, including possessing full manipulators (Marshal 'Mechs are often called upon to perform construction and other tasks) and a background that makes sense for its presence in this area of space.

It seems both the Word of Blake fanatics and the Com Guards used Grim Reapers during their battles in the Periphery, and the Word of Blake made deep, destructive runs into both Magistracy and Taurian space.  I can easily see a captured Reaper making its way into a Marshal's hands.

The Grim Reaper carries an amazingly varied arsenal for a 55 ton machine, and includes enough energy weapons to make it viable for long stretches without resupply. 

As I execute the paint scheme, I am getting more comfortable with it. Check it out!

As you can see from the above pics, I did score some nifty stars from my buddy, Bill. The smallest size on the sheet fits the 'Mechs nicely.

And here is a group shot of a lance of Colonial Marshals:

I'll have more BattleTech stuff later this week!

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott

BattleTech Colonial Marshals Project

I'm always looking for new schemes to paint my 'Mechs in, and while perusing the brilliant Camspecs web site, I came across a great unit from the Periphery, the Colonial Marshals. They're a Magistracy of Canopus unit whose remit includes protecting outlying worlds from bandits and raiders.

Their color scheme uses a simple brown base and unique, black splotches.  They also usually have a star emblazoned on the fuselage somewhere.  I've recently scored some decals (thanks, Bill!) I hope will be small enough to do the job!  I got three 'Mechs done this weekend, and here's the first!

The 60 ton Ostroc has long been one of my favorite designs, and while this and the next two 'Mechs I show off will be more traditional, older designs, I've got some newer stuff coming down the pipe.

Thanks for visiting!

--Scott