Battles update

On Saturday I went to the Shoppe to play a few games. Planned on a bit of Warmachine as well as a game of War of the Ring with Heath in the evening.

I was the odd man out for WM to start, but Dan L. showed up late and we played a 350 MM/TC. I played Cygnar with Haley, Lancer, Hunter and Cent. Dan played Circle with Baulder, Woldwarden, Woldwyrd, and Warp Wolf. I was going good, having taken out the Wyrd with the hunter and using Temporal Barrier effectively to kill the Warp Wolf with the Cent. What I forgot was Baulder's combo to place a wood and jump. I placed Haley too close and it all aligned good for Haley to get crushed by Baulder's big stone sword.

Game two we played a 2v2. Mike and I played Cygnar with Striker (w/ Squire), Haley, Sword Knights x2 (one w/ UA), min Trencher, min Long Gunner, Alyanna and Holt, Jr. Cent with UA of SK, Lancer and Cent with Haley, Striker with Lancer and Hunter. We played against Doug and Adam that had Skorn. They played Makeda & Xerxis, 3 Cyclops, Titan Cannoneer, Ancestral Guardian,
Extoller, Void Spirit x2, Cataphract Arcuarii, Cetrati x2, Ferox, and Praetorian Swordsmen.

Mike and I loaded the righ flank heavy with the Sword Knights and most of the 'Jacks. Trencher, Long Gunners, and A&H took the left flank. Adam and Doug focused the big Cetrati forces in the middle with the Ferox on our left. The plan for Mike and I was to snipe the long gunners for 7" and have them ping all day long. Didn't happen. The Ferox ran up to engage the trenchers then leaped over the next turn to eat the long gunners. Holt stood his ground versus the Ferox, even if his 'Job' died. On the right flank the sword knights swooped in to roll up the flank. Striker Earthquaked the two ends of the Cetratie that ususally clipped the Titam if not Xerxis too. That with Temple Barrier and enough reach 'Jacks the two SK units did a pretty good job of sweeping the right. In the end we called the game with a 1/2 dead titan and Makeda left and two mostly full SK units + 'Jacks swooping in. It was a solid game.

Afterwards, Heath and I played a 1500 point game of War of the Ring. My Dwarf List was 3 companies of Warriors w/ Hand weapons & Shield, 3 companies of Warriors w/ Great weapons, 2 company of archers, 3 company of Rangers w/ bow upgrade, 2 companies of the Elite Rangers w/ throwing weapons, a Ballista, Gandalf and Balin. Heath had Warg Riders, 2 unit of Hurki Troopers, 1 big block of Pikeman, a specialty scout unit, a Troll, 2 companies of crossbowmen, Sappers, and Bezerkers.

My Lines - Ambushes on the left of this picture, but off screen, hiding in woods.

Heath's Lines

One of the cool aspects of this game is that things die... In droves... Heath had some great luck running getting a '6' on a lot of his magic test that usually gave him far better results then my own. More pics can be found here. I did several errors in placement. I should have had my Vault Wardens in the middle, so the flanks were protected. As I had them it allowed the unit of scouts to get through the woods and eliminate their big 10 Defense. Magic is another new point we added. I could get zero luck on the damn rolls. When you cast a spell, a roll of a '1' means it failed, end of magic. I must have gotten six ones. When I did get the magic combo off I wanted, it was pretty cool, but I think I got it only once in the last minutes of the game.

In the end I had my 3 companies of Rangers with bows left. Heath had his crossbowmen and a small unit of Hurki that Lurtz zipped too to get out of range.

Solid game, can't wait for the book so I can actually read through the rules better.

jp
To the bridge of Khazad-dum!

Review: Storm Front

I made it back to the Big O! fine today. One of the few benefits to going on business trips is plenty of time to read. It may be a game book, a RPG module or in some cases, I'll actually read a bit of fiction. I had heard good things about The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, but I had not ever gotten around to reading it. I sometimes get in a fiction rut where I want to reread books that I know I like. I must have read The Stand about a six times as well as the entire of the Horatio Hornblower series at least twice, so branching into a new series is always a risky proposition that must be weighed carefully.

Having not provided a review of novel since high school, so many moons ago, I am sure that Ms. Jewel would not approve of the following format, but it is the one that I'll follow none the less. I'll hit some points in basics/background, writing style, plot, character development, and geek factor..

Basics/Background: The Dresden Files is a story set in modern Chicago, with the lead character, Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, that works a professional wizard. He encounters the huge amount of suspicion and ridicule one would expect from someone that who would state they were a wizard in our own word. He has interactions with the full spectrum of characters from police to the mob in the pursuit of his job.

Writing Style: Butcher uses the first person for the entire book. I've never been a huge fan of first person novels as it is so limiting in the descriptions that can be provided since it is only the main characters point of view that enables what the reader knows. I know that is the point, but their is so much stuff in the story that would be good to know. Imagine if Lord of the Rings was only in the first person, in this case Frodo. We wouldn't know anything about Saurman, the three hunters, or the Battle of Pelennor Fields. With that said, and acknowledging my own prejudice on the style, it was pretty well done. Butcher is consistent in Dresden's view of the world and his 'view' of those around him, but still is able to explain the details. The fault, is the lack of the 'bad guys' motivation until the very end when the 'mystery' is solved. But then, that is the point, isn't it?

Plot: I found the plot to be a bit simplistic. I 'knew' that a connection between the two cases was present as soon as the second one was raised. Maybe I was suppose to, but not the exact details. Their was no 'real' surprise for me. Even the 'Bond Girl' set up was evident in the tagging of the tramp to be set up. Let me caveat this with the fact that Butcher is a published novelist, which is far better then I'll ever be, mainly because my writing sucks, but that is another story.

Character Development: This is Butchers true strength. He does an outstanding job of detailing each of the characters and their associated flaws. Dresden is drawn well and the mental image that is developed is fleshed out in both his back story and the world he lives in. Secondary characters receive some development as needed. I would like to see more information on Mac and his Pub, but that might come in further stories.

Geek Factor: The book is loaded with geekiness. Come on, it is about a wizard in Chicago, how could it not be geeky? The involvement of a vampire whore house, a wizard's pub, and a 'special crimes unit' geared to look at 'strange' crimes all point to sweet, sweet geekdom.

With all that said, is it worth looking into the second book? I think so. I'll get it from the library if available or half price books if not. Storm Front was Butcher's first book, in theory, all the aspects I like should get better and those I don't should improve, right? I'll let you know. I give Storm Front 3.25 Kalshazzak out of 5.

No new game news, but here are few funnies that you might like.

• Hitler gets mad about his Battletech Game
• "Naked Dawn" Red Band Trailer (NSFW)

For the Battletech video, you might have to pause to catch all the text, but it is supremely funny for a miniature gamer. As for Naked Dawn, if you watched Red Dawn as a kid, then the geek factor should be turned up to an 11. Best Line? I would say 'You feel that? That wind tickling your balls? That's Freedom, That's America'

jp
Manatees!

End of the Race

I should go on travel more often. How else am I going to top this many blog postings in a single week? I'm getting ready to pack up the suitcase as I head back to the Big O! on Friday. Thought I would update you on my epic struggle versus the Race for the Galaxy Solo Robot. The end tally is as follows:
Robot: 16 wins, 6 losses
jp: 6 wins, 16 losses

Yes, yes, I was smashed by a random card flipping robot. Often badly. Here are some tidbits that might only interest me:

• The player that had the "Old Earth" home world lost every time. Robot lost twice and I lost three times.
• The most played home world was "Doomed World" with one player having it for eight games. Robot was 3-2 and I was 1-2 with the "Doomed World".
• Biggest disparity was with the use of "Ancient Race". The Robot won both his games while I lost the two that I played with the home world. It also had the largest disparity of points per game with the Robot having 48 per game while I had my lowest average of 24.5.
  
• Full stats can be found here. I think I'll try to keep tracking the games I play to see if I get better, which I think I am, and if the numbers start to average.

It will be good to get home, but the weekend is shaping up to be very busy. Playing WM/HD in the early afternoon and hopefully War of the Rings with Heath on Saturday in the late afternoon. What I am really looking forward to game wise is the following Saturday and being able to run the D&D game. We are very close to finishing the Thunderspire and I need to decide if we are going to continue the series or if I start my own adventure path... Decisions, decisions.

jp
Leaving on a jet plane

Roles and the Ki Power Source

With the conversation with Rob started up, I got to thinking on how they would cover the four basic classes for a Ki power source. What I hope doesn't happen is that PHB 3 becomes 'Oriental Adventures' for 4e. I liked OA when it was released for 1e, but I just don't see it fitting into the current setting. Wizards would have to make an alternate setting, which would 'spoil' the classes for the classic setting. I feel that they can reach into other cultures past Japan and China to acquire more Ki power classes that would make the book diverse enough, but still fit within the context of the points of light setting. It may be a reach at times, namely because the concept of Ki is a pretty heavy Chinese/Japanese concept, but if the book also includes another new power source (elemental?) maybe it will help dilute the issue too.

Below are some of my thoughts, feel free to chime in with yours.

Monk - This is a no brainer. The question for me, is will it be a Striker or a Defender? I think it would make a real interesting change to make it a Defender and let another class take on the Striker roll, but I'll most likely be wrong. Plus the concept of 'monk' can be taken from Japan to China, to India, to middle ages. In fact it would be quite fun to run him as an traditinal monk with the circle haircut and brown robes! Of course he would have to have the beer making ritual.

Immortal - This would be the Striker class for me. I think it would be cool to see powers that would stare down the bad guy. Builds would both have bow/ranged abilities but have a strong melee use that could follow Sword (Samurai) or Spear (Persian style).

Dervish or Sufist - I would see this one being a 'combat controler' that would sweep through an enemy line doing lots of little hits (bye-bye minions) and enemy movement for better position. This combined with Ki magic actions could be a cool list.

Mystic - Could be a leader with the healing and buff capabilities from the Ki power source.

So what is missing? Ninja? Yea, I know. But I think you can play the ninja using the current rouge. You get throwing stars, heavy stealth, hand crossbows, any small weapon you like... What more do you need? Heck Eldacar just needs to dress in black Gi and Tabi's and I would have a Halfling Ninja in the party right now.

So those are some quick thoughts... Anyone else have an idea?

jp
Hiya Karate Chop

Update 2

Race for the Galaxy Robot sucks!

'Nuf Said

jp
Sore Loser

TIPR mini update #1

A few quickies to add:

• Chic-fil-A is yummy and officially the busiest restaurant within walking distance of my hotel.
• The Hotel, a Hampton, has yummy snacks of Popcorn, peanuts, brownies, and cookies for free.
• I started reading "Storm Front" book one of The Dresden Files at dinner. It is pretty good so far. I'll update you on it when I get it finished, but it is a story of a private investigator/wizard in Chicago.
  
• I may be getting burnt out on the WM/HD stuff. I've got Metamorphosis with me here and I just can't bring myself to open it up and read the fluff.
• Pandora is nice for giving you background music while wasting time in a hotel room.
• I'm breaking out Race for the Galaxy in moments

jp
update out!

Trip In Progress Report

Greetings from the east coast. Spent the day yesterday in the DC area and had a good meeting. Meeting today was in Maryland as is the conference I am at the rest of the week so I transplanted hotels. I read most of the good parts of the Player's Handbook 2 on the plane on Sunday and thought I would give you my quick thoughts on the product.

Races: Much has been written in better blogs then mine on the new core races for D&D. For my part, I think they are pretty good and diverse adds to the mix. If I had to pick my favorite I would have to say the Half Orc was the one that I enjoyed the most and wouldn't mind playing. He would make an excellent rouge. On the other end of the scale is the Shifters. In fact Shifters are the only other race I just don't get. Maybe it is the art, but they look like Furries. Below is my rank listing, top to bottom, of the new additions.

• Half-Orc -- A great return, and the turn on the fluff was well done too. +2 Dex was a surprise for most, but I see how it fits with this incarnation.
• Deva -- At first, I wasn't real excited about the 'undying' soul thing. Plus they are purple, but I can see the role playing potential as a DM. If I need to add a plot hook, how easy is it to have your Deva suddenly have a flashback to his/her/its past!
• Goliath --Big Bad Bruisers... How long until Mark wants to play a Goliath? :) The wanderlust fluff is very cool.
• Gnome -- What can you say. They are Gnomes. OK
• A
  
• N
  
• D
  
• Shifters -- Bring up the rear. I'm a werewolf, but I'm not. Fine.

The classes are a bigger set with eight new types. I don't think their is one that I really 'love' or 'hate', but here are some general thoughts.

• I'm not a fan of the Druid's "In form of..." power. Your armor/cloths/stuff/ merges into your body? Really? You still get bonuses too? Really? I think the Druid was the weakest of the lot because of that 'easy out' that WotC took. If you read my take on the Shifters, you must be thinking that I hate werewolfs and such, but nothing could be further from the truth, I guess I just hate poorly executed werewolf type things. Don't make a cool think suck is all I am asking... That and to win the lottery!
• Bard has always been a weird class for me. The 4e version continues to stretch the concept, but making it a leader I thought was the best thing. Also integrating magic and art together helped.
• Avengers are going to rock.
• Warden's could be cool to play
• Invoker is an interesting concept as well. The protector of the entire pantheon is a neat idea.

I skimmed the powers, to be honest, I don't have the patience to read every single power... I'll catch them when I need them. The rest of the book has some neat little adds. Magic and feats, mostly for the new races/classes as well as some background creation stuff that was 'so-so'.

What would have been a great add to the classes for me is the Monk. Not sure how, or if, WotC is going to add the Monk type. Will they make him a divine power or will we see a new power source a'la Primal. Can you say 'Ka' anyone? How that would unfold is beyond me.

The rest of my free time on his trip has been me getting my butt handed to me by the damn robot player in the solo version of Race for the Galaxy. Each game takes about 15-20 mins or so. I played a total of 13 games over two nights in the hotel room. The score so far is Robot 9 wins, JP 4 wins. Stupid Robot. What makes it worst if you total the VP's up (yes I am tracking that! Shesh!) it is 503 to 446... Advantage Robot. Like I said. Stupid Robot. The key seems that you have to create the end condition quickly, not allowing the Robot's culture counter to increase and that can be problematic if you just don't have the cards. I did have a cool combo by selling cards, I was getting 10 cards a sell of with all the bonuses, but the ability to sell off a card in the consume phase as well. I had to discard 12 cards to get back to 10 in one turn!

I had a bit of time and I swung by the GW store in a mall here in Maryland. I hadn't been in one in a long time. They were pushing hard for the War of the Ring, and even made the comment that the infantry trays were going like hotcakes and they were having a hard time keeping up.

Anyways, I'll post more on the Me vs. Robot battle for the Galaxy.

jp
Having Chic-fil-A for Dinner!