Assembling An Army

My first step in learning how to play 40k was, naturally, finding someone who would teach me. I posted on the forum for the nearby game store, and a couple of guys volunteered to run a small game with me in order to teach me the ropes. I went down there yesterday afternoon for that, and got to play Orks (the army I am looking to build) against Space Marines, roughly 300 points. We only did infantry, no vehicles, so that I could get the basic rules down. My opponent, the guy working, and another guy there just to play anyone else who came in were nice enough to patiently explain the rules to me and walk me through each of my turns while explaining what my opponent was doing during his turns. All in all, a great learning experience.

So the army I am looking to build is Orks. I have always loved their ramshackle equipment and their simple, brute approach to warfare. Given that I know better than to buy direct from Games Workshop, I spent time searching through Ebay and Amazon, and now have amassed an Ork Battleforce, a box of 4 Boyz, a box of Loota/Burnas (which I will probably turn into Lootas), and a metal warboss. I am still waiting for 5 Nobz, 20 Boyz and their warboss, and 3 Deffkoptas. As well as templates and a rulebook. All purchased for a fraction of what I would have paid through Games Workshop, saving myself more than $200.

The one local purchase I did make was for a AoBR Paint Set, in order to get paints I would need anyways, and some Space Marines to practice on. Below is the first result of clipping, priming, and painting. I have never done this before, but I was satisfied with the result.

I have yet to actually come up with a list for my Ork army, though I am purchasing units based on what I think I will do with my army, so that should give some indication. Hopefully the list will be the next thing I post up on here.

Where It All Began

First, a bit of perspective, so bear with me if it goes a bit long. My initial exposure to Games Workshop was to Warhammer Fantasy in 8th grade. One of my good friends, James, was brought into the hobby and wanted me to play with him. He went on about the different armies to pick from and leading them into combat on a field of battle, as an omnipotent general. Needless to say, I was hooked. At that age, I had already spent years reading science fiction and fantasy books, and so it seemed to be a dream come true.

Sadly, my monetary income did not match my ardor for participating in the game. At 12-years-old, I learned just how expensive a hobby miniature gaming can be. If that was not a deterrent enough, I opened my box of orcs only to discover they were unassembled and unpainted, and not at all like the ones on the box. That was about it for me. Into the closet they went, and Warhammer was forgotten.

Fast forward 7 years, and I am just into my sophomore year at college. When browsing through the Barnes & Noble, I came across a fantasy book entitled Gotrek & Felix. The Warhammer caught my interest, and I discovered the whole Black Library section. That moment led to a few purchased books that would eventually lead to having a collection of all of their novels, art books, background books, etc. If it was fluff, I had it.

I never ventured into miniatures over the past few years, as I did not think I would be able to paint well, or assemble well, or a number of other excuses. Now, thanks to am understanding fiancé, I am giving it a go. She has not only listened to me go on about the books, but always asks questions and has sincerely expressed an interest in the material. It made me realize that if you love something this much, why not submerse yourself in all of it? So this blog will be about my miniatures mostly, as well as other related material as it occurs to me.