Thursday 10 May 2012

IndieGoGo Fundraiser


Hello! My name is Joey and I make little videos on youtube about Wargaming. In my first video I talk about the lack of easily available information for beginners and I embark on a vlogging adventure as I try to clumsily decipher the jargon and abbreviations with the help of the internet and begin to figure out my chosen army; Wood Elves.

It’s something I’ve had a lot of fun doing, and have received such positive feedback from the community that I recently came to an epiphany:

I want to make Wargaming my full time job. Well, there it is! I’ve said it now – it’s out there! There are a couple of people out there who already do this, but I want to take the hobby in a totally different direction. I still want to produce a documentary of my experiences with the hobby, developing not only a series about my Wood Elves but also branching out into other armies as well as the grimdark 40k universe. Not only that but there are other gaming companies out there producing fantastic games that don’t see nearly enough converge: Privateer Press’s Warmachine and Hordes and Wyrd Minature’s Malifaux are games which I’ve recently been exploring at my friendly local gaming club and am enjoying greatly. I’d be covering this games and anything else that *YOU*, the views of my channel want to see. That brings me onto my next point. I want to make these YOUR shows. Your input, themes, ideas, models, battles reports – everything.

The wargaming community is the single most friendly, helpful and supportive I’ve ever encountered. People swap models, offer genuine opinions, suggestions and advice; moddlers, collectors, painters and gamers all go out of their way to help each other out. Recently I borrowed about 1600 points of elves to play in a local tournament! – I can’t see that happening over video games somehow! “Hey man! I really want to play Guild Wars 2... can I borrow your gaming rig?”

The independent tournament scene is huge, from the European Team Championships (with its altered rules balanced from input from the best player’s on the scene) to one day tournaments at local gaming clubs there is so much going on within the hobby I feel it’s time to take it all to the next level.

With the complexity of wargaming and the rising stars with the hobby on both the painting and gaming side of it, combined with rising popularity and public awareness I see no reason why Wargaming can’t go the same way as E-sports have in recent years and become an exciting spectator sport. Hell; people watch snooker.  I’ve been a fan of Starcraft for many years and it’s emergence as the leading E-sport is an excellent example of what a devoted and strong community can achieve. While I’m no Day[9] (BY THE WAY SEAN I TOTALLY WOULD!) I want to achieve similar interest and buzz around miniature wargaming and be a part of a team that takes the hobby new places.

So what are my big plans for the future of wargaming? - I want to travel to venues all over, from local clubs to international tournaments and start filming.  , professionally edited together to be entertaining and condensed, visual breakdown of tactics, features and stats on the players, interactive army lists and interviews, all rolled into one great Battle Show.

Right now I’m just someone on youtube producing little videos about what I’m doing. Yes, I’m clearly super interesting and amazing with *great* fashion sense (LULZ) but I really want to act as a hub for all the genuinely amazing talent out there within the hobby, on and off the table. There are people out there that make podcasts, videos, tacticians, expert painters, tournament winners and kids playing in local afterschool clubs.

Whilst my knowledge of the various games, tactics, painting techniques and everything else is still in its infancy, I can envision where I want to take these shows with the help of contacts I’ve made within the community – the real experts on all subjects! I’m certainly not in a position to be analysing high-level play yet, but I know people who are, and who are willing to contribute to the shows – they will be the casters of games while I continue to develop. I still plan to bring my quirky humour and whatnot through interviews and I develop new shows in HD quality with much longer run times.

In summary then, I want to be putting up multiple high quality videos a week, from each of my regular series – perhaps Joey 40,000 as a documentary of my 40k army/ies, other games, interviews, comedy, and battle reports of professional level games like nothing you’ve ever seen before! And all remaining an educational experience.

To do this however, it takes money. And this is where you come in. I’ve toyed with the idea generating money through my channel with sponsorship for my channel and videos before; in fact I’ve even been propositioned by companies to advertise for them. I nearly jumped at the offers a few times, but I’m aware that one of my appeals within the community is my fresh-faced and completely unbiased views on... well everything! (well apart from the conspiracy theorists! – news of a shiny new sponsor would play right into their hands!)  I didn’t want the integrity of what I currently film and will continue to produce in the future, to be compromised by having to follow what some sponsor said – as an independent person I have the freedom to say things like “Good God that finecast model was a complete miscast disaster” to “that model actually is well sculpted and put together like a dream” without the wrath of a vicious overseer.

So crowd funding has been suggested to me by a lot of  you on facebook and forums that crowd funding as an alternative to a single dictating sponsor. Taking a massive leap like this to generate funds conjures up images of Dragon’s Den and desperately trying to win over people who really don’t care and just want to see a return on their money. But with funding and support from the community who want to see you succeed lots of little contributions go a long way. So that’s why I’m making this pledge video; with your help I can raise the funds to realise my dream of making Wargaming commentary my full-time job, without sacrificing my integrity and honesty.

So why do I need money? As a minimum wage waitress I can only “do hobby stuff” in my spare time, not to mention my total lack of equipment, in both the recording and editing departments! With crowdfunding I will be able to cut back my hours working in a chocolate cafe and dedicate more working hours to wargaming, along with being able get some desperately needed equipment. A quick breakdown of where the money will be going is available below...

So what do you, the individual sponsor, get out of your donation? Apart from my eternal love, gratitude and the knowledge that you personally helped me make a life-altering career move and every single thing I produce from the date the campaign ends is a direct result of your generosity? Well there all the unique and awesome perks and rewards listed at the side! Have a little look through them right now. Pause the video. Go on, go read them! Still not pausing it? I’ll tell you what, I’ll pause it for you.

Pretty sweet rewards eh? As an added bonus all participants will get their name immortalised on a thank you page on the new site; with the size of the text being proportional to amount given. Your donation doesn’t have to be one of the set reward bands either; it can be any amount you can manage, all of which are appreciated. If you wanted to make a donation but wanted an alternative or specific reward feel free to contact me with your suggestions and I’d be more than willing to discuss it with you.
Even if you can’t make a donation you can really help out a lot by forwarding the campaign on Facebook and Twitter and any forums you may be a part of to get the ball rolling.

It’s something I’m clearly passionate about and really want to make happen so I’m putting myself “out there” with my fate in your hands! Thanks for watching right to the end here; this really means a lot to me. With your support I believe I can develop something truly amazing!

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Drycha Forest Spirit Army 2400

So yeah I know the special characters are frowned upon etc and some places don't allow them, but I was thinking about an all forest spirit army for just a bit of a laugh. Sadly at 355 points, Drycha can't be fielded with even a level 3 singer (as 215 for her, plus 20 for the glamourweave + 18 for the mount puts lords at 608... making 2500 points the smallest game you can pair her up with a spellweaver... and given that she's a level 2 athel loren herself, it didn't seem worth it to use a level 2 or 1. I hope future releases allow your level 1 and 2 casters to use something other than athel loren! 


(Savage beasts of horrors on Drycha, who is on one wound, gives you 10 strength 8 attacks... with rerolls! - serious synergy there with a beastweaver!)


So anyway, after deciding against a spellweaver and in fact for simplicity not including any lord or noble or even wild riders, I've got a REALLY unsubtle ALL tree army. Take a look and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.


Lords


Drycha


Heroes


Branchwraith 
-cluster of radians.


Core


10 Dryads 


10 Dryads 


10 Dryads 


10 Dryads 


10 Dryads 


Special


6 Treekin 390


6 Treekin 390


Rare 


Treeman


Treeman


2395 points. Sadly there isn't any upgrades or items (spites) to get those last few points.


With drycha and the branchwraith I've got 3 extra dispel dice... that should cover her only being a level 2.


With her reinforcements rule, I can make 10 dryads and 6 treekin appear in woods, possibly more (i think its a 4+ for them to appear, and I have lots of units so can try the next one if they fail) 


She also comes with unlimited moonstone - so her and the unit she's in can teleport from woods to woods.


As for having whole army with a 5+ ward save... it sounds tasty... but its completely ignored by a daemon army or other magical attacks.


As I've said its not subtle, and sacrifices magic for raw brute force... which if it doesn't work you're just not using enough!

Saturday 14 April 2012

The Joey behind the Warhammer




So I started my Warhammer journey in January with an out of focus video talking about how I wanted to venture into the hobby having no prior experience with either miniatures or tabletop wargaming.
At first the feed back was slow but mostly positive and I was filled with hope that my painting wasn't akin to that of a 3 year old.
I kept building with a hint of irritation and painting enthusiastically until I had finished by battalion box. I kept making videos that got slightly better as I figured out how to use the editing software and an army was made!



I've had mixed reviews as far as my presence to the Warhammer scene is concerned. Some are genuinely pleased that I'm enthusiastic to it all and maybe have nostalgic feelings about it. Others seem whole heartedly fixed on this idea of viral marketing, or university projects or journalism. At first I laughed off, then became seriously confused as to what the hell I was trying to sell people or convince people of?

 I'm not trying to sell the latest products, I'll even go as far to say that Morgan Treeman feels plain wrong being in finecast and when I felt a metal version I preferred it.  The paints have only confused me and I'm not interested in new armies.
I also don't care about dispelling (pun intended) some stereotype either. I'm into it simply because I want to be.
When I made the very first video I left it for days after I'd made it before getting the courage to upload it and left the room before I changed my mind. I knew that it would go either way. I'd either get laughed at or welcomed with open arms. It was both- but I'll take the good with the bad!

I feel like a have a facebook and twitter family that make fun of me and support me in equal measure and I've made friends with one of the coolest women I've ever met also known as thedicebaglady http://www.facebook.com/TheDiceBagLady who has jumped to defensive when sexist comments or insults were aimed at me. She packs a verbal punch!!

So that's me so far. 4 months into Warhammer and it's already been a bit of a crazy adventure. I can't imagine what it'll be like a year from now. I'll keep you posted though. 

Easter 2012 2400 Point Tournament Army list


The Joeyberry Wood Elves Army List 08/04/2012


LORDS 593

Morgan Treeman @ 350 Pts
                -Treeman Ancient
                -Annoyance Of Netlings
                -General

Highborn @243
                -Alter Kindred
                -Bow of Loren
                -Arcane Bodkins
                -Light armor
               
HEROES 290

Amber Sunwave @ 150 Pts
                -Spellweaver, Level 2
                -Lore of Athel Loren
                -Dispel Scroll


Alfred Noble @ 140
                -Wood Elf Noble
                -Battle Standard Bearer                     
                -Asyendi's Bane
                -Hail of Doom Arrow

CORE 622

16 Glade Guard @ 214 Pts
                -Standard Bearer
                -Banner of Eternal Flame
                -Contains Amber Sunwave
                -Contains Alfred Noble
10 Glade Guard @ 120 Pts
8 Dryads @ 96 Pts
8 Dryads @ 96 Pts
8 Dryads @ 96 Pts

SPECIAL 390

6 Treekin @ 390 Pts

RARE 505

Treeman@ 285 Pts
Great Eagle @ 50 Pts
Great Eagle @ 50 Pts
5 Waywatchers @ 120 Pts

TOTAL 2400

First Battle Report! Wood Elves vs Tomb Kings





Joey’s Battle Report: Wood Elves vs Tomb Kings



So this is my first ever battle against another player (rather than GW staff holding my hand through it) and I've been part of the hobby for about a month so my knowledge is not great and mistakes have been made :)



I walked into Games Workshop case in hand and nervous at the realisation that I wouldn’t be playing a staff member who would basically tell me what to do and how many dice to roll, but a real person with more experience than me and the desire to win as much as I did. My opponent was very nice to me and helped me set up and though we were both beginners I was clearly still new to even the earliest preparations required. I shakily took out my dryads and noticed Treevous -My Poor Treevous- hadn’t survived with limbs intact through the journey and I made a feeble attempt to make him whole again. He ended up Threevous. My treekin looked menacing and agitated and I made a point to place them as far forward as possible. “Take that TK chariots- I plan to mess you up” I said... to myself. I also asked for a wood and I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw one was already on the table. I exchanged a quick grateful glance with the manager thanking him for the comfort blanket that was my forest.

With all my units set up in the best way I could manage. We rolled. I won. My turn first.  (I forgot/didn’t write down what I rolled just what happened)


--==THE DEPLOYED ARMIES==--


First turn- Wood Elves
Movement- Dryads moved to the forest. Treekin to the front as my offensive. Glade guard to the left scouts the my other woods in the centre.

Magic- Level 1 Spellsinger casts tree singing; successfully move trees 2 inches forward!

Shooting phase- Took out four skeleton archers with my glade guard that were directly opposite. No wounds from my skirmish guard in the woods to the chariots- toughness was too high.... worth a shot...See what I did there?


Tomb King Turn 1
Movement- His Chariots charged my cavalry. I roll to flee and run 8 inches back to avoid that nasty impact damage... Score!

Magic- His liche tried to cast Ptra’s Incantation of Ricthous Smiting, which not only would give his archers 2x attacks, but regenerate dead solders! He had 7 power dice and I got 6 dispel dice. Since he only had a 1 level 1 wizard, I threw everything I had: double six - DISPELL!!

Shooting- One of my glade guard died- this made me sad/angry and momentary visions of melting my opponents miniatures flashed before my eyes before I regained self control. I did not melt his figures.
A failed charge from his chariots meant they could not shoot.


--== THE BOARD AT END OF TURN ONE ==--


Wood Elves- Turn 2
Movement- Charged treekin into chariots. It was glorious. I failed to rally my glade riders and they fled 12 inches and I lost all respect for them.
I moved glade guard 5inches to get into short range for my strength attack bonus. Boo yah.

Magic- moved the trees 3 inches forward providing more cover. My branchwraith’s (THREEVOUS!) attempt was dispelled. Rage images occurred- I in turn dispelled them.

Shooting- Killed 3 more skeletons with my glade guard.

Combat-  Treekin vs Charots. I got to roll 10 attack dice. as Mossen Chops is an Treekin elder. With this I destroyed one chariot.
Retaliation- 9 attacks failed. Horses Failed- Chariots suck.
TREEKIN STOMP! Oh  :bleep:! Stomp is amazing! I obliterated another chariot which caused the remaining dusty git to crumble due to losing the combat! A thank you!  - I have since learnt that stomp wasn't allowed here... I was miffed.


--== MOMENTS BEFORE THE CHARIOTS WERE DESTROYED BY MY STOMPIN' GOOD TREEKIN ==--


Tomb Kings Turn 2
Apophas- the sneaky sod rose up behind me to rear end my glade guard.
The massive heavy duty skeleton tomb guard moved to my treekin.

Magic- He resurrected 2 skeletons.

Shooting- I lost two glade guard :(

Combat- Viney face Treekin died. In retaliation I killed 2 of his unit and I suffered no further wounds due to ward save.

So this is where it starts to fall apart....


--== SNEAKY APOPHAS APPEARED FROM BENEATH THE SANDS! ==--


Wood Elves Turn 3
I manage to rally my glade guard.
No movement required.
Magic (THIS IS WHERE I SHOULD HAVE USED HAIL OF DOOM ARROW! WHY DID I NOT?! WHY!?!) No... I use tree singing.

Shooting. Kill five Skeleton archers.

Combat. Only 1 killed Tomb Guard with my remaining two Treekin- My elder died and my other one ran. Treekin Gone.


--== HAHA HE HAS MORE DICE THAN ARCHERS NOW! ==--


Tomb King Turn 3
Shooting- Killed one of my skirmish glade guard in the woods.
Apophas’ breath attack killed 5 and ruined me. This made me flee and he cased me down and killed me! The scoundrel! My deep hatred of Apophas begins here. At least I took 3 of his 4 wounds off him!


--== SECONDS LATER THE WHOLE UNIT WAS ENGULFED IN SWARMING SCARABS AND DIED ==--

Wood Elves Turn 4
Movement- My dryads drag their asses from the woods and meet the tomb guard for combat.
Magic- Treesinging Dispelled.
Combat- 4 wounds curtsey of my dryads they take a heavy beating and flee 6 inches. Treevous/threevous in fairness wasn’t on top form that day. I forgive them.

As it stands. I have left;

50% Of my dryads left.
All 5 Glade riders
And 4 skirmish Glade guard.... It’s not looking good.

Tomb king remaining- Massive regenerating tomb guard of 23 including 2 characters. THIS IS WHERE I NEEDED HAIL OF DOOM ARROW YOU FOOL.  :facepalm:
Apophas
6 skeleton archers.

Tomb kings Turn 4
He flew (oh god he can FLY!) Apophas into a gap between my two units.
I dispelled his regeneration attempt.
Shooting- 1 scout gone from  arrow fire. They took a leadership test and aced it. Good boys.


--== APOPHAS SETS THE TRAP ==--


Wood Elves Turn 5
I moved my glade riders in a circle around the tomb guard with the idea of shooting them and running away if they shot me. Sadly this moved them pretty close to the ticking time bomb that was his secret weapon. The biggest mistake of the match here is killing Apophas... because he :bleep: exploded into a cloud of scarabs killing 3 of my glade riders, which ran away in fear and 1 scout, leaving just two who continue to stick it out by passing the leadership test.


--== AND THIS WAS THE SCENE AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE ==--


About here it’s been 4 and a half hours and I have no spellsinger- no treekin- 5 dryads running for their lives and 2 badass scouts left standing proud for me.
So I call the game- I need food. There’s no coming back from this. He beat me. So I shake his hand, give my remaining guys a slight nod of pride and telepathic “it’s ok you tried” speech  and pack them away.

So here it is. My many mistakes and achievements and waiting it out too long and missing opportunities but I bloody enjoyed it and the victor bought me lunch. Well played sir... well played.