Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Work, Sicarius, and a Few Random 5E Thoughts

So lately, work has been kicking my butt.

In my line of work, sometimes you have quite a bit a free time, and sometimes you really don't. I've been going through a "don't" period over the last couple of weeks, and as a result, I haven't even so much as picked up a paintbrush. This...is not good. Well, it's not good in the sense that I'm not getting any painting done, but it is good in the sense that come the next paycheck, I should have a little more spare cash to spend on models (wait, didn't I recently say that I wasn't going to buy any new models until after I had painted up the ones I already had?...yes, I did...what I meant to say is that I'll have more money to save for when the new SM codex releases so I'll be able to plunk down the cash for the new Sternguard Vets. And a Redeemer. Oh, and a Thunderfire Cannon. And some drop pods. Yeah, that's what I meant to say...).

In other news, I picked up a Captain Sicarius model -- the limited edition Medusa V release one, with the twin lightning claws -- from a local guy and now he sits there, staring at me accusingly, taunting me to paint him. I know I won't be able to resist that siren's call for very long. Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll actually have a decent camera within the next couple of weeks, and if so, I'll be taking some photos so this blog won't be so image-bare.

Having played a few 5E games now, I can honestly say I really, really love the new edition. True LOS rocks -- I never did like the "area terrain blocks LOS" rule. Luckily, my FLGS had a terrain-making party recently and there's now lots of LOS-blocking goodness to be had. It really does add another dimension to the game (if you'll pardon the unintended pun).

Running is probably my favorite "new addition", though, as it gives the occasional tac squad something to do when they're out of bolter/melta range. Just remember that the other side gets it, too (and if you don't, you deserve what happens to you when, oh, say, that gaggle of Khorne Berzerkers makes it to your dev squad...).

My next favorite thing is the change that states that ICs with a retinue count as an "upgrade character" until the retinue is dead. This means no more getting your commander/chaplain/librarian running with a command squad singled out in CC, which is, IMHO, a good thing. Well, at least until the new codex comes out. Hopefully, SMs won't lose the ability to take a command squad...but we'll see, right?

Lastly, I'm happy to report that 5E works seamlessly in Apocalypse games. In fact, it seems to make Apoc games run smoother in general.

Anyone got any 5E thoughts they'd like to share?

4 comments:

  1. While I haven't actually played a game with the new rules, they do seem more streamlined.

    Like I've mentioned before, I hope the new LOS rules are everything they seem to be and make the game more enjoyable.

    With the new tactics of Run and Go to Ground, I'll see how my Deathwing fare after a few games.

    That and the new Deep Strike rules too.

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  2. I know what you mean with work. Sometimes it's feast or famine. But, at least you'll have some extra cash (future) purchases. I've done pretty good with not buying more minis. But when the new marine stuff comes out, the Eldar better be finished...

    I too have not played 5th yet. But it looks pretty slick so far.

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  3. Hmm...Moving house in four days...packing the van in three...still teaching for another two...Year 7 reports due in in one day...

    Hmm...

    Wonder if I can play a couple of platoons blue-on-blue with 5th Edition rules tonight after Kate's gone to bed...?

    - Drax

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  4. @ronsaikowski: Running is awesome. I've been in several discussions with some of the more experienced players around here and they all agree that the movement phase is the most important one, and having the run option just makes it better. I'm inclined to agree. I haven't used Go to Ground yet (or cover saves all that much, honestly) simply because that nice marine 3+ armor save makes a 4+ cover save...unnecessary, and Going to Ground even more so. I can see a time when it would be useful, though, and I hope I remember I have that option if the need arises. :)

    @seemyinnergeek: Long hard hours at work certainly beat the alternative. :) Oh, and 5E is definitely slick. Get out and play it!

    @admiral drax: Sounds like you have plenty to do already! Just make certain she's SOUND asleep before you commence your clandestine gaming! :)

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