Book Review 92 // Black Legion (Black Legion Book 2)

A few months ago I read The Talon of Horus and was definitely impressed by the birth story of the Black Legion. What this meant is that I had high hopes for the second book in the series and was excited to see how the story will progress. A big highlight of the first book is that it is told by a Thousand Sons Sorcerer called Khayon and I hope the story continues on this path. So without further ado let us dive in.

Book Details

Title: Black Legion (Black Legion #2)

Author: Aaron Dembski-Bowden

Publisher: Black Library

Type: E-book

Page Count: 288

Commercial Fluff: Ezekyle Abaddon and his warlords strive to bind the newborn Black Legion together under threat of destruction. Now Khayon, as Abaddon's most-trusted assassin, is tasked with ending the threat of Thagus Daravek, the self-proclaimed Lord of Hosts - a rival to the Ezekyle's final fate.

Fighting the vile whispers of the Dark Gods within his mind, Abaddon turns a fevered gaze back to the Imperium, where his destiny awaits. Yet the Emperor's Champion and his Black Templars stand guard at the gates of Hell, and Sigismund has waited centuries to face Abaddon in battle

Review

As mentioned in the opening paragraph this is the follow up to The Talon Horus, and it has a big task ahead of it to best the first book, but somehow it does. The book is packed with full-on action and for any fan of fluff and background then this is a book for you, especially if you are a Black Legion collector. It once again follows Khayon's story who has now become Abaddon's Assassin and is being tasked with the downfall of Daravek Lord of Hosts. We get to journey along with his trials as Khayon attempts to complete his mission but it would seem Daravek is blessed by the Dark Gods and is, in fact, playing his own games as well. I don't want to give anything away but when the twist comes I did not expect it at all it was a great part of the book when it happens.

Another highlight was when the Black Legion burst into realspace for the first time only to be greeted by the newly formed Black Templars led by Sigismund. This fleet has been stationed here for centuries awaiting the return of the traitorous forces. We get a great ship battle and the ultimate showdown of Abaddon vs. Sigismund on the Eternal Crusader and this was a great moment for the lore buff inside me.

Ultimately I have to say this is a great improvement on book one. Characters are naturally progressing and flawed, the battle scenes are brutal but not bolter porn and travelling around the Eye of Terror has never been so much fun. My final question is; when is book three?

As always say hi in the comments section and let me know your thoughts on this book.

Audio Review 15 // Incursion - Book 1 - The Rage War

It's been a while since I have done an audio review and it only felt right for it to be apart of the Alienverse. Here come the Rage Wars an Audible book exclusive, involving all the major players - Xenomorph, Predators and Colonial Marines. But it doesn't stop there we also get the Rage but more on that soon.

Details

Title: Predator: Incursion: The Rage War, Book 1

Written by: Tim Lebbon

Narrated by: John Chancer

Run time: 11 hours 31 minutes

Commercial Description: Predator ships stream into human space in unprecedented numbers. The Colonial Marines, controlled by Weyland-Yutani, respond to the incursion, thus entering the Rage War.

This terrifying assault by the Yautja cannot go unchallenged, yet the cost of combat is high. Predators are master combatants, and each encounter yields a high body count. Then when Lt. Johnny Mains and his marines—the VoidLarks—enter the fray, they discover an enemy deadlier than any could imagine.

Book one in an epic trilogy that continues in ALIEN: INVASION and concludes in ALIENS VS. PREDATOR: ARMAGEDDON. The universe will forever be changed.

Review

Went into this book blind, not even sure what I was to expect, but I trusted Tim Lebbon's writing having experienced a few books by him already (Out of the Shadows springing to mind). The cover hints at a Predator heavy tale as the description, this is an area I have yet to explore but it is definitely on my to-do list.

Straight away I am surprised by how far into the future of the setting we are flung. I feel this was done to avoid any canon contradictions as everything is now folklore, legend or well-known facts. This also allows Lebbon to give the colonial marines some real upgrades as far as technology goes, allowing them to stand toe to toe with Predators and Xenomorphs and actually kill the odd one before getting their arses handed to them.

The story suffers like many opening novels as it tries to get as much detail as possible to make books two and three flow better. The characters are very archetypical for their roles and are easily forgettable, sometimes blending into each others characters as the story continues. What this book does do well, is the action scenes, these are tense, bloody and exciting just what you want in this type of book. The Predators though not hugely active in the book come across as aloof, mysterious and almost fearful of what they have experienced in the outer rim which is great as I don't want their point of view, I want them fighting and killing. The Rage aka the Founders aka the villains is a creepy splinter group of humans, who travelled into the darkness of space and discovered a world of high technology that housed the Faze (what on earth are the Faze? Are they worm-like creatures?) but they also found more Xenomorphs. In the time that follows the Faze and the Founders start combining technology building a force of androids that can control the Xenomorphs and raise an army to conquer the rim worlds. The Founders are now completely changed they have technology that keeps them alive in tanks of liquid that move around on spider-like robotic legs and how devolved have the non-founder humans become (limited gene pool)?

Overall a great start to the series and it has got me wanting to listen to the rest. Have you listened to/read this story? Let me know in the comments.

Beer Review 102 // OFYMD by Evil Twin

You know when you start down a path and you think to yourself: "I will just visit a few of my old notes and get them out into the world" - Well that's how these last few posts started out, but now I have the urge to get them all out. So expect a few deep dives into my drinking past as I try to get all these notes out into the light.

This week's beer is OFYMD by Evil Twin, a really intriguing beer for sure. Let us get into the details.

Details

Name: OFYMD

Style: Imperial Stout

Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing

Country: USA, New York.

ABV: 12.8 %

Commercial Fluff: Evil Twin are one inventive craft brewery, and OFYMD is living proof! Brewed with fresh pineapple and coconut, this silky pina colada inspired Imperial Stout is full of black malt balanced by bittersweet Bounty bar chocolate and tropical pineapple notes.

The silky black body and smooth carbonation offer a perfect umami backdrop for the classic cocktail styling to finish on a deliciously soft toasted coconut and fruity pineapple note.

Own Opinion

An Imperial Stout with one of the higher % values I have drunk, with pineapple and coconut in it. What on earth Evil Twin, this is possibly the craziest idea I've ever encountered. The pour is black, pitch black, the head though initially, a lot, dissipates rapidly, leaving just a thin mocha head. The aroma is kind of what you would expect: Burnt Malts, vanilla, coconut and then a hint of pineapple juice. Now the fun part of the beer drinking. On the first sip, you get savoury, sweet taste which is confusing but nice. It has a fruity taste throughout the middle from the pineapple and as far as a boozy stout goes it is very smooth. I found the coconut either missing in taste or just hidden behind everything else.

I have to say I'm not sure I would commit to buying it again. Though enjoyable it was a bit of a one-hit-wonder and at 12.8% I was nursing this beer for a long while. Worth a try if you find it but don't overstock it.

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for stopping by.

Comic Review 95 // Judge Dredd - Lawman of the Future Issue 16

Do we have a horror-themed issue set before us? The cover is dominated by the chin of Judge Dredd (looking very Slystone), with a vampire lunging in over his shoulder to take a bite. There is something about this cover that I really like, it's neither well-drawn nor detailed but it just screams Judge Dredd to me. What are your thoughts?

Like every issue before this comic, we have three stories inside. The all-new one is Thirst - the cover artwork and a vampire heavy tale, we also have Cybernetic Jungle - Part Two - Sharpnel is fast becoming a favourite character for me so I hope they don't kill him! Then we have something a bit rarer a part three, Dragon's Lair is shaping up to be one of the greatest stories in the magazine collection. Let get in and get going.

Story - Thirst

A beautiful entry panel showing the chaotic nature of Mega-City One's Spaceport. A skimmer from Euro-City Two is on autopilot and fails to initiates landing procedures resulting in a dramatic crash. Following an investigation, the med Judges realize that pilots were dead before the crash, but what drained them of all their blood? Soon it becomes obvious that a vampire is loose in Mega-City and Judge Dredd is on its tail, can Dredd stop Midnight in time and how do you stop a vampire?

Great story and I love a good Zoom train chase.

Then we get a weird double-sided poster one side is Mean-Machine from the front and then from his back. It's great to see all the characters real details, but who find the back image of any real interest (well enough to hang it lol).

Story - Cybernetic Jungle (Part Two)

Judge Dredd has tracked down Cyber and following a fistfight, Judge Dredd bests him in combat. Cyber and the robots soon give Judge Dredd reason to believe that the current head of Darwin Corporation - Sharpnel - murdered Cyber's parents and is now attempting to finish the job, in a selfish attempt to remain in power of the massive corporation. With the tide turning it is now that Darwin Corp. Stalker Droids attack hoping to kill both Cyber and Judge Dredd! 

Once again we have a rare three-part story! What is going on with this magazine - we are suddenly getting epic stories. The drilling machine looks like it was pulled straight out of the Labyrinth and designed by Jim Henson. Love it!

Story - Dragon's Lair (Part Three)

We are back into the good stuff. Judge Dredd is getting his arse handed to him and it looks like Judge Dredd is beaten. That is until Judge Hershey comes blasting through the wall and distracts the monster tattooed assassin. Outnumbered by the prison riot escapees, Judges Dredd and Hershey head to the roof to regroup and here the Dragon strikes once more. Letting loose his tattoos Dragon once again gets the best of Judge Dredd and only with Judge Hershey's aid and a concussion grenade is Judge Dredd able to best the Dragon. After seeing Dragon fall the rioters surrender and walk back to their cells - classic ending to a Judge Dredd case.

Such a great issue. Enjoyed every story and I'm sad to not have the Dragon in the next issue. Let me know your thoughts and drop me a comment below.

Miniature Monday // Oriosamure - Stars Death - Wraithknight

Welcome to a long-overdue Aeldari post! It's been an age since I last posted Aeldari models. Something I hope to improve on in the upcoming weeks. This last week I have been left in a home alone scenario, so I figured I might as well try and finish up some models. The first and easiest model to finish up is this wraithknight, left to collect dust due to high points the base had been sorely lacking a finishing coat of paint. As I attempted to do just that I decided it would be easier just to chop it off the base, get it all painted and reattach.

Like a lot of my models, it is purely tabletop ready only ie. looks good from three feet away. The base is simple but effective and sits well with the rest of the army. So here is my first Super Heavy completely finished:

Oriosamure - Stars Death

Twins are such a rare breed on Iyanden and even rarer in the current age, so when the House of Ulthanash was blessed with Isentara and Madera there was much celebration. The twin sisters were inseparable throughout childhood and it was known to the House Elders that the twins were destined to pilot a Wraithsuit sooner or later. Unfortunately, it was sooner and Isentara died during the Battle of Iyanden in 999.M41 fighting a Nurgle Plaguemarine. Fearing a slowing fading death in mourning Madera volunteered to be inturned into a Wraithknight suit as the Elders had seen so long ago, and with this Oriosamure was born. The Knight soon gained a reputation for risk-taking, fighting on when others would have fled. This has led to the still-living sister being chastised for recklessness but none can deny their kill count with the relic Suncannon.

Traditionally armed with the aforementioned Suncannon, alongside the Scatter shield and Scatter Lasers. The Oriosamure is a true infantry killer and rightly feared when they ride to war. Always the last to leave a battle, House Ulthanash fear they may one day push their fate too far. But for now, the Craftworld rejoices at the slight of twins aboard in the wider conflicts.

As always let me know your thoughts in the comments and please take a moment to either like or subscribe to this blog. Cheers!

Aeldari - Words // O

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

O

"What do Humans know of our pain? We have sung songs of lament since before your ancestors crawled on their bellies from the sea." - Eldard Ulthran

Ofell/Offig: Striding

Offigascarath: War Walker but literally means 'striding warrior.'
Oiche: Come/Arrive
Olithos: Axe
Orion: Constellations
Oriosa: Stars
Orioss: Voidness
Orkan: Green
Orkead: Orks
Orthos: Mythical
Orthrun: Term given to the 6th day of the week. Note there are only 6 days in the Eldar week.
Ortos: Fictional
Ortos, Orthos, Orthar: Story
otBuanna: Dark Reapers
otEsdainn: Shadow Seer
Otesh: Grey

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Aeldari - Words // N

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

N

"The gaze of Alaitoc sees all, there will be no escape for you" - Eldorath Starbane

na: and

Nan: Insect

Nanar: Spider

Naran: Crustation

Neosfai: May become

Neosfail: Could be

Neosfi: May have been

Nightvine: Liqueur of potent brew, purplish colour.

Notak: Weightless

Novar: Wing

Novas: Hawk

Novi: Floating

Novine: Bird

Novis, Novi, Notak: Flying

-oa: Unspecified number greater than 1

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Book Review 91 // Aliens

Looks like I have been sucked back into the world of the Xenomorphs and Ripley. I find it nice to jump between the realms of 40k, Judge Dredd and Aliens. Three styles of the future, three completely different views. I find Aliens to be a universe of danger and fear of the dark, mankind is not alone in the dark corners of space, but it is not the aliens you should fear - corporations and humans are the true dangers...

With that thought now in our minds we head into my next read Aliens.

Book Details

Title: Aliens

Author: Alan Dean Foster

Publisher: Warner Books

Type: Mass Paperback

Page Count: 247

Commercial Fluff: Having survived one encounter with an alien, Ripley is persuaded to return to the planet where her crew found the alien ship. A colony has been established there, but suddenly all contact with the settlers has been lost. Accompanied by marines, Ripley is going to find out why.

Review

Just like Alien, this is a novelization of a movie most people have seen. I couldn't help but imagine the actors as I read the story attempting to recreate the film in my mind.

This is a great representation of a well-written movie novel, the descriptive texts transported me straight back to the film and I was watching it all over again. It does have one flaw, in my opinion, the final standoff with the Queen seemed to lack the tense nature of the film and seemed rushed (maybe the author was running out on the page count).

Ultimately no surprises to this book, this is a great fan read but watch the movie first, you really won't regret it. Alan Dean Foster has a great way of sucking me into the tale and making me a part of the experience once more and I find that is the best compliment I can give the author. And I give it freely.

Have you read this novel? What're your thoughts, let me know in the comments below or on Instagram and once again thank you for joining me!

Aeldari - Words // M

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

M

"There is no corner of the galaxy that has not felt the eagle-keen gaze of Alaitoc." - Elarique Swiftblade, Autarch of Alaitoc

Maelithii: Banshee Spirits

MairNovis: Jetbikes

MairNovis: Speedy

Man/Marg/Mor/Mure: Death

Marathag: Literally means 'face of death,' and is the name given the Harlequin rictus mask.

Margorach: The Eldar word for 'death hands,' but also means Death Jester.

Marsgrech: 'Screaming Death' or the common name for this Eldar word is bio-explosive shuriken.

Maugetar: The weapon wielded by Maugan Ra, which takes the form of a shuriken cannon with the attached executioner, and the literal meaning for the Eldar word is 'Harvester.'

Mean: Striking

MeanTokath: Striking Scorpions

Mear: Swift

Mear-feothan: Scout Walker

Mear-Feothan: Storm/Typhoon

MearNovas: Swooping Hawks

Men: Hand

Menlia: Finger

Menliadeng: Fingernail

Menshad Korum: Exarch, but has the exact meaning of 'hunter in pursuit of himself,' and reflects upon their goal for personal perfection.

Meokan: Striking, with purpose

Metos: Being an objective

Mile'ionahd: Warrior of Wonder/Warrior of Surprise

Min: The weak link in the chain that bound Vaul to his anvil

Minnan: Clean

Mirianathir: Mother of the Desert wind

Mironin: Preserved

Mirrotuis: Maintained

Mon-Keigh: Relates to any non-Eldar species that they see as needing elimination, such as humans, but humans are the common translation for this Eldar term.

Morenn: Destruction

Muan: Foot

Muanlia: Toe

Muraddin: Sand

Murehk/Murekh: Literally means the 'sting of the wasp,' but is the name given to the Eldar shuriken pistol.

Murekhalir: The Eldar word for 'Deathbringer, also another term for Slaanesh

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Beer Review 101 // F is for Fruit Salad by Evil Twin

Damn this summer heat is killer, with phase three happening in Ontario as I type this I am left dreaming of bygone beers and trips postponed for now. One trip that had been planned was a tripped down to Brooklyn New York. To visit the all-new Evil Twin Brewery and taproom. Fingers crossed we can do it in 2021. So with feels of bygone days I am continuing the write-ups of old notes:

Details

Name: F is for Fruit Salad

Style: Sour - Gose

Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing

Country: USA, New York.

ABV: 4.5%

Commercial Fluff: Gose-style Ale brewed with Salt and Blueberry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Peach and Blood Orange added"; "Let's face it - we all like to put labels on things. It just makes us feel more comfortable. What assumptions have people made about you based on your race, religion, gender, the way you dress, or even the beer you drink? We did in fact label this beer for your convenience. It has a fresh tartness, a twist of salt and a balanced fruitiness - apparently a complete reflection of your personality. We hope you like what this label says about you?"

Own Opinion

Conveniently the list of fruits makes up a rather excellent fruit salad! The pour is a rather hazy orange amber colour that I can assume comes from the Blood Orange, but I honestly thought it would look murkier, you would think blueberry and blackberry would mess up the colour somewhat. The head is lively and white but shrinks down quickly to less than a finger amount. After sticking my nose in for a good sniff I am greeted purely by peach, once again being surprised by this beer, I was expecting citrus, orange, not peach, but here we are with peach, smells great backed up by the salt.

Then the all-important sip. The taste is peach all the way, a bit acidic and salty unsurprisingly. As the beer slightly warms up there is a slight presence of blue/blackberry but not much, it's rather on the sweeter end than the sour lip-smacker I was hoping for. Overall a great fruity beer, that drank very easily on a hot summer night.

Thanks for stopping by as always, hit subscribe or follow or head over to Instagram and follow the adventure there.

Comic Review 94 // Judge Dredd Lawman of the Future - Issue 15

Welcome back Dreddheads. We are swiftly moving on from last week's shapeshifting dinosaurs onto explosive robots. I really feel like the last few issues have given up on showcasing great artwork (horrible thing to say I know), but the cover is so lacklustre and dull. Judge Dredd doesn't even look like Dredd, instead, it could just be some Butterbean headed Judge. I really hope the story it represents is drawn better than the cover! Let us dive and see what is happening in this issue 15 of Judge Dredd Lawman of the Future.

As always three tales grace this issue with two new stories: Bomb Man and Cybernetic Jungle. Cybernetic Jungle I am hoping is the new two-parter as it sounds really interesting. And then we also get the second part of the Dragon's Lair and the Illustrated Dragon tale which was a real highlight in the last issue.

Bomb Man

The story starts at AD Tech, the Justice Departments' secret weapons lab. During the nightly clean the janitor discovers something he should have an anti-personal mine with A.I! Soon the bomb has placed itself on the janitor and forces him to commit a crime in the hopes of escaping MC-1. Unfortunately, they pick to rob the diner Judge Dredd eats at.

A bit of a weak tale, very Judge Dredd story arc just a bit weak. Like the fact the A.I states Goodnight Sweet Heart seems forced, why couldn't chat like a normal human instead of some movie gangster? Let's move swiftly on and hope for the best.

As a follow up to this tale we get the criminal record file on Mad Bomb, which seems pointless as his crime spree lasted a single day and resulted in its own destruction. Would have preferred to have seen a different character here.

Cybernetic Jungle (Part One)

Oh, that was a sort part one. The first page is a prequel showing a hover pod crashing into the ground leaving only a young boy alive. Jumping forward to the current timeline we discover a new terrorist is threatening MC-1 by attempting to take control of the cybernetic network located underneath MC-1. Of course, Judge Dredd is sent to investigate and discover the truth and is soon in trouble and under attack! Better than the first story but seems lacking in detail. I get the stories are short but this seemed rushed.

Also quite weirdly for the magazine, we are treated to a second Criminal File:

Dragon's Lair (Part Two)

Following on from Judge Dredd's and Judge Hershey's blunder in part one, Judge Dredd gets requested to assist at the local iso-cube. Upon arriving, Judge Dredd discovers it is a trap set by Dragon and awakes in a fighting pit. It is time for Dragon to have his revenge! Whilst this is happening Judge Hershey finishing up the arrests arrives after Judge Dredd to find the guards acting very suspiciously, what are they hiding?

Great Part two to this tale and what is even more exciting is that there is a part three!! Yep, we have to wait until issue 16 to discover who will win between Judge Dredd and Dragon! Once again the artwork truly makes this tale and the villain Dragon is so badass, with his morphing tattoos I know he will lose but I kinda don't want him too 👀

And with that, we have reached the end. A quick painless issue, it was okay two pretty weak tales but Dragon's Lair saves the issue. I just feel that having one strong story is so disappointing considering the potential of the other tales. But I guess the budgets weren't huge for these comics so you get what you get.

I really need to work out how to design a Dragon style character to use in the Judge Dredd miniature game. Feel he would make for a great one of scenario or use him as the main villain in a campaign. Hmm, time to start designing.

Drop me your thoughts below or better yet sign up by dropping your email in the notification section in the headings. Thanks for stopping by.

Aeldari - Words // L

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

L

"No barrier, no enemy will thwart my purpose. This night I bring him the dream of death!" - Lord-Phoenix Dreamspinner, Ghost-Warrior Iyanden Craftworld 

Lam/Leram/Liam: Language/Speech

Lamarti: Term given to the 1st day of the week. Note there are only 6 days in the Eldar week.

Lambruith: The complex system of hand signals used by the Harlequin Mimes.

LamEldannar: Eldar language

Lan: Bright

Lann: Illuminated

Lannanaris: Dawnlight Raiders - Corsair band.

Lantillifieth: Bright slayer of darkness​​

Larrasurath: Dreadnought and is also translated as Questing Warrior.

Las: Glowing

Lavair: Welcomer.

Leanir: Shoulder

Leathanam: Menial Labours

lia-: Again/Recurrence

Lir: Heart

Liran: Home

Liras: Town

Lirun: Settlement

Losse: Iron

Losseainn: Space Marine

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Aeldari - Words // K

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

K

"Behold, the fiery destroyer of worlds. I walk again, a god among mere mortals." - Avatar of Khaine

Kaela: Bloody.

Kaelis Ra: Destroyer of light - refers to the Necron C'Tan, the Nightbringer.

Kahli: Presaging

Kal: They

Kan: Four

Karan/Karun/Kerun: Hunting

Kel: It

Kerun: Moon

Khaelas Maenaid: Killing Trance.

Khal: Heralding

Khalir: Bringing

Khanel: Neck

Khanish: Head

Kharanir: Bearing

Kharanis: Gifting

Kharant: Giving

Kiam: Fire

kiamenad: Desert

Kian: Flame

kianenad: Wasteland

Kiar: Skill

kienadda: Inhospitable

Kiest: Mastery

Kion: With/and/conjunction

Kionash: Craftworld

Kiram: Inferno

Klaivaulch: Wraithblades

Koem: Standing

Koesh: Towering

Kurane Dullae: Extermination

Koruan: Waiting

Kuras: Worm

Kurom: Dragon

Kuron: Beast

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Book Review 90 // Aliens: Genocide

Welcome readers to another book review. Not sure why it took me this long but I am dipping my toes back into the Bantam Aliens series. The last one I read was the Female Wars title way back in December 2019, well I managed to track down a copy of Genocide and was hooked by the cover art so as soon as I was done with Alien I knew I had to start it. Which means this book jumped ahead of a few other titles I was meant to be reading 😲 But after this there will be a break whilst I track down a copy of Aliens: Alien Harvest - I know I could easily get a collected volume from somewhere like Indigo but I really want them as single titles to make the set fell complete. Hopefully, I can discover one on eBay for cheap.

Book Details

Title: Aliens: Genocide

Author: David Bischoff

Publisher: Bantam Books

Type: Mass Paperback

Page Count: 288

Commercial Fluff: Their queen is dead and the hive mind has been left to flounder on its own. On a world bereft of its only guiding force a schism is taking place: two strains of alien, formerly united by one all-powerful mother, now divide their forces for a world-shattering, acid-drenched war. On Earth, after a generation of rebuilding in the wake of an alien infestation, athletes from every corner of the world are flocking to humanity's Goodwill Games. But some come with a dangerous new tool: a drug called Fire, distilled from the very essence of the aliens' body chemistry. The military wants it, Pharmaceutical kingpin Daniel Grant wants it. And the only place the essential ingredient can be found is on a world convulsed by the alien holocaust.

Review

Well, well the story has progressed, set almost 21 years after Female War we experience a world almost purged of Xenomorph and the beginning of the rebuilding. The Pharmaceutical empires seem to hold sway over the rebuild and a lot of people are using a new drug called Fire. This drug which enhances the average human is actually made using the royal jelly from the xenomorphs. With "natural" supplies on Earth drying up Pharmaceutical leader Daniel Grant pays/bribes/persuades the Government to authorize a return visit to the Alien homeworld, what possibly could go wrong?

A lot it turns out, they arrive on the Hive world to discover that without the main Queen (Killed in Female Wars) the alien species has developed into two versions - the original black type and a new red type. Having now landed in the middle of this species war the Marines do what they do best kill sh*t. Now all they have do is fight their way into the black hive, find the Queen, grab some royal jelly and get out in one piece, sounds simple enough. It is here that I will leave the main story arc and let you discover it for yourself.

One highlight I experienced from the book was the saxophone wielding Marine. I love the idea of these battle harden soldiers having quirks or enjoying music between missions but why on earth did he bring it planetside? Then to make things worst he actually uses it to beat an Alien, you don't see crazy stuff like that in 40K.

Overall an average read that I enjoyed, mostly due to the setting more than the actual writing. I felt the story had a lot of room to be great but was completely missed. Have you read it? Drop me a comment and let me. As always I appreciate you stopping by and reading my blog thank you.

Aeldari - Words // J

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

J

"They shall come, expecting the obvious, the simple, the artless. They shall stab at the shadows with confused minds and troubled hearts. Meanwhile, we shall appear unseen from ten directions, and from every one strike a fatal blow." - ​​Farseer Caerys of Ulthwé

Jain: Storm.
Jain Zar: The Phoenix Lord of the Howling Banshees.
jheka: Between
JiorQuas: The Warp
Jois: Can
Joisa: Have the ability
Joiso: Are able to

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

Beer Review 100 // E is for Elderberry by Evil Twin

Welcome loyal readers and new discoverers of the blog! You have arrived at a joyous period. I have hit my 100th post all about beer. Wow, I and my liver have come along way but there is so much more beer to experience so the adventure has only just begun.

I was thinking I should do something special, something rare, something to be like "hey look at me and this cool beer" but then I realized that is completely out of character for me, so no need to do something special as every beer is special. What I did realize is that it needed to be an Evil Twin beer. Jeppe of Evil Twin is the reason I so much fun drinking beer, it was his wild and wacky beers that opened my eyes to the true adventurous side of beer. Knowing it needed to an Evil Twin beer lead me down the oh so sensible route of following on from last weeks C is Cherry and carry on the alphabet letters I have tried to date.

So here I present beer review 100 - E for Elderberry.

Details

Name: E is for Elderberry

Style: Sour - Gose

Brewery: Evil Twin Brewing

Country: USA, New York.

ABV: 4.5%

Commercial Fluff: Let's face it - we all like to put labels on things. It just makes us feel more comfortable. What assumptions have people made about you based on your race, religion, gender, the way you dress, or even the beer you drink? We did in fact label this beer for your convenience. It has a fresh tartness, a twist of salt and a balanced fruitiness of elderberry - apparently a complete reflection of your personality. We hope you like what this label says about you?

Own Opinion

E is Elderberry pours an extremely similar purple to the label which just looks beautiful and exciting in the glass. The head pours thick and creamy looking with a slight purple/pink hue to it. It looks spectacular in a glass. I am a little disappointed at how quick the head dissipated, so quick I didn't get the photo (sad times). But it is not a real surprise as it is a gose and salt plays havoc with head retention. But damn it looks tasty.

Diving nose-first into the drink for a sniff I am hit with the aroma of a classic mixed berry jam. Blueberries seem to be the main focusing point for my brain as I sniff up the aroma, but having never smelt an actual Elderberry it could easily be that? There is also lingering in the background a slight saltiness but it is not as pronounced as the cherry version. With enough sniffing completed to make everyone feel awkward we get to do the fun stuff...drinking!

This brew for me as I take a mouthfeel reminds me of greek yogurt, it was sharp with a tang not what I expected. In fact, I was looking more of a tart, sour berry pie taste and this has taken me by surprise. It has a big fruity berry hit which was delicious and the brew leaves your mouth with a dry finish, making me want my next sip. I'm hook and it is a real joy to drink and it disappeared quickly from the glass and my life.

Very happy with this series as I can only assume they are all the same base beer just fruited differently? This allows you to experience the different fruits first hand and discover the flavours hidden away. Very similar to what other breweries do with a single hop series.

 Drop me comment if you have enjoyed any of the series let me know which. I hope you have enjoyed the adventure so far as I have such slights still to show you. Until the next beer cheers!

Comic Review 93 // Lawman of the Future Issue 14

Time waits for no man especially one reading Judge Dredd Lawman of the Future. So here we are on issue 14 and what a cover! Looks like Judge Dredd will be going up against a Dinosaur. So let us waste no more time a dive on it.

Three tales always grace the pages of these issues. Up first is Sponts-a-go-go, then Part 2 of Survival and finishing up with Dragon's Lair the return of the Dragon.

Survival

Whilst towing an ice-berg filled with oil the Judges accidentally release a parasitic virus that can change shape to any of the hosts it has infected. With the crew completely under its control Dredd is forced to confront the virus on the oil-filled iceberg in an attempt to burn the virus away and save MC-1 from a horrible fate. A bit of a too far fetched of a story for me to be honest even for the world of Dredd, it really lost me when it morphed into a Dinosaur.

Character Fact File: Dragon. I will let the image speak for itself but I seriously need to create this character in miniature form. Such a badass.

Sponts-a-go-go

Gilbert has invented the Sponts gun, a weapon that when fired causes the victim to start spontaneous admitting their previous crimes. Soon the Judges are overwhelmed with truthful citizens and whilst they are distracted real criminals are looting the sector. It is up to Dredd to find the cause and bring it to an end. Now, this is a comical tale worthy of being a Dredd tale.

Dragon's Lair (Part One)

The headline story sees the return of Dragon! Trapped in a shielded vault, Dragon is caged like an animal unable to use his powers without being fried. But he slowly waits his chance to escape and seek out the man who put him there Judge Dredd. Whilst nearby Judge Dredd and Judge Hershey are fighting off a group of Plugheads (Perps who like to get juiced of a live power feed) in the local power plant. During the firefight, the power plant is damaged causing a sector-wide blackout. This was the very opportunity that Dragon needed and soon his tattoo's are active and freeing him from his cage. The Dragon is now officially loose.

Loved this story, great art by Alex Ronald, a great story by Robbie Morrison and the return of a complete badass. This was a solid issue and one of the strongest to date, I hope this solid storytelling continues on.

Drop me a comment or head over to Instagram to follow my adventures there.

Miniature Monday - Dan Abnett Block Market Square

Something fun, something new, something a little different. A little, quick and dirty video of me talking about the terrain pieces I started building last week (LINK). I don't really do videos, having only dabbled a few times in the past, so I thought I would give it another go. Warning I do ramble a lot and hiss my S like I'm Judge Death.

So yeah, your welcome. I need more practice at talking on videos and maybe getting my thoughts in place before I start filming or even having an actual idea of what I want to chat about. But now I've done one and posted, you should start expecting more and I will keep trying out some more video content in the future. Please don't fear I will not be moving over to youtube any time soon (hahaha). But if you wish to give me a supportive follow hit this link.

Drop me a comment and see you again soon.

Aeldari - Words // I

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more

I

"We are like echoes in a cave, or waves upon the water: performing our part every time we are called. We who have glimpsed into the flow of time see that it is exactly such vast confluence, paths crossed and re-crossed. All are swept along. And we Eldar, masters of hindsight, insight, and foresight are bound that much more tightly to our duty than the ignorant, the belligerent, the blind.

When one truly understands fate as it is, myriad branching paths, then one can truly see that duty is cleaving to a particular fate, and glory is the accomplishment of duty’s ends. When we are true to the nature of the Eldar, we cannot fail." - Farseer Caerys of Ulthwé

i-: Long / great / big

Iad: Casting out

Iadanna: Eldar Pirates

Iall: Sending

Iam: I

-ian: Heavenly / Religious

Iarr, Iaer: Questing

Iarstill: Sword

-ibb: Physicality / Mundane

Id: Throwing

Idain: Farseer

Iem: We

Ifeth: Void

Ifiath: Obscurity

Ifieth: Darkness

Ika: Glorious / Marvellous / Impressive

Ill-: No longer

IllMureead: Tyranids

Illrun: City

Imuluan: A Combat Art form.

-iok: Hellish / Underworld

Iolox: Term given to the 4th day of the week. Note there is only 6 days in the Eldar week.

Ish-: Opposite of

Isha: The Eldar Goddess of both creation and the harvest, who created the Eldar race and who loved her people without question.

Ishar: Mother

Ishill: Still

Istau/Istu: Quiet

Istaur: Silent

Istrill: Decision

Istu-Karun: Eldar Scouts

Isturrath: Miming

Isturriath: Choking

Isturrith: Whispering

ituelean: Shuriken Cannon

Iyalith: Jump

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language

book review 89 //Alien

Finally got around to reading Alien by Alan Dean Foster. I have enjoyed this film so many times I couldn't actually believe that I had not read the novelization version. It is worth noting the film came before the book, not the other way around. Here are the stats.

Book Details

Title: Alien

Author: Alan Dean Foster

Publisher: Orbit (1992)

Type: Mass Paperback

Page Count: 253

Commercial Fluff: Based on the screenplay by Dan O'Bannon. The crew of the spaceship Nostromo wake from cryogenic sleep to distress signals from an unknown planet. One is attacked when they investigate a derelict alien craft. Safely on their way back to Sol, none foresee the real horror about to begin.

Review

As mentioned this book was written due to the film being a massive success. First came the screenplay, then the movie and then the book. It's weird to think it didn't happen the other way around, which is the more traditional format. Got to be honest and say if you do not know the subject please go watch the film, be scared and have fun, it is one of the best movies I have ever watched.

Highlights of the book for me was getting more depth added to certain scenes and characters. The book did a great job of making Ash a more thought out persona, Parker and Brent also became more interesting as characters that you started to care for. Dallas is as great as he is in the movie, whilst Ripley seemingly started to disappear into the background and doesn't seem like the heroine of the story - not sure why the writer downplayed her in the novel form. The novel also did a great job of describing the derelict alien craft and how the team went about exploring it. Giving us something to imagine the scale and depth by which was missing in the movie, I was genuinely creeped out by the scene knowing what was going to happen but completely unable to stop it. 

One section I personally found enjoyable was the lack of description of the alien. I know it's a weird thing to say but the way the author went about it was dread inspiring. It almost read Lovecraftian, leaving it up to your imagination to fill in the blanks as it seeps out of the shadows like a Boogey monster from your childhood.

Overall a great easy read and if you find it at a second-hand thrift store treat yourself, enjoy a relaxing afternoon read and then re-watch the film in the evening.

Let me what your thoughts are on this title or just tell me how much you love the alien movie! Remember you can also follow my adventures on Instagram.

Aeldari - Words // H

My Eldar Encyclopedia is becoming a bit bloated and over complicated so I am attempting to fix this. Starting with the A-Z of Aeldari words I have over there. Whenever I have the urge I will post a section of that page, create a link to this page and see if it tidies up the page and makes me feel happy once more.

H

"We have made battle in this place before. We have fought and won. Fought because we knew that we must. We won, and brought upon ourselves glory that will not fade as long as Ulthwé thrives. Now we are called to battle again. Must we perform a duty which we have already accomplished? If we fight and fail, are our former victories tarnished?" - Farseer Caerys of Ulthwé

Hara/Harai: Vital fluids

Haras: Blood

Hasoi: Inside or Within

Hekatarii: Wyches

Hela: Penetrate (Aggressive)

Herethuin: Minimalist art form.

Hesh: Surrounding (aggressive)

Hish: Around

Wow shortlist for H. Know of any other words? Drop me a comment and let me know.

Original Materials

This is a project that has been worked on for a while and mainly for my own needs so I never thought of recording page numbers etc. as I never thought it would leave my notebook but for those interested, it has been collected from the following locations:

Rogue Trader (1987), Warhammer 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Editions, Eldar codex (2nd ed/3rd ed/4th ed), Codex Dark Eldar, Citadel Journal #17, White Dwarf #127 (original Eldar army list), Codex: Titanicus, Codex Necrons, Warhammer 40,000 compendium, Warhammer 40k Wargear (2nd ed). Battletome Sylvaneth. Battletome Daughters of Khaine. Battletome Idoneth Deepkin.

Black Library Novels: Shadow Point, Harlequin, Chaos Child, Farseer, Tales from the Dark Millennium, Warrior Coven, Path of the Warrior, Path of the Seer, Eldar Prophecy, Valedor, Asurmen, Jain Zar, Rise of Ynnead: Ghost Warrior, Rise of Ynnead: Wildrider.

**Also there is this web version of an Eldar dictionary that turns out has been around since 1990. It's more complete than what I have collected and better organized. This link was requested to be added by David Grophland: Eldar Language