Book Review 237 // Gods of the North by Robert E. Howard

Continuing our quest to read all the Conan adventures in one go! It has been easy going so far, and we can continue this trend with the following short: Gods of the North.

Title: Gods of the North

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: "The Frost-Giant's Daughter" is one of the original short stories about Conan the Cimmerian, written by American author Robert E. Howard, but not published in his lifetime. It is set in the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age and details Conan pursuing a spectral nymph across the frozen snows of Nordheim. Rejected as a Conan story by Weird Tales magazine editor Farnsworth Wright, Howard changed the main character's name to "Amra of Akbitana" and retitled the piece as The Gods of the North.

Format: 11 pages, ebook

Review

Wow, seven stories into Conan already! So far, I think my favourite has been Conan the Pirate or the only one where he faces an Elder God/Beast. But this time, we have Conan in the Mountains, facing some very similar feeling Gods (based on Norse Mythology).

Sadly the story reads like filler and has some issues. Firstly the title length, 11 pages, is truly short and a bit disappointing, to be honest. The next issue I had was the uninteresting and straightforward narrative. It all felt very much like a copy-and-paste formula was used.

The story itself sees us joining Conan as the only survivor in this harsh cold land. As he lies dying he is tempted by Atali the daughter of Ymir a Frost Giant. If he had accepted he would have died and passed over, but due to his resistance, he survived to be found by companions searching for battle survivors.

Overall a rather lacklustre tale. Nicely written by a bit dull for me sadly.

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Audio Review 132 // Key of Infinity by John French

I've discovered some tremendous Chaos-themed audio dramas of late, and with John French in control of this Ahriman adventure, I know I was in for a treat.

Title: Ahriman: Key of Infinity

Author: John French

Blurb: Thousand Sons sorcerer Ahzek Ahriman studies an ancient construct of the necrontyr race – but the Necron is studying him right back, and has plans of its own…

On the warship Messenger of Hermes, Ahzek Ahriman and his servant Ignis study a most unusual prisoner – a metal construct containing the consciousness of a member of a long extinct race – the necrontyr. As they interrogate the necron Setekh, he is also learning about them – over and over again as he uses ancient techonology to relive the moment and plot his escape. Will he succeed, or will Ahriman prevail?

Running time: 18 minutes.

Performed by: John Banks, Steve Conlin, Jonathan Keeble and Saul Reichlin.

Purchase via my Amazon Affiliate shop - I appreciate the support.

Review

I love an Ahriman adventure, especially with John French writing it. We are joining Ahriman as he attempts to interrogate/learn about the Necrons and their ability to manipulate time. Somehow Ahriman, Ignis and Credence have captured a Cryptek, hoping to discover its gifts. The only problem is the Necrons are an elder race and aren't easily caught. We watch as the Necron reuses his technology to attempt multiple escapes from his captors, not realizing that Ahriman is manipulating it to learn how to use its technology. Or does the Necron know this already and is actually playing the Sorceror? Guess you need to listen to find out.

This short tale is 18 minutes, but it is a great listen. It is a narrator-heavy piece with excellent acting, sound effects and a plot of interest. I was genuinely surprised at the quality of this and highly recommend it!

Unboxing | Prophecy of the Wolf | Warhammer 40k - Games Workshop

Unboxing | Prophecy of the Wolf | Warhammer 40k - Games Workshop part of my Warhammer 40k hobby: YouTube Channel

Drop me a sub! Come on, it's free, and if you are reading this, you must find me interesting?

A bonus video in my line-up this week as I snagged a box set on the side. Prophecy of the Wolf was a late 8th Edition boxset that finally introduced the new Ragnar Blackmane and Ghazghkull models. This box set cost less than the two characters combined, so it seemed a no-brainer. I plan to use the marines and orks in quick and dirty paint videos to showcase The Army Painter speed paints and do Ghaz and Rag (pet names) in their more traditional schemes.

Got questions about the set? Ask away. Got a preference for what to build or paint? Sub and then suggest in the comments.

I'm excited to build these!

Support the channel

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Comic Review 244 // Judge Dredd: Small House by Rob Williams & Henry Flint

Nice to be back among the streets of MC-1. I originally read this back in 2019, but I never reviewed it for some reason. Why did that happen? But it gave me what little excuse was needed to re-read it. Found at my local library, so let us dive in.

Title: Judge Dredd: The Small House

Author: Rob Williams

Artist: Henry Flint

Blurb: The critically-acclaimed and fan-lauded latest Judge Dredd tale which sent shockwaves through the universe and Mark Millar called “one of the best runs ever!”

Everything is at stake and no-one is safe – in the critically-acclaimed storyline from Rob Williams and Henry Flint, Judge Dredd and his team of hand-picked allies finally takes on the nefarious Judge Smiley, Mega-City One’s behind-the-scenes manipulator – but who will be left standing at the end? And with tensions with Chief Judge Hershey at breaking point, has Dredd finally met his match?

Format: 96 pages, Paperback (buy via Amazon: Affiliate Shop - thanks for the support)

Review

As a long-time reader, you can't read a Rob Williams' Dredd story without having this feeling of building dread. He is being sneaky in his stories and hinting at something in the shadows working against Dredd and possibly MC-1, but what is it or better yet, who? This story is bringing this all to a head and seems to be finally closing this arc (maybe).

The tale begins on Titan with a survivor of an early Rob William story - Judge Sam. If you haven't read Titan, I highly recommend it, and you could say this is the beginning adventure of the arc. Judge Sam hails from Brit-Cit and is a brilliant Architect. With too much free time on Titan, Judge Sam has noticed a more like a web pattern. This web of actions across the globe all lead to MC-1 and, more importantly, to the Grand Hall of Justice. Wanting to unravel this mystery, Judge Sam requests a transfer to MC-1 and becomes a street judge hoping to discover more.

Now I don't want to ruin it with spoilers, so I must stop there with the plot. But inside this story, we get Judge Dredd, Judge Giant, SJS Judge Gerhart, Judge Sam and Wally Squad Dirty Franks working together. It's like a dream team! We also finally discover the origin story of Dirty Frank and boy it does not disappoint!

Ultimately this is a classic conspiracy tale that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone piece, but also very enjoyable to see all the loose strings tied up. The artwork, unsurprisingly, is fantastic. Henry Flint is my favourite Dredd artist of the modern line-up. He just knows what works! Backgrounds are detailed but not distracting, his characters show their age, and I wonder how he does it, but he can portray the persona of a character purely through art. The story this writer/artist combo has produced over the years has been some of my favourites in the series, and I can't wait to get more of their work soon!

There is one line you see a lot about this tale, but it sums up the conspiracy perfectly:

“There is a house, you know. A small house. And it has no doors. There is no way in and no way out. Yet someone lives there.”

Thanks for reading, and if you want to support my blogging more, please use these links:

Amazon Affiliate Shop 

Adventures with Peps Social Media

Blood Bowl 2 Game 7 Summer League Final - Elven Union vs Ogres

Blood Bowl 2 Game 7 Summer League final- Elven Union vs Ogres. Hope you'll want to subscribe and then watch more here:

YouTube

Want more Blood Bowl? Contact me if you're a player; we can match together. Also, let me know if you are interested in a miniature game. If there is, I will start working out how to get some content made for that.

Up against the gigantic Ogres and their Gnobbler counterparts. This game was going to go one way or the other. Option A - I get my face smashed and win, or Option B - I get my face smashed and Draw. No way am I drawing!

I am currently top of the league and was lucky enough to beat my closest rival. So a win here would be gravy. Fingers crossed.

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Book Review 236 // Rogues in the House by Robert E. Howard

I'm continuing my run of Conan adventures. I am really enjoying this way of reading and watching the progression of the writing and the character happen in quick secession. This weeks read was a cheeky 40ish pages and was easy to hammer out.

Title: Rogues in the House

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: Howard's most famous character, Conan the Cimmerian, was a barbarian-turned-King during the Hyborian Age, a mythical period of some 12,000 years ago. Conan featured in seventeen Weird Tales stories between 1933 and 1936 which is why Howard is now regarded as having spawned the 'sword and sorcery' genre. The Conan stories have since been adapted many times, most famously in the series of films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. 'Rogues in the House' is a story in the Conan series where he becomes embroiled in a battle between two men who are attempting to rule over a city.

Format: 48 pages, Paperback

Buy here via my Amazon Affiliate store.

Review

We kick off this adventure with Conan chained in a dungeon! But soon, Conan is pulled into a web of political intrigue as Murilo, a city noble/councilor, is threatened by the sinister Red Priest to flee the city. Turns out Murilo has also been up to no good, not as bad as the Red Priest but enough for concern.

Rather than flee to a life of poverty Murilo takes a risk by hiring Conan to kill the Priest, in exchange for his freedom, a horse and a bag of gold. Unable to refuse Conan sets off on the task. Now of course this is a sword a sorcery tale so we have to have a twist! This comes in the form of a deadly pet Gorilla who no longer wishes to play pet. This intelligent and strong beast is almost the better of Conan and for once we have to see Conan using his guile and wit to escape rather than brute strength.

Another well-written and very enjoyable tale, highly recommend it if you have not read it already.

Audio Review 131 // Fabius Bile: Repairer of Ruin by Josh Reynolds

It's nice to be back among the villains of 40k. And in my opinion, none hold a torch to Fabius Bile and his need to attain the "Perfect Human." I've enjoyed a lot of Josh Reynolds work so I know we are in good hands, even if it is only for 20 minutes.

Title: Fabius Bile: Repairer of Ruin

Author: Joshua Reynolds

Narrator: Ian Brooker, Jonathan Keeble

Blurb: Lupercalia burns, the might of the Traitor Legions reducing the last redoubt of the Sons of Horus to rubble. And through the ruins strides Apothecary Fabius of the Emperor's Children, with an army of vile genetic experiments. But what does the twisted Apothecary want in the temple to the fallen primarch Horus? And will he find it?

Format: 20 minutes, Audible Audio

Buy via my Amazon Affiliate store

Review

As mentioned, I knew I was in safe hands with this and had an enjoyable walk to work listening to it. We join Fabius Bile and his carnival of malformed experiments as they attempt to secure a cloned body of the long-dead Horus, Primarch of the Sons of Horus. The tale seems to fit into the Abaddon series, which was nice to see and is happening during the assault of Lupercalia. If Fabius can gain access to Horus' genes, he will be able to restart his failed Primarch program.

It's a great fun listen as we join Fabius in his quest and wonder if Fabius is mad or the only sane person left from the Crusade? It's definitely mad, but also not wrong lol.

Let me know your thoughts.

Imperium Magazine Issue 22 - Halt the Advance - Review & Battle Report

Imperium Magazine Issue 22 - Halt the Advance is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist: YouTube Playlist. Hit the subscribe button! to not miss out.

For each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures/terrain (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 22 - This is the second of a two-part magazine showcasing the Skitarii Rangers. We use the new map for the Battle Report and have the Necron 10 Warriors facing off against the 10 Rangers in a game of last-model standing wins.

Who will win? The series is currently at 16-9 to the Necrons.

Thank you for reading and watching. Remember to subscribe, it means the world to me, and at 500, I get to unlock the community posts and can start sharing some WIP projects.

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

Kraken Energy Drink: https://drinkkraken.com/?ref=QqlJ3_uKbe2nR

Comic Review 243 // Watch out for Jabba the Hutt by Simon Beecroft

I am really getting a kick from reading all the comics I enjoy in a younger reader format. It is so fun revisiting these characters in this format. This week we took a break from Batman to visit Star Wars and most importantly Jabba the Hutt!

Title: Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Watch Out for Jabba the Hutt!

Author: Simon Beecroft

Blurb: Jabba the Hutt is back and badder than ever, in this tie-in reader to the full-length CGI-animated feature film Star Wars: The Clone Wars, opening in theaters on August 15. The movie launches a new animated series beginning in the fall on Cartoon Network. Full color.

Format: 32 pages, Paperback

Find here on Amazon

Review

As mentioned this was mainly selected to read to my kids (I feel it was 70% for me, but 30% counts right?). And I understand it is technically not a comic, but with so many images it feels like it falls under that selection more than a book review.

It was a great bedtime read together, acting like a whos who of the Clone Wars, delivering kid-friendly information that wasn't dull like a 'dults Encyclopedia. It is basically a list of all the major characters appearing in the Clone Wars cartoon, reading the child to watch the series. Lots of Star Wars esq info so maybe not for every child, but we had a lot of fun looking at the pictures, reading the blurbs and discussing who we liked the most.

A fun 30-minute read, that we all enjoyed.

How to Paint a Primaris Space Marine with Speed Paint - Raptors

How to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Raptors with speed painting.

Here's a quick, straightforward how-to video showing how I painted a Raptors Primaris Space Marines. The technique is straightforward, and a big pro for me is its quickness. This is not technical; this is designed to get paint on models and looks good from 3FT.

More Badab Paint Schemes here: YouTube Playlist

THE RAPTORS

The Raptors is a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter and a Second Founding successor of the Raven Guard. It has been heavily involved in many of the most recent campaigns of the Imperium of Man, including the Badab War, the Third War for Armageddon and the Taros Campaign.

As a Chapter, the Raptors have been nearly rendered extinct multiple times but have learned to adapt to changing circumstances so well that they have flourished where other Chapters would simply have had their names added to the ranks of the fallen.

The Raptors' Chapter culture is very wary of martial glory or honour and prefers to emphasize pragmatism, adaptability and completion of the mission over all other concerns. Having been reduced to so few battle brothers so often in their history, the Raptors have no illusions about what war truly is.

They understand that war is suffering and death. They specialize in a brutal business, but they have no desire to wallow in its misery beyond what is required to carry out the Emperor's will.

The Raptors Chapter has constantly faced and overcome tragedies throughout its ten millennia of history. These begin with the disasters that afflicted the Raven Guard Legion before its Founding and extend to the destruction of its homeworld and repeated instances of near-destruction.

The Raptors' success depends on their ability to think and execute in a distributed and independent fashion. The Raptors willingly employ whatever tactics they believe most appropriate, relying upon success to establish their Chapter's glory rather than misguided notions of honour and dogmatic thought.

The Raptors prize skilled marksmanship and independent thought and view the Codex Astartes as a highly effective set of guidelines rather than absolute doctrine like many other Chapters.

The Raptors are known for fielding substantial 10th Company assets supported by waves of combat skimmers.

Please give me a subscription, and use the links below to support the channel. Cheers.

Support the channel

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

Kraken Energy Drink: https://drinkkraken.com/?ref=QqlJ3_uKbe2nR

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. I earn some money from qualifying purchases.

Book Review 235 // The Pool of the Black One by Robert E. Howard

We are hacking and slashing our way through these Conan adventures now. I am also happy to announce that I am rewatching the classic 1990s Conan the Adventurer cartoon, which is genuinely a blast back to my childhood. With a real buzz about it all, I am happy to be reviewing Book 5 in the Conan Adventures.

Title: The Pool Of The Black One: Conan the Barbarian #5

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: "The Pool of the Black One," which appeared in Weird Tales magazine the month after "The Slithering Shadow," is a piratical adventure story and occurs in the Western Sea of the Hyborian Age. The story begins with Conan the Cimmerian adrift at sea, having had to escape from rivals in the Barachan Isles. He clambers aboard The Wastrel, a ship belonging a different pirate order, bitter rivals of the Barachan ones. After a terse conversation with the captain and a brawl with a Zingaran bully, Conan is begrudgingly accepted as a lowly member of the crew and is allowed to remain on board.

Format: 34 pages, E-book

First published October 1, 1933

Buy now from my Amazon Affiliate Store

Review

This was a nice twist; Conan the Barbarian has become Conan, the Pirate. Looks like we are headed for some High Seas Adventure in this tale. As the newest crew member, Conan has to earn his spot, and it takes our hero only a short time before he catches the eye of the ship captain's lady - which always leads to trouble. But with Conan's strength, he can stay above everyone and is soon a welcomed part of the crew.

Seeking fame, glory and wealth, the crew spots an island and soon are headed a shore to plunder. Discovering fresh fruit on land, the crew set about eating the mysterious fruit to discover too late that it contains a sleeping property. Luckily Conan didn't partake, and neither did the captain, leading to an awkward tension that ends in a duel to see who would be the captain of the slumbering crew. Ultimately the winner is never questioned, but now Captain Conan has a more significant issue to worry about. The island is home to a race of Giants who are highly territorial! Soon the hacking and slashing take over the story, and we get a genuinely brilliant ending, a great short read, I highly recommend it.

Audio Review 130 // Ahriman: The First Prince by John French

Time for a long overdue return to an old friend. Ahriman by John French was a series I hugely enjoyed reading at the time, and I feel I have done myself an injustice by not getting to this short sooner. So prepare the summoning circle and crack open the tomes of knowledge as we dive back into the grimdark.

Title: Ahriman: The First Prince

Author: John French

Narrator: Gareth Armstrong & Robin Bowerman

Blurb:

When his servant Ctesias meets his end, the Thousand Sons arch-sorcerer Ahriman is thrust into a deadly conflict with a creature of darkness, a being from the beginning of time whose cunning and thirst for power are the equal of his own – the first daemon prince of Chaos, the dreaded Be’lakor. As the daemon taunts Ahriman with the very secrets of creation, the sorcerer tries to bargain with the beast for Ctesias’s life… but can a deal with a daemon ever be honoured?

As if the appearance of Ahriman wasn't incentive enough, this is also the first-ever appearance of the Daemon Prince Be'lakor in a Warhammer 40,000 Black Library story.

Running time: 45 minutes

Produced by: Black Library

Buy here via Amazon: Affiliate Shop

Review

Unlike our other adventures with Ahriman, this one is told from the viewpoint of Ctesias. He awakes from his second death and finds himself within the warp, talking to a god! But no normal god, this is Be'lakor the First Daemon Prince of Chaos, and the most devious. Soon a game is underway for the soul of Ctesias on one side Ahriman and on the other Be'lakor, how much is Ahirman willing to sacrifice to save Ctesias? And what exactly does Be'lakor want with the Thousand Sons?

At this point, I have to stop as there are way too many spoilers. All I can say is listen to it yourself, it will not disappoint. But be sure to understand Ahriman before diving in. As always the sound and the acting are all on point and John French delivers another amazing Ahriman adventure.

A great time investment for the fans out there.

Blood Bowl 2 Game 6 Summer League - Elven Union vs Dark Elves

Blood Bowl 2 Game  Summer League - Elven Union vs Dark Elves. Hope you'll want to subscribe and then watch more here: YouTube Playlist

Want more Blood Bowl? Contact me if you're a player; we can have a match together. Also, let me know if you are interested in a miniature game. If there is, I will start working out how to get some content made for that.

Up against the Dark Kin! Firstly playing against Elves is scary. They are so fast, and I know how much of a threat they can be. Then you add in Witch Elves!! This is going to be a tough match.

I am currently top of the league and was lucky enough to beat my closest rival. So a win here would be massive. Fingers crossed.

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. I earn some money from qualifying purchases.

 

Comic Review 242 // Star Wars, Vol. 7: The Ashes of Jedha by Kieron Gillen

 

In a classic grab that intrigues me fashion, I have managed to dive into volume 7 of the series, without reading anything else first. I do apologize to those who love to see reviews in order but that's just not going to happen here.

Title: Star Wars (2015) Star Wars, Vol. 7: The Ashes of Jedha

Author: Kieron Gillen

Illustrator: Salvador Larroca

Blurb: The specter of the devastating weapon brought together a patchwork cloth of people, united in hope. And now these rebels continue to fight for a better tomorrow for a galaxy far, far away! Jedha was left in ruins when the Death Star annihilated the Holy City--now, as Queen Trios' forces move in to strip what's left, the rebels struggle to preserve the planet for its survivors! With the Leviathan looming, Luke Skywalker is torn between his allegiance to the Rebellion and pursuing the path of a Jedi--so who will lead the charge against the Empire? The echoes of Rogue One continue to be heard in an all-new adventure written by Kieron Gillen (DARTH VADER, DOCTOR APHRA). COLLECTING: STAR WARS 38-43

Format: 144 pages, Paperback

Buy from my affiliate store on Amazon

Review

As mentioned, this is volume 7 in the series, and I believe I have others in the TBR pile, so will properly be able to round out the series soon. But lucky the way the volumes are designed, each one can be read as a stand-alone tale, you just miss some of the clues or arcing plot threads. Ultimately it is the classic theme of rebels fighting the Imperials, so we don't have to think too hard about this.

The plot is exciting and connects Rogue One to the original trilogy cast. It shows us what the main characters, Luke, Hans and Leia, were up to between films. Adding depth to their lore. The Imperials are attempting to strip mine the last of the crystals from Jedha, which is slowly tearing itself apart following the damage reaped during Rogue One. Whilst on the surface, a cell of resistance fighters continues to thwart the Imperials at every turn. The "stars" have arrived at Jedha in hopes of forming an alliance with this cell, trading weapons and support for their own supply of crystal. We also have a great villain in this tale who sadly never lived up to his threatening demeanour, don't give me a cool villain and then fail to deliver them, Marvel!

But the biggest issue, and it seems to be a more common problem these days, is the artwork. Is it me or have these been photoshopped? The faces look lifted from a photo and then cartoonised to fit the comic. It looks really weird, I noticed a similar thing in the new Alien comics, it seems like they are time-saving by bastardizing other work. It takes away from the story for sure and adds issues that aren't needed.

Overall an okay read. Star War Fans will enjoy it for what it is, whilst the rest of us will be meh.

Cheers for reading!

Amazon Shop 

Social Media

Imperium Magazine Issue 21 - Orbital Defense - Review & Battle Report

Imperium Magazine Issue 21 - Orbital Defense is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist: YouTube Playlist Link. Hit the subscribe button! to not miss out.

For each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures/terrain (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 21 - This two-part magazine shows us building and painting a 10-man Skitarii Ranger unit. We use the new map for the Battle Report and have the Necron Overlord with 10 Warriors facing off against a Lieutenant and 5 Intercessor Assault Marines in a game of last-model standing wins.

Who will win? The series is currently at 15-9 to the Necrons.

Thank you for reading and watching. Remember to subscribe. It means the world to me.

Support the channel

Amazon Shop: Adventures with Peps

Social Media: Adventures with Peps

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. I earn some money from qualifying purchases.

Book Review 234 // The Slithering Shadow by Robert E. Howard

Continuing our dive into the world of Conan. With this next short story. I'm enjoying these quick reads and it has finally pushed me back into watching the cartoon show as well (how far have I fallen?). Anyways more on the cartoon soon, until then, let's get into this title.

Title: The Slithering Shadow: Xuthal of the Dusk

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: The Slithering Shadow (also known as Xuthal of the Dusk) is one of the original short stories starring the fictional sword and sorcery hero Conan the Cimmerian, written by American author Robert E. Howard and first published in the Weird Tales magazine. It is set in the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age and concerns Conan finding a lost city in a remote desert and encountering therein a Lovecraftian-esque demon known as Thog.

Format: Ebook, 107 pages.

Review

This isn't a continuation of the previous story (if it is, please let me know), and we join Conan and his new companion in a desert. Of course, the companion is a helpless woman named Natala, who doesn't seem prepared for where they are. With little background, all we know is that they have fled into the desert and stand on the verge of death from lack of water. 

Lucky or unlucky, the duo discovers what almost appears to be a ghost town. As they explore deeper into the city, the pair discover sleeping citizens. The city has a drug problem, and everyone is in a deep sleep from ingesting too much locus smoke. People who stay awake too long have a habit of disappearing, which is the last thing you want to happen in this city!

Of course, as we have to expect, there is a villain; in this case, a woman called Thalis, who, with her monster pet, is hounding the city and causing problems for all. But when Conan fails to accept her advances, the villain, Thalis, attempts to kill Natala and have revenge on Conan. Leading us into a classic hack-and-slash adventure, ending with our heroes fleeing once more into the desert.

I rather enjoyed this. Very classical pulp-style adventure, with no big surprises but plenty of joyful moments and a memorable read.

Audio Review 129 // The Rage of Asmodai by C Z Dunn

Okay, take two with the Dark Angels Audio dramas. The last C Z Dunn tale was a bit of a bust, so I hope this will have some decent Dark Angel action. It's a short tale 25 minutes long, so here we go.

Title: The Rage of Asmodai

Author: Christian Z. Dunn

Narrators: John Banks, Steve Conlin, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth and Saul Reichlin.

Blurb: A Warhammer 40,000 audio drama

Captain Vidarna of the Relictors finds a mission to capture a Chaos artefact complicated by Dark Angels Chaplain Asmodai, who has his own sinister mission.

Link to buy via Amazon

THE STORY

Captain Vidarna of the Relictors leads a squad of his brothers in pursuit of a dark artefact on a world riven by heresy. But the appearance of Chaplain Asmodai of the Dark Angels changes his mission. The Dark Angel claims to have the relic they seek – but to claim it, the Relictors need to aid him in capturing the leader of the rebellion, a mysterious black-armoured Space Marine whose armour bears symbols similar to that of the Dark Angels themselves…

Written by C Z Dunn

Running time: 25 minutes. Performed by John Banks, Steve Conlin, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth and Saul Reichlin.

Review

Am I missing the point of these stories? They don't seem to be that focused on the Dark Angels. Instead, it's more a case of here is a single Dark Angel, and let us highlight another branch of the Imperium.

An example is this story. Here we have a Dark Angels Interrogator Chaplain working alone, who stumbles upon a squad of Relictor Marines. From here on it becomes a Relictors tale, and I'm left wanting more Dark Angels. I get the heavy-handed hints of the Fallen etc... but why wasn't it a squad of Dark Angels and no Relictors. The joining forces seem forced and rather too convenient. Of course the acting and sound are amazing, but I feel let yet down once again. This is not a Dark Angel tale, I want a real Dark Angel story please Black Library!

How to Paint a Skitarii Ranger with Speed Paint - Forgeworld Ryza Tutorial

How-to paint a Skitarii Ranger with Speed Paint - Forgeworld Ryza Tutorial

Here's a quick, straightforward how-to paint video showing how I painted a Forgeworld Ryza Skitarii Ranger. The technique is simple, and a big pro for me is its quickness. In no way is this technical and is designed to get paint on models and looks good from 3FT. 

Please be warned that it is quick and tabletop-ready only. No Golden Demon work here.

Ryza Lore

Ryza, also known as the "Furnace of Shackled Stars," is an Imperial Forge World of the Adeptus Mechanicus that is located in the Segmentum Ultima of the galaxy. The planet is home to the Titan Legion called the Legio Crucius, known also as "The Warmongers."

During the Horus Heresy, a great battle took place on this Forge World, known as the Defence of Ryza. Forces of the Dark Mechanicum, led by the Traitor Titan Legions and their Chaos Knight allies fought against the Loyalist servants of the Omnissiah.

Countless Titans and Knights fell on both sides. Eventually, the Loyalists were able to drive back the Traitors, only to be bombarded by a Chaos Warfleet from orbit. There was little to celebrate, as the guardians of Ryza tasted pyrrhic victory.

The Forge World of Ryza has since been plunged once more into the abyss of war in the late 41st Millennium. The planet was once famous for supplying the Imperium with magnetic containment fields and Plasma Weapons -- the Leman Russ Executioner and Stormblade super-heavy tank were born within its armour cradles.

However, since Ryza found itself bearing the brunt of not one but the two major Ork WAAAGH!s of Grax and Rarguts in 925.M41, the rivers of war materiel that flood its manufactoria canals now lead only to its own defenders -- the planet has turned every cannon, stubber, and bullet it produces to an all-out battle for survival.

In truth the tech-priests of Ryza welcome the opportunity to see their creations in action first-hand, unleashing their most devastating weapons upon the foe.

Despite the preponderance of ordnance and experimental weapons, much of the fighting on Ryza has come down to close quarters. The Forge World's defenders -- from Skitarii to hulking Kastelan Robots -- have all earned a reputation as particularly fierce combatants.

Ryza's Skitarii, alongside the Warmongers of the Legio Crucius and the Astra Militarum's Catachan Jungle Fighters regiments, have taken righteous pleasure in turning Ryza's most devastating weapons upon the Orks of WAAAGH!s Grax and Rarguts.

However, after forty standard years of warfare the Orks eventually fell into disarray and were finally wiped out by the Forge World's armies following the death of Warlord Grax under the guns of the Warlord Titan Pugnus Vindictae.

Be sure to subscribe and drop me a comment if you want more Forgeworlds attempted.

Support the Blog

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

Comic Review 241 // The Amazing Adventures of Batman: Blossom Battle by Laurie S. Sutton

Not going to lie; I am so happy I found all eight books. They have been a delight to read with my son, even though he keeps returning to Bane. Why is there no Joker? Is he deemed too scary?

Title: Blossom Battle!

Author: Laurie S. Sutton

Illustrator: Darío Brizuela

Blurb: When monster plants grow out of control, Batman and Batgirl race to rescue Poison Ivy! Will the heroes save the day? Find out in this action-packed chapter book for young readers.

Format: 32 pages, Library Binding

Buy now from my Affiliates store

Review

I really enjoy all the different sidekicks we are getting in these stories. This time it is the turn of Batgirl to come to assist. Like the other titles in the series, this one follows the formula of Batman and his sidekick teaming up to solve a problem. And this title is a fun one!

The story begins with Batman on a night patrol in a rundown part of Gotham City (isn't that most of the city?). As he swoops overhead, we swap to Poison Ivy, who has created a greenhouse in this area and is testing a new plant food formula. Of course, it all goes wrong, and soon her plants are growing out of control and smashing through the building.

Attracted by the destruction, Batman swoops in and is soon trapped within the vines seeking aid from Batgirl. The duo soon has everything under control with a combination of Freeze Capsules and Batrangs.

An absolute classic tale. Nothing to excite a diehard fan, but this is fun and exciting for a young kid. Next will be Clayface!

Blood Bowl 2 - Game 5 Summer League - Elven Union vs Bretonnian

Blood Bowl 2 Game 5 Summer League - Elven Union vs Bretonnian. I love the look of the Bretonnians, and I hope they will return to Warhammer or Age of Sigmar, as they would be my army of choice.

You know the drill, want more Blood Bowl? Use this handy link Youtube Playlist and then subscribe. Contact me if you're a player; we can have a match together, and if you are brave enough, we can post on Youtube! Also, let me know if there is any interest in a miniature game. If there is, I will start working out how to get some content made for that.

Once again, the summer league has proven to be full of teams I have not played against. This time it is the turn of the Bretonnians. A team heavily themed towards the European Kinghtly orders and, of course, the Arthurian Legends. I ended up fearing the men at arms more than the knights.

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Support the blog

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Book Review 233 // Black Colossus by Robert E. Howard

My goal of completing some of my backlog novels is failing completely. Instead, I find myself absorbed by Conan and ignoring the bowing shelves of books. Maybe if I read enough Conan I will flip back to Gaunt and his Ghosts soon.

Title: Black Colossus

Author: Robert E. Howard

Buy the collection in my Amazon Affiliates Shops

Blurb: "Black Colossus" is one of the original short stories starring the fictional sword and sorcery hero Conan the Cimmerian, written by American author Robert E. Howard and first published in Weird Tales magazine in June 1933. Howard earned $130 for the sale of this story.

Set during the pseudo-historical Hyborian Age, Conan leads the army of Khoraja against an evil sorcerer named Natohk, "The Veiled One".

Review

What an adventure! We have a young princess stalked in her dreams by a demon wanting to have its wicked way with her. While wracked with this torment, her kingdom crumbles around her due to civil unrest. With her and her country weakened, a desert cult has grown and focused on dominating this realm. Then into this, we throw Conan, who, through an act of fate, soon becomes commander of the princess's forces, much to the joy of the Lords within the kingdom.

Soon the battle is joined, and we have a wonderfully described battle full of violence. Ultimately this tale doesn't grow Conan as a character but helps fill in details of the lands and people within. Not the most exciting Conan tale out there but still an enjoyable read whilst lounging on a sofa.

Audio Review 128 // Malediction by C Z Dunn

With the release of The Lion and a resurgence of the Dark Angels, I felt the need to listen to a Dark Angel tale. I have enjoyed the Gav Thorpe-crafted novels about this chapter, so taking the risk on a different author is a concern, made slightly worse by choosing a C Z Dunn story (sorry, but his stories are very safe and dull so far). Can this change my mind?

Title: Malediction (Amazon Store)

Author: Christian Z. Dunn

Narrator: Seán Barrett, Rupert Degas

Blurb: On the world of Amadis, veteran Imperial Guard officer Regan Antigone is being honoured for his role in the planet’s liberation from the forces of Chaos, some twenty-five years earlier. But when his old comrade, Master Tigrane of the Dark Angels Space Marine Chapter, arrives to join the festivities and asks to hear the glorious tale told once more, Antigone seems flustered. With the details of his account cast under close scrutiny and with the judgement of the Imperium hanging over him, will his noble reputation remain intact?

Review

Well, this wasn't what I expected at all. The cover hints at Dark Angels the back hints at Dark Angels, but what we get instead is a story about a Planetary defence force Officer. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a lore-filled tale, but I had a Dark Angel itch that did not scratch.

The story is about an Officer being honoured for a battle he survived 25 years earlier. But the character is unworthy of the honour, and this is made clear early in the storytelling. But the reasoning is left unclear - which was nice to be left guessing what truly happened. It would also seem that the news of this honour has reached the ears of a Veteran Dark Angel who was there and who is suspicious of what information this Officer might have of the battle.

Turns out the truth is rather intriguing, especially to a Dark Angel seeking the truth about his "fallen" brothers (hint, hint). As always these Black Library audio dramas bring amazing voice acting and sound effects, allowing you to be transported somewhere else. This was an enjoyable listen, but I wish it had been more honest about it all. The cover is misleading, and the lack of Dark Angels maybe even affected my overall enjoyment. I can't help but be led back to: "Never judge a book by its cover".

Have you listened to this? Let me know your thoughts.

Support the blog

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

Imperium Magazine Issue 20 - Total War - Review & Battle Report

Imperium Magazine Issue 20 - Total War is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist: Imperium Playlist Hit the subscribe button! to not miss out.

For each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures/terrain (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 20 - Came with two paints, Khorne Red and Trollslayer orange (straight onto the shelf with them). Which completes issues 1-20. We then get a full rules reference guide along with Necron Reanimation Protocols. For the Battle Report, we get Two Destroyers and Five Necrons vs Two Aggressors and Three Assault marines.

Who will win? The series is currently at 15-8 to the Necrons.

Thank you for reading and watching. Remember to subscribe, it means the world to me, and at 500, I get to unlock the community posts and start sharing some WIP projects.

Support the channel

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Comic Review 240 // The Terrible Twos (The Amazing Adventures of Batman!) by Brandon T. Snider

Coming in thick and fast with these Batman mini adventures. I get these aren't to everyone's taste but damn, are they proving fun so far!

Title: The Terrible Twos (The Amazing Adventures of Batman!)

Author: Brandon T. Snider

Illustrator: Omar Lozano (Illustrator)

Link to Amazon Affiliates shop

Blurb: Batman and his crime-fighting cousin Batwoman are in double trouble! The supervillain Two-Face is on a crime spree in Gotham City. Who will win when the superheroes face off against this two-bit crook? Find out in this action-packed early chapter book for the youngest of readers.

Review

This time we are joined by Batwomen, aka Kate Kane, aka Bruce Wayne's Cousin. For another lesson in teamwork. This time our heroic duo is facing off against Two-Face, who, with the help of a robot, can be in two places at once. With a bank robbery and diamond heist happening simultaneously, the duo split up. But who has the real Two-Face?

A formulaic story, as with most of these. It was enjoyable to see Batman take a back seat whilst Batwomen became the focus. I would have loved to have seen the robot be more of an unexplained aspect until later in the story. Instead, it is explained early on and easily defeated. I enjoyed the simplistic nature of the story, and I am ready for the next book!

Cheers for reading.

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

Blood Bowl 2 Game 4 Summer League - Elven Union vs Necromantic

Blood Bowl 2 League 4 - Summer Season - Game 4 Union Elves vs Necromantic

Want more Blood Bowl? Follow me, and reach out if you are a player; we can have a match together. Also, let me know if you are interested in a miniature game. If there is, I will start working out how to get some content made for that. So excited for this game, Zombies, Ghouls, Wights, Werewolves and golems! This is the team I am thinking of playing next, so I hope they do well, haha. I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers Support the channel

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.ca/shop/adventureswithpeps

Social Media: www.beacons.ai/adventureswithpeps

Book Review 232 // The Tower of the Elephant by Robert E. Howard

We are back with another fantastic Conan adventure! I am getting into the flow of these, and they pair well with my Slaine adventures. I am excited about this tale as we enter the city of thieves, which is the title of my favourite Chose your own Adventure book, which I can only assume was inspired by Conan. But enough waffling on from me. Let's dive in!

Title: The Tower of the Elephant (Conan, #3)

Author: Robert E. Howard

Buy on Amazon

Blurb: Conan infiltrates a perilous tower in the City of Thieves in order to steal a fabled gem from an evil sorcerer. A classic of Conan lore, often cited as one of Howard's best tales.

Format: E-book 48 pages

Review

During Conan's early phase, Howard has already found his style for Conan's adventures. With rumours of a rather tempting gemstone reaching his ears, our Barbarian heads off to "retrieve" the Heart of the Elephant locked away in the Elephant Tower. The only problem is the tower's owner happens to be a dangerous Sorcerer, and of course, there have to be traps and dangers at every turn.

It is a significant expansion into the world of Conan, giving us dark magic, Cosmic Horrors and dare I say Eldritch beasts from beyond. It was a surprisingly dark tale toward the end, and it really got me pumped to read more. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a good run of stories and not the peak of his writing. Time will tell.

Ultimately you know what you are getting with a Conan adventure, but damn was this fun and entertaining. I am genuinely excited to get into the next story!

Audio Review 127 // The Trials of Azrael by C Z Dunn

Today's review contains two of my favourite characters! Up first is the Bloodthirsty Kharn. I loved his backstory in the 2nd edition of Warhammer 40k, but he became a favourite during the reading of the Horus Heresy. Then facing off against him is Azrael of the Dark Angels. The Dark Angels are among my top five Space Marine chapters. I love their more knightly appearance of them, with their dark secrets and real anti-heroes vibes. I have fond memories of the 2nd edition linked to them. But enough of that, let's get into the review.

Title: The Trials of Azrael 

Author: C Z Dunn

Performed by: Gareth Armstrong, Tim Bentinck, Claire Corbett, Chris Fairbank, Luke Thompson

Buy now on Amazon

Blurb: As war rages in the Pandorax System, the Imperial battleship Revenge comes under attack by the dread forces of Chaos. As warriors of the Black Legion rampage through the venerable craft, Supreme Grand Master Azrael leads the First Company of the Dark Angels — the elite Deathwing — onto the vessel to eliminate the enemy. Separated from his men, Azrael finds himself trapped in the lower decks with only a tech-priest for company and one of the galaxy's most fearsome warriors hunting him: the infamous Khârn the Betrayer.

Review

Finally, an audio short with some meat. At 75 minutes long, we have a solid adventure and some growth within the story. It did not disappoint, with a magnitude of surprises throughout that kept me engaged the entire time. The action comes thick and fast, like most Black Library stories and this one even has a sprinkling of humour thrown in for good measure. On one side, we have a bloodthirsty killer and on the other, a noble knight. Both hope to outsmart their counterparts whilst thwarting their opponent's plans. I sat and blasted through this in one sitting, once I started I didn't want to stop.

Like nearly all the Black Library audio dramas, the performances are amazing and, for me, at least transported me to those characters. A well-written and thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Imperium Magazine Issue 19 - War in the Factorum - Review & Battle Report

Imperium Magazine Issue 19 - War in the Factorum is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist. Hit the subscribe button! to not miss out.

For each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures/terrain (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 19 - Includes the third and final Crate/barrel terrain set. Which completes issue 1-20 moon map and has us fighting not one but three battles for the Factorum. Using the provided rules, we created the Fabricus Munitoria, which specializes in producing Laser Focusing Crystals. Its three key locations of the Promethium Refinery, Shipping Depot and Ammunition Storage Yard will form the battlegrounds. We will use the Royal Warden and 10 Necron Warriors to face the Primaris Captain and his 5 Assault Intercessor Marines.

Who will win? The series is currently at 13-7 to the Necrons.

Hope you enjoy it and will follow. Cheers!

Support the channel:

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Comic Review 239 // The Amazing Adventures of Batman: Reptile Raid by Laurie S. Sutton

Okay, it happened! I managed to get my hands on all eight of the Amazing Adventures of Batman. You just got to love the library. Now from what I can tell, the series is split in two by the authors who are writing but are in no way connected, so I am letting my son choose the order we enjoy these in. Today's choice goes to Killer Croc, my son's favourite villain - mine being Mr. Freeze and collectively with both like Bane, haha.

Title: Reptile Raid

Author: Laurie S. Sutton

Illustrator: Darío Brizuela

Blurb:

Killer Croc climbs out of the sewers . . . with an army of reptile warriors! Batman and Robin are hot on their lizard-like tails. Can the Dynamic Duo stop their reptile raid, or will these slimy supervillains give the heroes the slip? Find out in this action-packed early chapter book for the youngest of readers.

Buy now on Amazon

Review

A classic tale. Batman and his sidekick Robin are having a slow night of crime fighting when suddenly the sewer ahead bursts open with Killer Croc, and a horde of mutant reptiles burst forth to take over Gotham. Completely surrounded, the crime-fighting duo takes to the rooftops to plan to defeat this menace. Using gas, they subdue the creatures leaving Batman and Croc to fight it.

A super simple, straightforward adventure, but my son loved it! No real moral to the story in this one, just straightforward, simple action. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to little ones who want a Batman story.

How to Paint a Primaris Space Marine with Speed Paint - Novamarine Tutorial

How to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Novamarines with speed painting.

Here's a quick, straightforward how-to paint video showing how I painted a Novamarine Primaris Space Marines. The technique is pretty straightforward, and a big pro for me is its quickness. This is not technical; this is designed to get paint on models and looks good from 3FT. Please be warned that it is white, and my camera hated looking at it for so long.

More Badab Paint Schemes here: YouTube Playlist

Please give me a subscription, and use the links below to support the channel. Cheers.

Support the channel

Amazon Shop

Social Media

Kraken Energy Drink

Novamarine Lore

The Novamarines is a Loyalist Space Marine Chapter and Second Founding successor of the Ultramarines Legion. An ancient and proud Chapter, the Novamarines are hard-line adherents of the Codex Astartes who consider the writ of this sacred text, penned by their blessed Primarch Roboute Guilliman, to be divinely ordained law. In the past, they have been known to draw blood against those who would stray too far from the Codex.

The Novamarines' virtue and honour are such that they have been held up as an example to other Chapters of what it means to be of the Adeptus Astartes, much like their parent Chapter.

They have no known Successor Chapters, at least not officially, but they are believed to have had the honour of their brethren being selected to provide a portion of the gene-seed used in the Founding of several Ultramarines Successor Chapters in the past, notably the Dark Sons and the Angels of Fury.

While the Angels of Fury are officially counted as an Ultramarines Successor, they were aided and trained from their inception by the Novamarines.

The Novamarines is one of the proud Primogenitor Chapters, the Firstborn Successor Chapters sired by the Ultramarines Legion during the Second Founding.

The Chapter's homeworld of Honourum is to be found in the galactic north of the Ultima Segmentum, a great distance from the Ultramarines' Realm of Ultramar. The region is sparsely populated and its proximity to the Halo Stars means that the Chapter's sphere of influence and area of operations are large indeed.

The Halo Stars, as well as the vast tracts of unexplored Wilderness Space around Honourum, are host to all manner of ancient threats, nascent alien empires and as-yet undiscovered lost Human colony worlds from the Age of Strife.

As a consequence, the Novamarines have seen action against a wide range of enemies, from terrible xenos monstrosities to isolationist Human realms that refuse to bow to the rule of the Emperor of Mankind.

Perhaps partly because the Novamarines operated across such a wide area, the Chapter has very rarely gathered all 10 of its companies in one place. As far as can be ascertained, this has not occurred since the 37th Millennium, so active and far-flung are its companies' operations.

As a Primogenitor Chapter of the Ultramarines, the Novamarines maintain close links to the present-day Ultramarines and their other Successor Chapters. The great distance between Honourum and Macragge means that the Chapter is unable to send representatives to the court of Marneus Calgar as often as its brother Chapters, but every Novamarine aspires to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Primarch on Macragge at least once in his lifetime.

Those that have done so traditionally mark the fact by adorning their battle helms with a laurel wreath, a mark of honour that the Chapter's Scout Marines behold with awe and dream of one day earning for themselves.

The Novamarines contributed a large force to the continuing battle against the expansion of the T'au Empire during the Damocles Gulf Crusade in the mid-8th century of the 41st Millennium, based far to the galactic south of the Ultima Segmentum.

This deployment surpassed the demands of normal operations on the Chapter and took on the dimensions of a full Imperial Crusade, scouring the upstart aliens from several star systems in and around the Lithesh Sector and earning many glorious battle honours in the process.

When the crusade force was ordered by the Inquisitor Lord Kryptman to redirect to Macragge to face the onslaught of the Tyranids' Hive Fleet Behemoth, the Novamarines sped to the side of their Progenitors. In the aftermath of the Battle of Macragge, the Novamarines' contingent remained in the region for several solar months, rearming and refitting before making for the Jericho Reach.

The Chapter's first battles in the Reach were fought exclusively against the T'au of the Velk'han Sept, which included a series of fleet engagements rimward of the Black Reef.

The Novamarines have recently taken losses from which they are rebuilding following a series of less-than-successful assaults on the traitorous Human warlords of the world of Iphigenia.

The bit I care about

The Badab War (901-908.M41) - Delayed by numerous conflicts the Chapter was already engaged in, a Novamarines contingent finally arrived in the Badab warzone in 906.M41 in response to the first calls for aid from the Inquisition. The Novamarines responded primarily because of their revulsion to the Astral Claws' Renegade Chapter Master Lufgt Huron and the rebel forces' presumption and arrogance at defying the Imperium. The Novamarines were quick to apply themselves to saving their Loyalist allies against the barbarous Executioners Chapter. At the request of the Loyalists' High Commander Carab Culln of the Red Scorpions Chapter, the Novamarines remained in several smaller, highly mobile taskforces for the remainder of the war, guarding Imperial shipping and fighting small-scale and intense battles on several Frontier Worlds. The Novamarines withdrew their forces in 908.M41 to defend their homeworld against the impending threat of a growing Ork WAAAGH!, amongst many other problems plaguing the Ultima Segmentum.

Hope you enjoyed you see you again soon!

Book Review 231 // The Scarlet Citadel by Robert E. Howard

With my Slaine adventures closing for now, these Conan adventures keep me engaged with Sword and Sorcery's worlds. With this sparking my interest, for now, we dive into the next title by Robert E. Howard.

Title: The Scarlet Citadel

Author: Robert E. Howard

Blurb: Robert Ervin Howard (1906-1936) was an American pulp writer of fantasy, horror, historical adventure, boxing, western, and detective fiction. He is well known for having created the character Conan the Cimmerian, a literary icon whose pop-culture imprint can be compared to such icons as Tarzan of the Apes, Sherlock Holmes, and James Bond. Voracious reading, along with a natural talent for prose writing and the encouragement of teachers, conspired to create in Howard an interest in becoming a professional writer. One by one he discovered the authors that would influence his later work: Jack London and Rudyard Kipling. It's clear from Howard's earliest writings and the recollections of his friends that he suffered from severe depression from an early age. Friends recall him defending the act of suicide as a valid alternative as early as eighteen years old, while many of his stories and poems have a suicidal gloom and intensity that seem prescient in hindsight, describing such an end not as a tragedy but as a release from hell on earth.

Format: E-book

Buy now off Amazon.

Review

In this short story, Conan is king, and as part of his kingly duties, he rallies his forces and marches forth to aid allies' call for help. Unfortunately for Conan and his forces, it was a trap. Soon, Conan's troops are dead, dying or fleeing the battlefield. With no force to protect him, Conan is captured and placed in the Dungeons of Tsotha. Tsotha is a villainous classical wizard with the goal of world domination.

It is a tremendous feeling of adventure, leaning heavily into the fantastical worlds of Sword and Sorcery vibes as it should. This is the type of story I needed, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Audio Review 126 // The Stromark Massacre by Andy Smillie and C Z Dunn

I didn't stay away from the Flesh Tearers for long. Drawn once more into another audio adventure but this time with a little twist. These two short stories are set in the same system following two different chapters formed from the same Bloodline. How will they differ, what is the theme of the tale, will I get answers?

Title: The Stromark Massacre: Space Marine Battles

Buy on Amazon for Audible

Authors: From The Blood by Andy Smillie and Terror Nihil by Christian Z. Dunn

Performers: Sean Barrett, Tim Bentinck, Jane Collingwood, Jonathan Keeble and Saul Reichlin

Blurb:

++We are fury! We are wrath! We are death!++

++Chaplain Appollus, Flesh Tearers++

++We are the Angels Encarmine. Every day is a day for death.++

++Castellan Zargo++

Two linked Space Marine Battles stories featuring the Flesh Tearers and the Angels Encarmine.  Produced by Black Library and Heavy Entertainment. Performed by Sean Barrett, Tim Bentinck, Jane Collingwood, Jonathan Keeble and Saul Reichlin. Running time approx 90 minutes.

“We make the World Eaters look like school kids” – love Gabriel.

Review

A nice 90-minute two-part tale linking two chapters from the Son of Sangiunius. Within the two tales, we follow the chapters as they wage war within the Stromark system, two worlds have turned their backs on the Imperium of man and now the wrath of Angels falls upon them.

One story follows the Flesh Tearers as they enact brutal vengeance on Stromark Prime, whilst on Stromark Secundus the Angels Encarmine, active a unit that has not seen action in a millennium!?

Tale one From the Blood is the stronger tale of the two and follows the Flesh Tearers as they plan the brutal takedown of the Governor's Palace. To lead the charge is Chaplain Appollus, your typical over-the-top Chaplain, full of righteous zeal and the spiritual leader of the ranks of Death Company. These bloodthirsty marines are no longer the heroes of the Imperium they are more akin to the bloodthirsty Khorne Berzerkers. This may have something to do with the flaw in all Blood Angels gene seed or could it be a hint of heresy? Overall a solid story, with good insight into the Death Company and it even finishes with a nice twist.

The second short from C Z Dunn is titled Terror Nihil. This excited me to start with as it is all about the Angel Encarmine, a chapter I know very little about. I've seen images and read small teasers about them but never had something like this. The planet itself Stromark Secundus is a toxic hellhole, it is basically a death world that would kill even a marine. This forces the chapter to use a unit they have not activated in over a millennium. At this point, I have to stop as spoilers would ruin the rest of the tale. Ultimately what we have here is the making of something special, unfortunately, the author failed to deliver it. The Characters aren't that interesting and it felt like it was just counting down the moments. A sad letdown, to be honest.

So The Stromark Massacre falls under an Okay review. Lots of missed opportunities within its 90 minutes. Could have been something special, instead, it becomes just something I need to hear as a completionist.

Have you listened to it? Am I missing something? Let me know.

Blood Bowl 2 League 4 - Summer Season - Game 3 Union Elves vs Kislev

Blood Bowl 2 League 4 - Summer Season - Game 3 Union Elves vs Kislev

Want more Blood Bowl? Follow me, and reach out if you are a player; we can have a match together. Also, let me know if you are interested in the miniatures game. If there is, I will start working out how to get some content made for that.

Back to back, Kislev teams. I would like a more exciting game this time around. The Kislev is a northern Human team who excels at a movement-based game. Lightly armoured, they still hit hard, and many team members have access to fantastic stills like a leap.

I hope you enjoy it and will smash the like and follow buttons. Cheers

Support the channel

Amazon Shop

Social Media

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. I earn some money from qualifying purchases.

Comic Review 238 // The Amazing Adventures of Batman: Rain of Fear by Brandon T. Snider

I am really starting to enjoy these short kid-themed comics, I love a fun-filled Batman tale, and after completing the Bane Drain Adventure, I couldn't resist reserving the rest of the set. So expect to see a lot more of these adventures.

Title: Rain of Fear!

Author: Brandon T. Snider

Illustrations: Darío Brizuela

Blurb: When Scarecrow fires his fear cannon into the clouds, Batman and Robin find themselves awash in a . . . Rain of Fear! Will the heroes save the day? Find out in this action-packed chapter book for young readers.

Format: 32 pages, Hardcover

Buy now on Amazon and give a sweet kickback!

Review

Okay as mentioned I am personally enjoying these titles, but so is my three-year-old. It is the perfect way to spend a Tuesday night reading through one of these at bedtime. Like the rest of the titles, this is aimed at a younger audience and avoids a lot of the violence and fighting you would traditionally find in a Batman title.

Scarecrow is definitely a creepy ass villain, as he poisons Gotham and Batman with Fear Gas. It is up to young Robin to save the day and rescue his mentor. It is a classic teach-your-kid-a-lesson story, about not letting your fears control you and that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough. There are definitely some fun sections like Robin zipping around on the bike and getting to be the hero. Which my kid found hugely enjoyable. I wonder if Batman will have a different side kid in every book?

The artwork of Dario Brizuela is a perfect kid-friendly level. Bright, bold and clean. Not gritty, or dark here. Looks very similar to the early 2000s cartoon network shows. Perfectly fine for children but may not hold the interest of an adult! But hey it's not meant for you.

Ultimately a fun enough read, a great way to spend some time with the kids and have a good snuggle whilst reading.

Imperium Magazine Issue 18 - Destroy the Technomancer - Review & Battle Report

 Imperium Magazine Issue 18 - Destroy the Technomancer is the next installment as I run all 80 Battle Reports from the Warhammer 40,000 Imperium collection from Hachette Partworks and Games Workshop.

This will all be a part of the Imperium playlist: YouTube Playlist. Hit the subscribe button! to not miss out.

For each issue, I will bring you a fully painted battle report. Using that issues figures (if they have some) and rules. As well as a quick overview of the magazine. Got any questions, please do ask!

Imperium Magazine Issue 18 - Includes the third Necron hero, the Technomancer. While for the Battle Report, we have three Skorpekh destroyers plus the Technomancer versus 3 Aggressors and the Lieutenant.

Who will win? The series is currently at 13-6 to the Necrons.

Hope you enjoy it and will follow. Cheers!

Support the channel

Amazon Shop

Social Media

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. I earn some money from qualifying purchases.

#warhammer40k #spacemarine #necrons #battlereport #review #warhammer #imperiummagazine #executionerspacemarines #wargaming #tabletopgaming #technomancer #skorpekhdestroyers