Game seven of Blood Bowl 2 League 4 - Summer Season - Union Elves VS Norse Gameplay.
Blood Bowl 2 League 4 - Summer Season - Union Elves VS Norse
Game seven of Blood Bowl 2 League 4 - Summer Season - Union Elves VS Norse Gameplay.

Book Review 227 // The Hyborian Age by Robert E. Howard
I enter a title I wouldn't traditionally read as part of my completionist ways. More of an encyclopedia of the stories' lore than an adventure tale. I've tried reading one similar about the Lord of the Rings and saying it bored me would be an understatement. Here's hoping this one goes better.
Title: The Hyborian Age
Author: Robert E. Howard
Blurb: Nothing in this article is to be considered as an attempt to advance any theory in opposition to accepted history. It is simply a fictional background for a series of fiction-stories. When I began writing the Conan stories a few years ago, I prepared this 'history' of his age and the peoples of that age, in order to lend him and his sagas a greater aspect of realness. And I found that by adhering to the 'facts' and spirit of that history, in writing the stories, it was easier to visualize (and therefore to present) him as a real flesh- and-blood character rather than a ready-made product. In writing about him and his adventures in the various kingdoms of his Age, I have never violated the 'facts' or spirit of the 'history' here set down, but have followed the lines of that history as closely as the writer of actual historical-fiction follows the lines of actual history. I have used this 'history' as a guide in all the stories in this series that I have written.
Review
Yeah still rather dull. I am sure there is a lot here that people would love if they enjoyed a deep dive into a character's world and timeline. A highlight for me was the Hyborian World map. This is going to be open on the iPad whilst I read so I can reference locations etc as Conan adventures across the known world.
There is a lot to take in, turns out Howard has crammed a lot into his little section of the world. So many countries, nations, and race names getting mentioned can be rather overwhelming at times. It soon all started to blend in with each other, and I found myself drifting away more than once, entering more of a studying daze than an enjoyment of reading. And by the end, I was happy to move on with my life.
Overall it's not a needed piece of writing if you are hoping to enjoy Conan yourself. If you are weird like me and have to complete everything all I can say is "Good Luck!".

Audio Review 122 // Bloodspire by CZ Dunn

Imperium Magazine Issue 16 - Destroy the Warden - Review & Battle Report

Comic Review 234 // Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book 2
I love that my joy of Slaine is upon me and I am devouring the Brutania Chronicles. Are you ready? Because I am!
Title: Sláine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book Two: Primordial
Author: Pat Mills
Illustrator: Simon Davis
Blurb: TROJAN WAR!
ALBION, IN A TIME OF LEGEND. Celtic warrior Sláine united the tribes of the Earth Goddess Danu and became the first High King of Ireland. After ruling for seven years, he travelled through time to fight for the Goddess in other eras before returning to save his people from the Fomorian sea devils. Now, having journeyed to Monadh to rescue Sinead from the Drune Lords, he must face the powerful might of the Trojan army and their superhuman warrior, the Primordial, in a battle to the death!
This thrilling continuation of The Brutania Chronicles was written by 2000 AD creator Pat Mills (Ro-Busters) and features the breathtaking, painted art of Simon Davis (Missionary Man, B.L.A.I.R. 1).
Format: 112 pages, Kindle Edition (buy now on Kindle)
Review
I really enjoyed this one. The artwork looked amazing the characters were interesting and having to learn some Celtic terms and lore was a true highlight. Good job I have google. Also for the love of all things, I hope a model of the Fishhead Drune wearing the Salmon of Knowledge becomes a real Warlord Games model in the future!
The story continuing in Albion has Slaine facing down against Slough Gododin. Gododin is the chief of the Drunes lords but also the Son of Slough Feg, meaning he has a well-rounded and thought-out back story. We actually have a revenge story that isn't just thrown together. With Slaine's link to the warping powers broken, we also have a Slaine who is broken and physically at his weakest. Add into this mix the psychological abuse Gododin is adding and we get a really meaty plot.The plot highlight of this volume is Slaine's back story as we try to work out and discover who his real day is and how it may affect Slaine moving forwards. I don't want to give spoilers so you have to read this volume yourselves!

How to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Star Phantoms with speed paint

Book Review 226 // The Greater Festival of Masks by Thomas Ligotti

Audio Review 121 // At Slaughter's End by Andy Smillie

Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves VS Black Orcs

Comic Review 233 // Slaine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book 1 by Pat Mills
Continuing my adventures into the Worlds of Slaine. This title is the beginning of something new. The series is called The Brutania Chronicles and is spread over four books (I believe). It is also a change in art styles as we get treated to Simon Davis's version of the world. So let us dive in.
Title: Sláine: The Brutania Chronicles - Book One
Author: Pat Mills
Illustrator: Simon Davis
Blurb: THE CELTIC WARRIOR RETURNS!
ANCIENT ALBION. Celtic barbarian warrior Sláine united the tribes of the Earth Goddess and became the first High King of Ireland. After ruling for seven years, he fought for the Goddess, travelling through time to battle her enemies before returning to save his people from the Fomorian sea devils. Now, he's crossed over onto the isle of Monadh in an attempt to rescue Sinead from the evil clutches of the Drune Lords...
This brand-new chapter in the life of Sláine is the perfect jumping-on-point for new readers as writer Pat Mills (Marshal Law) transports the Celtic warrior to the ancient world of Albion. This book also introduces the fully-painted art style of Simon Davis (Ampney Crucis) to the strip for the first time.
Format: 112 pages, Kindle Edition
Review
Wow, a change of pace with this title. Slaine is a changed man, older, wiser, disgruntled and grizzled. The wars and deaths have taken their toll, and now Slaine wanders Albion alone, almost a shade of his former self. This is a depressed Slaine; the world has changed, and his people have gone to a new dimension to live in peace with the Earth Goddess. The temples of old now lie abandoned and cold, many being plundered by raiders. Whilst the few Fomorians still left alive have carved out a new empire where they impose their fearsome nose tax!
It does feel like Slaine has lost his spark, finally beaten by the constant fighting and loss. He isn't the hero of old, but that makes this title interesting. He fights only when he has to; he no longer seeks out adventure. This is a true insight into what happens to the hero who lives for too long. What happens when you become broken and disenchanted by the world around you. It is an exciting direction to take Slaine, and it also feels like a point many reviewers miss.
I am a big fan of Simon Davis's work; it feels like proper fantasy artwork, which you would have seen in the 70s and early 80s. The creatures are genuinely fantastical, with a hint of realism still about them, whilst the large panel artwork keeps you focused on the story. But the problem you have is this is following on from such an epic story arc, "Invasions," that it is hard not to compare. Our heroic saviour of his people being broken and depressed will not please everyone. But this arc promises to be great and seems very fitting for the times it was written in.
Let me know your thoughts. Are you reading these as well?
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By far a highlight! |

Let's Play Warhammer 40k: Space Marine - Episode 12 - Victory and Sacrifice

Book Review 225 // Rattle of Bones by Robert E. Howard
Title: Solomon Kane - Rattle of Bones
Author: Robert E. Howard
Blurb: A short adventure tale by the creator of Conan the Barbarian (quite possibly the worst blurb ever?)
Review
Solomon Kane, for me, has been a great ride so far; such a dour man of the 17th century. In his Puritan get-up, he is easy to imagine and has had enjoyable adventures so far through Africa. Considering these stories come from the 1920s into the 30s, they have been better than I had assumed. I've even reached a point where I am adding Kane tales to my wishlist on Audible, so we maybe see a lot of this character soon.
But back to the story. Set within the oppressive Black Forest, we join Kane and a new companion as they arrive at a Tavern. Inside is a friendly, aggressive-looking Inn Keeper that Kane cannot help but feel that he knows. As the story progresses, we end a tale of pure gothic horror with a gentle dash of bloody splatter. Turns out the real innkeeper is dead and has been replaced by Gaston the Butcher, a brutal bandit that lures travellers into his hellish home to rob and brutally kill!
I don't want to spoil too much of the fun, but it is a tale set in a lonely, oppressive forest with a deserted inn, bandits, skeletons and thrills. Really what more could you ask for on a cold winter's night. Great read, and I highly recommend this title.
Hope you will check in next week and let me know what I should check out or what you have been reading.

Audio Review 120 // Blood in the Machine by Andy Smillie
I enjoyed the last Flesh Tearer audio drama so much that I had to dive into the next one. The only issue is I am definitely listening to these out of order! This week's review has back at Armageddon pre-rift, pre-primaris. A location that held a lot of charm for me in my youth. So I am excited to re-visit.
Title: Blood in the Machine (Space Marine Battles)
Author: Andy Smillie
Blurb: ++Today, I will teach your kind the meaning of wrath. I will kill a thousand of your filth-breed before your blood dries on my gauntlets.++
++Gabriel Seth, Chapter Master of The Flesh Tearers++
An armageddon audio drama by Andy Smillie. Produced by Heavy Entertainment for Black Library. Directed by Samuel Gunn. Music specially composed by Simon Slater. Performed by Gareth Armstrong, Seán Barrett, Martyn Ellis, Chris Fairbank, David Timson and Jane Wymark.
Format: Audible - Approximate running time 72 minutes.
Review
What is happening to me? Am I becoming a Son of Baal? This was an epic representation of the 40k stories and setting. This title by Andy Smillie has completely taken me by surprise.
Of course, we have the Space Marines, classic characters, but to this mix, we get Orks, Inquisitors and the crushing scale of what it is like to live in the age of the Imperium.
Set on Armageddon, we join the Gabriel Seth and the Flesh Tearers as they aid the local Imperial Guard in defending a Hive city. With the Marines as an anchor, the line is holding against the brutal attacks of the Orks. Unfortunately, it is here that the Inquisitor enters and, through manipulation and blunt threats, forces the Flesh Tearers to leave their allies and aid her in retrieving a mysterious item of value. During this stage, we are treated to some great Armageddon descriptions and get to see the Imperium's corruption (there are no good guys in 40k).
Without too many spoilers, the mission's goal was pointless, and many of the loyal allies of the Flesh Tearers died in the process, especially the Imperial Guard protecting the Hive City. This ultimately sits poorly with Gabriel Seth and leads us down a dark path of revenge. Seth seeks justice and attempts to find the Inquisitor who is fleeing the system within a civilian convoy. Unsure which ship she is on, Seth let's loose the Chapter's darkest secret, and as the ships escape into the warp, we are left knowing a dark fate has befallen them.
That is a veiled ending description from me. But I genuinely believe you need to hear it yourself and not allow me to spoil it. I highly recommend the title and you should go treat yourself now to it.

Imperium Magazine Issue 15 - Destroy the Plasmacyte - Review & Battle Report

Comic Review 232 // Slaine: The Books of Scars by Pat Mills
Heading back into Slaine by Pat Mills. I recently received some more Warlord Games Slaine models, and as the collection grows, I know I must embark on a quest to paint the line and play a game. I am hoping the comics will invigorate me into action.
Title: Slaine: The Book of Scars (Book 14 in the series).
Author: Pat Mills
Art: Mick McMahon, Glenn Fabry, Simon Bisley, and Clint Langley
Blurb: Marking 30 years of the Celtic barbarian’s adventures, this special anniversary book brings together a new story from creator Pat Mills and the biggest artists to have worked on Sláine over the past three decades.
Debuting in 1983, Pat Mills and Angela Kincaid’s seminal Celtic hero is one of the most popular British comic book characters ever.
Along with his odious sidekick Ukko the Dwarf, Sláine has endured 30 years of trials across the ages as he has served the Earth goddess, Danu, both as High King of Ireland and as a time-travelling warrior.
This beautiful book is a fitting tribute to three decades of fantasy adventures, infused by Mills with the mythology of Ireland and a healthy anti-authoritarian attitude.
The Book of Scars is a special anniversary story which sees Sláine return to the most pivotal moments of his life where he has to face off against his greatest foes – all beautifully rendered by Mick McMahon, Glenn Fabry, Simon Bisley, and Clint Langley, the artists who secured the character’s name in the annuls of British comics history and who returned for this special one-off story.
This book also collects every Sláine cover ever to grace the front of 2000 AD, as well as some stunning pin-ups, sketches and rarities. Artists, writers, editors, and famous fans all contribute their own thoughts on what makes Sláine such a great cover star for the legendary British weekly comic.
With a brand new afterword from comedian and writer Graham Linehan, this great collector’s item is not to be missed by fans of great storytelling, art and warp spasms everywhere!
Format: Kindle 192 pages
Review
Let's be clear this book is 50% story and 50% artwork and gallery. It is a shorter tale than most, but to weigh off against this, it is filled with beautiful art. Great for inspiring miniature painting, but not great if you are looking for an adventure.The story itself was okay, mostly filler allowing the reader to delve back into older Slaine adventures. I imagine this would be great if you were a long-time reader of 2000 AD, having enjoyed the tales for over 30 years. As a binge-reading idiot who has been working through the titles over the last year, not so great. It felt like a lazy sitcom show that uses past episodes as filler.
The book's second half was enjoyable as it showcased all the amazing Slaine covers from 2000 AD and even had artist commentary on it. This is going to be extremely useful as a reference guide when it comes to painting.
Overall I recommend his title to true Slaine fans, but if you are lucky enough to get a hardback version, know that I am genuinely jealous, as I would love to own a copy.

How-to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Howling Griffons with speed paint
How-to paint Primaris Spaces Marine Howling Griffons with speed painting.
Here's a quick, straightforward how-to paint video showing how I painted a Howling Griffon Primaris Space Marines. The technique is pretty straightforward, and a big pro for me is how quick it is. In no way is this technical this is designed to get paint on models and looks good from 3FT.
More Badab Paint Schemes here: YouTube - Adventures with Peps Playlist
HOWLING GRIFFONS LORE
The Howling Griffons is a Loyalist Space Marines Chapter founded in the 33rd Millennium from the geneseed of the Ultramarines. This Chapter fought in the Badab War and saw extensive action in the 13th Black Crusade, fighting against Chaos Plague Marines in defence of the world of Amistel Majoris.
The Howling Griffons take exceptional pride in their oaths, seeing each as the promise of an unending effort until the deed sworn in the oath is accomplished or the oath-taker has been slain in the trying. Before a battle, additional oaths are often added to the Howling Griffons' already long lists of promises, some sworn for the Chapter as a whole and others far more personal for each Astartes.
Once an oath is taken, a Howling Griffons Astartes goes to extreme lengths to complete it, and it is never forgotten, even if solar decades have passed. Completed or satisfied oaths are taken as a badge of honour, often inscribed on parchments or directly into the power armour of the oath-taker.
Because they are incredibly active within multiple war zones, the Howling Griffons are rigorous about harvesting and securing the Progenoid Glands from their battle brothers in a timely fashion. Recoveries made in the field are secured upon the nearest Chapter vessel in short order and then returned to Mancora for storage at the earliest possible opportunity.
This sense of obligation is largely because the Chapter has a very high rate of turnover among its members. These Space Marines prefer to engage in the thickest portion of any battle and are almost always at war. Consequently, the Chapter does suffer a higher than usual casualty rate, which can only be compensated by a proportionately high rate of recruitment and initiation.
Currently, records indicate that the Chapter is sufficiently well supplied with gene seed to accommodate even its prodigious needs.
I hope you enjoyed, and will check out my channel soon. Cheers for reading!

Book Review 224 // Dancing Chickens by Edward Byrant

Audio Review 119 // The Assassination of Gabriel Seth by Andy Smillie

Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves VS Chaos Dwarves
Game six of Blood Bowl 2 League 3 - Spring Season - Union Elves vs Chaos Dwarves Gameplay.
If you want to watch the rest of the season, you best click subscribe and then watch the rest of the season here: Blood Bowl Playlist
It's always fun playing against the Chaos Dwarves. They are a team of hard hitters. The basic Dwarf lineman is heavily armoured and can punch hard. Then the Centaurs take that and add speed! While you are worried about these, the hobgoblins are sneaking into the backlines to score a touchdown or foul your throwers. Love it!
If you play this game, reach out; we can have a match together.

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