Imperium Magazine 1 Battle Report - First Contact

Welcome to another Youtube update (not following well; time to subscribe! Also, it is free). This week we officially kick off the battle report series for Imperium Magazine. I will run through all 80 battle reports from this magazine using only painted models (the challenge is on!).

This series of magazines comes with figures/paint/terrain or a combo of pieces. Inside, you usually get some unit info, lore, building guide, paint guide and finally, a battle report.

Kicking this off is Issue One, First Contact! We are using my freshly painted Executioners Space Marine Lieutenant squaring off against a Royal Warden of the Novokh Dynasty, all set within War Zone Damasus.

Will the Lieutenant be able to stop the Necron from activating a Repair Node? Or will the Royal Warden reactivate the systems that will awaken the warriors of this tomb complex deep under the moon of Megaria? Watch now to find out.

I truly appreciate the people reading these posts and those of you who have jumped to my YouTube channel. Thank you!

Book Review 193 // Secrets of the Tau by Cavan Scott

Delving back into the Warped Galaxies title with Secrets of the Tau. So far, the titles have been enjoyable to read through. Obviously aimed at a younger audience, we are still treated to a thrilling read. I am hoping Cavan Scott can continue this trend with the Tau.

Title: Secrets of the Tau (Warped Galaxies #3)

Buy now via Amazon: LINK

Author: Cavan Scott

Fluff: The third book in the Warped Galaxies series. An exciting new series of sci-fi books for middle-grade readers from Black Library. Brave champions and the forces of the Imperium battle alien beasts and mechanical tyrants across the gulf of space.

Journeying to the bustling spaceport of Hinterland after being saved from certain death by a dubious Rogue Trader, Zelia, Talen and Mekki continue their quest to reach the Emperor's Seat. But much here is not what it seems. Alone in a strange place surrounded by aliens, who can they really trust and what are the secrets of the Tau?  

Review

Having been rescued from the clutches of the Genestealers, our young group starts to experience the wider galaxy and where they are within it. It also allows new characters and locations to be explored now we are thoroughly familiar with the main cast. The first new character is the Rogue Trader, who I feel isn't all they seem. Hardly no crew to speak off or with, and the behaviour patterns of an Inquisitor, I think they can't yet be fully trusted.

But with the aid of the Captain, our team made it to the Hinterland, a Space Station located painfully close to the Tau empire and awkwardly too far away from the watchful eyes of the Imperium. This has led to the place becoming the den of the illegal, be it trade, aliens, gambling or drugs. This setting can be well used to start the discussion of Xenophobia with a child and how the Imperium is not the series' goodies. This may be a complicated conversation, but it seems to be an important one to discuss.

As with previous titles, we see the characters clashing as they discover themselves and grow into adults, but we also see bonds strengthening and some real character growth. The Tau in the novel comes across as almost a mobster group which was fun to see. Also very understandable with the amount of High Tech equipment they have. And with a classic explosive ending, we head off into space on to the next adventure, which, based on the title, involves everyone's favourite - ORKS!!

As always, I truly appreciate your reading. If you use the to-buy link, thank you for supporting the blog. Want to help a freeway? Head over to my Youtube and drop me a follow. Cheers!

Necrons - Novokh Dynasty

 

Looks like the Necrons are here to stay. This will become my main source page for all things to do with my Necrons. Though I doubt I will go down the hole like my Aeldari page I did want to make sure everything was easy to find. I hope you enjoy it!

Name: Novokh Dynasty

Phaeron: Galmakh

Capital: Dhol VI

Colours: Silver and Red

Overview

The distinctive colour scheme of the Novokh derives from their battle rituals in the time before biotransference. Having slain their enemies in battle, Novokh warriors would daub their faces and arms in the blood of the vanquished, a practice now echoed in the crimson carapaces of their soldiery. Today, the Novokh are brutal butchers who do not stop until all organic foes have been completely annihilated and are one of the most terrifying Necron dynasties to face. Though initially mellow, upon witnessing blood the warriors of the Novokh will be overcome by their engrams and go into an unstoppable killing frenzy. The Novokh specialize in close combat, utilizing large numbers of infantry and Lychguard. They also do not hesitate to deploy large numbers of Destroyer Cultists.

The territory of the Novokh dynasty is found in Ultima Segmentum and includes the crown world of Dhol VI and the active tomb world Draven. The dynastic symbol of the Novokh represents the six wars of conquest which emanated from the dynasty's original core; this is a simple design of the type often seen in aggressive younger dynasties. The Novokh Dynasty is currently fighting against numerous Ork hordes. Since the formation of the Great Rift, they have begun a campaign against the forces of both the Imperium, Orks, and Chaos within Imperium Nihilus.

During a battle with the Death Guard Warband known as the Pallid Hand on Hollowfall, forces from the Novokh Dynasty were infected by Mortarion's bio-mechanical Ferric Blight. The disease spread to their Tomb Worlds and has created a devastating epidemic.

The Dynasty is currently embroiled in a war with the Tyranid Hive Fleet Arachnae.

Notable Members

Phaeron Galmakh, the Moon Killer. He gained fame before the Great Sleep by destroying moons to forever shatter the gravity of worlds that defied his rule. Galmakh's Decurion recently put a Militarum Tempestus strike force to flight, and even now amasses more power in the Ultima Segmentum.

Overlord Crimson King — Commands the C'tan Shard, known as the Crimson God.

Ultep — Warrior

Crimson God — A C'tan Shard commanded by the Crimson King. It is an unwilling vassal though, that metes out destruction in battle with its incredible powers, but never quite in the way that the Novokh Dynasty would wish for.

Known Tomb Worlds

Dhol VI — Crownworld

Draven

Adventures Novokh Dynasty

HQ

• Royal Warden

Imperium Magazine Issue 1 - Royal Warden

Okay I know, Imperium Magazine has been out for a while but I can finally get it here in Canada and this excites me! Issue One contained two HQ units, a Necron Royal Warden and a Primaris Lieutenant. For this first video in a new series, I started with the Necron because I've never painted one before!

Watch and then give me a follow on Youtube: Adventures with Peps

I did it! Look at me. I've gone and painted my first Necron! I went with the Novokh Dynasty simply because I like red; it sounds like an aggressive force, and I like the idea of that. As we are learning about necrons together, I thought I would share some details.

Here is some fluff on the unit

Royal Wardens are Necrons who serve directly under an Overlord and ensure their lord's will is carried out by the Dynasty's armies.

Royal Wardens possess the initiative to adapt on the battlefield and can modify the orders to the phalanxes of the Necron Infantry. While they retain the independence of thought, their command protocols make them unquestionably loyal. Royal Wardens are armed with Relic Gauss Blasters.

What a fun model to paint. I had a lot of fun with this one and now understand the joys of painting them.

Do you collect Necron? Got any advice? Please do drop me a comment!

Cheers

Book Review 186 // No Use for Good Men (Short Story) by Guy Haley

Enjoying these Black Library short reads, I fear this story is tempting me into the crime series they have been creating of late. Here is the fluff for No Use for Good Men.

Fluff: 

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is a vast city… The urban sprawl of murder and corruption. A den of vice and illicit deeds where the law fails, and justice is fleeting.

Glutted merchant-kings turn the wheels of industry, feeding the engine of war on distant worlds while the lowly dream only of survival. As the gilded prosper, hidden behind their fortress walls, the masses must find a place within the underbelly. But regardless of station, whether criminal or law-keeper, one fact remains true – this city is dirty, and no one escapes it without a little sin. For in Varangantua, there are no good men.

Review

Damn, this was good if quick read. Guy Hayley does excellent work in bringing the City of Varangantua alive. It is a depressing place where good people are crushed under the iron fists of gangs and corruption. How the people survive is beyond me, and the complete feeling of powerlessness the law enforcement faces is just numbing. Order is a fleeting dream that seems to slip further away every day.

As I mentioned, though, it was a quick read, but it was enough to add the series to my to-be-purchased list, and that alone speaks volumes to how good a read this was. I will review as soon as I have that title and have consumed it.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Book Review 185 // The Shapers of Scars by Marc Collins

Some more Black Library goodness this Friday. Today we look over a Space Wolf adventure. And enjoy a new viewpoint on the ongoing wars of the 40k verse.

Title: The Shapers of Scars (Black Library Advent Calendar 2020 #5)

Author: Marc Collins

Page Count: 26

Buy the Book: The Shapers of Scars by Marc Collins

Fluff:

Beneath the slate-grey skies of Fenris, a mighty jarl lies dying. She is a huntress queen, who has guided her people for many years, and the time for her thread to be cut is near as those closest to her prepare for her passing, Katla Helvintr dreams. In her mind, she faces the great wyrm that laid her low once more, and if she loses this battle, her time is done. But Katla Helvintr is powerful and has a wyrd upon her, and her end may not yet have come…

Review

I enjoy a Rogue Trader adventure, and Collins has managed to create a fantastic character in Katla Helvintr. She is a Rogue Trader, but she also comes from Fenris, the Homeworld of the Space Wolves. Collins manager to create a character that was more than just a space Viking. She is a solid force to be acknowledged, and I seriously hope we get more like this in the future.

The ship itself should also be viewed as a character. The Wyrmslayer Queen is a dangerous ship; its machine spirit seems bold, solid and scary (like its captain). It is portrayed as an alpha predator in space, covered in guns and armed with deadly void harpoons to help grab its prey. The use of the harpoons in the story is so low-tech but amazingly fitting to hold a ship in place for boarding actions. The action is intense, and with it being Tyranids, you know it would give me the sweats. The scene where Katla faced off against a Carnifex left me gagging for air as I held my breath. I am ultimately glad she survived because that gives me hope for more adventures. So come to Collins and give me a whole book!

As always, thank you for stopping by. If you enjoy my blogging adventures, please check out my links as it supports me and the blog.

Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/adventureswithpeps

Imperium Magazine Issues 1 to 3

Hey! Old news I know for most of you in England, in over here in North America, we finally got our hands on the Imperium Magazine. For those who don't know, this is a monthly delivery of magazines to introduce people to the hobby while building up two armies to fight with. Armies include the Space Marines (no surprise there) and the Necrons.

Personally, I haven't played since the 7th so being able to relearn the 9th edition rules like this intrigued me and gave me an excuse to start two new armies. Knowing what the forces would be, I started the task of working out who to collect. As a big fan of the Badab War (Huron did no wrong), I knew it had to be a force from there, and after a lot of back and forth, I settled on the Executioners. I like the idea of them being a close combat-themed Imperial Fist chapter that, thanks to Black Library and Forgeworld, have a surprising amount of fluff about them.

But who would they face off against? I find Necrons interesting as a force but always found the paint schemes dull. I know I needed a pop of colour, so I chose the Novokh Dynasty to supply that. With a gentle pop of red, these will stand out great against the Executioners while still easy to paint.

But back to today's post. In the video above, if you haven't watched it already, I quickly go over the first drop of magazines, look inside and discuss my plans for what to build. I hope you will enjoy and join me on Youtube as I work my way through building, painting and playing Warhammer 9th edition.

Cheers for reading.

Kofi Link: https://ko-fi.com/adventureswithpeps

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdventureswithPeps/featured

How to Paint: Tabletop Ready Craftworld Aeldari Alaitoc

Trying out another - How to Paint: Tabletop ready Craftworld Aeldari Alaitoc. If you enjoy all things Aeldari, check out my playlist here: Aeldari Youtube Playlist.

Alaitoc is a major Asuryani craftworld known for spreading its influence further afield than other craftworlds, sending agents across the galaxy to act as its eyes and ears. Its forces favour stealth and misdirection on the battlefield over brute force, killing silently and with guile wherever they can.

This is also perfectly timed with the upcoming release of the new codex and boxset. But will I continue with Iyanden or be tempted by the Stealth of Alaitoc?

As always, I appreciate the visit and any subscribes on Youtube. If you are interested in any of the gear used, please use these links as it does support purchases.

Blue Yeti Nano / Sony Alpha ZV-E10 / Cutting Mat 

Book Review 175 // Blood Drinker (Warhammer Horror Week 2021 #4) by James Brogden

Following last week's Warhammer Horror Short comes another title from the series. This time we jump from the Age of Sigmar into the Galaxy spanning warzones of Warhammer 40,000.

Title: Blood Drinker (Warhammer Horror Week 2021 #4)

Author: James Brogden

Commercial Fluff: Lost to the Black Rage, an Adeptus Astartes warrior of the Blood Drinkers Chapter runs rampant on a drifting spacecraft. An unlikely duo team up to subdue the soldier by attempting to help him tackle the visions that have driven him mad.

Want a copy? Black Library Link

Format: ebook, 36 pages

Review

Once more, we have an exciting and intriguing location. Set on a spacecraft that has been beset by the warp and now drifts through space. This setting is by far the best part of the novel as it seems the ship has gone from horizontal to vertical, and the corridors and hallways have become giant chasms and pits. No one alive seems to remember what has happened on the ship, and as the generations have passed, the knowledge has become folklore. A great example is the worshiping of Saint Gellar, who saved them from destruction, which would mean their Gellar Field saved them from some disaster.

The survivors seem to be living in the upper decks, while the lower sections have succumbed to a warp breach that has corrupted the crew, who through breeding has become a mutated variant called Creepers. This was an absolute highlight for me, such a unique local to play host to a story.

Unfortunately, the monster/villain of the piece was a letdown. It was basically a Blood Drinker Space Marine who had succumbed to the Red Thirst, making him super aggressive and craving human blood. Once this is explained, the short becomes a bit flat for me. I enjoyed the start and middle, which makes it a worthwhile read. Will definitely be looking for more titles by James Brogden.

Let me know your thoughts on this title or what I should be reading?

Youtube // Craftworld Aeldari Saim-Hann

Trying out another - How to Paint: Tabletop ready Craftworld Aeldari Saim-Hann. If you enjoy all things Aeldari, check out my playlist here: Adventures with Peps Youtube.

The Aeldari of Saim-Hann are renowned for their speed upon the battlefield, so it's only fitting that I attempt to paint some as quick as possible. This is also perfectly timed with the upcoming release of the new codex and boxset. But will I continue with Iyanden or be tempted by the Wild Riders of Saim-Hann?

Read more about the Saim-Hann on this blog: SAIM-HANN

Discover more of Saim-Hann in this fantastic book Wild Rider

Blue Yeti Nano

Sony Alpha ZV-E10

Cutting Mat

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Book Review 171 // Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work by Guy Haley

Stepping into the current Warhammer 40k timeline with this week's book reading, Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work. This is my first time learning and reading about this infamous character, plus side is I know we have a good author on this title so it should be a good read. Here are the details:

Title: Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work

Author: Guy Haley

Description: Warhammer 40,000 fans rejoice - Belisarius Cawl has his own novel! Join him on his journey to the abandoned world of Sotha which hides a long-buried secret… and ancient evil.

Belisarius Cawl, Archmagos Dominus of the Adeptus Mechanicus is the most brilliant mind alive. For 10,000 years he has furthered the cause of mankind, working under the aegis of the Emperor and Lord Commander Roboute Guilliman to prevent the inexorable march of the alien and the traitor. Many call him a heretic, but all must recognize the magnitude of his achievements, for who else but he was entrusted to create a new generation of Space Marines? Who else but the great Belisarius Cawl could even accomplish such a task?

Now, in the wake of the Great Rift and the Indomitus Crusade, his ambitions bring him to the long-dead world of Sotha, once home to the Scythes of the Emperor, now a barren wasteland devoured by the vile Tyranids. Accompanied by Tetrarch Felix and his elite warriors, it is here that Cawl believes the lynchpin of his mysterious Great Work lies. But uncovering it is a near-impossible task, one in which the Archmagos must overcome an ancient evil that threatens to extinguish the last hope of humanity.

Amazon Purchase Link: Belisarius Cawl: The Great Work Kindle Edition

Format: Kindle, 416 pages

Review

Okay, I enjoyed this. I really wasn't sure going into this but I've changed my mind. This was an interesting read. Like most titles, it has pros and cons, but the pros definitely won.

The main plot is based around Belisarius Cawl and his attempt to "help" the Scythes of the Emperor. Of course there is other motives from all parties to be involved in this under taking that are slowly revealed throughout the story. The biggest drawback initially was the three stories happening at once aspect, which by the end of the book worked but early on it was very jarring to dive back and forth. The three story arcs are:

1) The origin story of Cawl.

2) The awakening of the Pharos Beacon and the Necrons.

3) The deep dark secret of the Scythes and the Tyranids.

The origin tale of Cawl is interesting. We get to see how he came into being and how he was able to get the primaris information from the Emperor. Love how he was pretty causal around the Big E but at the same in awe. This aspect of the book was very interesting to read from a Lore Point and the way it was handled ultimately made sense in the story. This section leads to Cawl's desire to activate the Pharos Beacon as he seeks out a way to manipulate the Blackstone, causing the mountain to wake and activating a Necron base. Turns out this Beacon was also a prison of sorts for some of the C'tan who need someone like Cawl to release them. Then finally is the Scythes story, this is their homeworld and early on we discover that it has been destroyed by Hive Fleet Kraken and ultimately would have ended the Chapter without the aid of Cawl and the Primaris project. But as the story continues we discover the Sycthes are keeping secrets. I don't want to spoil it too much, but keep an eye on the box. I actually really enjoyed this arc of the story and wish we got more of it, instead it is more side quest of the book.

As you can properly tell, I ultimately enjoyed the story, started a bit rough with the jumping in and out of story arcs, but once a rhythm was found it became highly enjoyable and witnessing the end of the Scythes firstborn was an honour indeed. Highly recommend grabbing a copy to enjoy.

Book Review 170 // Furnaces of Haeleon by Chris Dows

Hitting up another short story this week focused on Khârn the Betrayer. I hope it is as good as last week's Lost King. Here are the details:

Title: Furnaces of Haeleon (Part one of the Red Path Quick Reads series)

Author: Chris Dows

A brand new series begins, focusing on the infamous Khârn the Betrayer and his blood-soaked wars against the Imperium and his fellow Chaos Space Marines.

READ IT BECAUSE

Kill, maim, burn, kill, maim, burn, kill, maim, burn, Blood for the Blood God, skulls for the skull throne of Khorne! (Also, it's free, and it's about one of the 41st millennium's most ruthless and fascinating characters. What have you got to lose?)

THE STORY

Khârn the Betrayer wages bloody war across the Imperium, following the Red Path and leading his Warband of Khorne Berzerkers in greater and greater acts of battle and bloodshed against all-comers. Abaddon desires to yoke Khârn's strength and ferocity for his own ends. Still, the Champion of Khorne will not kneel quickly as his violent crusade brings him into conflict not only with the Imperium but also the Black Legion...

Review

I have been hooked to this character since seeing a 2nd Edition piece of artwork for Kharn in Codex Chaos. Unfortunately for Khârn, his backstory and lore suffered for years as he was viewed as a psycho killer, more dangerous to his own side than the enemy. Then books like the First Heretic and Betrayer came along; they made a character that was interesting, believable and slowly becoming broken by the Heresy. We had a chance to rewrite Kharns story to make him something more than a killer. Then I read this opening short for this series and realized the opportunity had been lost. Seems the author went back to the safe and sound psycho, who cares little for "allies" as long as the blood flows.

Everything reads a little safe, a little uninspiring and completely lacking purpose. It seems Kharn is trapped as a being who just fights and kills and never with a goal. The few characters we are introduced to are left flat and lifeless, maybe this changes later in the series, but I don't see why you would include characters that add nothing to the plot.

I feel disappointed and deflated. I don't see me wanting to read the rest of this series. To sum up, it is dull please avoid it.

Book Review 166 // Silver Skulls: Portents by S.P. Cawkwell

Today is a title I didn't expect to review. I firstly didn't know it even existed, and secondly didn't ever expect to find it at a thrift store. This book was highly intriguing as I knew very little about the Silver Skulls Space Marines. I am definitely excited to learn more.

Book Title: Silver Skulls: Portents

Author: Sarah Cawkwell

Page Count: 362

Fluff: Combating an insurrection backed by the Traitor Legions, the Silver Skulls may be manipulated by the very powers they fight against...

They may be Ultramarines successors, but they're certainly not Codex-compliant... and the Inquisition wants to know why. How the Silver Skulls work and why it might just be their downfall is explored, with a series of shocking twists that will ensure that you never look at the silver-armoured Space Marines in the same way again.

The Silver Skulls Space Marine Chapter deployed on the world of Valoria Quintus to combat an insurrection backed by the dread forces of the Traitor Legions. Sent there by the visions of their Prognosticars, the mysterious psykers whose premonitions decree the path forged by the Chapter and the wars they wage, they expect victory to be swift and easy. But they have not reckoned with their own allies, the servants of the Inquisition who are interested in the Prognosticars, their importance within the Chapter and the possibility that the Silver Skulls may be being manipulated by the very powers they fight against...

Review

This story is all about the Silver Skulls and continues on plot seeds created in the Gildar Rift story. We have our main character Sergeant Gileas Ur'ten upfront and centre, and through him, we discover the culture and background of the Chapter.

The main plot is about the Silver Skulls having caught the eye of the Ordo Hereticus. They are now under investigation for heresy due to their reliance on the Librarians of the Chapter. To this end, an Inquisitor is sent to the Silver Skull's homeworld of Varsavia to seek out the proof to condemn this Chapter. They are called upon to wage war on a planet taken over by the Thousand Sons during this time. This was a significant part of the story, and I really enjoyed it. The Thousand Sons seemed deadly, while the flow of battle was well-paced and written.

Another aspect of the book that was rather interesting was the tribal/racial animosity of the people of Varsavia that seeps into the Silver Skulls Chapter. It would seem there is a North-South divide with the Northern tribe's men believing themselves to be better and nobler than the "feral" Southerners. This is unique and shows that a Chapter isn't necessarily a brotherhood and full of prejudices.

These twists made this novel such a joy. I rapidly consumed this novel and really enjoyed it; I am interested in finding more from this author and more Silver Skull novels.

Do you want to read this novel? Please use this link to purchase through Amazon and get me a kickback (hahaha): Kindle Edition.

Book Review 164 // Claws of the Genestealer by Cavan Scott

I am hitting up an easy read to follow up from all the short stories. With this in mind, I chose Claws of the Genestealer, the second in the series of kid-friendly adventures written by Black Library. I enjoyed the first story (see here), so I hope the momentum continues.

Title: Claws of the Genestealer (Warped Galaxies #2)

Author: Cavan Scott

Fluff: The second book in the Warped Galaxies series. An exciting new series of sci-fi books for middle-grade readers from Black Library. Brave champions and the forces of the Imperium battle alien beasts and mechanical tyrants across the gulf of space.

Having crash-landed on a remote ice planet, Zelia Lor and her friends Talen, Mekki and the super-intelligent alien-ape Fleapit must do whatever they can to survive. A distress beacon offers some hope of rescue, but what else lurks in the ice and snow, watching them with hungry eyes…?

Amazon: Claws of the Genestealer

Style: Paperback, 220 pages - also as a kindle version.

Review

Unsurprisingly we jump straight into the conclusion of the first book, Attack of the Necron. It seems like our group of kids is just not getting a break. After surviving the Necron assassin, the kids build an encampment in the hopes of surviving a harsh winter. While searching for supplies, Talen discovers a cave system belonging to the scary Ambulls of 40k. But it would seem there is something even more horrifying out in the wild as the Ambull is injured. Soon the children are in real trouble, and their only beneficial companion, Fleapit, is out for the count (I guess the cold is getting to him).

The pace in this book is fast, and specific points are rather scary for a younger audience, especially once the hulk is discovered. We also saw many character developments happen between the children; the tense scenario sparked the character's true personalities to shine, which was great.

Though it was a good story, it felt weaker than book one; the ending was enough for me to become intrigued and continue the story. Looks like this series made it into my 2022 reading list.

Book Review 161 // Long Way Home by Filip Wiltgren

A rare short story today from the Necromunda book Uprising. We have a story about the Van Saar gang. Back as a teenager when Necromunda came out in the '90s, and my best friend at the time played a lot of Necromunda. I started with House Goliath but soon wound up with a kick-ass Delaque gang (which I am currently trying to recreate over on youtube). But my friend knew which crew he wanted straight away, and that was Van Saar. He loved the look, the gadgets, everything about them. So when I got to read about House Van Saar, I think back to those days.

The story is a classic double-cross coming-of-age tale and follows a young Prospect/Juve called Skinny Verhan. Verhan has been contacted by a Pit Slave to trade some rare tech his master has acquired. Fearful of a double-cross, the Delta-V Van Saar Gang rollout in full force, with the fear soon realized as the double-cross happens in a beautifully unique market/bazaar area.

This is a remarkable story, I never read any of Filip Wiltgren's work before, but now I want more. He made the Van Saar stand out and not just be tech-heads; it was also refreshing to have something different to Escher and Orlocks (something we need more off from Black Library). The main character was a well-rounded lead, and you wanted them to succeed from the very first page. I hope Wiltgren returns soon to write more Necromunda as I, for one, would buy it.

Want to read this tale? Here is a link to Amazon to purchase: Necromunda: Uprising

Book Review 160 // Banner-Jarl by Will McDermott

Banner-Jarl is the next title in a long line of Necromunda short stories I have been reading from the Anthology: Uprising. Initially released by Black Library way back in September 2020. This was a quick sweet read so let us dive in.

Description: Once banner-jarl for the Vega Rams, an elite mercenary company Grendl Grendlsen lost everything when his liege crossed paths with Lord Helmawr, the ruthless ruler of Hive Primus. Forced into the Underhive, Grendl has made a new name for himself as a bounty hunter and hired gun. His latest job brings back bad memories of his previous life and may cost the former banner-jarl the only thing of value he has left, his life.

For those who don't know, Grendl Grendlsen is a Squat. A race hugely popular back in the '80s but later killed off by GW by the Tyranid fleets. But they have a hardcore following still, and over the years, GW has continued to release models and lore on this dying race. Grendl was the most recent addition, and so it made sense to have a story for him.

As a fully formed bounty hunter, Grendl is a popular model for collectors and having completed this story, I am now seriously tempted to pick one up myself. The story is packed full of action and some rather exciting locations and lore. It would seem Grendl is the type of character that no matter how many times he is knocked down, he picks himself up and keeps going. This story does a lot to make Grendl a realistic and well-rounded character, giving us a rare glimpse into the history of the squats. If you enjoy character background lore mixed in with a healthy amount of action, then I feel you would enjoy this one-shot story.

Want to read this tale? Here is a link to Amazon to purchase: Banner-Jarl by Will McDermott

Road to Necromunda - Gangers

Back into the Underhive, we go! Following a recording error, I had to change up the concept of this video and started diving into some list building. We will take a look at my three newest Necromunda Delaque gang members before diving into the equipment and costs of each member.

As an ex-90's player, I have a strong vision of the build I want, but I am unsure if it would be successful or not? If the more experienced players could read over my list and comment, that would be amazing.

Please feel free to drop a comment and subscribe to stay updated with the progress of all my projects.

Youtube Channel

The List.

Master of Shadows Pts. 165

Skill: Mentor

Equipment: Flechette, Shock Stave, Flak Armour.

Phantom Pts. 160

Skill: Ballistic Expert

Equipment: Mastercrafted Long Rifle, Laspistol, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Phantom Pts. 160

Skill: Fixer

Equipment: Mastercrafted Long Rifle, Laspistol, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Ghost Pts. 90

Equipment: Autogun, Autopistol, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Ghost Pts. 95

Equipment: Lasgun, Laspistol, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Ghost Pts. 95

Equipment: Lasgun, Laspistol, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Ghost Pts. 90

Equipment: Stubpistol, Autogun, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Ghost Pts. 105

Equipment: Shotgun, Autopistol, Stiletto Knife, Flak Armour.

Shadow Pts. 35

Equipment: 2x Autopistols.

Total: 995 Credits.

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Blue Yeti Nano

Book Review 158 // Dead Drop by Mike Brooks

I love these Necromunda short stories so much. I fear that when they end, I come to miss the setting and the mini adventures taking place within. This week's tale is Dead Drop by Mike Brooks; looking at the cover, I realize straight away we have another Orlock story. Come Black Library author, give us stories from the other houses! Don't get me wrong, Orlock's are fun, but it seems heavily swung towards them. They are basically the Ultramarines of Necromunda.

Here is the fluff:

A daring raid on a moving transport puts the Road Dogs Orlock gang in danger as rivals seek the same prize and the unexpected strikes.

THE STORY

The Road Dogs, an Orlock gang in the depths of Necromunda's underhive, are on the trail of a big score. Danner Grimjack, the gang's leader, has planned meticulously, and now it all comes down to the execution. As they go into action, the Road Dogs tackle the Steel Crescents, their Van Saar rivals, on a moving transporter. Danner can only hope the prize is worth the hassle…

Author: Mike Brooks

I feel like Mike Brooks must have been watching Mad Max or playing games of Gaslands. If you haven't guessed yet, I can confirm this is a vehicle chase heavy read. The main character Danner Grimjack is the leader of a close-knit gang of Orlocks. The Orlock's territory seems near the edge of the Hive allowing for adventures out in the wastes, which is pretty unique for the setting. The Gang - Road Dogs - have received intel that a rival gang of Van Saars are collecting cargo dropped by a trader in the waste. You would only do this to avoid security checks, meaning it is worth something to someone.

As soon as the ambush is launched, we are treated to a pretty epic car chase action scene, which packs a lot of new world-building scenes into a short amount of time. Once again, I am left wanting more and genuinely hope we get more outside the Hive books soon.

I enjoyed the book; it could easily be transferred into an apocalyptic setting, which shows how timeless these stories can be. But the authentic takeaway for me is now working out a stealth van for delaques to drive around in. Watch this space!

Want to read to this tale? Here is a link to Amazon to purchase: Dead Drop by Mike Brooks

Book Review 157 // Paradise by Jonathan Green

Heading deep into the underhive once again. This time I get to experience a new author, Jonathan Green. His piece is titled Paradise, and it has us exploring the hive in a way unknown to me. In a strange turn of events, the setting is the most essential part of the story. It has us following an Orlock gang who uses an Ambot robot to dig through a hive wall after killing off a Goliath gang. They are greeted by the rarest of slights, green foliage as the Ambot breaks through to the other side! 

That's right, an entire hab zone full of plants. There are ferns, fungi and freshwater. As the group searches the area, shit hits the fan, and members start dying off. We soon discover that the infamous Bounty Hunter Nathan Creed is hunting them down to find out who hired them. Turns out this seems to be a continuation of a story arc I know nothing about. Who is Nathan Creed? I guess I best start googling and finding out what I need to read to find out. Overall this was an okay read, nothing mind-blowing. I rather disliked the idea of the Ambot being used again; this all seems like a marketing ploy. It also relies on the reader knowing who Nathan Creed is. As I think more about the story, I feel like this was sadly a bit of a miss. In no way terrible, just a general miss.

As always, I hope you enjoyed this relatively quick review? Feel free to comment below or seek me out on one of the many social platforms I hang out on. Here is a quick LINK (Solo bio link) to my details.

Cheers to reading this.

Book Review 155 // Low Lives by Denny Flowers

I'm still cruising the Necromunda short story wave and loving it. Hopefully, by now, most of you are joining me over on Youtube for my Necromunda Delaque Gang videos (LINK)? If not, go look now, subscribe and then come back and finish reading this.

This week we hit up Low Lives by Denny Flowers, part of series two, Novellas released by Black Library. Let's get into the details.

Title: Low Lives

Author: Denny Flowers

Fluff: Caleb Cursebound, the Underhive's ninth-most-dangerous man, and his ratskin partner Iktomi are in hiding, having deposed the tyrannical lord of a Necromundan noble house. Pursued by relentless bounty hunters, the pair descend to the remote mining settlement of Hope's End, the last place anyone would think to look. However, they soon learn that all is not well in Hope's End; the people are being terrorized by a powerful Orlock gang and in desperate need of a hero. Caleb cannot resist the opportunity to prove himself, but some would see his reputation forever tarnished…

Edition: Kindle, 110 pages.

Review

This was a fun story, the ninth-most dangerous man in the underhive was a great read. I love an anti-hero, and Cursebound ranks highly. While getting drunk, Cursebound stupidly agrees to aid a group of miners in getting back their mines from the local Orlock gang. Hoping for a pleasant exchange, the shit really hits the fan, and soon guns are blazing, and action is happening left, right and centre. This was a great short read, and I genuinely hope Denny Flowers is allowed another run with this character in Necromunda soon (Edit: It turns out I missed a book called The Hand of Harrow, now on my to be read list).

As always, I hope you enjoyed this review. Feel free to comment below or seek me out on one of the many social platforms I hang out on. Here is a quick LINK (Solo bio link) to my details.

Looking for a great Necromunda read? Follow this Amazon link to Low Life (yes, I get a kickback, lol).

Cheers to reading this.