You Gotta Have a Thick Skin...

...to put yourself out there with a blog or videos.  Check out this conversation from YouTube re: one of my videos.

So he hates my voice?  No problem!  So he hates my style?  No problem!  I care not one whit, truly I don't; he's lines on my computer screen.  He might as well not exist for all the concern I'm wasting on him - I'll spend my time relating to any number of cool people I've met through the online application of this hobby.

Just remember this... DON'T FEED THE TROLLS!

EDIT  Check out what someone just put up on YouTube!  Comic genius (adults only, please)!

WarGames Con Game 2: A Bitter Pill

So, after Game 1 against Kenny, I knew I'd need a solid win under my belt in order to salvage the day.  Still, my draw was taking me to the right side of the room, where I intended to stay.

Can you say, foreshadowing, boys and girls?  I knew you could!

CliffNotes: Brent get's hit butt kicked and takes his only loss on the weekend in a great game against Allen from Colorado and his Vulcan-variant Space Marines.

Goatboy and Brent at the Team Tournament

So, you gotta know that Brent would eventually write 2000 points or more on each game... and why bother, right?  I mean, Thomas has already done all the work over on his blog, so let's just steal it and start from there.  If he minds... well, Brent will take the hit for it, won't he?

This weekend was a hell of a lot of fun and I got to talk face to face to a ton of people. Hopefully I didn't piss anyone off and get a nice round of cheater mic cheaterson comments on my supposed Casino dice :). Kidding aside this event was a lot of fun. I mean seriously, we leave our hometowns/basements to have a weekend of fun with only conversations about little plastic models, beer, and hopefully some mindless bitching about bad dice rolling.

(As you can see, I even got in a few pictures.)

I judged most of the event and only played in the team tournament and was the ringer at the end of the Winners Bracket. I played with Brent from Strictly Average and I had a blast in all 3 games. In fact, even though our armies were unoptimized we did pretty well with what we had to play with. So all in all it was an awesome time. Here is a very brief hazy memory Battle Report.

The 40K Wrecking Crew Plus Me and You

Okay guys, Brent here addressing the big blue Shark Tank and all you colorful ZombYe types about the wonderful world of tournament play. I’ve got some observations to make, so we can all have fun arguing about ‘em, but I decided to do a little something different and intersperse my commentary with the Battle Report for Game 1 of WarGames Con.

As many of you may know, I played in the Team Tournament with Goatboy; if you’re interested, there’s a rather funny video of us drunkenly playing the first game. That’s right: Friday morning and we’re high on life and a bit toasty on whiskey and Coke! Good stuff.

(Me and Goat's display board.  You'll notice I brought the Storm Buster, the Dyson Pattern Storm Raven, to sit on my display board... 'cause screw 'em, that's why!)

BoLSCon - er, sorry: WarGames Con...First Thoughts

This is Brent; I'm back, baby!

First of all, big thanks to my Indentured Servant, Herr Fernseher.  I think he did a bang-up job running my event coverage.  For those who care, I want to point out I didn't edit his content nor would I go back later to adjust it.  I don't believe in moderating someone's voice.  Certainly he covered it in a different way than I would have but that's what I loved about it.  I have literally hundreds of great photos he took, not to mention all my battle report photos... I hope you guys won't get tired of hearing about this event over the next month, 'cause that's going to happen.

CliffNotes: A quick review of the events and the people.

So, here's what I have to say about the 40K Wrecking Crew...

Cheating At BoLSCon!

TastyTaste from Blood of Kittens has publically accused me of cheating! This slight on my character will not be tolerated. I'm going to enlist the likes of Dethtron to help me set this right!

PS: If anyone sees Not Brent, tell him he's freaking me out. I'm the attention-seeking-net-stalker around here, not me.

Car Wreck: A Close Call after BoLSCon

I'm beat. 

It's 1am and I'm off to bed.  I won Best of the Worst - and don't think I won't get mileage out of that - after the reset. 

Basically, they ran a second tournament on Sunday, which I won.  The top spots from Saturday played on for the big prizes.  Obviously I've got a million things to say.

Later.

On the way home I avoided a huge wreck.  I pulled in front of an obvious drunk and only a couple of moments later he lost control, swerving along 3 lanes of traffic before smashing into a red jeep with two teenagers.  I watched in the rear-view as the jeep rolled 5 or 6 times straight at me, launching pieces across a quarter mile.

I pulled onto the median and ran back to render aid.  The drunk waved to me as he drove off.  I didn't know what to think.

I honestly thought the passengers would be dead, but the kid had pulled his girlfriend from the wreckage before I could get there.  I did stop him wandering in traffic, but I couldn't do more than wait for the cops.

It got me thinking, for obvious reasons.  Here's hoping everyone made it home safe.

And I hope the drunk enjoys prison.  The cops found the car, so it's only a matter of time.

A Quick Announcement...

...before Brent gets back.  He may yank this post later, but for those of you waiting with baited breath for the tournament results, here is an interesting tidbit:

Brent won 1st Best General.  You might wonder how.  It might have something to do with the fact that he is the kind of guy who almost misses the awards ceremony because he is sitting down writing the list he plans to bring to the Con next year.  Fortunately someone came into the Lounge and told him he was missing out.  I would have a picture for you, but just as I was snapping a shot of the victor, my phone announced it was full.  Instead, we'll revisit what is still my image of the weekend:

In fact that is where he'll find me when he finishes hobnobbing with the blogging and gaming elite.  Sitting alone in a dark corner of a hotel bar that doesn't even permit smoking, I write my last post for Strictly Average.  I'd like to think, after fetching so many Red Bulls, that he couldn't have done it without me, but I know that probably isn't true.  I'm proud of him.  He never played on the top 3 rows of tables, but kept giving his best effort and garnered an accolade.  Good job, man.  Congrats, Brent!  And Dear Reader, please don't punish Brent for this weekend's content.  He was a good friend to let me tamper with his project.  Hopefully I didn't break anything...

Herr Fernseher, signing off!

WAR Games Con Winds Down

For the final game, Brent is on table 20.  Honky-slayer is winning games, because he's creeped up to table 5.  Brent just phoned in an order for another Red Bull and a Gatorade.  He must be waiting for the 5 hour drive home with me to explode.  Just my luck.  At least we're in his car.

This an earlier round, but in Game 7, Brent is playing amidst stucco-looking buildings for at least the third time.  Weird, because I would say the terrain has been good and fairly varied at this event.

I have been hungry like the wolf .  And I found him--

Having a Blast at WAR Games Con

Herr Fernseher here, Brent's dilatory drudge.  Brent scored more points than his opponent in game 5, but called it "a tie, basically."  He has moved up a couple of slots to table 25 for round 6.  This is only 14 slots behind the Honky-slayer.  If Brent wins game 6 big, and the Honky-slayer loses big, we could see the match-up I know all you at home are hoping for in game 7.  I mean seriously, can you think of a bigger Honky than Brent?

This is one of the nice Austinites I've met this weekend.  Cool dreads, cool tats, and hot pink.

In tracking down the Uberjerk Space Wolf general, I had to lean over Honky-slayer's table to see if John Doe on my list of suspects was playing wolves against the Honky-slayer or not.  He wasn't, but I stupidly chose that moment to clear my throat, completely interrupting their game.  Honky-slayer shot me a disgruntled look, but seem immersed in his game enough to ignore that fact that I am pretty white.

Cliffsnotes:  Next up, Sweet Pix, the hunt continues, results for game 6, and swag!

Final Day of WAR Games Con, Day Two of Singles Tournament

Herr Fernseher here, Brent's lackey of late.  Brent himself is currently playing game 5 on table 27.  I have to say that the players on that side of the room seem like serious competitors.  Tough lists, better rules knowledge than I saw yesterday, and a no-nonsense attitude.  Anyone who understands the enjoyment that comes from a good challenge will know that these contestants must be having a great time, but you wouldn't know it to look at them.

The pace of the games here in the bottom 40 tables is less frantic.  There are more rule checks and smiles over here.

There is a player with "FORTUNE" writ large across the top of his army list.  As an Eldar player, I cannot tell you how many times I have forgotten to use my fortune psychic power.  That guy was in the bottom 40 when I saw him.  I may have to go seek him out to see if he's been remembering to "fortune."

This squad is reminiscent of the Eldar army Brent brought to this Con.

On the topic of seeking, I've been hunting a hunter...

Day One of Singles Tournament, Winding Down

Ok, NotBrent is now posting comments, and Brent is officially freaked out.  Fortunately it hasn't put him off his game.  He described Game 4 as "a pretty brutal beat-down, and I was doing the beating."  Ever the gentleman (cracker), he did add that it was a bad match-up for his opponent.

Random pic, but nice, yes?

Amusingly, Brent's third game was played on the same table as game 1.  I imagine he's getting tired of the Tatooine looking buildings.  Winning the third game put him on table 30-something for game 4.  Also amusing, Brent's opponents from game 1 and two 2 faced off in game 3.  I am curious to see where Brent lands when the dust settles.  People playing on the top five tables might be playing in the 20's and 30's in the next round.  I believe there are 2 games to be played tomorrow.  Possibly three.  Certain details just bore me.

Cliffsnotes:  My new hero, random observations on the Con, rumors, and a good pixblitz.

"I'm Bringing Nerdy Back"

Saw that on a T-shirt earlier.  Been B-boxing ever since.

Herr Fernseher here, Brent's acting assistant.  Well, I am actually finding myself hoping Brent does poorly in game three and four; if he is not competing as well as he hopes, then I might have a chance of talking him into finding the beer pong table here at the hotel later tonight.  I'd say my chances are 50/50.  Look and see:

Some competitors came hungry.  Apparently, Brent came thirsty.

One of the most amusing sights of the weekend was finding Brent pacing outside the locked doors of the hotel bar 10 minutes before they opened, occasionally stopping to peer longingly through the windows.  One would think I have a good chance of talking him into beer pong later tonight.  However...

Cliffsnotes:  Stay tuned!  After the break, a near rant, a couple of Strictly Average milestones, and a pixblitz!

Game 1 Results, WAR Games Con

Herr Fernseher here again, Brent's temporary lackey and correspondent in the field.  Turns out Brent played his first game with Kenny (president?) of 40k Wrecking Crew.  The couple times I stopped by their table, the tension seemed high, but Brent told me afterward it was a great, competitive game, which is what the Wrecking Crew pride themselves on.  Interestingly, Kenny is one of the few people I trusted yesterday, thanks to his purity seal.  I didn't see it on him today, so I kept my distance.

This guy's arm was as big as mine and Brent's put together, so I kept back, just in case Brent was pissing him off.

Cliffsnotes: results and a personal note on the current leader of the pack.  And your pixfix, of course.

Game 1, WAR Games Con: Sally Forth!

Herr Fernseher here, Brent's temporary manservant.  The "master" and his Demons are currently battling some good looking Blood Angels.  Perhaps he'll have pics for you later.  In the meanwhile, I have your pix fix.

Cliffsnotes:  Brent could get sued for using this term "Cliffsnotes" so liberally, but as his surly dogsbody, I say, "serves him right!"  Anyway, some cool pics and a word about words (how some gamers "talk funny.")

Attention hobbyists: the narrative gamers got some of the coolest terrain at WAR Games Con

WarGames Con: Day One

Okay folks; day one has come to an end.  Goatboy and I had a good run, ending up in 15th place out of... a bunch.  You go look at it!

CliffNotes: I ramble on in my tired way then show some pictures you don't care about.

I've got to say, so far the event is surpassing my already high expectations.  It's great to meet and yak with a bunch of people, putting faces with names and all that.

The actual event was a blast!  Everyone I've talked to had a great time, and by any measure it was a huge success. 

In our Cups

Okay, an hour and a half left in the doubles tournament.  There are 56 tables, and after two games Brent and Goatboy have earned their spot on table #4 with an overall score of 75.  The front-runner on table #1 has a score of 92.  Soon we will see who drinks from the victor's cup.

I wonder if Brent has noticed the Unicorn on table #2.  Unlike him, I believe.

What Is My Servant Up To?

This is Brent - actually Brent, not Not Brent, nor am I Herr Fernseher, my Indentured Servant for the nonce - to actually show you pictures.  I'm going to be punishing the Indentured Servant severely for making you wait for actual pictures!

Quick update, me and Goatboy are doing good.  Shouldn't that be we're "doing well?"  Yes, I think so, but don't be a dick.  Besides, maybe they really are Do-Gooders.  Let's observe them...biding our time...We won the first game and scored more points in the second, so I'm calling that a win.  43 points on the first game, 32 on the second.  Here are some pictures.

Your Man on the Scene, WAR Games Con

Brent's Man Friday here, with updates and highlights.  (Up-to-the-minute coverage?  Gimme a break.  I think I'm only typing 30 wpm on this tiny laptop.)  Despite my overbearing overlord, I am enjoying myself here at WAR Games Con.  (Brent thinks my breaking one of his casualty markers was an accident.) 

--This just in:  Strictly Average has been hijacked!  Despite Brent's desire to bring you the thrills of this Con as it unfolds, he seems to be enjoying himself too much to be bothered with even reading my posts, much less editing them.  Let the inmates riot!

I hope none of you will be too disappointed if things are A Little Above Average around here while Brent is distracted.  Maybe I'll change that blue background...what do you think?

Brent versus Not Brent at WAR Games Con 2010

Brent:  Hero or Madman?

          There are some who might worry (or in the case of the Master Manipulator (every store needs one) who hopes) that Brent is on the verge of madness.  Not Brent.  –I mean, that is to say, Brent is not mad! 

          Not Brent is a formidable opponent and may well outnumber Brent by a significant margin.  As you can see from diagram 1, Brent is surrounded.  While many people in the photo are not the Not Brent, any of them could be a potential Not Brent.  At first, like you, I just assumed that Brent was paranoid with delusions of grandeur.  Now I am beginning to wonder.

 Diagram 1.  I trust Brent.  No, stop looking at Goatboy's shoulder; I'm pointing at Brent's head. I also trust the two dudes in the foreground because they are wearing purity seals.  Everyone else is suspect though.  Note: the faces have been obscured to protect the innocent and the suspect alike. 

Welcome to WarGames Con

Herr Fernseher here at WarGames Con. I’ve indentured myself to Brent for free passage to what is proving to be for me a New World of gaming. I’ve never been to a gaming event of this magnitude. It’s a large group. A couple hundred guys, a handful of girls. Even accounting for the fact that this is essentially a room full of guys, there are still a lot more beards than usual. And pants with cargo pockets. There are a few sports jerseys, a few comic T-shirts. A preponderance of the gamer’s physique. Across the conference room , I cannot make out the words, but I see the Old English font on several T-shirts. Even an honest-to-God Christian T-shirt. Oh, wait. Jesus has a word balloon: “Don’t be a dick”? Well…that’s a reasonable translation I guess.

 Here I am giving my right arm to keep some guy's ass out of the frame...

Energy levels are high here before the kickoff event for the conference, the doubles tournament.

WarGames Con Quickie...

Elle-Drag, her Warlocks, and a few Fire Dragons

This is me, messing with Picasa.  I'm taking my setup to BoLSCon - er, sorry: WarGames Con so I can bring you multiple updates each day.

Why am I messing with Picasa?  I'm trying to make it easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy for my Indentured Servant, the Blogger Formally Known as Herr Fernseher.

Here's the group shot Mags wanted.  I've already taken down my camera equipment for transport, so this isn't the world's greatest shot.

See what kind of snob the Master Manipulator (every store needs one) has turned me into?

More updates soon - Brent

Who's My New Team Tournament Partner?

Well, here's a hint:

...awkward.

The Mighty Footdar Team... No More

fester said...
http://warhammer40kbloodangels.blogspot.com/2010/07/sad-news.html

Does this mean what I think it means?

No footdar pairs?

To which I, your hero, replied:

Nope, no Footdar. :(

Fritz contacted me earlier today but I didn't want to break the news - I wasn't sure it was mine to tell.

Something serious and unavoidable has come up, and Jawa and Fritz can't make BoLSCon.

I wish Fritz and his family all the best.  I hope everything is okay.  Family comes first.

My new Team Tournament partner is...

*yawn*

Bedtime - more tomorrow.

They're Not Exodites

Nope.  Everyone who has ever converted Eldar has come out with Exodites, so I went a different route.  I tried to portray a Craftworld that's fallen into the grip of Slaanesh.

(As an aside, check out Blood of Kittens today for my article on Proxies Vs Counts-As.  It may be a not-so-subtle snub at the team of Goatboy and Jawaballs.)

Check out yesterday's post for the army, but here's a Storm Guardian and a Dark Reaper Exarch.

(Click on the pictures for a larger view.)

The Not-So-Super-Secret Eldar Team Tournament Army...

...for BoLSCon 2010.

This is literally the best army I can create right now.  I hope you dig it.  EDIT: Yes, it's a Footdar.  That's what me and Fritz wanted!  I don't mean an optimized list, I mean a converted and painted army.

The Master Manipulator (every store needs one) and his stupid success...

The Master Manipulator managed to make the Tuesday Top Ten.  He's had a blog for like two minutes now.

I've decided I no longer like him.  Absolutely positively don't support his blog.  I'm not even going to link to it.

Here you go:  CLICK HERE.

In other news, I finished the Not-So-Super-Secret-BoLSCon army about an hour ago.  I'm taking pictures now, so it should be posted by 6pm.

WarGames Con Objective Markers, Redux

I just shot off this week's article to TastyTaste, which didn't take too long since it was actually the article I tried to get published on Bell of Lost Souls.


CliffNotes: The WarGames Con objective markers are re-posted with better quality pictures.

But Big Red hates me and wouldn't respond.  If you're mildly OCD, there's nothing worse than being ignored.  Yup, it drove me a bit nuts, but no matter.  I found a home with Blood of Kittens, where I'm hoping to build a following over the next year with my On Blogging Series.

Birthdays and BoLSCon

It was my birthday yesterday, but I've decided I'm not middle-aged for another 5 years or so.

CliffNotes: It's short. Read it or not, your option.

As an aside, the Master Manipulator (every store needs one) also celebrated his birthday this weekend, though I believe his birthday is today, the 26th. I never realized he was a Leo: that explains a lot. He's got one of those great wives who make more money than their husbands but love them enough to buy them expensive stuff.  Check out his present here, and support his blog if you have a mind to.  My hope is he's not a flash in the pan, so encourage his ADD already.

How does this relate to BoLSCon - er, sorry: WarGAmes Con?  Because I've got a pretty great family too.  My wife purchased my ticket and hotel room for this weekend's event months ago and yesterday mom gave me a new Gucci wallet stuffed with beer money for the trip.  (Her hope is I'll finish my graduate degree and decide to actually make money again.  I've been in my post-adolescent shorts and sandals phase since my ex-partner cleaned out my bank account and made an irony out of a decade of hard work and savings.)

Okay, the picture... what's everyone's thoughts on basing?  I used to keep the edge of the base black but transitioned to a 'painting it brown' period a few years ago.  Based on Lauby's advice, I went back to black for the Not-So-Super-Secret Army, which you'll see tomorrow.  I think the black edging makes the sand and flocking pop.

The MM(esno) has a process he shared with me this weekend, but I'll let him share it on his blog.  What does everyone out there prefer?

WarGames Con 2010, Daemons Army

CliffNotes: Pictures of my 2000pt Daemons army for the 40K tournament this week.

I sent my Eldar Team Tournament list and my Daemons 40K track list in a few weeks back for verification by the TO's.  JWolf sent the following reply, which I found truly hilarious: