Painting trolls

I already got two of these models;  now I'm just making sure I never need any trolls again. The 4 armed version is a conversion by someone else; too bad it wasn't ready for its appearance in Dungeon of the Mad Mage.

16th Battle of Cluswar: A Song Of Ice & Fire: Tabletop Miniatures Game tournament

For my first wargaming outing since the happening, I dove straight into a small local tournament. I got transported to and from, sat most of the time with my legs propped up... it wasn't completely fine, but it was great nonetheless.

Game 1 vs Targaryens. I had little hope with giants against dragons, but I managed to eke out a minor victory.

Game 2 vs Lannisters. I had little hope against my experienced opponent playing his favorite army, but I managed to eke out a victory.

Game 3 vs Starks. I was riding the high of my previous win, but, you might be seeing a pattern here, I had little hope against double Tully cavalry deployed in my face. Once again, I managed to eke out a victory.

Accidental tournament winner...?!

Game 3: Free Folk vs Starks

Game 3 of Banners and Butchery against double Tully cavalry. My opponent was obviously going to pick this one with the close deployment and needing attack actions on objectives. I picked the giants, knowing that double cavalry would just mow down my zoo. I haven't played against the Starks in a while, so a bit of trepidation. Beware the Assault Orders.

Obviously the Starks deployed on the line, with one unit of cavalry in Outflank. I placed the Giant Spear Thrower on my objective, but already I felt it went too far ahead. I protected the other objective with spikes. One giant on the far left to score some cheeky points.

Game 2: Free Folk vs Lannisters

Game 2 against my eternal opponent and his High Sparrow led infantry blocks. In A Game of Thrones, the choice of Varamyr's zoo in support of Mag's giants was obvious.

Game 1: Free Folk vs Targaryens

Game 1 versus dragons. Appropriately, A Dance with Dragons. I picked my giants list, because dragons autokill Varamyr's zoo. Sigh.

Review: Space Marine 2

Titus is back! Once again, this game does what few do: completely capture the atmosphere of what it is trying to do. You don't play as a space marine. You ARE a space marine. All the environs are perfect. You only ever talk about courage and honor. You never sneak: your boots thud on the ground with each step. Immersion: here I come!

Review: Total War: Shogun 2

I know it's an old one... but at the time my PC wasn't good enough for it. I played a lot of the original Total War: Shogun, so I'm not going to miss this one. Sengoku Jidai, here we go!

Wooden floor

Review: Necromunda: Hired Gun

Welcome to janky looter shooter town, now with no inventory management! The game is really fun though. 

Review: Horizon: Forbidden West

Remember my gushing review of the first installment? Yep, it's happening again. Only this time, it took even longer. I started my playthrough August 2025 and finished February 2026.

March review and April goals

We're back in business! Somewhat.

On the gaming side of life, I did a couple of online sessions of D&D, keeping them short. However, I am now able to walk around on crutches and my first outing consisted of a live session! Not much gaming obviously, too much to talk about, but it's a start. I will ease back into going out, gradually.

I also played some video games. Barely any, considering the time spent in bed, but I'll do a couple of reviews in lieu of other posts.

On the hobby side, I started painting again, beginning with the January WIPs. The state of my excel is depressing. But I got a couple of things done, just waiting for a nice sunny day to spray varnish, which will be a challenge of its own. In any case, it will be some time until I paint enough to try a photo session.

So those are my April goals: finish the nuns and D&D monsters started, and continue with all the Astra Militarum infantry that I had optimistically primed before the happening. Perhaps sprinkle a couple more monsters and/or commissions to keep things varied.