Tag: 30K

  • The Horus Heresy Comes to Malta: Join the Battle for Velaraxis!

    The Horus Heresy Comes to Malta: Join the Battle for Velaraxis!

    When I moved to Malta, one of my biggest hopes was to connect with the local gaming scene and bring Warhammer: The Horus Heresy (30k) to life here. It’s my favorite game, one I’ve played extensively in Virginia with friends like Tim, and at events like NOVA Open and Las Vegas Open narrative campaigns. There’s something special about the Age of Darkness—the sheer number of tactical marines, vehicles, and crazy weaponry, not to mention templates! It feels refreshingly different from the overly competitive, meta-driven modern Warhammer 40k scene.

    The good news? Malta has a lot of potential for Horus Heresy. Local stores like Forbidden Power in Msida and The Realm of Pure Fantasy in Mosta stock a great selection of 30k products. There are quite a few collectors painting up armies, but the missing piece is actually playing the game. That’s where I’m stepping in to help.

    How to Get Started in Horus Heresy

    If you’re new to the game, getting started is easier than ever. Games Workshop has released excellent entry points for new players, so you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what you’ll need:

    1. The Age of Darkness Box Set

    This is the perfect starting point for most players. It includes:

    • 40 Space Marine tactical marines
    • 10 Cataphractii Terminators
    • 1 Contemptor Dreadnought
    • 2 Praetor models (perfect for leading your force)
    • The rulebook for Horus Heresy 2.0

    This set gives you a solid foundation to build almost any Space Marine Legion and comes with enough models to get straight into games.

    2. Legion-Specific Upgrades or Units

    Once you’ve chosen your favorite Legion, you can grab resin upgrades or kits from Forge World or opt for plastic kits available locally. Popular plastic releases include:

    • Leviathan Dreadnoughts
    • Spartan Assault Tanks
    • Sicaran Tanks
    • Deimos-pattern Rhinos

    3. Books

    The core rulebook in the Age of Darkness box has everything you need for general gameplay. To truly personalize your force, you’ll want your Legion’s rules and lore. These are found in the following supplements:

    • Liber Astartes: Loyalist Legions
    • Liber Hereticus: Traitor Legions
    • Liber Imperium: For Solar Auxilia, Custodes, and Mechanicum forces

    If you’re interested in thematic armies like my Squat Militia, you’ll also want to look into supplements like the Militia & Cults PDF, which adds rules for non-Astartes armies.

    4. A Starter Army

    If the Age of Darkness box isn’t for you, consider starting with a smaller faction-focused force. Some great options include:

    • Solar Auxilia: The elite human soldiers of the Great Crusade
    • Mechanicum: Tech-priests and their terrifying war machines
    • Militia and Cults: Customizable forces like my Squat Militia

    The Battle for Velaraxis: Our Campaign Setting

    To immerse ourselves in the rich lore of the Horus Heresy, we’ve crafted a narrative campaign set on the desolate world of Velaraxis. Once a forgotten footnote in the Emperor’s grand vision, Velaraxis has become a critical battleground due to its vast deposits of Nexiumite, a rare and highly conductive metal vital for advanced power armor and plasma weaponry. Now, Loyalist and Traitor forces clash over its vital resources, ancient xenos technology, and personal vendettas, all amidst a backdrop of planetary destruction and chaos. With every faction driven by their own dark motives, the fate of the planet—and possibly the galaxy—hangs in the balance as the relentless conflict grinds on.

    Four Legions have converged on Velaraxis:

    • Imperial Fists: Determined to fortify and defend the planet’s strategic points.
    • Dark Angels: Seeking to uncover and possibly conceal the ancient xenos secrets buried within.
    • Alpha Legion: Masters of deception, their true motives remain shrouded in mystery.
    • World Eaters: Driven by bloodlust, eager to claim the planet through sheer brutality.

    As the campaign unfolds, players will engage in missions that reflect these narratives, influencing the control of key locations such as the Acid Wastes, Obsidian Depths, and the towering Valaris Spire. Each battle will shape the destiny of Velaraxis and offer rich storytelling opportunities for all participants.

    Ready to Play? I’ll Bring the Armies!

    To get people started, I’m offering demo games either here on Gozo or at The Realm of Pure Fantasy in Mosta. If you’re curious about the game but don’t have an army ready, no problem—I’m happy to loan one of mine! Check out my Squat Militia army here for a glimpse at what’s available, and feel free to browse my other Horus Heresy articles on ManorGaming.com for inspiration.

    A Nationwide Campaign: Join the Heresy!

    To help build the scene, I’m launching a nationwide narrative campaign designed to welcome new players and reignite the passion of experienced ones. Expect beginner-friendly events, thematic missions, and plenty of focus on the incredible lore that makes this game so special. You can find all the details and updates at HeresyMalta.com.

    Let’s Build the Heresy Together

    If you’re ready to dive in, let your local store know you’re interested in 30k and reach out to me to schedule games! Whether you’re on Gozo, in Mosta, or anywhere in between, I’m happy to drive to Mosta or take the fast ferry to Msida to roll some dice.

    Also, be sure to join the Horus Heresy/30k chat on the Realm of Pure Fantasy WhatsApp group to connect with other players, share progress, and organize games.

    The Horus Heresy offers an unmatched gaming experience with its focus on lore, epic battles, and dynamic gameplay. Whether you’re a veteran or just starting out, let’s bring the Age of Darkness to life here in Malta!

  • Armorcast Titans in Horus Heresy: Classic 30k Warmachines for Legio Aeterna Ignis

    Armorcast Titans in Horus Heresy: Classic 30k Warmachines for Legio Aeterna Ignis

    Legio Aeterna Ignis: A Nostalgic Titan Maniple for the Age of Darkness

    There’s something uniquely special about bringing a piece of Warhammer history into the modern era of gaming, and my Armorcast maniple—a pair of Warhound Titans and a Reaver Titan—has become a cornerstone of my narrative 30k campaigns. These resin classics not only tie into the rich lore of the Horus Heresy but also harken back to the early days of large-scale Warhammer modeling. Now stationed in Malta as part of Legio Aeterna Ignis, they continue to inspire awe and excitement on the battlefield.

    Learn more about the fiery legacy of this Titan Legion and their role in our upcoming campaign here: Legio Aeterna Ignis.

    The Legacy of Armorcast Titans

    Before Forge World redefined the world of large-scale Warhammer kits, Armorcast was blazing a trail in the 1990s. Licensed by Games Workshop, Armorcast produced resin versions of the iconic Epic 40,000 titans, tanks, and super-heavy vehicles. Their designs were based on the original 6mm models, scaled up for 28mm games. However, they were only officially available in the USA, making them a rare treasure for collectors around the world.

    My own maniple consists of two Warhound Titans and a Reaver Titan, all of which I acquired while living in the USA through lucky finds on eBay and elsewhere. Painted in a bold red, black, and silver scheme, they’ve become emblematic of my army. What I love most is their simplicity—these models literally bolt together, evoking the industrial, utilitarian feel of the Great Crusade era. While they may lack the intricate detailing of Forge World titans, their clean lines and functional aesthetic make them a perfect fit for the Horus Heresy’s grimdark setting.

    Battle-Tested Titans

    In addition to regular 30k games, my titans have taken part in two “Big Lazers and Missiles” (BLAM) games, a fan-favorite format where titanic war engines clash in epic battles. One of these games was held at the Nova Open 2023 Horus Heresy event, where my titans stood proud among an army of god-machines. You can read more about that unforgettable game here: Nova Open 2023 Horus Heresy BLAM.

    These battles showcased how perfectly Armorcast titans fit the Age of Darkness aesthetic. Their functional designs and bold presence make them ideal companions for Legiones Astartes and Mechanicum forces on the tabletop.

    Expanding the Collection with Battle Castings

    More recently, I’ve expanded my collection with incredible additions from Battle Castings, a company specializing in accessories and models that complement classic designs.

    One of my favorite new pieces is the Mega Walker Landing Pad, which provides an atmospheric staging point for my Reaver Titan. It’s a beautifully detailed model that adds both narrative depth and visual impact to my games.

    I’ve also added a Cutlass-class War Strider to serve as a Knight alongside my titans. Its distinctly 1980s-inspired aesthetic fits seamlessly with the retro designs of Armorcast models. Alongside it, I picked up several Dagger-class War Striders, which bring variety and further reinforce the cohesive look of my maniple.

    Battle Castings doesn’t just offer standalone models—they also produce fantastic aftermarket accessories for classic titans. These include alternate heads for Reaver Titans, carapace spires, and Chaos-themed icons, all of which make it easy to customize your titans and breathe new life into their designs. For anyone looking to enhance their collection of Armorcast or similarly styled titans, I can’t recommend their range highly enough.

    A Nostalgic Journey

    My maniple has come a long way, from its origins in the USA to its current deployment in Malta as part of Legio Aeterna Ignis. Alongside my Armorcast titans, I’ve collected other treasures from the same era, including their Tyranid models, a Baneblade super-heavy tank, and even a Cauldron of Blood. These pieces are more than just models—they’re a connection to Warhammer’s past, and they hold a timeless appeal that modern designs can’t quite replicate.

    As they take their place in narrative campaigns and epic BLAM games here in Malta, these titans serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Armorcast. Paired with the innovative designs from Battle Castings, my collection continues to grow and evolve, blending nostalgia with the thrill of new possibilities.

    If you share a love for classic Warhammer models or have your own Armorcast collection, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep celebrating the rich history of the hobby—one titan at a time.

  • Horus Heresy/30K: Squat Militia

    Horus Heresy/30K: Squat Militia

    I’ve always had a weird obsession with Squats. They were one of those armies that I just missed as I got into 40k during the tail end of 2nd edition, and never really saw them growing up in New Zealand. But there they were – sitting in index imperials.

    I started a “Squat Gang” using the venator rules with a bunch of converted Khadaron Overlords around 2018. Later on GW/ForgeWorld released a few squat Dramatis Personae: Grendl Grendlsen, Squat Bounty Hunter and Ragnir Gunnstein, Squat Ammo-jack which were some of the first new squat models (outside of White Dwarf special edition models) in close to 25 years. The followed up with a squat miner gang the Ironhead Squat Prospectors, the Claim Jumper and the Vartijan Exo Driller. Don’t get me started on Leagues of Votan, while I have the box set – they don’t really count as squats to me.

    I’ve also been slowly collecting a Squat Epic 40k force.. but thats for another blog post.

    Last year I started taking an interest in Horus Heresy, and headed down to the Board Room in Arlington where the Victory Gamers crew were playing some narrative games, where one of the armies was a chaos cult force. After a few too many beers, I learnt about the V1 Cults and Milita rules where you had the option to run Abhuman Helots and Survivors of the Dark age rules to respresent a squat force with higher WS, T and lower M & I + RT era Rhinos (I’d picked up 17 of them in a trade recently so neededa project to use them on) and Land Raiders.

    I’d quickly bid way more money than I’d ever admit to my wife on a massive ebay listing but it included a tonne of bikes and trikes, some of them still in blister packs. This was followed up by two more ebay purchases of old GW and Iron claw squats that left me with a decent sized squat force.

    Next up I wanted to add a land train, so off to Ramshackle Games where I picked up Minimumus Squat’s Bounty Hunter Crew as well as a bunch of bikers and Jetbikes. I’m a big fan of his vehicles, though the bikers do come in a little bit smaller than the old squat bikers and the resin is an absolute PITA to glue together – something that can be solved using super glue accelerant such as that from Bob Smith Industries.

    I’ve also added a variety of third party space dwarves such as those from Ninjabread/Ontos Games, Macrocosm, CP Models and Satyr Art Studios. I’ll probably grab some of the Kev Adams space dwarves (and more importantly – arms) from Uscarl Minis as well. I seem to always miss out on the notifications whenever Magglet releases a kickstarter though!

    All up I’ve probably sunk over $2500 USD into the army so far, and I can see it growing… but its something you won’t see on any other gaming table – virtually anywhere else in the world. I’d guess that its the largest RT Era squat army in the USA, or at least close to it!

    I worked out a rough color scheme I wanted to use for the standard infantry, something that was fast to paint (there were going to be a lot of them) and matched the early art on the boxes. A quick zenithal airbrush followed by a drybrush in white, Iyanden Yellow for Helmets and Gloves, Blood Angels Red and Dark Angels Green for their uniforms and Snakebite Leather for Hats, Webbing and Boots.

    Next up is one of two squads of Thunderers. In this case 10 heavy weapons teams armed with Lascannons. I’m currently in the process of painting an identical squad of 10 armed with heavy bolters as well as miscellaneous armed with other weapons such as missile launchers, conversion beamers and grenade launchers from Citadel/GW as well as 3 bases of mortars from Macroscosm and a RT Era Mole Mortar.

    This unit in Resin will most likely be used as a command squad or similar depending on what rules I’m using and came from a kickstarter called Röknaut Space Dwarfs by Ontos Games that are loosely based on the unreleased 2nd edition Squats that never quite made it into retail. I’d have preferred them if they were slightly smaller and in lead – but they are a good “in between” for newer GW squats and more old school ones aesthetic wise.

    These guys are mostly GW/Citadel/Ironclaw squats by Bob Olley and were part of one of the ebay purchases I got last year. I’m quite happy with how they were originally painted, so I kept the paint job, added a wash and rebased them all so they were consistent with the rest of the army. The only downside was the seller packaged them very poorly, and a number of multipart ones arrived broken or chipped and I have no idea what the matching paint colors are to touch them up.

    More from the same purchase, such as living ancestors, hearthguard, a squat mechanicus, and guildmaster engineers. Again I’ve stuck with the original paint scheme on these.

    More GW/Citadel/Ironclaw/Olley squats – painted up in more modern contrast paints to get them ready for the NOVA open in a rougly similar scheme to the older ones. I’ll need to do a darker wash over the blue and purple at some stage to tone them down, but I’m quite happy with how they turned out. I use them as Militia Grenadiers, Medics and Characters.

    Some characters I purchsed from Macrocosm, but are a mix of Macrocosm and CP Models Runts. I’m currently using them a Commissars/Discipline Masters or other Characters. I’ll most likely buy a bunch more from CP Models as I’m a real fan of these sculpts.

    Squat beastmen from Macrocosm. I’ll likely buy some more of these and am also painting up a heavy weapons team. These will do double duty when I start building out my militia beastmen army next.

    Trikes with a quick and dirty/unfinished paint job to get them table ready for NOVA Open. Still need a lot of work done on them, but am currently running them as proxy “sentinels” for my 30k militia list.

    Bikers which also need a bit more work to finish them, but good enough to play at NOVA. I’m currently using them as militia cavalry/rough riders for 30k. I’ve got a bunch more in resin from Ramshackle games if I want to have even more bikers for additional mobility.

    And heres how I ran them at NOVA Open, with Grenadiers (anything painted blue and purple) in the Rhinos, using the Ramshackle land train as a Malcador tank with Battle Cannon, Demolisher Cannon and heavy flamers and an Armorcast baneblade in support + some more abhumans in the ogryns and ratlings.

    Theres a lot more to come and I’ll probably update this post as more gets painted and I add to the army. Let’s see your squat forces in the comments.

  • NOVA Open 2023: Horus Heresy Opening Salvo

    NOVA Open 2023: Horus Heresy Opening Salvo

    A year or two back I was watching my first game of Horus Heresy at the Board Room in Alrington with the Victory Gamers crew. I’d always wanted a RT/2nd Edition Squat Army and they told me about the V1 Cults & Militia army list. I was sold, so after a few too many beers I impulse purchased one squat army on Ebay, then another.

    And then Horus Heresy V2 was released. And there were no rules for Militia anymore, so I built and Imperial Fists and an Alpha Legion Army. Fast forward another year and they were released so I was finally able to run a squat militia army using the Kinfolk Helots and Survivor’s of the Dark age provenances of war. I’d purchased the Ramshackle games land train. and finally settled on proxying it as both a Malcador for the front, and a cargo 8 land-hauler for the carriages(though I never used them at the event) – the titans were for BLAM. The Baneblade is an old armorcast one. Squat trikes were run as sentinels and bikers were calvary. Lasgunners were regular infantry while those with boltguns were run as grenadiers in Rhinos. I’ll try and do a proper post on my squat army in the near future.

    Opening Salvo is the first part of the NOVA Heresy event, where you bring multiple 2500 point lists, and each mission builds upon the next across all following events before finishing off at BLAM (Big Lasers and Missles)- an epic mulitplayer 3000 point battle with no force restrictions and an emphasis on superheavies and titans.

    Of course I wasn’t the only militia player at the event. There was also an amazing 3D printed horde of RT imperial army style militia by Damien Garcia (who I later ended up playing at the Squarehammer event on the weekend) that was my favorite army on display.

    The event was great fun, with the Squats doing suprisingly well winning two games and losing 1, mostly due to the meta of the event being focused on killing marines and not being equipped for hordes of low armored infantry. The tanks got chewed up, with glancing hits counting as penetrating, but still lasted longer than I expected, and the militia lascannon squad did work!