Forgeworld Stormeagle release and video!

The Forgeworld newsletter today announced the official release of the Stormeagle.  Here is what it said:

The legendary mobility of the Adeptus Astartes has won planet-spanning conflicts with a single strike; providing the precise application of deadly force at the point where it proved most decisive. A Chapter’s fleet of attack craft is the keystone that makes this possible, and it is the iconic Thunderhawks and Drop Pods that are at the forefront. Craft such as the Storm Eagle Assault Gunship follow close behind to lend their weapons to the devastating assault.

A formidable gunship, the Storm Eagle mounts fearsome firepower for a vehicle of its size and is capable of transporting twenty Space Marines directly into the thick of an assault. The exact provenance of the Storm Eagle is unknown, but it bears clear similarities to the Stormravens employed by the Blood Angels and Grey Knights. Certain sources place the principal manufacture of the Storm Eagle upon Tigrus and Anvilus IX, both primary-grade Forge Worlds that suffered catastrophic damage during the Horus Heresy. In recent decades the number of Storm Eagles in active service has begun to increase, especially amongst those Chapters known to have favourable relations with the Adeptus Mechanicus. This has lead some observers to believe that production has been restored at an as yet unknown location.

Model designed by Stuart Williamson, the Storm Eagle is a complete resin and plastic kit which is packed with incredible design work, including a fully detailed interior. It is available to pre-order now for despatch from 27th April. You can also download experimental rules for this fantastic model from the Forge World website. View our video preview of the Storm Eagle on our youtube channel.

Here is the Forgeworld Stormeagle video:

The Stormeagle costs 80 GBP (About $ 127)  and 225 points!  SO it is not inexpensive.

Alec

Imperial Guard get RPG from Fantasy Flight

Fantasy Flight Games, which produces the numeorus Warhammer 40,000 RPGs will be releasing a new game centered around the Imperial Guard.  

From Fantasy Flight Games:

“The men and women of the Imperial Guard sacrifice more and gain less than perhaps any other arm of the Imperial Armed Forces.”
      –Commissar Ibram Gaunt

Fantasy Flight Games is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Only War! In this all-new standalone Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying game, players take on the roles of soldiers in the Imperial Guard, the galaxy-spanning armies of the God-Emperor. Fully compatible with FFG’s other Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay titles, this comprehensive game system explores a previously unseen side of life in the Imperium of Man.

In Only War, each player takes the role of a Guardsman, a member of the Imperial Guard and one of the countless billions of hardened conscripts constantly fighting on myriad fronts at the whim of the Adeptus Terra. In control of this martial alter ego, players go forth at the behest of their officers to fight the eternal and implacable foes of the Imperium – the foul xenos, the mutant, the heretic, and the dark forces of the Ruinous Powers.

Bound by Honour

As Guardsmen, you will be ordered to engage the enemy with a myriad of tactics. Your squad might be responsible for guiding an important dignitary through a perilous warzone, or instructed to infiltrate a besieged fort to deliver important intelligence. With missions as varied as the galaxy’s innumerable warfronts, you and your squadmates must often rely on nothing but your own grim determination and your faith in each other.

Take the role of a Guardsman with one of twelve distinct Specialties, offering unique skills to your squad to complement those of your comrades. Will you bring the light of the God-Emperor to the battlefield as a Ministorum Priest, or will you wield the Imperium’s most cutting-edge technology as a fearsome Storm Trooper? Perhaps you’ll tend to the machine spirits of the Guard’s many war machines as a Tech-Priest Enginseer, or lead the charge as your squad’s Sergeant. Whatever your function, you’ll be a vital part of the Imperium’s vast war machine.

Your Service Begins Soon

Throughout the course of their service, Guardsmen may fight on a thousand nameless worlds, often outnumbered and outgunned by their enemies and fighting in some of the worst conditions that history has ever known. And yet, despite immense opposition (or perhaps because of it), these fearless soldiers are bound to each other by a code of brotherhood and honour. They are the thin line that protects the Imperium from complete and utter destruction. They are the Imperial Guard.

Learn more on our Only War description page, and Check back in the coming weeks. Then, look for it on store shelves in the third quarter of 2012!


THE WEEKLY GIVE AWAY:

More Chaos Rumors

 

As always, Warseer has the latest and greatest rumors.  I will always post those rumors here, but you can also follow the rumor summary here.  TheDude, who is the moderator, does an awesome job moderatoing the thread and summarizing the rumors on page one.  While I am not a fan of Warseer, as their rules and mods are anal and over reactive (I got a warning for telling a guy he was being a "smart-ass"), TheDude is really good and kudos to him for his hard work.

From theDarkGeneral

...there may not be much focus on newer Chaos Space Marine chapters, keeping things squarely on the original 9 Traitor Legions and their splinter factions. This means it's likely there won't be much or any love for Huron.

Chaos may get a form of Preferred Enemy, but was unsure which units.

On Daemons, Daemon Princes could wind up being the only "Marked" Daemonic creatures. What this means is unclear. Could be he means there are no God-specicif Daemons, or that they are there, just that they don't use "Marks".

Whilst on the subject of Daemon Princes, they will move more in line with the ones in the Daemon Codex but "with a more Chaos Space Marine feel", gong on to say they may gain specific benefits for different Legions.

Terminators were a big topic, Chosen may not have access to Terminator Armour (contradicting his previous rumour), but that Cult Terminators would return in some form. He went on to say he believed there would only be two Terminator units, claiming one was some sort of "generic cult" unit that was given special rules according to the Legion being played. He made sure to reinforce that this was an early playtest, so things could have changed.

From Stickmonkey   (Another reliable regular rumor poster)

...a plastic Chaos drop pod could be in the works, but tempered that by saying we probably wouldn't see it any time soon. Whether the kit is released soon or not, there could be a chance of the rules appearing in the Codex though.

Forgeworld Open Day, Part 4 - Land Raider Spartan

From Brian Hasson at the Forgeworld Open Day:

Land Raider Spartan

Following on the recent trends of introducing the old armour of our youth back into the universe of 40k. Forge World are releasing the Spartan Land Raider! This awesome model is long than most, and can hold twenty Battle Brothers in Marine Armour or ten Terminators. It boasts, two heavy bolters and four quad lasers on each side! We’re talking two re-roll’s here chaps on each sponson! 

Created by Phil Williamson, based on the old Landraider featured so many years ago, he said we should expect to see it on sale within the next two months if we’re lucky! Well I for one will be standing in line to buy it!

Win a Battlefoam PACK Mini & Last Week's Winner.

Well, this week we have a Battlefoam PACK Mini to give away free to one lucky winner.  What do you have to do? 

1)  Follow our blog.  Over on the right column is a section that is titled "Followers".  Just click on "Join this site" and you will be added to our followers.

2)  Friend Apocalypse40K on Facebook.  

We will pick one Follower from our blog this coming Sunday and then make sure they are following us on Facebook.  If so, wallah!  You win.  And the Battlefoam PACK Mini will be shipped to you for free.

And last week's winner is Col. Dracus, who has a blog here:  Dracus Journal  He will get a Forgeworld Space Marine Boarding Marine shipped to him for free.

Forgeworld Open Day, Part 3 - Imperial Avenger Flyer!

 

Forgeworld Open Day produced a couple great new models and previews of things to come.  And here is one of the best.

Imperial Avenger

If thunder be they name then bring on the rain! The Imperial Avenger, a brand new fighter by Forge World for their Imperial Navy range. Its design is just amazing, it reminds you of a classic aircraft from the 1920’s mixed with futuristic elements of a sci-fi fighter! Expect this to appear in the next few months or so, but I can tell you it has an amazing  weaponry!

The Avenger appears to be a ground attack aircraft, similar to an A-10.  From what it looks like, it has a Punisher cannon, a twin-linked las cannon and a twin linked missile launcher.

 

Thanks to Brian Hasson for the info and the first 3 photos.

Alec

Forgeworld Open Day, Part 2 - Space Marine awesomeness

In this edition, roving Apocalypse40K reporter Brian Hasson dishes on the Marine figures at Forgeworld Open Day this past Sunday.


Tartaros Pattern Assault Terminators

I had the chance to talk with Will Hayes, and you would not believe what he had to show, Tartarous Pattern Assault Terminators!

They come with Thunder Hammers, Power Maul, and Lightening Claws. He also talked to us about the new weapons pack that they are considering which will consist of Cyclone Missile Launchers, Assault cannon and possibly an Auto Cannon!

Most importantly, we finally get Terminator Combi-weapons!

Terminator combi-weapons

Mk 4 Assault Marines

Armed with their new jump packs they strike hard into the enemies of the Empire! It’s simply perfection, one of the many types of jump packs manufactured by Forge worlds across the systems of the Imperium. A very unique style reminiscent if the Sangiunian Guard of the blood angels! Another master piece by the creative Will Hayes.

Space Marine Apothecaries

Mark Bedford said that the two apothecaries pictured will be released as a matched pair.

Next, the vehicles!

Forgeworld Stormeagle Photos, Details, Rules

Well, the Stormeagle previewed at Forgeworld Open Day and the details were posted by Warseer contributor PhilBrad2, who lives not too far from Nottingham and was able to hit the Open Day event.  Here are photos and his summary:

From Philbrad2 on Warseer:

Its a whole kit and included plastic Storm Raven. Fuselage top, ramp, cockpit and outer wing panels are SR sourced. Engines use resin centres (with inner wings) and plastic SR intakes and exhausts. Rules (from memory) Armour 12/12/12 (yes 12 rear) 20 troop capacity, weaponry quite similar to SR for nose, TL Lascannons on wings, Hellstrike Missles, missile launcher pods were I think 2 S5 AP4 large blast. 

No Dread carrying capability on the SE but does have front & rear assault ramps the rear one is far larger than the SR one. In fact in profile the shorter ventral fins quite suit the design IMO without the stupid dorsal turret of the SR the whole design looks sleeker and longer and indeed a single forward landing claw a la T/Hawk much better looking than the SR. 

Brian Hasson reported from the event for Apocalypse40K and wrote this:

Okay, when I first saw this appear in the forge world news letter, like many I went no way, really? The photo didn’t do it justice, we all sat there looking at this skip with wings as some kind of Aprils fools day joke! But actually seeing it in the flesh, and talking to its creator Stuart Williamson I bow to his greatness! It’s beautiful, okay it may not look like the clone wars drop ships, but my god! It can carry twenty space marines into battle and clear and LZ to unload its deadly cargo! You will be buying this, when you see the model in action and in the flesh!

And the Rules:

So a Stormeagle can hold 20 models, which means 10 Terminators, and it is an assault vehicle!  So, much like a Caestus Assault Ram, this will be able to bring 10 Terminator sto bear on a target and launch an assault when they arrive.  Plus, it has TWO twin linked Lascannon under the wings.  So put in a Multi-melta and you have a serious AT vehicle.

I can tell you that this is frankly a BETTER vehicle than a Stormraven because of the transport capacity and slightly better AT ability. 

Much thanks to Brian for his info and photos.

Alec

Resin Roundup - This week's new releases

Puppetswar

Puppetswar continues to lead the resin accessories category in velocity of releases.  Find their catalog online here.

Walker Laser Cannon Arm

 Gods of Egypt Head Set

Anvil Industries

Anvil is small, but they are doing good work.

Medievel legs

Warsmith Miniatures

Warsmith Miniatures is doing what Chapterhouse is doing, in putting out "true-scale" Space marines.  They are basic, but nice.  Check out their website here.

(Above shown with Forgeworld arms, gun and head)

Well, the big news this week is obviously Forgeworld Open Day.  But it is always good to see other stuff in the market.

Alec

Forgeworld Open Day Summary - Part 1

Well, Warseer is based in the UK, and so of course they have the most people over at Forgeworld Open Day.  So here is a summary courtesy of SotonShades on Bell of Lost Souls.  He did the absolute best write up and much kudos to him.

Photos from Mindura on Warseer and PhilBrad2.

Originally Posted by SotonShades on BoLS

Where to begin?

The Warlock Titan. Sorry eldargirl, but they won't be upgrading your beloved Phantom until the next time they do a major Eldar book (I'll explain when that is likely to be in a bit).

You want terrain kits? Blake Spence is working on them. He's the gentleman you can thank for the Zone Mortalis boards. Mostly going to be working on Realm of Battle Boards and more expansions for ZM, but other stand alone pieces are planned. Race specific RoB sections are planned, for most armies in 40k AND Fantasy! Could be a while before we see them though. This will include proper Cityfight terrain, possibly trenches in the future and linking pieces between RoB sections and ZM modules, such as stairs/subway entrances.

.....

Minotaurs will probably appear in several unlinked books, with an overall unfolding mystery about them. The Tzeentch/penal colony stuff will most likely be IA13 now (possibly with a Fantasy Book inbetween) and will most likely cover a Tzeenchian Cult across several legions and renegade space mainres.

No plans for any further Enforcers/Arbities rekeases. In fact, a point was made that if you see it as a show only model, it is probably because they don't feel it would work as an army. Same goes for Primarch models, but for a slightly different reason.

No plans to release any more models for Badab characters, which was why such detailed descriptions were given, to give you chance to convert them.

Next fantasy book is most likely going to be a campaign between Orcs and Goblins and the Emprire.

There are fairly well developed ideas for the next 3 or 4 I story lines. In fact the DE one is having to be rewritten because it is currently too Grim-Dark and bleak for 40k!

Speaking of which, Adeptus Mechanicus MAY appear in the next 2-3 books. Not certain, and probably more as part of a faction than as a force in their own right. They really want to do Knight Titans, but will be a while away yet.

I still have a few more pages of notes to type up, but i need to finish my rapidly cooling chips and collect my painting comp entry in the next few mins. Will carry on when I can

.....

There are also stirings within the studio for doing Chapter specific Contemptors, similar to their current range of Dreadnoughts. Nothing officially started yet, but it is something various designers said they wanted to work on.

Similar story for Iron Hands but less so. As for Mk VIII armour, the Errent pattern... No real interest I'm afraid. Maybe if their is enough demand for it, but designers are doubtful it would be different enough from the plastic kits to be worth doing.

During the Q&A session, a question was raised regarding some SM chapters getting certain equipment and other not (such as the Thunderfire Cannon). Chaos Marines were also mentioned. Basicly, GW & FW want to keep some disparity between the MEQ lists based on the way they are supposed to play, so not all equipment will go to everyone. This includes chaos not getting a Caestus Assault Ram.

.....

Yep. I'm afraid there are no plans to revisit them (Elysians) at the moment, or any other IG regiments or previously published lists. There are a few kits from previous books in the pipeline, most notably ran Redmaw, but for the most part what is out is out. Apart from whomever gets in to IA12. Speaking of which;

IA12 is Minotaur Space Marines Vs Necrons. Focus is on sectorwide conflict rather than specific system/planet, so will incorporate IG and probably other races as well. Looking at a facet of Imperial war we haven't really seen before.

To go with the book expect a BIG expansion of FW's Necron range. I have seen Minotaur shoulder pads. Simon Eagen wants to work on helmets, torsos and backpack bits as well (in fact that is where the 2 Minotaur characters came from).

Speaking of conversion bits, new style Terminators WILL be getting full set of weapon options, possibly including some more esoteric ideas (graviton gun perhaps?) and Assault Terminator options. Assault Termies were on display in Will Hayes's Case.

.....

Right, more tidbits!

Several people asked about a bulk land pod for the Thunderhawk Transporter. Again, it's another case of "something we'd like to do, but have no plans or concepts for it yet.

For those of you who aren't so pleased with the WD SoB codex... well, FW haven't got that on their radar yet, but really want to do a War of Faith style IA book, with Sister and lots of screaming fanatics. Earliest would be several years down the pipeline though.

Some points were raised about Black Library and FW cross-overs. Basic reply was that they love to draw inspiration from each other, but neither party wants to do any tie-ins because it screws with their creative freedom. Specifically, can you imagine how a BL author would feel if one of his favourite characters to write had a bullet put in the back of his head by a FW writer?

THERE WILL BE MORE MODELLING MASTERCLASS VOLUMES!
Hopefully they will be putting a new one out every year or year and a half. Most likely the next one will be a Fantasy release. That said, it was doubtful they would be releasing and more hobby supplies such as their weathering powders any time soon.

Despite the release of so many older marks of armour and relic style vehicles/weaspon, FW will not be doing any pre/heresy stuff any time soon. To do a book would essentially mean SM vs SM, and would be such a big project it would be very very difficult to manage around doing other releases. They also don't feel it would work too well along the lines of the game set in the 41st millennium, so wouldn't work with/against 41st millennium codicies. After all, the great crusade was humanity expanding across the whole galaxy in a few hundred years, wiping out all but a handful of sentient xenos races.

FW also apologized for dropping a lot of their older scenery kits recently, particularly the old trench system. Basically comes down to not being able to constantly stock enough, with terrain beaing some of the worst selling stuff and too expensive to manufacture for what they can reasonably expect to sell it at. The old foam bits were also too damagable. Hopefully the new hollow terrain casting methods will mean they can stock and create a much greater variety (as I've already mentioned.)

FW want to convert more of the deamon engines and superheavies from epic in to 40k sclae. however, simply blowing up the old models is not a realistic option, so they would need to be completely redesigned, probably keeping little more than the original name. they also pointed out that scale ratios in epic do not work in 40k. mostly, especially on tall models such as titans, they are too short! And the taller the model, the worse this difference is (so my warlord at 40+ inches isnt too far off what they should be)

The FW design team want to keep IG using tracked vehicles, grinding forwards, rather than wheels like trrop trucks or bikes. Don't expect to see too many exceptions like the tauros for the elysians. They will only do it where it makes sense for a regiment in their books.

FW won't be doing any Fellblades for the Space Marines. They dont feel it fits with 40k since the reorganization of the Legions to chapters. There was however talk of doing weapons packs, such as 10 combi-meltas for example only, that would be popular. Similar to the Chapterhouse kits. No firm confirmation on this though.

As they've pointed out before, FW have very few links with the main design studio, so theyk now nothing of 6th Ed and how their stuff will integrate. As far as FW are concerned, anything stamped with the 40k approved logo is balanced enough for regular games, but always ask your opponent (no reason to say no, but...) They haven't even had a chance to get a hold of the new paints yet (so I had to tell Phil what they were like!) Similarly, there is no connection between the FW Demigryphs and the new empirs plastics as far as the FW team are aware.

FW are happy with the rate at which they put out books. They want to cover all the race before they cover any again (though expect Imperials to be in all books, quite possibly mostly Minotaurs for the next few), so we are now expecting Necrons in IA12, Tzeentch later (prob IA13) then DE and Slaanesh before anyone else gets re-done. Necrons are in very early concept phase, so will be a while before we get out hand on them, but there are all ready plans afoot for a BIG kit for Orks when they come round again. They will almost certainly get either a Bomma or a Gargant. Quite possibly both.


Right, that is about it from me. BTW I love the Imperial Avenger. Wonderful looking aircraft, much nicer than the Lightnings or Thunderbolt (and I have a few of those) but I'm still not keen on the Storm Eagle.

Did we all ready know about the longer base Land Raider that is similar to the original scratch built one, or am I imagining that? Either way, that looks pretty awesome too!

I do have a couple more notes to decipher, but I think they are more clarifications on the points I've all ready made. Feel free to ask me questions if anything is unclear and I'll try to dredge up what I can from my memory.


Roving report Sotonshades, from under the anvil in Bugman's bar, for BoLS News.

Thanks to SotonShades!  You the man!

Alec