How do you Like Your Villains?

My schedule this semester means I don't really have much time to work on painting my models, much less getting games in.  So sadly I don't have much in the way of wargaming information to bring you.  No real theory I can tangibly grasp and reproduce for you on how I play warmachine or how you should.  What I can do is talk about my own Miranda because I've swung back around to the idea that I might be able to DM.

I'm trying to figure out how to tell a story with players and create a fun gaming experience.  I've got a taste for a good antagonist in any story, so I think I'll start building the world from there.  The best way I can discuss what I'm considering is to look at some antagonists I've loved in other media, so spoilers ahead.  But for anyone who's interested in RPGs and are willing to brave the spoilers, what do you like in your villians?

A new contributor!

Hello Wartrukkers!

I'm new to contributing to this blog, but I've been around, lurking in the Eye of Terror, waiting for a good time to strike...err..get more involved. Most of you know me as the tournament organizer in Bloomington, but for those of you who don't...well, that's where you're most likely going to run into me! I've been involved in the hobby for about 15 years, and have sort of done it all at this point. I've been a serious tournament player, and won a great deal of events. I've won an honorable mention in Golden Daemon. But I've found that casual gaming is much more my thing, so most of my games these days are pickup games and things with the local escalation league, which we run to introduce new players to the game and encourage a casual gaming group. Ultimately, though, I paint a whole heck of a lot more than I play these days-- and the fruits of that are what I'm going to bring to those of you who read this blog. Expect to see a hobby article from me at least weekly!

-The Son of Horus

Introducing Loki

Hello everyone, Loki here. I guess I should introduce myself a little as I am a part of this blog too. As Ishamael stated, I am a devout marine player, and I have been since the days of second edition. 40k has been more than just a hobby for me. In fact, I can't remember a day that I didn't check GW, BOLS, 40k Radio (if you don't listen, you really should), or some other 40k related site.

As for my army of choice, my heart lies with the Crimson Fists. Everything from their fluff, to their paint scheme... I just love everything about them. I must say, I haven't been to keen on 5th edition forcing Sternguard on us CF players, but I make it work alright for myself so I can't complain to much.

I will post a few pictures from my army. I will say it here and now that I do put love into all of my models, but I am a centerpiece guy. I love those models that just stick out. Whether it is an HQ model or a dreadnought... I just love them for their unique qualities. You may also notice that all the marines in my army wear helmets... I suppose it's just a personal feeling that all marines should wear helmets... especially since Crimson Fists adhere to the Codex Astartes more than any... save the ultrasmurfs.

Either way, I look forward to bringing you guys a unique and friendly blog along with my fellow masters. Until next time.






As of 11/11/11, Loki has renamed himself Godfrey to Honor his Black Templars.

The Rite Beginning

Rites of Battle is a blog that will be based on the Warhammer 40k tabletop wargame with three contributors (Ishamael, Underground Heretic, and Loki) putting up ideas and musings on our favorite hobby. There will be extras, such as board games and video games, as well as a nice pile of skulls to make myself a throne with.

Expect regular updates with each person having his personal focus, where Loki is Space Marines, Underground Heretic is Tau (soon to be Marines), and Ishamael is the Ruinous Powers.