Test Model for Nuln Spearman WIP pics

So this is a test model for my Nuln army, I plan on doing black as the main color, with complimenting colors varying throughout different units. (one handgunners unit black and red, while another would be black and purple for example.) You can't tell in the pics, but I highlighted the black cloth with a new technique using dark browns instead of greys or blue-grey for a more natural cloth look, as greys or blue-greys tend to make the cloth look like stone.


This is how he came in a bitz trade from a friend. (Yes, I do have friends.)

Re-primed and ready to have paint slapped on him.

Finished Spearman test model. (It took more time to publish this post than to paint this mini, can't ya tell?!)

Empire Tactica - Artillery part 1

Why do an article on Empire tactics? You may ask. Well, after much deliberation on my part, I decided that although there is a wealth of information online regarding Empire Tactics, there is not any articles on the most effective way to use the Empire units. So, this is a first in a series on the different units in an Empire army and the drawbacks and advantages to each one. Once those are established, it will be easier to determine the best way to use them in your army.

Artillery

Lets take a look at some of the artillery available to the Empire.

First up we have the Mortar. For 75 points, it can be absolutely devastating to large, weakly armored, horde armies. Skaven, and Goblins in paticular.

Advantages - Only 75 Points, uses a large blast template (One of 2 weapons in the game that use the 5" template.), moldels under the hole are hit by a S6 hit, great against horde armies, or tightly packed weaker troops. Can be used at longer ranges. (up to 48")

Disadvantages - Wildly innacurate, it is a guess weapon that is 12"-48", unpredictable, takes up a special choice. Only S3 (which is the toughness of most standard troops, but there is more artillery available that packs a bigger punch.)

So, the best way to use a Mortar is to make sure to take it against horde type armies, and I would aim for the middle of the opponents deployment zone, that way unless, it scatters off the board, it will increase your odds of hitting one of his units.

Cannon - Only 100 points, great for sniping characters, and taking care of war machines.

Advantages - Anything hit by it is hit by a mighty S10! It is great for sniping characters, long range (up to 60") Versitile as it can use it grapeshot, no armor saves allowed on most shots, it can take out multiple wounds out of a single unit. Good against heavily armored units as well as weaker ones.

Hills are the best place to deploy your cannons, try to get your oppenent to expose their flanks on target units, as this will bounce through the unit diagonally taking out more wounds. Most oppenents will try to stay out of range of the cannon, use your units to chase them back into range.

More will be covered in part 2 when we look at the Helstorm Rocket Battery, and the Helblaster Volley Gun.

Knightly Orders part 2 - Knights Panther

The second in the Knights of the Empire series brings us to The Knights Panther. Although, I personally do not plan on using them in my empire army, (as they do not match my color scheme), I will include them here on the blog, for reference.

The Knights Panther trace their origins to the wars against Araby, when returning crusaders
brought back outlandish animals from the east. Some of these Knights adopted the
panther as their emblem creating the Order of the Knights Panther. The Knights of this order
wear armour of dark blue and silver.



Arabian War-Horses: +8 points per model.
(+13 Inner Circle)



The Knights Panther ride horses with a bloodlineage from the great
steeds of Araby. When charging you may add an extra D6 inches onto
the Charge range. (Cannot be used with the Steel Standard).



Note: The Knights Panther’s sister order the Knights Jaguar may also have the same ability.

You can also find out more on the history of the Knights Panther here.

Empire Inventory

I took inventory of what I own for Empire...

General on Griffon
General on Foot
General Mounted
Death Wizard (Reaper)
Shadow Wizard (Mordheim)
Light Wizard (kit)
Fire Wizard (flag)
Life Wizard (flag)
Beast Wizard (flag.)
Metal Wizard (kit)
Heavens Wizard (Mounted)
Mounted engineer
Engineer with repeater pistol
Warrior Priest
Grand Master of the Blazing Sun
Dwarven Engineer
25 Spearmen w/ command
25 Spearmen w/ Command
10 Handgunners w/ Command
H. Long Rifle
15 Spearmen
32 Knights
100 Militia
20 outriders/ Pistoleers
50 Handgunners
16 Archers
30 Swordmen
16 Bret. Knights
10 Greatswords (incl. Command)
4 Cannon
3 Mortar
2 Rocket Batteries
2 Helblasters Volley Gun
70 Flagellants
30 dwarf Miners
Giant
Steam Tank
Dwarf Gyrocopter

I know, I have some units in there from other armies, but they are going to "count as" Empire units. (More on this later.)

Update

Ok, so it has been a while since I updated for those of you who are keeping a wether eye on the blog. So, I am finally sitting down to due a quick update.

I have the following units built...

15 Militia

2x 25 Spearmen w/ FC (Most of them are primed even!)

10 Handgunners w/ FC

2 Cannon

1 Helstorm

If I wasn't working on Orks so much, I might actually get some more Empire together and painted. I WILL have an army painted someday!

Spearmen, Cannon, and others

So far I have built for my Empire army.

2 Units of 25 Spearmen w/ Command
1 Unit of 10 Handgunners w/ Command
1 Cannon / crew

I am going to be building the following and hope to have them built by the end of September

8 Knights of the Blazing Sun (incl. Grand Master and conversions)
20 Militia
20 Militia
20 Handgunners
2 Mortars
2 Cannon

I hope to have the following additional units built by mid-to late October

1 General Mtd
1 Army Standard
1 General on Griffon (Medium-light Conversion work)
20 Militia
10 Handgunners
1 Hellblaster
1 Helstorm
1 Steam Tank

Warhammer Empire

It turns out I am getting a War Wagon (Finally!) from steveb over at Warhammer-empire they have great forums over there, a ton of info, which I will be putting some here as a compilation and overall resource for the Empire. I love the Warhammer-Empire site, so check it out!