I can see!

I have just had a present delivered and I have my good lady wife to thank for the gift. It is a magnifying glass surrounded by a daylight lamp to help me with all this new painting activity.

I have just given it a bit of trail run and it is superb. You can see the detail on the models so much easier. Eyes have been transformed - obviously it is still just as hard to get the paint in the right place, but at least I can see where the issues are now.

The trick is to hold the model back from the glass. This is good because you have plenty of room to operate the paint brush.

No doubt I will learn a lot over the new few days but this is a fantastic addition to the hobby area.

The more keen eyed amongst you will notice that I found my Painboy and a Banner wielding nob! The Orcland Raiders will be an off field force to be reckoned with.

I have also put an order in for ..... goblin stretcher bearers.

They are so cool!!!! Can't wait for them to arrive - the magnifying glass has been a timely purchase indeed.

Team Mascot

The figures just get smaller and smaller. I give you 'Maximus the Rat Catcher' i.e. the wee plastic snotling I found in the bits box.

He is sooooo tiny. Not much bigger than the dice really but I have enjoyed painting him. I have decided that he will be the team mascot and as such lead the Raiders out on match day. In the mean time he can help keep the new dugout a 'rat free' zone.

God alone knows where the model came from. I don't remember him at all.

I have also been working on the goblin whose task it is to carry around McMourning tools of the trade. The funny thing about this model is the level of detail that it contains. It is really not visible until you start to apply paint.

His right knee is poking through the trousers and his bandaged feet are exposed. I have named him 'Two Toes' as thats all he has on the left foot.

I love his facial expression. That resigned, woe is me kind of look.

He is carrying a tray full of tools including a good looking 'choppa'. Very important for those jobs in the 'Dead' area. He also has a syringe tucked into his belt. Must have been helping out the Nurses in the 'KO'd' area. A cool little chappie indeed.

Ho ho ho - happy christmas

What a day - what a day. Well I guess the Orcland Raider fans will be going home happy this evening. Could there have been more drama? I think not!! There are some days when gaming is just fantastic fun, the highs, the lows, they were extreme. Would we have it any other way - I think not.

And a certain somebody has got 'game ball' and will be sticking it in his trophy cabinet as a keepsake.

I give you - the one - the only .....

Yakstick Sticky Hand - you Da Gobo dude!!! (background suggested by the Dark Templar - although I have no photoshop skills, so this is my best low technology attempt)

So two games and 2 victories by 1-0. Both touchdowns scored by the goblin of all goblins Mr Yakstick himself. A truly unbelievable day. Never was someone so ineptly named. At one point Yakstick actually rolled six '1's' in row as he attempted to pick up the ball. (Yes, a lot of team rerolls were used, over a number of turns) This was interspersed by the Dark Templar actually rolling a double, double skull to block - no team rerolls left = 2 turns passed. I mean the dice were just insane - but it added to the atmosphere and the orc fans have gone home happy, happy, happy.

The goblin ability to ignore tackle zones and dodge like a man possessed proved to be the difference on the day. There were many attempts to Block him out of the game but he survived and ultimately triumphed.

Thankfully there were no lasting injuries to either side.

Lots of lessons to be considered and some decisions to be made on spending some of the cash. I think they will wait for another day.

Other than that I think it safe to say that the Gravesend Gutchewers will not be underestimating a goblin called Yakstick any time some.

There are days when I just love Blood Bowl!! I have not laughed so much in ages.

Thanks to the Dark Templar and  28mm victorian warfare for the games. Hey - Victorian Warfare - you just know that there is an elf in you somewhere that wants to Throw and Pass!! I sense a free flowing style in you .....

A well dressed Goblin

More breaking news. The Dark Elves have taken flight and a new opponent has 'arisen'. The  Gravesend Gut Chewers , an undead team.

I needed a new goblin. Last nights discussion made it clear that taking Scrappa Sorehead was not the way forward so I give you 'Yakstick Sticky Hand' the latest member of the Orcland Raiders.

There is still some work to do but I got to tell you that I just love his hat!!!

I went looking in the garage for a suitable model and came across some plastic Gretchin. Having had a rummage I couldn't believe my luck when I discovered one with an undead skull on his head. This is what he should look like in Warhammer 40k.

I took off the gun with snippers.

And then went to work with some green stuff to create a catching mitten.

I later reduced the length of his nose. It was that big it might get in the way of a catch!! The nice thing is that he looks a bit like Bolgrot. Left hand in the air and a nice round exposed tummy. I sure hope they get along.

Orcland Raiders - Goblin Tactics

The team is allowed to select 0-4 Goblins on the team. They cost 40,000 gp, which is cheap and have the following statistics MA6, ST2, AG3, AV7. They also start with Right Stuff, Dodge & Stunty.

1. Right Stuff allows them to be thrown by a Troll
2. Dodge allows one failed Dodge to be rerolled each turn - very good skill
3. Stunty allows the goblin to ignore Tackle Zones modifiers i.e. Dodging on a 3+ anywhere, reduces the ability to Throw and makes the Goblin more susceptible to injury

(Note - altered following the comments received below)

So in short they are fast and agile and have good Dodge modifiers. They can Catch as good as any Orc which is not great but when combined with their speed and agility makes them a good option. They also allow the Troll to consider the Throw Team-Mate options. They may also be considered for ball carrying duty. In this way they will be automatically protected and can dart out at the right time for the big score.

On the down side their low ST and AV means they are very easily hurt and will therefore need protection!

I think that having a Goblin will be fun so .... have a jersey Mr Yakstick Sticky Hand and welcome to the Orcland Raiders!