Hendybadgers Hobby Update - June 2012

As some of you may have noticed, I haven't had a whole lot of hobby related things going on recently.
So I thought I would give you all a little update about where everything stands.

BLOG

There are LOADS of things lined up for this blog in the next few weeks.
Reviews - Merchantman and Warship ships from Ainsty Castings, Pirate buildings, Sea Dog and Sea Prince ships from Games of War, Judges, Punks and Robot gangs from Judge Dredd by Mongoose Publishing, GW Temple of Skulls and more.

The 'Win a Hendybadger' winner will be announced very soon. Just waiting on one more vote to come in.

ToaTS is almost at 100'000 hits. What an awesome landmark! When I started I never expected it to get to this point.
And how do I thank all of my wonderful readers, followers and viewers?
With an AWESOME GIVEAWAY! Over £70 worth of minis!
If you want to take part though, you need to be a follower of this blog using the box under the tags box on the right>>>>>>>>>>>>

An unboxing of Mantics Warpath starter set thanks to PJ at Shades of Chaos

New Pulp City battle reports. Maybe even some in a 'comic book' style

Any new news I like the look of and several other bits and pieces inc my own painting progress

EVENTS

I will be running a couple of Pulp City demos in the next couple of weeks at PAW and the Giants Lair in Plymouth. Even have a demo booked with the awesome Warhammer Joey/ The Joey Berry

PERSONNAL HOBBY

A lot has changed in my life over the last few months. Our first child, odd working hours, Mrs Badger now being on unpaid maternity leave etc.
This means that I have a whole lot less hobby time and hobby funds that I did this time last year.
So, what am I doing?

I want to use my precious time and money on my all time favourite game. Yeah you guessed it - the Supreme Pulp City

I have a few PC projects on the go.

Scenery - 
I now have 2 Urban boards that I want to finish off. Maybe give the buildings a lick of paint.
Planning a couple of Industrial boards including a large canal.
Also want to do some weird and wonderful boards like you see in comics. The moons surface, jungle, city park, docks etc

Models-
I have 4 main goals. To Collect, Build, Play and Paint every Pulp City mini.


I now have all but the elusive June Summers reporter (do you have a spare or know someone who does?) Some will have doubles as well due to a painting aim.
All but 5 of those are now made.
About 75% have been used in games
Painting sort of deserves its own headline

Then there are the soon to be released Monster Rules. I am collecting a range of 4"+ minis from several other companies to use with this new addition to the game.

Painting -
Before now I have painted around 40 minis in 5 years of gaming. The first 25 were flat colour Tyranids and not much happened since.
I saved my pennies and invested in the new GW paint range and painting guide. Over the last few months I have also collected all of the extra painting guides in White Dwarf.
Time to teach myself how to paint properly! (any hints and tips are welcome) Not just dry brushing and washing for me anymore.

The Pulp City painting has a couple of side projects.
1- One of each PC mini in an original paint scheme
2- All of the scenery
3- The Pulp City Avengers - Heroes  inspired by Marvel supers (3-5 are doubles from painting project 1)
4- The Pulp City X-Men - Villains inspired by Marvel supers
5 - Pulp City Marvels - Any that don't fit into the X-Men or Avengers themes.
6- Monsters from a range of different companies

OTHER

Soon I will play testing for a tabletop game. But that's all I can say at the moment.Shhhhhh........

So that's that.........
Hope you all enjoy reading Tales of a Tabletop Skirmisher in the future!

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Pulp City Heads for Plymouth!

Yes that's right.
Pulp City (the awesome Super Heroes v Villains skirmish game) is heading for Plymouth, Devon, UK over the next couple of weeks.

I will be running a couple of demo events at a Plymouth club and store.

On Sunday June 24th. the Plymouth Association of Wargamers are letting me destroy cities at their weekly club meet. 12pm-5pm. Directions and club details can be found >>HERE<<

Later that week I will be at The Giants Lair. Thursday 28th from 5pm-10pm. Details about the venue are >>HERE<<
The Giants Lair is also home to the 'very well known' Warhammer Joey. Maybe she might fancy a try?

If you fancy giving Pulp City a go or you already play and fancy meeting up for a game, you are more than welcome to come along to either demo.
Any other clubs and/or stores in the South West UK that want a demo day/eve, please just shoot me an email using the link on the right>>>>>>

I know the blog has been quiet for afew days but I have been quite busy. Unfortunately not with gaming.
I have managed to reach one of my goals though. I have managed to get all of the Pulp City range. (apart from the elusive June Summers)
I'm also very close to building the entire range. More than 1 of some. About 4 left to finish making.

Next up are the 2 other goals. To paint and play with all the different models! That might take abit longer.

Finally for today, if you are interested in the game then check out one of the most active (and comical) Facebook gaming groups out there.
Citizens of Pulp City (link)
Includes lots of players (vets and noobs), the Game Design Team, Creator, Artists and Sculptors.
You don't get much better fan communication than that!

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Interview with Maciej Zylewicz - Creator of Pulp City - the Super Hero Skirmish Game

As regular readers know, I'm a HUGE fan of Pulp City, the Super Hero skirmish game.
At Salute this year I finally had the chance to meet its creator Maciej Zylewicz, otherwise known as Morf on the Pulp City Forums. A great chap who agreed to do an interview about the game and where its heading for ToaTS.
When I came home I gave fans of PC the chance to ask any questions they wanted to know before I spoke to Maciej. So some of these questions are from myself and some are from some other big fans of the game.

I would just like to start by saying a MASSIVE thank you to Maciej for this interview (again)
(Hendybadger - Maciej)

Where did the idea of Pulp City come from? And what made you want to turn it into a game and business?

 I am a man that completely lacks talents.  I can't draw, I can't write, I can't sculpt.
Since I could have never created a comic book myself (always my dream), I decided to transplant the idea into the gaming world. It was back in the days when my favourite miniature game was in its death throes (and boy, that wasn't pretty). I had a very stable job back then and thought about investing some and creating a line of miniatures I had in my head, but needed great artists to draw them and sculpt them. Funny enough, just as I got my first sculpt, I had to make a sudden change in my career and start a new business venture. Early 2007, I had not one but two start-ups in my hands.



What do you consider the most interesting part of your job as Major of Pulp City?

Design, design, design. Be it the rules we crack our heads on (and we fight and bleed for them) or new Supremes that are this melting pot of ideas and references & stimulations I get from swimming in the sea of pop culture.


How do you come up with the ideas for all these original Supremes?

I like mixing. I am inspired by re-inventing cliches. One of my favourite comic book series ever is Ellis/Millar run on Authority. When you look at it, there is absolutely nothing new, it's grinding Superman, Batman and other favourites. But they serve it in a delicious sauce spiced with a lot of absurd questions that super hero world rarely asks. What if the heroes are more powerful than God? What are the casualty tolls when they clash?


When you have a Supreme you want to put into the game, what sort of process do you go through to get it from idea to in the customers hands?

Various. Sometimes it is very clear, from A to Z. And I do enforce the vision. Sometimes, it is a seed I plant and watch concept artists turn it into a nice supreme flower that blooms. Sometimes I steal ideas from friends that confide in me.

Night Fright + Leech

How do you choose which sculptors and artists to use?

After some time in the business I factor in two things: reliability and skills. Ones that I work with now are champions in both. Sadly, there is a lot of talent out there that is not backed up with reliability. The best concept artist that is 12 months late is an anchor that drags the projects down.


Who was your favourite comic book hero when you were a child, and why?

Batman, hands down. I like the dark ambiance. If a hero if defined by his villains, one more reason to love Batman.

Who is your favourite comic book hero now you are an adult, and why?

Too many to mention, still Bats, but the rest comes and goes, Authority, Dr. Strange, Cap.

I like well written stuff and love re-discovering heroes I never cared for before. Brubaker run made cap suddenly one of my favourites. Whedon's run on X-men turn boring Cyclops into one hell of a character.


If you could make ANY movie, what would it be?

Not much of a movie maker here. I would reboot the TF franchise and substitute explosions for more character development. I was dreading Avengers movie cause so far all of the team-super hero franchises use most characters as power placeholders. For instance, Ironhide in TF is a big guy that carries guns. When he dies, you don't shed a tear, because he was as flat as cardboard. Fortunately Avengers just oozes with little character touches. I think Prime and the team deserve that!


On www.pulp-city.com you have some background for some of the Supremes. Do you plan to add more now there are more Supremes?

We've just completed 90% of existing characters fluff bios. They will go online with the new site.
(Cant wait to read those, the backgroud for Pulp City so far is amazing)

Have you ever thought about creating a comic book of Pulp City?

Yes, it always goes down to the budget.


Which are you personal favourite Pulp City Supremes?

Dr. Red, Tenebrous, 6FU.

 Dr Red

 Dr Tenerbrous

Six Feet Under

What do you want to do with the game over the next 12 months?

The changes are so major, I feel excitement and dread at the same time.


Where can you see Pulp Monsters in 5 years time?

I see it alive and still your friendly boutique kind of a game with lots of great gals and guys in the community.

  
A couple of my own favourite Supremes have to be the 'Country' Supremes Like Sovereign for the UK and Perun for Poland. Are there any plans to create more characters for more counties in the future?

Yes, we are working on a very traditional, almost Golden Age All-American supreme team.
(Really excited to see how these turn out)


With the recent Iron Train artwork and the legendary Red Baron you have touched on alternate time periods like Weird Wild West and Weird WWII. Are these just ideas and one offs or would you like them to be more?

At one point I had this idea of opening PC to different time lines. It's not very sound business wise, but I may still surprise you from time to time.



Pulp City have had great competitions in the past with 'Supreme Genesis' where fans get to have their own creations added to the game. Do you want to run more of these competitions one day?

 I would love too. We are closing down the character creation "Bible", that will lead to some interesting options for fan-projects.



You have also had the 'Herald' programme. A group of fans that go above and beyond to promote and teach the game and to run events. The programme seems to have stopped at the moment though. Will it return?

It's in the suspense because we want it better stronger and run by somebody more competent than me!
(When its back you can expect my application)


This has to be my favourite fan question....

Would the feminist Androida ever fall for the charming Bender from Futurama?

The first moment his stretching telescopic hands touch her, he is a dead bot.

Androida

Last but not least, do you have any sneaky teasers for the PC fans and readers of ToaTS?

We will reveal the next big threat to Pulp City in the couple of days to follow. It's very ancient and very hungry.
(Looking forward to seeing what its going to be)
You can also see for yourselves at the  Pulp City Forums or on the Pulp City Facebook Page



Thank you once again for giving this interview.


Thanks Ian, keep doing the great job!



Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Last Chance to Win a Ltd Ed Pirate Badger Mini! Only 9 exist!

This is your last chance to get your hands on a VERY LIMITED EDITION Pirate Badger.
The Hendybadger Supreme for Pulp City. Or usable in many other games based around Supers, Pirates or Fantasy.

There are 9 of this models in the world. Yes, only 9!

If you want to try and win 1, all you need to do is Email Tales of a Tabletop Skirmisher with the story of the Hendybadger. Full details can be found >>HERE<<
Who he is.
Where hes from.
Why is he in Pulp City?

If you want a little help, check out the Pulp City Heros and Villains Page for some stories about the other characters.

Extra points for any entry that also shares this competition online on a blog, forum, or else where and then posts a link below.

The deadline is tonight. Well, until I check the computer tomorrow actually.
UNLESS......... enough people still want to enter. Let me know if you do and I might be able to extend the deadline by afew days.

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!

2 Days Left to Win a Pirate Hendybadger! + New Pulp City Concept Art

Do you want one of only 9 Hendybadger models in existence? Who wouldn't want a Pirate Badger for any game!
Well you have to days left to try and win one!

All you need to do is tell us the story of Hendybadger. Who he is, where hes from and why hes in Pulp City.
Full details can be found >>HERE<<

There has also been a new piece of Pulp City concept art shown today on the Official PC Facebook Page.
An early idea of Pulp City Supremes in the Weird Wild West.

Here is WWW Iron Train!

And his modern version for comparison

I love it and hope we get to see some more.

Henybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Looking for 'Super' Blogs!

After a long looooooooooooooong time I have finally found my calling.
Super Hero tabletop games! LOVE them! (as if regular readers didn't know that already)

I have found quite afew 'Supers' blog out there which can be found in the Blogroll>>>>>
But I want to find more!

Do you know of any Blogs that have 'Super' gaming content?
Pulp City, Super System, BASH, Heroclix, RPGs or anything else.
Please post any you know of in the comments section below

Hendybagder awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

This week I has mostly been ......... making stuff!

As the title says, I have been on a bit of a building binge recently.
Lots of Supremes and Monsters for Pulp City
Monster (above) are from a range of places including Heroclix. Still 6 more (at least) to add to the collection yet. I LOVE big minis!
Giant Hadron on 80mm base and Libra on 30mm base at the front for scale

An evening of playing with files and glue!
All based on Post Apoc toppers from Fenris Games

A little conversion. I wanted Silveragers robo arms under his  own instead of over to make him look a little different. Doc Ock and Iron spider have both been mentioned as colour schemes.

Another little addition is the extra branches on Father Oak. Gives him more of a 'living tree' look

Not much more to say about them to be honest. Just a quick update on what I have been doing.

If your a Pulp City fan and serious collector, you may want to check out this blog tomorrow though

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaay!

Pulp City Demo Night @ The Giants Lair , Plymouth Fri 27th Apr

Do you like supers in games, comics or movies?
Do you like tabletop games?
Do you live in the south UK?

If the answers are yes, then head over to the Giants Lair in Plymouth this Friday (27th) evening.
Tales of a Tabletop Skirmisher will be running a Pulp City demo night from around 6pm to 10pm.

Head over and check it out!
Smash those villains away with your super strengh and a VW or crush those pesky Heros with your control over the elements!
A huge range of Supremes will be available to try out with all manner of different powers.

Hope to see afew there.

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Hunting for Heroclix. Help?

After taking a look at the Heroclix Colossals I have decided to give the game a try.
Unfortunately there isn't a Heroclix retailer in my county and the single figures on eBay seem abit pricey.

So I'm calling out the the wonderful world of blogging for some help.

Where can I get Marvel Heroclix at a decent price in the UK?
Where do I even find the rules?
How do you build a team?
And loads of other questions!

Can you help?

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Amazing Heroclix Marvel Colossals!

I dont usualy cover , or even follow, Heroclix news. But when I spotted the new Galatic Guardians Colossals I had to find out more!

Above are the new 6 huge figures.
Back - Giganto, Ziran the Tester, Galactus
Front - Dormammu, Uato the Watcher, Sentinel Master Mold

Even if you dont play Heroclix these would look great in any Marvel figure collection or in any game you want a huge enemy.
Grabbing a couple of these myself for the soon to appear Pulp City Monster rules.

How can you say no to Galactus, Destroyer of Worlds or even a mighty Celestial?

For a better idea of the scale of these things, check out the below pic of Dormammu with Mindless ones (roughly 25-28mm minis)

You can see more pics of these and all the other minis available in the Galactic Guardians range at Figures.com

What do you think of them?
Which is your favourite?

Hendybadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

Pulp City Avengers Additions and WIP (2012 11+1)

Before I get into the PC Avengers pics and such there are a couple of things all Supers fans need to see.
First up, Doc Warlock over at the Pulp City Planet Blog has posted some stunning Pulp City Supremes concept art by Melvin de Voor (creator of Hendybadger)
If you like that, you can see more on my post about Future PC Supremes >>HERE<<

Next, well, I don't think this needs explanation of why its so awesome (click any pic to view larger)

On to the point of the blog now.
Although I haven't actually 'finished' painting any models this month I have started 10. Got the base coats on lots of my Pulp City Avengers.

The big 4!
Nuclear Jones / Iron Man, Tritonious / Hulk, Sovreign / Captain America (Bucky) and Perun / Thor
Im happy with Iron Man but not sure on a couple of bits with the others.
Should Hulks boots be blue like his belt and symbol?
Should Caps trousers be blue like his coat?
Should Thors body suit be blue like his tights? And should his boots and belt be gold instead of yellow?
What do you think?

 3 Long standing Avengers.
Arquero / Hawkeye, Red Riding Hoodo / Scarlet Witch and Trail / Vision
I wanted to do Vision abit closer to the original colours but with the massive yellow cape, yellow shorts and boots just seemed abit much.

Another 3 members.
Androida / Jocasta, Riposte / Black Widow and Kitty / Tigra
Unsure on Black Widows tiara. Stay silver or go gold?




There are 3 more I have pushed back to the next set. Captain Hadron / Hank Pym, Moonchild / Hellcat and Deadeye / Steve Rogers.
They wont be on their own though. They will be getting some new recruits!

Crimson Oni as Iron Fist

A fairly good match. Look similar and Oni is powered by a Phoenix feather similar to Iron Fists power


Solar as The Sentry

Another very close appearance. Solar uses the power of the sun, Sentry has 'The power of a thousand exploding suns'
To top that off, they both have an evil dark side. Avatar of the Jaguar and the Void


Jade Hawk as Black Panther

Apart from the obvious sex issue they have a very similar look to them.


Skyline as Moon Knight

Made for each other? Same look, uses tech, has a staff, rooftop hunter at night etc


That the team so far then. Still more to add including Minions but dont want to take on too much.
And there is the Pulp City X-Men to work on!

The painting will continue this week. With the GW paint change over I didn't want to start then not be able to use my new paints on the way as they are different. Will use them from the beginning instead.

Hendyabadger awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!