New Necron/Tau Leaks?

I don't usually post this kind of stuff but I haven't seen anyone else picking up on this.  I won't quote my source just yet until I see the usual rumormongers post it.

Anyway, here are some updated Necron Rumors.

Necrons will be getting some new plastic kits.
Warriors will be different, but still the same.
Destroyers will be modified from how they are now, but still familiar.
There will be some all-new never before seen models.
Tomb Spyders will be changed, but still somewhat the same.
Flayed Ones will be different than they are now.
Gauss weapons will work differently than they do now, but still have a similar mechanic.
Some stuff is better, other stuff is not so great.
They'll be released either this year or next.

And here's the Tau ones:

Some of the guns will be similar, but some will be different.
Kroot are still in.
Vespids still suck.

Tyranid Confirmations and Thoughts

I got the Advance Order email in my box today, and the new Tyranids are finally up. They gave away some clues in the email, and here's what I figure:

Trygon/Mawloc: Looks great. The Mawloc is a bit weird but still pretty cool. I don't have enough information about it, I wish I knew if it was a 0-1.

Pyrovore: Appears to be a close combat monster, and an Elites choice. Sure seems that the Tyranid Elites are filling up. And, we'll finally get to use the flame template. Furthermore, it looks almost like a Tyrant Guard, so it may have similar toughness. It will need that if it is indeed a front line creature.

Venomthrope: Wounds on a 2+, always. From other rumors, it generates a 5+ cover save for anything within 6". I doubt it has psychic powers, since nothing was mentioned. Here's my idea. If Lash Whips work as rumored, being able to target a specific model, put one of these near a group of Carnifexes and they'll get cover, plus the Lash Whips can keep those powerfists out of the action.

Hive Guard: They shoot out two S8 shots per turn, and don't require LOS. For these guys, AP will be VERY important. I hope it's at least a 3, and since it doesn't require LOS perhaps it ignores cover. If they get a template, that would be nice too but from the sound of it (Impaler Cannon, sounds like a single target weapon) probably not. It seems Tyranids will still be lacking ranged heavy vehicle killing power, though we have yet to see what will come of the Venom Cannon.

The new Raveners (small rant here but guys, it's not ravenor. Ravenor is the inquisitor. Ravener is the Tyranid.) look nicer than I originally thought with those blurry cell phone pictures. Check out the sprues, you can see what the weapon biomorph thoraxes look like. Plus, there appears to be an armored thorax...could Raveners be allowed to take Extended Carapace? That would be nice.

The Gargoyles also look better than I thought on my first impression.

Genestealers are still in the Troops section, along with the Broodlord. It appears that he will be a squad upgrade. Another small rant here, but guys, Genestealers were never "going back to" elites. They have always been troops. Genestealer cults don't count. You internet kids can get off my lawn.

Zoanthropes have been moved to Elites as well. Now it seems like I'll actually have to make a choice in my elites section!

There's also a note in the email that Hormagaunts cost half what they cost now. That would make them 5 points. Not too shabby!

Spore Mines appear to have been removed from the Fast Attack section.

Well, the rumors will probably slow to a crawl now. Hopefully we'll get a bit more info so I can start planning out my next purchases.

New Tyranid Pictures Finally Up!

In case you haven't seen them, here they are. Here's what I think of them.

Ravener: Not a huge fan, but at least they'll blend in perfectly with the old metal ones. I'm not a big fan of the Warrior head, I hope there's more options.

Gargoyles: I'm glad they're finally plastic, and I like everything but the wings. They look a little too...undead. I'll still buy bucketloads of them, however.

Venomthrope: Ok, wow. This looks so much better in the Kraken color scheme. It brings the detail out better than the Leviathan scheme. I love the tangle of tentacles.

Hive Guard: The picture really isn't clear on this one. I'm not sure if I like it...is this a quadruped Tyranid? I like the upper body, but I'm not sold on the lower. Also, I thought this model was supposed to be very top-heavy? Doesn't look so.

We still have yet to see the Trygon or the Pyrovore, let's hope those come out soon!

Trygon Information and Other Rumors

I know I said I wasn't going to traffic in rumors anymore, but I got some delicious tidbits from Brimstone, an Interwebs Warhammer Celebrity. His word is generally correct, so that's why I'm sharing it and not the whole new crop of rumors that's sprouted up.

Basically, the Trygon will have several head options and several tail options. One of the head options is a distended jaws, for swallowing. He said it would be called a "Mawloch" though the spelling on that is unsure (it also has not been seen yet in any Trygon photos). He mentioned a tail option as like a rattlesnake. It supposedly looks awesome.

There were some gameplay rumors for it, but they were not from Brimstone, so take everything here with a bit of NaCl. It will not function like the Apocalypse Trygon, so it can't deepstrike into close combat. It supposedly will have its own mishap table. Raveners can enter from behind it, and assault the turn they arrive. Both Trygons and Raveners will be able to burrow and re-appear via deepstrike.

Non-Trygon stuff from Brimstone: Gargoyles are indeed plastic and will come 10 to a sprue. They will use flying bases, but because they are plastic are much more stable.

Raveners are plastic as well, and come three to a sprue, and supposedly six to a box.

That takes care of our three new plastic kits. The three metal ones are a Venomthrope, Hive Guard and a Pyrovore as we have price listings for them.

Well, we are less than two months away and the only pictures we have are a Venomthrope and the cover. The new battleforce ships in 14 days supposedly, and we have no idea what's in it. Let's hope some of those new models are in it!

Tyranid Battleforce on Advance Order?

So I'm already breaking my promise (though this technically isn't a rumor, so I'm not really breaking anything), but I was looking at the Warstore today, and on their advanced orders page they have the Tyranid Battleforce listed at $105 MSRP with a release date of December 5th. I checked the GW site, and it is not listed there yet, so I have no idea on the contents yet.

This is a bit confusing, because isn't the codex supposed to be out in January? I thought that the battleforce would release around the same time. If this is the case, will new models be released in the battleforce? History suggests that they will, GW loves to show of their shiny new things in the updated battleforce.

Edit: Miniwargaming has it listed as well, with the same release date. I wonder if GW is getting in on the Christmas rush?

Most likely, this means that no new creatures will be found in the battleforce (I doubt they'd release a model without rules), but I'd guarantee that new plastic versions of metal models will be in the box. Methinks plastic Raveners?

Gargoyles Get Rending?

So the latest round of rumors suggest that Gargoyles get rending, and they're going to be 6 points. Does this seem odd to anyone? Giving them rending is just weird. It's like Swooping Hawks having Haywire grenades, but even weirder than that. First off, Gargoyles are basically flying Termagants, with Bio-Plasma. How they are going to re-work bio-plasma in this new codex is beyond me, but I really hope it's not a CC upgrade like it is now.

Perhaps he meant to say scything talons? Are all Tyranids running around with Rending now? If they have rending, then what is the role of Genestealers? I guess the stealers will be more durable and have a better WS/I, but then there's the factor of points cost.

While I used to just love hearing the latest rumors, now I'm starting to get frustrated with them. Some of them contradict each other, others are just ridiculous, and some are just plain wishlisting. I used to follow several rumors threads on various fora, but I have sworn them off. I'm just going to wait for the inevitable leak, and the in-store copies to hit before I post anything else about rumors.

Currently on the repair table: 10 Ravenwing Landspeeders. Guys, do me two favors. First off, don't buy broken down models off ebay. Secondly, invest in proper carrying cases.

New Tyranid Mystery Creature

Image totally copyright Gamesworkshop

Well here's our first view of one of the new creatures from the codex. It looks like it's got Lash Whips, Feeder Tendrils and extreme Toxic Miasma. It also looks to be part Ravener. The size is unclear, however. Is it January yet?

All I can say though is that it's going to be a pain to pin that tail if this is a metal kit.

I dont' know if this is a psychic creature, the head isn't big enough.

The only thing I don't like about it is the way the tendrils are sculpted, but then again that may have something to do with the color.

New Rumors! Thoughts!

Summarized, here's the new Tyranid rumors to come out of Gamesday Italy:

Plastic Trygon (no confirmation on whether it's Apoc or not)

None of the current plastics are being redone (I heard this one a few months ago).

Some metals will be made plastic (My guesses are Gargoyles first, Tyrant second).

I was personally hoping for more, but it seems GW is running a tight ship these days. Of all the things, I am really hoping for the plastic Trygon. People are saying that they won't ever put an Apocalypse unit into a regular codex; but what of the Valkyrie? They simply modified some rules and it works perfectly in-game. Also, a Trygon is hardly Apocalypse material. It is overpriced and very vulnerable. You can make a Carnifex just as tough, with a better save and for half the cost.

Some people say that they won't put a Trygon in the codex because it's too big. However, it's only about the size of a drop pod. I of course would be a very happy hive node if the Trygon made it into the codex. Even if it was a 0-1 restriction I would still buy three.

Of course none of this is fact yet. Just because someone higher up said it at Gamesday and said quote made it on the interwebs, doesn't mean it's true. All we can do is wait for the inevitable leak, or until GW decides to impart their knowledge unto us.

Update: Gaunt boxes have been pulled from the GW store. Does this mean they'll be splitting the contents? Rumors suggest the base box size will go up to 10 models, but they'd have to re-do the sprue if that was the case.

Fact vs. Rumor

I have been closely following the rumors thread on Warpshadow, and have been thinking about the nature of rumors with GW's latest policy. In past days we would already have the full listings, now it seems like we have to wait until stores get their copies. A couple of choice tidbits seem to make their way through, but a lot of those become fan speculation. Fan speculation becomes rumor and rumor becomes truth.

Here are the facts about the new Tyranids:

It was written by Robin Cruddace.

It will be released in January of 2010.

3 plastic models and 3 metal models will be released simultaneously.

The codex will have never-before-seen creatures.

There is a much circulated quote from Phil Kelly that says that there will be 4 new creatures. Since I have seen no official word on it other than a rumors thread over on BoLS I'm not counting it as truth.

That is all we know. The rest is rumor, hearsay and speculation. Some of the rumors may be truth. For example, it seems practically a given that there will be a plastic Trygon. However, there has been no official confirmation and even those who are in the know say that they don't know if it will actually be in the codex or if it will be an Apocalypse side-release. Other rumors of cheap gaunts seem very plausible, while others of 8 point Genestealers seem very far-fetched.

Finally, the last few pages of the Warpshadow rumors thread discuss what that big thing is in the background of the new codex cover. Many people think that whatever it is, it must be in the codex be it an Exocrine or some other monstrosity. Whatever it is, I must point out that Phantom Titans are depicted on the cover of the 4th edition Eldar codex, and yet that model is not found in the codex. I have tried twice now to register on the Warpshadow forums to point this out, but they haven't activated my account yet so I'm posting it here. To me, that giant spikey thing in the background isn't supposed to be anything other than a suggestion of a monstrous Tyranid horror.

Thoughts on the New Tyranid Rumors

*This info is old! Here is the latest information!*

First off, check out the latest rumors from Warpshadow. Summary is in the first post.

All I have to say is:

yessssssssssss

On a less sibilant note, I'm really excited. I'm a bit concerned that everything is getting cheaper just to keep up with everyone else, but maybe I'll actually take Hormagaunts again.

Too bad they're coming at the end of my Christmas break, but I should have a bit of time to work on them. The one rumor that kind of bugs me is the Malanthrope one, but only because I bought the Forgeworld one and they'll come out with a cheaper plastic one. I guess that's how FW Valkyrie and Baneblade owners felt. But, perhaps the sculpt will be different...and I'll actually be able to use a FW model without opponent permission!

I really hope they fix the Malanthrope's stats if that's the case. Right now it's a souped up hive tyrant. Look at the current model- with those atrophied T-Rex arms attached to a bulbous body. He should be a slow, implacable, drifting psychic abomination consuming all in his path. It should be weak in CC but be an immensely powerful psyker.

It's a bit early to react too much to the rumors, but I'm liking the sound of them so far. As we get closer to January, things will start fleshing out and we can all start redoing our lists.

Edit: According to the official GW blog, there's going to be 3 new metal and 3 new plastic kits. The three new metal are obviously new creatures, but the plastic?

Edit again: Here's what I think. One plastic is a plastic Tyrant. One is the mysterious monster that's supposedly bigger than a Carnifex. The other plastic is Gargoyles. The three metal ones are brand new creatures. Since they are metal, it's doubtful that they're swarm or monstrous creatures. They're probably all middleweight Tyranids.

*If you still read this whole thing, for some reason this page has been viewed THOUSANDS of times, probably because (at the time of writing this) I come up as the first choice for Tyranid rumors on Google. I have no idea why this is the case, this post isn't that helpful but I'm flattered by all the attention.*

Space Hulk- Second Printing

I heard from my FLGS owner last night that there is going to be a second run of Space Hulk because the first went so well. He said that he had already ordered 4 copies. So if you missed out, now's your chance.

I ordered at 6:00 AM Monday morning, the day it was announced. I know some people will be upset because they ordered one now only because they thought it would be limited. But on the other hand, people who were short on cash or whatever will be able to get it. I really don't care, I have my copy and enjoy it.

I have submitted this to BOLS.

New Tyranid Rumors

I stopped by the Auburn, WA Games Workshop store last night (we're visiting family) and talked with the regional trainer who runs the store here. Apparently he trains the guys as far down as the L.A. Battle Bunker. Here's what he told me, and make of it what you will:

Plastic Trygon: Those pictures heavily debated on the intramawebs were not plastic trygons, they were the Forgeworld ones and a couple of conversions. He said it is possible for them to do but one would be years off.

New Plastics: The current Tyranid plastic line will not change, but the current metal models will eventually all be plastic. He said specifically they're working on a new Broodlord.

Release Frame: He said that Tyranids are not slated within the next 6 months, but possibly 8 months out.

He also agreed about my suspicion that Genestealers will be Elites with a Broodlord making them Troops in the next codex, but I don't take that as solid confirmation. He's probably seeing the writing on the wall just as much as I am.

The Auburn store actually has a life size Blood Angel in front, I heard that there's only 6 life size Space Marine statues in the U.S. I've seen the Dark Angel in the L.A. Battle Bunker of course, and he said there's another in WA, but couldn't remember where the others are.

Anyway, I don't consider myself a solid rumor source, simply look at my other rumors to see why. Today's rumor is not community commentary like that one, I'm just passing on what I heard.