Re: Newby question

"Steve Tipper" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Blimey I did not expect this kind of response... what a crackin NG.

This newsgroup actually does enjoy discussing On-topic posts... unlike many
I could mention.

> Well I have at least some info, he has been playin warhammer 40k (i think
> thts what its called and his mates locally have that (just gleaned that
from
> the wifes friend)
> I presume these are as fun to paint as they are to play (he's tried some
> ,illiatry modelling but does not like the constraints of the painting,
wants
> more like the stuff I can see in warhammer 40 k i think)

Warhammer 40k is more common all around, doubly so with younger games.  As
many others have pointed out, the basic boxed game is probobly the best
route.  While there is a rumored new version in the pipeline, "Wait a year
for the new version" doesn't go very far with a 13 year old.  If you're not
familiar with the hobby, here's a brief rundown:
1) there are two main games, Warhammer Fantasy (Orcs, Elves, and Knights
with swords and magic) and Warhammer 40k(Aliens, robots, and space Marines
with guns and tanks)  There are several minor games that use aspects of the
background, but are not directly compatible.
2)Within each game system (Fantasy or 40k) there are several "Armies"  Each
army is effectivly it's own race/tribe/faction, with it's own models, rules,
etc.  Each army has a range of models as well as either an Army Book (WFB)
or a Codex (40k)
3)There are several "Splinter" armies that are based on a major army, but
use subtly different rules and/or models.  In general, I would not recommend
worrying about these.  If your son is interested in specialization, most of
the generic models could be converted.

As others have suggested, you might try to find out which army your son is
interested in.  HOwever, as a new player, he may not even have his mind made
up yet.  Since the majority of new players choose Space Marines, the basic
box is a wise choice.  From a more mercantile POV, the popularity of Marines
makes re-selling the minis easier if you ever choose to.

A quick breakdown of the contents of the Box:
Rulebook
Quick reference Sheet (suprisinly valuable, in all honesty)
A set of three templates (A must to play)
Generic dice, and a scatter die (another must)
20(?) Dark Eldar warriors.  (Dark Eldar are aliens that make up one of the
armies.)
10 Space Marines
Space Marine Landspeeder

While teh dark eldar are a tricky race to learn, Space Marines are powerful,
durable, forgiving, and extremely flexible.  The 10 man "Tactical Squad" and
landspeeder are both very useful units, should space marines be an eventual
choice for him.

Bear in mind, that even if he eventually chooses a different army, there is
no rule that stops you from using them to start your own army.  I'm 23, and
I started my dad on warhammer this fall.

I hope my longwinded advice is at all useful.   I consider the basic game
box to be very useful and a pretty good bargain, as GW products go.

Karyth Teel

> Think I might enjoy him having this for Xmas ;))
>
> Thanks all
> Steve