Crafthammer 40K Why am I doing this?

Why play 40K using nothing but crafted pieces and scenery? Well, it started while going through some old Youtube videos when I came upon Wyloch’s editorial about wargaming and how it could tell stories with a lot less prep work.  That intrigued me.  Also I have recently discovered 3D printing, which is great, but I miss crafting from scratch.  Also, also, I made a promise to myself that I would read more this year.  There are many 40K novels. So 40K seemed liked something that could scratch a few itches at the same time.  I didn’t want to necessarily dive into the GW models until I was sure that I liked the game, But then I remembered that Wyloch has come to the rescue again with his cardstock miniatures videos.  Thanks Wyloch, this is your fault!

So what are my goals for this project:

1. Learn how to play the game
2. Craft all all the miniatures and scenery for the game
3. Create a story that all my scenarios are set it.
4. Document all aspects of this endeavor

So first I need to pick factions to play. I want to have four, that seems to be the right amount for variety, but I’ll start with two since my goal is to get onto the table as quickly as possible.  W\I’ll need to pick them without any knowledge of how good or bad any are, my only criteria is looks and minimal back story.

I don't like bugs.  I don't like things that look diseased.  I've been watching Battlestar Galactica lately and so I like robots.  My favorite color is blue.  First two factions picked.  Also like the look of the Imperial Guard.  It makes me think of X-COM.  And I like the look of the Aeldari. So my faction list is:

• Space Marines 
• Necrons
• Imperial Guard (Future)
• Aeldari (Future)

So now I need to define the goals of the first scenario:

1. Learn the basics of the game
2. Start playing quickly
3. Make my initial models simple and straightforward
4. Kick off the story, introduce the characters

In order to start playing the game I need the rules.  Luckily GW has a pdf with the basic rules in it.  Downloaded, printed.  Next step define the first battle.  Then I’ll know what to craft.

Scenario Details

A detachment of Space Marines are scouting an asteroid when they are ambushed by a detachment of Necrons.

Crafting:

• Create paper minis for Space Marines emulating the "Start Collecting Space Marines" Set using Whylochs Cardstock Mini Method
• 10 Tactical Marines 
• Space Marine Captain in Terminator Armor
• Space Marine Dreadnought Using Worldworks paper miniatures “Red Sector” set
• Create paper minis for Necrons emulating the "Start Collecting Necrons" Set using Wylochs Cardstock Mini Method
• Necron Overlord
• 12 Necron Warriors
• Annihilation Barge. Wyloch to the rescue again with his video
• 3 Scarab Swarms.  I think I’ll hack these together either with old integrated circuits, or foam and some wire.  We’ll see which look better.
• Some Hill Scatter Terrain to represent an asteroid surface using a combination of Wyloch's method and Winters SEO's method

Story Intro:

In The Grim Dark Future

In the grim dark future there is only war.  That seems far away for the 64th.  Out on a boring rock in the middle of nowhere scouting for what?  All the action is clear on the other side of the galaxy!  Nothing here but rocks.
The commanders thoughts kept wandering as he led his detachment across the surface of... rock something or other.  Just rocks on rocks.  At that moment he saw a flash, and then another! Small metal crab things were coming at them. Behind them he saw something metal, but human?!?  "This is more like it!" he thought to himself as a smile slowly grew on his face…

TIME TO CRAFT!