For my inaugural first post I thought I’d start with a passion project that I began recently. I began my lifetime obsession with Warhammer after a friend’s older brother lent me a copy of the Games Workshop miniatures catalog way back in 1996. This was a publication that the company put out annually that showcased every product that they had for sale, in all their pewter glory. My eyes were drawn to the Elves of Ulthuan, also known as the High Elves. I had recently read the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and was fascinated with everything elves and the High Elves in particular really seemed to leap right off the pages of Tolkien’s stories.
As a 14 year old kid, I was hardly able to afford to purchase the models, but one birthday my dad took me to the local hobby store, Pegasus Hobbies, and bought me the 3rd edition codex. The hours that I spent reading and re-reading the background and stories in that book were formative to my life long love of fantasy. The few models I was able to buy over the years were lovingly put together and painted (with Testers High Gloss Paints) and put in parade formation on my desk. Every model was shown with pride to whoever was visiting my parents and I cherish the memories of sitting in my room, reading stories about the brothers Teclis and Tyrion while listening to The Aquabats.
Eventually, I grew older and went to high school where my priorities shifted from wizards and warriors to sports and girls. I went off to college, graduated, traveled the world, settled down, and started a career. I briefly dipped my toes back into Warhammer Fantasy once I had the time and the money, and Games Workshop promptly blew up the Warhammer Fantasy universe (literally and figuratively), and that ended my brief reunion with my old friends.
Flash forward 9 years later, and Games Workshop announced the return of Warhammer Fantasy, now re-branded as Warhammer – The Old World. A throw back to some of the best parts of various Warhammer Fantasy editions. The game was released a little over a year ago, and I have been thoroughly enjoying myself revisiting the universe and in particular re-introducing myself to the elves of Ulthuan, albeit hundreds of years before the original setting in Warhammer Fantasy. One of the best things that has come out of Games Workshop’s return to The Old World is for fans like me to have a second chance at building the army we wished we could when we were younger. The cost is high, as these old new in package kits come at a premium. They are also hard to come by, which makes the search for the model kits a game in itself. My plan is to purchase a single blister pack per month, as the wife is only SO willing to accept this new (pricey) obsession. The goal is to get to 500 points by the end of the year, so I can get these models fielded and into glorious battle!
I started off by purchasing a new in blister High Elf Archer Command and a single new in blister green pack High Elf Silver Helm. I particularly like the look of the old (Green Pack) Silver Helms with cloth covered steeds. These are harder to find but I just love the look and this was one of the models I bought when I was 14.
I look forward to slowly collecting, painting, and fielding this army on the tabletop. I hope you enjoy coming along with me on this adventure!