Let's go to Hell.

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Hell Dorado – I've always had and interest in this game as the models are amazing. I never really pursued getting any of them because the game was French (and we all know the track record for French games and their limited shelf life) and had no plans to be released in English. The game was picked up by Cipher Studios and is being released in English now. Currently there are quick start rules available on their site as well as downloadable cards. My local store just got in the starter boxes and they seem to be fairly popular. I guess a full rule book is due out later this year.

My friend Ben, was kind enough to run a demo of the game for me earlier this week. My initial thoughts are very positive. The combat system seems different and fun. Basically you never get to roll more than 5 dice depending on your combat stat, to hit you need to roll equal or higher than the opponents defense stat. If your combat is higher than 5 you re-roll misses. The number of hits references a chart and determines damage which is tracked on the models card. If a model has protection that is subtracted from the damage. Movement is pretty basic with models being able to move twice, move and do something else or move twice and attack with a penalty. 

The initiative system is also interesting as it's based on a combination of your leadership and number of models. Activations are alternating, so I go with one than you go with one. If you have less models you can pass so as to avoid being being out activated by swarms etc.

Your leader also has command which can be used to ignore some effects, companion a model, or add up to 2 dice to a combat. This is similar to the focus mechanic in Warmachine, but a bit more forgiving as you apply it when needed not at the start of the turn.

Overall I find it to be an intriguing game deserving of more attention. I will definitely be picking up at least a starter box or two. I'm not sure I see this as a primary game but more of a change of pace game to keep your primary from becoming stale.

In the desert you can remember your name.

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I've begun creating some new terrain pieces for my large table (4'x6'). While I have several city blocks built for this table, after a while it starts to get a bit boring using ruins every game. The terrain I've built for Malifaux works fine on the smaller tables, however when spread out on a larger table it tends to look a bit sparse. 

I began by cutting green foam with a hot wire cutter. This is the easiest way to create rock formations that resemble something you'd see in the American west. Simply move the cutter in and out to create the striations in the rock face. Once these are cut and shaped, I mount them to MDF with wood glue.

To match the texture of the table I use a textured wallpaper as a base. This gives an interesting look without creating so much texture that models won't stand properly. Around the edges of the rock formations I used wood filler to createdebris piles where material would naturally collect. One the shape has been built up a give it a good coat of wood glue and cover it with a mixture of kitty litter and sand.

After that has dried overnight shake off the sand and use a dust whisk of soft bristly brush to knock off any loose material that didn't come off when you shook it.

I like to use Behr paint and primer for terrain projects. They can color match any of you model colors and have a good selection of the board. For desert terrain I like to use a terracotta color as a base. This can then be dry brushed with a light brown and cream to mimic the formations you find in the American west.

To finish off the project I like to apply some lichen and dead looking tall grass to areas that scrub may take hold. I use Tacky Glue or Super Glue for this. Either product with hold the material in place, but I've found that Super Glue dries faster and leads to better results for the tall grass. After everything is dry I spray it with Krylon Low Odor matte finish. This gives a durable coating that doesn't look glossy.

How I felt

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Finishing – It's important to me that my models be complete. You spend so much time painting and basing your models, why would you leave the bottom of the base plain? For me I use a compass cutter and some self stick felt to complete the base. Not only does this give your model a finished look, the felt will help to keep them in place on the battlefield.

Finishing – It's important to me that my models be complete. You spend so much time painting and basing your models, why would you leave the bottom of the base plain? For me I use a compass cutter and some self stick felt to complete the base. Not only does this give your model a finished look, the felt will help to keep them in place on the battlefield.