Kosh's Korner - Wargaming on a Budget

There are many reasons why people choose to play a specific army in the 40k universe. Some just like the look of that army's particular models or paint scheme. Others like the fluff of their chosen army. Having the most advantage in a game of 40k is still another reason for some and there is nothing wrong with that line of thinking. Whatever your reason, you still have to choose and the best thing to do first, is a little research.

Research
These days the best way to research just about anything is on the internet. There are plenty of websites that pop up if you do a Google search of Warhammer 40k. The first one you should check out, of course, is Games Workshop. They do make the game, you know. ;)

Over on the 40k page of GW, you can select any of the armies available from the top bar by selecting that armies icon. From there you can go to many pages devoted to painting, modeling, the history, gaming, and many more subjects on that particular army. You can also get even further in on some of the armies if they have specific clans, legions, or chapters. While you're there go to their online store and check out the prices of any army your interested in starting.


If you're really into the fluff of 40k one of the best places I've found is Wikipedia. For instance, if you search Wikipedia for Chaos Space Marines, it will bring up a page that tells you the history as well as the difference between CSM and regular Space Marines. From that page, via links, you can also go to each CSM Legion page and Chaos Gods page to read more fluff about them. You do have to take what you read on Wiki with a grain of salt though. It's an open encyclopedia, meaning just about anyone can make entries, but it's usually pretty good.

Also on the internet, there are plenty of forums, blogs (just like this one), and fan sites. One forum in particular that stands out is Warseer. Warseer is huge with over 33,000 members and has subjects on just about anything to do with the hobby. Don't be afraid to go on there and ask questions. The worst problem you may have is finding your post later on, as the amount of posts per day over there tend to make them scroll pretty fast. Another good site is Mini Wargaming, it seems to be a relatively new site. It has quite a few how to videos, a forum, and a store. It's really a great site and I hope they do well and grow. There are also a ton of blogs out there, all the blog links to the left there <--- are highly recommended. Last but not least, don't forget about your FLGS - favorite local game store. More than likely these are the people you're going to be playing the game with, you might as well get to know them. :P Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask questions, everyone was a noob at one time. You'll find 99% of them are normal friendly guys and gals that are willing to help you out. My FLSG is Grand Adventures in Murfreesboro, TN. They also have a webpage and a forum for talking about gaming while not at the store. I've recently been talking with The Hoder over there and he plays an army that I'm interested in playing. Hoder is going to let me play a game or two with his army to see how I like it.

What am I choosing?
I haven't decided yet. I'm on the fence between two armies. I'll be back and let you know after I check out Hoder's army this Thursday.