If at first you don't succeed

 Lord Dullen trudged sullenly through clinging mud once proud feathers plastered against the battered remnants of his helm. It had all started so well. The young general had lead the valiant defenders of Talabecland out against the raiding band of dark elves. While victory had been hard won (more likely a draw) they had successfully defended the priests of Sigmar stationed at the holy monument. Truly his mission was blessed.

Reveling in victory Dullen's forces were caught off guard by the beastman ambush. While benefiting from substantial education in military theory this was only his second battle and unfortunately some things cannot be taught. The brave men of the Empire were completely unprepared to face the gigantic chaos spawn but charging seemed to be the way to go. Sadly due to some foolish mistakes and the admittedly powerful wizard not really knowing what he was doing they suffered a bloody defeat.

Just as all seemed lost, his forces surround by foul beastmen, a mighty roar drew the attention of all. Cresting the hill came the might and splendor of Ulthuan's dragon princess grim visaged, ready to honour the alliances of old. The beastmen fled as a great dragon broke through the clouds spewing fire and death to any who would oppose it. Grateful beyond the words of men Lord Dullen called out to the high elf a greeting he had heard the other elves use earlier that day. A look of shock and offense was quickly replaced with one of fury and vengeance as the elf lord brought about Lord Dullen's second defeat of the day.

So here he was humiliated and defeated slowly making his way back to fort Dullen the barely functioning steam tank limping along beside him. Suddenly a great beast swooped down startling every man in the column, Dullen instinctively hafted his great hammer ready for the fight. Looking down at him from upon a mighty gryphon was Count Mortlach, lord of the seven hills. 

"It was a mistake to send you into battle untested. You may think you know the rules of war but the fates of men can rest on a roll of the dice. Return home and regroup for soon you shall once more have to defend the lands of men only this time they shall face the Lord of Mortlach."

I signed up for another tournament but I can't take the same army again, that would be too easy. I've always wanted a war wagon so when they went up on made to order I had to get one and there's no way I'd have one and not use it. After much fiddle fiddling I was able to come up with a list which has a war wagon and a general on a gryphon (no idea why a grand master can take a demigryph but not a gryphon but there you go) both great minis and completely unpainted. 

So far all I've done is build the wagon which was bit of a knightmare as it was more warped than Lorgar's internet history. I've always tried to fix forge world warping with hot water but it wasn't working this time so thought I'd try using the hairdryer. Needless to say I'll be using the hairdryer every time from now on it worked perfectly. I've got some gaps to fill but nothing to bad I've also pinned the wagon and horses together to hopefully save them from falling apart. I'm planning on just gluing the crew in and relying on the wagon to protect them.

I think the list I brought last time was good but let down by me being not so good. Hopefully I've filled some gaps in my knowledge and got past the first time nerves. I still want to make some changes though. The army never really had anything hard hitting I'm hoping the gryphon will fill that role and I gave the general the monster slayer sword. Not really something to count on but great if I can pull it off. I still like demonology but the wizard really needs to be in a unit to get the benefit so I've swapped his tome for a staff and put him in with the swordsmen. Sadly I'm losing a unit of road wardens (maybe my favourite unit), the priest and some swordsmen they will be replaced by a war wagon and Lord Dullen who has unfortunately been demoted to captain. 

My aim originally was to go. That was all just get out and do something I always wanted to. Im also not a competitive person so while winning would have been nice it's not something I wanted to achieve. This time I should be less nervous and happy to take things slow. I'll be checking rules and enemies stats so I know everything that's going on, that should put me in a better place mentally. While I'm sure the game plan will still be CHARGE! I'm going to at least try to win. If I get my minis painted on time.

Thanks for reading.