Ok, it’s not the most delightful of images (depending on your perspective of course), but it gives a picture of what sort of universe ours has become 40,000 years into the future. The Emperor (a god-like being kept on life support on Terra) rules mankind with an iron fist, through his countless armies and agents. Those that would tear the Imperium of Man down - the Orks, Chaos Marines, Eldar, Dark Eldar, Tyranids and now the Tau and Kroot beset humanity on all sides. With over a billion worlds to watch over, humanity’s protectors - the Space Marines - are stretched to the limit trying to prevent the collapse of the greatest empire the universe has ever seen…

Warhammer 40,000 (or 40k) is the futuristic counterpart to Games Workshop’s other core game, Warhammer Fantasy, also based in 28mm. Currently in its third incarnation, this is by far and away the easiest version to get to grips with rules-wise. And, with the vast amount of basic plastic figures (and tanks!) being produced it’s now reasonably easy (and about half the price!) to get a decent force on the tabletop. There are still a number of metal models being produced, but an investment of around $400 would get you a very reasonable force if you spent most of it on the (incredibly highly detailed) plastic models.

Games are usually played on a 6’x4’ table. The rulebook supplies a collection of missions that you can play for a bit of variety, and extra missions are often published in the GW monthly magazine, White Dwarf. The White Dwarf is also a good source of inspiration if you are undecided as to what army you want to collect, as well as the other GW fiction publications (in the form of Inferno!, Warhammer Monthly, novels and graphic novels).

We have been playing a 40k campaign for a number of years now at the Warlords. Set in "Tiberius Sector", the history we have created has been the inspiration for a number of armies within the club. You can find out more about it in White Dwarf #260, or, if you want to see most of the information visit http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/bigal1/Tiberius.htm

To get into 40k, the best place to start is with the lads at the Games Workshop store located in Wellington in the Mid-City complex (ground level). If you want to contact them, the number is 4-382 9532. They are all enthusiastic gamers who know how to help you choose an army you’ll be comfortable with, as well as being able to take you through a demo game (or two!) to give you a basic understanding of the rules. Alternatively, have a look on-line at www.games-workshop.com.

If you are interested in getting into Warhammer 40k or are looking for an opponent, contact Hagen Kerr at hagen.kerr@xtra.co.nz