Friday, April 21, 2017

Player Spotlight : Matt H.

Hey Everyone!  This week I wanted to begin a new segment where I talk to a club mate about their journey in Age of Sigmar and this Hobby.  Today I will be talking with Matt who is a consistent member of a local group based in Pittsburgh, PA.  I am dragging him back to Twitter so follow him here as well!

Matt (Background) and myself at Adepticon 2017



Hey Matt,  Thanks for being my first test subject for my new Blog Article Series.
"No Problem.  Happy to help and talk about Age of Sigmar anytime!"

So Matt how did you begin in this Hobby?
"It started off with going over to a Lan party focused on RTS, specifically Dawn of War.  I spent hours playing before the party and afterward I was introduced to the lore of Warhammer 40k by a friend.  A few years later I got the itch to try painting some of these models.  I went to my local Store and Picked up a unit of Space Marine Devastators.  I spent three weeks painting five models.  A  friend who was into 40k and he convinced me to pick up a few more models to play a game!  Many months of painting and preparation later I played a game in which I got my the tar kicked out of me. I picked up the Age of Sigmar Starter box and I didn't do much with until I met you."

What brought you to Age of Sigmar?
"You did! To be honest, I was in love with the rule set at the start.  As long as you trust your opponent and participate int he social contract you can have fun in the game without getting too serious."

Some of Matt's Dispossessed

What armies are you currently playing in Age of Sigmar?
"I tend to dabble across the board until I find an army to match my play style.  Currently, I have Dispossessed, SCE, Nurgle, and recently began Slaanesh."

In regards to Open, Matched, and Narrative play where do you fall?
"I don't like the idea of focusing on one.  I feel all three are very important to the hobby.  To prevent any fatigue it is best to play them all!  Matched play is the easiest and more common way to play it the Open and Narrative play are overlooked but are essential to explore the full extent of the creative side of the hobby."

Are there any aspects of this Hobby that you really enjoy?
"The delightful banter between a friendly opponent!  I really enjoy the community and friendships built through this game. Of course playing the game and list building are near the top as well."

On the other end, what parts do you perhaps not enjoy?
"I do not enjoy players who play strictly to the Meta simply to win.  I feel the game is more fun if people take lists they think are interesting despite power.  Tactics of lists!  I do not enjoy the amount of time Painting takes me.  If I could get quicker to have table top results faster it would be marvelous!"

Matts Scheme for his Current Army Project - Stormcast Eternals

What is your Dream Goal for yourself in this Hobby?
"I would love to be known as The Dispossessed Player.  I want people to look to me as the be all end all of the Army.  Also going to Warhammer World would be nice."


Can you share with us a memorable experience within Age of Sigmar?
"I was playing against My local Warhammer Store owner.  It was my Warden King against three Kurnoth Hunters with Swords.  It took 5 rounds, but he managed to kill every one of them while only taking one Wound.  there was plenty of Ribbing and John Cena References being flung across the board to my opponent!"

Matt's entry into a local Painting Competition (Random Hero and paints were given to use)

Where do you see the U.S. Age of Sigmar Community regards to Locally, Regionally and Nationally?
"I haven't delved deep into the National or Regional scene, but as far as local it is interesting.  I have the dichotomy of my local group and your local group.  My scene is an odd mix of Hobbyist who play once a month but enjoys the painting.  I also have the aspiring Tournament players who are trying sharpen their game as well as a few High-End Tournament Veterans who come in and show respect to all players despite experience.  It is a diverse community who gets along even if they don;t agree on Armies, Play Style, Or game but they come together over the Hobby.  Your scene is more of a club but shares the same love for the Hobby despite the game and gather around each other to build friendships.  A commodity if you will."

What would you like to see in the U.S. National Age of Sigmar Community?
"I would like to see a ranked system.  While competitive isn't my focus giving us a chance to talk smack about ranks could be fun.  Mostly,  I would love to see points of contact within the U.S. scene to help guide it all and assist new groups/players would be a strong influence to get the U.S. growing in a positive way."

Thanks again Matt.
"Sure thing Chuck."

I hope you all enjoyed my first Player Spotlight article and perhaps got some insight into how who Matt is an Age of Sigmar player.  Feel free to message me here or on Twitter if you have any questions you would like me to ask in future Spotlights or let me know what you thought of this series!  Special shout out to everyone attending South Coast GT this weekend, good luck and I can't wait to see Twitter coverage!  Also be sure to keep an eye on the Games Workshop Coverage on Twitch.  Until Next week, Happy Hobbying!