Houston's Guide to the Astra Militarum in Warhammer 40,000

Among the diverse factions in Warhammer 40,000, the Astra Militarum, colloquially known as the "Imperial Guard", represents the vast armies of the Imperium of Man. For many enthusiasts in the Houston Warhammer community, the Astra Militarum offers a mix of gritty realism, vast numbers, and incredible tanks. Ready to marshal your forces and protect the Imperium? Let's dive into this beginner’s guide.

Who Are the Astra Militarum?

The Astra Militarum is the backbone of the Imperium's military, comprised of countless soldiers from thousands of different worlds. They might lack the superhuman abilities of the Space Marines or the advanced technology of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but what they have in spades is courage, grit, and sheer numbers. When it comes to ground warfare, no one does it quite like the Guard.

What Do You Need to Dive Into the Astra Militarum?

Houston Warhammer 40K outlets offer a plethora of options tailored to the Guard. To commence your journey:

Essentials:

Astra Militarum Start Collecting Box: It's an ideal starting point, containing fundamental units like troops and vehicles.

Astra Militarum Codex: This book is crucial, detailing rules, background, and tactics for the Guard.

Recommended Items:

Paints and Brushes: Part of the joy of Warhammer 40K is painting your miniatures. Once you get together with the other players of your Texas Warhammer 40k group, you'll find that how each member paints their army can tell you a lot about one another's personalities. Games Workshop produces a range of paints and brushes specifically for their miniatures.

Modeling Tools: Paint brushes are not the only tool needed to assemble your figures. Sprue cutters and a file are essential for removing models from their sprues and cleaning up the models.

Dice and Measuring Tape: Essential for gameplay.

Optional Items:

Battle Mat and Terrain: These add to the immersion of the game and can provide tactical options during play.

Carry Case: Good for transporting your miniatures.

Key Astra Militarum Figures

Cadian Shock Troops:  The quintessential infantry and a representation of the Astra Militarum's vast numbers.

Leman Russ Battle Tanks:  A cornerstone of Guard firepower, it comes in multiple variants to suit different combat roles.

Commissars:  Field officers that inspire (or terrify) troops into fighting harder.

Chimera:  Armored vehicle that allows for customizable weapon loadouts.

Commencing Your Service in the Imperial Guard

Step 1: Immerse in the Lore

Dive deep into the Guard's narrative through the Astra Militarum Codex and novels from Black Library. These readings portray the life, struggles, and heroism of regular human soldiers in the grimdark universe.

Step 2: Assembling and Painting

While the Astra Militarum's uniformity is their strength, the vastness of the Imperium means you can get creative with color schemes and regiments.

Step 3: Gameplay and Strategy

Harness the Guard's strength in numbers and firepower. While individual soldiers might be frail, combined arms tactics and artillery support are where they shine.

Engaging with Houston's Warhammer 40,000 Scene

Houston, with its thriving Warhammer 40000 community, offers a plethora of venues and groups for those new to the Guard.

Key Outlets

Asylum Comics & Cards:  Located on Westheimer Road, this hub of Houston Warhammer 40K activity is known for its products and regular gaming sessions.

Asgard Games:  On Shepherd Drive, they frequently run Warhammer 40K events, tournaments, and leagues.

Montag's Games:  Found on Pearland Parkway, it's a cornerstone for Warhammer hobbyists in Houston.

Clubs and Groups

Houston Warhammer 40000 Meetup:  A community-based platform where Warhammer enthusiasts share insights, discuss tactics, and plan gaming sessions.

Houston Warhammer League:  Especially active during league seasons, this is an outstanding place for both casual and competitive play.

Online Engagements

Houston Warhammer Forums and Facebook Groups:  Connect with local players, share painting projects, and set up games.

Tabletop Simulator:  This virtual platform lets you play Warhammer 40K when face-to-face meetups aren’t feasible.

For those entering the world of Warhammer 40,000 via the Astra Militarum, the Houston Warhammer scene is incredibly welcoming. It's not just about gaming; it’s about a shared passion for the lore, painting, and camaraderie. As you don the uniform of the Guard and stand against the galaxy’s myriad threats, remember: the Imperium stands with you, and so does Houston's Warhammer community.