Ravener Guide: Lore, Assembly, Painting & Tabletop Tactics

Introduction: Diving Deep into the World of Raveners

Hey guys! I'm super stoked to finally jump into the world of Raveners, and I wanted to share my journey with you all. If you're anything like me, the Tyranids have always held a special place in your heart with their terrifying bioforms and relentless hunger. Raveners, with their serpentine bodies and lightning-fast strikes, are among the most captivating of these creatures. This article will cover everything you need to know to get started with Raveners, from their lore and tabletop roles to tips for assembly and painting. So, whether you're a seasoned Tyranid enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore the Hive Mind, let's dive into the chitinous depths of these monstrous beasts. I've been pouring over codices, watching battle reports, and sketching out paint schemes, and I can't wait to bring my vision of these creatures to life on the tabletop. The Raveners' unique blend of speed, melee prowess, and monstrous appearance makes them a fantastic addition to any Tyranid army. Throughout this journey, I'll be sharing my insights, challenges, and triumphs, hoping to inspire and guide you as you embark on your own Ravener adventure. Getting started with any new unit can be daunting, especially with the wealth of options and strategies available in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. But fear not! Together, we'll break down the essentials, explore different approaches, and unleash the Raveners' full potential on the battlefield. So, grab your hobby knives, paints, and Tyranid codex, and let's get started!

Understanding Raveners: Lore and Tabletop Role

Let's begin by getting to know Raveners better, both in terms of their lore and their role on the tabletop. Raveners are essentially the shock troops of the Tyranid swarms, specializing in rapid assaults and disrupting enemy lines. In the grim darkness of the far future, Raveners are the stuff of nightmares. Imagine these serpentine horrors erupting from the ground, claws slashing, and teeth gnashing, catching their prey completely off guard. In the lore, Raveners are bio-engineered creatures designed for subterranean warfare. They tunnel through the earth with incredible speed, ambushing their foes from below and sowing chaos in their ranks. These creatures are the vanguard of the Tyranid invasion, destabilizing planets and paving the way for larger bioforms. Their appearance is truly terrifying – a fusion of serpentine grace and monstrous brutality. Their segmented bodies are protected by thick chitinous plates, and their multiple pairs of clawed limbs allow them to move with surprising agility, whether they're burrowing underground or scaling ruins. Their heads are crowned with bony crests, and their eyes gleam with predatory intelligence. On the tabletop, Raveners excel as fast-moving melee units. Their high movement speed and the ability to burrow underground allow them to outflank the enemy, appearing where they least expect it. They are armed with rending claws, which can tear through even the toughest armor, and their monstrous bio-weaponry packs a serious punch. One of the key tactical advantages of Raveners is their deep strike ability, allowing them to be deployed onto the battlefield in the later turns of the game. This can be used to target vulnerable units in the enemy's back lines, such as artillery or support units, or to reinforce critical areas of the battlefield. Raveners are also surprisingly resilient, thanks to their tough chitinous armor and their ability to shrug off wounds. This makes them a durable threat that can withstand a decent amount of punishment while still dishing out damage. Understanding the lore and tabletop role of Raveners is crucial for using them effectively in your games. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses will help you develop strategies that maximize their impact on the battlefield. Whether you're planning a daring ambush or a swift flanking maneuver, Raveners are a versatile and deadly addition to any Tyranid force.

Assembling Your Raveners: Tips and Tricks

Alright, guys, now for the fun part: assembling our Raveners! This is where those static sprues of plastic start to take shape, and our vision of these monstrous creatures begins to materialize. I'll be sharing some tips and tricks to make the assembly process smoother and more enjoyable. First things first, let's talk about the tools you'll need. A good hobby knife is essential for cleanly removing parts from the sprue and trimming away any excess plastic. Plastic glue is the adhesive of choice for assembling Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, as it melts the plastic together, creating a strong bond. You'll also want a pair of clippers for snipping the parts from the sprue, and maybe some files or sanding sticks for smoothing down any rough edges. Before you even think about glueing anything together, take some time to familiarize yourself with the parts. The Ravener kit can be a bit intimidating at first, with its many segments and limbs. Lay out all the pieces and consult the assembly instructions. Identify the different body segments, claws, and head options. This will give you a better understanding of how everything fits together and prevent any frustrating mistakes later on. When removing parts from the sprue, be gentle. Use your clippers to snip the part away from the sprue, leaving a small amount of plastic attached. Then, use your hobby knife to carefully trim away the remaining plastic. This will prevent you from accidentally cutting into the part itself. Plastic glue works best when applied sparingly. A small drop on each joining surface is usually sufficient. Press the parts together firmly and hold them in place for a few seconds while the glue sets. Avoid using too much glue, as this can create a messy finish and obscure details. The Ravener kit offers a degree of poseability, allowing you to customize the look of your miniatures. Experiment with different leg and body segment arrangements to create dynamic and unique poses. You can also use a bit of plastic glue to fill any gaps in the joins. Once the glue has dried, use your hobby knife or files to smooth down the surface. This will create a seamless finish and prevent the gaps from being visible once the miniature is painted. Assembling Raveners can be a bit fiddly, especially the claws and the head, but with patience and a bit of care, you'll be rewarded with some truly impressive miniatures. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment. Remember, every miniature tells a story, and the assembly process is the first chapter.

Painting Your Raveners: Bringing Them to Life

Okay, guys, time to unleash our inner artists and bring these Raveners to life with paint! This is where our miniatures truly come into their own, transforming from grey plastic into terrifying creatures of the Hive Mind. Painting can seem daunting at first, but with a few basic techniques and a bit of practice, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve. First, let's talk about the essential painting supplies. You'll need a set of acrylic paints, a variety of brushes, a palette for mixing paints, and a pot of water for cleaning your brushes. A good primer is also crucial for creating a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. I personally prefer using spray-on primers, as they provide an even coat and save time. Before you start painting, it's important to have a plan. Think about the color scheme you want to use for your Raveners. Do you want to go for a classic Hive Fleet scheme, or do you have a unique vision in mind? There are tons of resources online, from tutorials to inspirational galleries, to help you find the perfect color scheme. Once you've settled on a color scheme, it's time to start painting. The first step is to apply a base coat to your miniatures. This is a solid layer of paint that covers the entire model. For Raveners, I like to start with a dark color, such as black or dark brown, as this creates a good foundation for the rest of the colors. Apply the base coat in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Avoid applying the paint too thickly, as this can obscure details. Next, we'll add some highlights to bring out the details of the miniature. Highlighting is the process of applying lighter shades of paint to the raised areas of the model, creating the illusion of depth and shadow. There are several techniques you can use for highlighting, such as drybrushing, layering, and edge highlighting. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you. For Raveners, I like to highlight the edges of the chitinous plates and the claws. Once you're happy with the highlights, you can add some washes to create shadows and add depth to the recesses of the miniature. Washes are thin, translucent paints that flow into the crevices of the model, creating a shaded effect. Apply the wash liberally, allowing it to pool in the recesses. Once the wash has dried, you can use a clean brush to remove any excess wash from the raised areas of the model. Finally, you can add some details to your Raveners, such as painting the eyes, the teeth, and any other small features. This is where you can really personalize your miniatures and make them your own. Painting Raveners can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and color schemes. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity flow. Remember, practice makes perfect, so the more you paint, the better you'll become.

Using Raveners on the Tabletop: Tactics and Strategies

Alright, guys, we've assembled and painted our Raveners, and now it's time to unleash them on the tabletop! This is where we put our hard work to the test and see how these monstrous creatures perform in battle. Raveners are a versatile unit with a unique set of abilities, and understanding how to use them effectively is key to victory. As we discussed earlier, Raveners excel as fast-moving melee units. Their high movement speed and the ability to burrow underground allow them to outflank the enemy and strike where they least expect it. Their deep strike ability is another key advantage, allowing them to be deployed onto the battlefield in the later turns of the game. When using Raveners, it's important to consider their strengths and weaknesses. They are excellent in melee combat, but they are vulnerable to ranged attacks. They are also relatively fragile compared to some other Tyranid units, so it's important to protect them from enemy fire. One of the most effective tactics for using Raveners is to use them as a flanking force. Deploy them on the flanks of your army and use their speed to outmaneuver the enemy. This will allow you to target vulnerable units in the enemy's back lines, such as artillery or support units. You can also use Raveners to screen your other units, protecting them from enemy fire. Another effective tactic is to use Raveners in conjunction with other fast-moving units, such as Genestealers or Hormagaunts. This will create a fast-moving assault force that can overwhelm the enemy. When deploying Raveners using their deep strike ability, it's important to choose your target carefully. Look for units that are vulnerable to melee attacks and that are not heavily protected. You can also use Raveners to reinforce critical areas of the battlefield, such as objectives. It's also important to be aware of the enemy's deployment and any potential threats. If the enemy has units that can easily counter Raveners, such as heavy weapons or durable melee units, you may want to consider using a different tactic. Raveners are a valuable asset in any Tyranid army, but they require careful planning and execution to use effectively. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses and by employing the right tactics, you can unleash their full potential on the battlefield.

Conclusion: My Ravener Journey and Yours

So there you have it, guys! My journey into the world of Raveners is just beginning, and I'm excited to see where it takes me. From delving into their lore to assembling and painting these monstrous creatures, it's been a truly rewarding experience. I hope this article has inspired you to embark on your own Ravener adventure, whether you're a seasoned Tyranid commander or a newcomer eager to explore the Hive Mind. Raveners are a fantastic addition to any Tyranid army, offering a unique blend of speed, melee prowess, and monstrous appearance. They are a versatile unit that can be used in a variety of ways, from flanking maneuvers to deep strike assaults. But more than just their tabletop abilities, Raveners represent the terrifying beauty of the Tyranids – a relentless force of nature that consumes all in its path. Their serpentine forms, razor-sharp claws, and predatory instincts capture the essence of the Hive Mind's insatiable hunger. As you build, paint, and play with your Raveners, remember that you're not just assembling a miniature; you're bringing a piece of the Tyranid hive to life. Consider the lore, the tactics, and the unique personality you want to imbue into your models. Every Ravener can tell its own story on the battlefield. The Warhammer 40,000 hobby is about more than just winning games; it's about creativity, community, and the joy of bringing your imagination to life. Whether you're meticulously painting scales, strategizing your next move, or sharing your creations with fellow hobbyists, the journey is just as important as the destination. I encourage you to share your own Ravener experiences, ask questions, and connect with other Tyranid enthusiasts. Together, we can explore the depths of the Hive Mind and unleash the Swarm upon the galaxy. So, grab your brushes, roll your dice, and let the Raveners lead the charge! The Great Devourer awaits.