Variance Hammer
@variancehammer.bsky.social
Writer for variancehammer.com and goonhammer.com. Co-host of Lost to the Nails and the Plastic Pressgang Podcast. Fan of the Horus Heresy, Adeptus Titanicus and myriad historicals. Avid terrain enthusiast. He/him/his
A small moment of very niche nerdy joy.
Blue Planet is my favorite RPG. When the new edition was Kickstarted, they had backer tier where you could name a feature on one of the maps.
Much to my surprise, on the main, zoomed out map on the slipcover was my little contribution, "Barnum Trench."
Blue Planet is my favorite RPG. When the new edition was Kickstarted, they had backer tier where you could name a feature on one of the maps.
Much to my surprise, on the main, zoomed out map on the slipcover was my little contribution, "Barnum Trench."
November 8, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A small moment of very niche nerdy joy.
Blue Planet is my favorite RPG. When the new edition was Kickstarted, they had backer tier where you could name a feature on one of the maps.
Much to my surprise, on the main, zoomed out map on the slipcover was my little contribution, "Barnum Trench."
Blue Planet is my favorite RPG. When the new edition was Kickstarted, they had backer tier where you could name a feature on one of the maps.
Much to my surprise, on the main, zoomed out map on the slipcover was my little contribution, "Barnum Trench."
Finally got back to a computer with Lychee on it, so I could check my subscription status.
I work with the same methods used for Generative AI in research work. There are responsible, reasonable ways to use this technology. Lychee Gen isn't it.
I work with the same methods used for Generative AI in research work. There are responsible, reasonable ways to use this technology. Lychee Gen isn't it.
November 4, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Finally got back to a computer with Lychee on it, so I could check my subscription status.
I work with the same methods used for Generative AI in research work. There are responsible, reasonable ways to use this technology. Lychee Gen isn't it.
I work with the same methods used for Generative AI in research work. There are responsible, reasonable ways to use this technology. Lychee Gen isn't it.
So it didn't take home the top prize (but Silver!), but this piece is one of the best composed 40K dioramas I've ever seen. Searingly intimate, while also allowing your brain to fill in the larger battlefield. I'm in awe, and cannot get over it.
assets.warhammer-community.com/goldendemon_...
assets.warhammer-community.com/goldendemon_...
October 27, 2025 at 10:06 PM
So it didn't take home the top prize (but Silver!), but this piece is one of the best composed 40K dioramas I've ever seen. Searingly intimate, while also allowing your brain to fill in the larger battlefield. I'm in awe, and cannot get over it.
assets.warhammer-community.com/goldendemon_...
assets.warhammer-community.com/goldendemon_...
Della hates choosing between tennis balls, and will try to fit two in her mouth. Her mouth is not big enough for that. Through much trial and effort, she has found that she can lodge one in the back of her throat and hold another in her mouth. Her owners are…not thrilled with this development.
September 19, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Della hates choosing between tennis balls, and will try to fit two in her mouth. Her mouth is not big enough for that. Through much trial and effort, she has found that she can lodge one in the back of her throat and hold another in her mouth. Her owners are…not thrilled with this development.
Della, Felix and Gunner say hi
September 19, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Della, Felix and Gunner say hi
Finished my "Auspex Table" map for my club's upcoming Crusade campaign. Features the main hive city, plus a ruined spire for Kill Team hijinks, and a wrecked Cruiser for a local FLGS to have a mini campaign around.
August 9, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Finished my "Auspex Table" map for my club's upcoming Crusade campaign. Features the main hive city, plus a ruined spire for Kill Team hijinks, and a wrecked Cruiser for a local FLGS to have a mini campaign around.
“Age of Midgard” - rank and flank AoS armies using the Midgard rules
July 13, 2025 at 11:28 AM
“Age of Midgard” - rank and flank AoS armies using the Midgard rules
Weathered some Monster Fight Club shipping containers and did some transfer work as part of a project whose working title is "Mankind's Hubris".
July 7, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Weathered some Monster Fight Club shipping containers and did some transfer work as part of a project whose working title is "Mankind's Hubris".
Tinkering with punching up some Monster Fight Club pre-colored shipping containers. This is just some metallic chipping and a coat of Ammo of Mig Starship Wash.
Trying to decide if I want to push it further, or accept that sorta dirty is good enough for something I'm going to have to do like 50 of.
Trying to decide if I want to push it further, or accept that sorta dirty is good enough for something I'm going to have to do like 50 of.
June 9, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Tinkering with punching up some Monster Fight Club pre-colored shipping containers. This is just some metallic chipping and a coat of Ammo of Mig Starship Wash.
Trying to decide if I want to push it further, or accept that sorta dirty is good enough for something I'm going to have to do like 50 of.
Trying to decide if I want to push it further, or accept that sorta dirty is good enough for something I'm going to have to do like 50 of.
10. Best Gameplay
This is one of those "define your terms" categories. But for me, CP2077 has a really great blend of intuitive mechanics, a bunch of different ways to play, and a really natural feel. Leaves me wishing for a truly open world CP mercenary game.
This is one of those "define your terms" categories. But for me, CP2077 has a really great blend of intuitive mechanics, a bunch of different ways to play, and a really natural feel. Leaves me wishing for a truly open world CP mercenary game.
June 1, 2025 at 11:33 PM
10. Best Gameplay
This is one of those "define your terms" categories. But for me, CP2077 has a really great blend of intuitive mechanics, a bunch of different ways to play, and a really natural feel. Leaves me wishing for a truly open world CP mercenary game.
This is one of those "define your terms" categories. But for me, CP2077 has a really great blend of intuitive mechanics, a bunch of different ways to play, and a really natural feel. Leaves me wishing for a truly open world CP mercenary game.
9. Saddest Gameplay Sequence
The Death of Mordin Solus.
The Death of Mordin Solus.
June 1, 2025 at 11:33 PM
9. Saddest Gameplay Sequence
The Death of Mordin Solus.
The Death of Mordin Solus.
8. Best Soundtrack
No One Lives Forever is a strong contender here. But I'm actually going to go for Heliborne. The way this game manages to make you *feel* like you're listening to Vietnam-era rock without actually *being* Vietnam-era rock is remarkable.
No One Lives Forever is a strong contender here. But I'm actually going to go for Heliborne. The way this game manages to make you *feel* like you're listening to Vietnam-era rock without actually *being* Vietnam-era rock is remarkable.
June 1, 2025 at 9:37 AM
8. Best Soundtrack
No One Lives Forever is a strong contender here. But I'm actually going to go for Heliborne. The way this game manages to make you *feel* like you're listening to Vietnam-era rock without actually *being* Vietnam-era rock is remarkable.
No One Lives Forever is a strong contender here. But I'm actually going to go for Heliborne. The way this game manages to make you *feel* like you're listening to Vietnam-era rock without actually *being* Vietnam-era rock is remarkable.
7. Favorite Game Couple?
Morrigan and my City Elf Grey Warden. Terrible people saving an undeserving world.
Morrigan and my City Elf Grey Warden. Terrible people saving an undeserving world.
June 1, 2025 at 7:08 AM
7. Favorite Game Couple?
Morrigan and my City Elf Grey Warden. Terrible people saving an undeserving world.
Morrigan and my City Elf Grey Warden. Terrible people saving an undeserving world.
5. Game character you feel you are most like (or wish you were).
Umm...maybe Mordin Solus? Maybe. I don't really identify with video game characters.
Umm...maybe Mordin Solus? Maybe. I don't really identify with video game characters.
June 1, 2025 at 7:08 AM
5. Game character you feel you are most like (or wish you were).
Umm...maybe Mordin Solus? Maybe. I don't really identify with video game characters.
Umm...maybe Mordin Solus? Maybe. I don't really identify with video game characters.
3. A game that is underrated
Future Cop: LAPD
Future Cop: LAPD
June 1, 2025 at 7:08 AM
3. A game that is underrated
Future Cop: LAPD
Future Cop: LAPD
2. Favorite Character
Cate Archer
Cate Archer
June 1, 2025 at 7:08 AM
2. Favorite Character
Cate Archer
Cate Archer
1. Very first video game.
First one I can remember at least - Duck Hunt.
First one I can remember at least - Duck Hunt.
June 1, 2025 at 7:08 AM
1. Very first video game.
First one I can remember at least - Duck Hunt.
First one I can remember at least - Duck Hunt.
She plowed through 11 Sea Guard. An Elven Prince gave his life trying to bring her down and let his forces advance.
And then the dice spoke.
A Bretonnian Duke, down to two wounds, tasked by the Lady herself, passed four Blessing saves...and then dealt a killing blow.
And then the dice spoke.
A Bretonnian Duke, down to two wounds, tasked by the Lady herself, passed four Blessing saves...and then dealt a killing blow.
May 31, 2025 at 7:29 AM
She plowed through 11 Sea Guard. An Elven Prince gave his life trying to bring her down and let his forces advance.
And then the dice spoke.
A Bretonnian Duke, down to two wounds, tasked by the Lady herself, passed four Blessing saves...and then dealt a killing blow.
And then the dice spoke.
A Bretonnian Duke, down to two wounds, tasked by the Lady herself, passed four Blessing saves...and then dealt a killing blow.
What they didn't know is that the shrine was already corrupted. What waited for them there was the "Crimson Maiden", the former Damsel of the shrine. They'd have to get through her first.
May 31, 2025 at 7:29 AM
What they didn't know is that the shrine was already corrupted. What waited for them there was the "Crimson Maiden", the former Damsel of the shrine. They'd have to get through her first.
Baron's War Sunday!
May 26, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Baron's War Sunday!
I'm *really* proud of how are "What a Storm Trooper!" table came out.
March 28, 2025 at 1:44 AM
I'm *really* proud of how are "What a Storm Trooper!" table came out.