Many of you have seen posts alluding to or been made aware of this via personal contact recently and/or have seen the fairly blatant posts annnouncing said sale to the world on eBay and in Taccomm's 'Trade' Section.
Here:
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=93&t=28088and
Here:
http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/posting.php?mode=edit&f=58&p=534151I know that there are many questions, a little bit of disbelief and perhaps some issues of concern over how, what and why I'm selling the collection and so, rather than have to go through it all several times I'd like to address all of that here.
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Firstly and most importantly some of you may have concerns over some of the unoffical models that I'm selling. I am and always have been deeply passionate and grateful for our Epic community especially some of the fine model makers who have created some of THE BEST 6mm work I've ever seen! Those folks rock.
Some, no longer available, community made models that I was gifted in the past are now up on eBay or open for trade on this forum and when this has happened in the past it's raised some eyebrows. In this particular case though please know that I have contacted and discussed my actions with anyone whom I felt this may affect and permissions have then been sought and given.
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Onto the important and the nice stuff then. EVERYONE on this forum rocks, and I've MASSIVELY ENJOYED Epic for many well over a decade. I'm thrilled to see our community continue to thrive, for several succesful businesses offering amazing miniautures to have risen from the ashes left by Specialist Games, and SO SO SO appreciative of all the support, positive comments and motivation left by folks on my painting blog over the years; it's helped me turn out (although there's a fair few people who surpass me!) what I truly believe to be some of the best painted Epic Armies and miniatures out there: and, now, dear readers, those armies can be yours!!!
So, over the years I've sold my Nids, my Chaos Forces, my Marines, dribs and drabs of other collections but always kept the best til last. Previously it's been some really horrible shitestorms that life threw at me that forced the sale of these much loved armies and I've been lucky enough to have had ammassed such a collection that allowed me to pare down what playstyles I really enjoyed so it never felt TOO bad letting them all go, kinda!
BUT, but...this time's different. Rather than selling due to something negative this time I'm letting it all go because of something postive. Whilst, yes, I admit, Games Workshop have kind of killed the 41st Millenium for me and, yes, I'm of the opinion that we've got enough good lists out there already and I purposefully stopped contributing to playtesting lists a while ago (my one "dying" wish to taccomm's: Please; stop what I see as the needless reactionary desire to add every other new wanky toy that GW release to a game which is already pretty damn good!), it's not those reasons that bring me to the sale.
Whilst people may have noticed my decreased prescence on the board for a good year or so and my lack of painting updates some may also know that I've been immensely busy helping to run "Roll or the Soul" a community bike cafe and workshop in Bristol, UK, where I am Head Mechanic (go me!). It's been super cool and awesome, and I'm just about to join the board of directors; we're a year old and the whole thing is slowly getting better.
During that year I've also had lot's of time for personal reflection. I'm 29 now, a fairly late starter to some degree's who spent much of his early life pursuing a career in theatre academia and then roaming around radical politics, being a fairly stereotypical anarchic type, squatting, and trying not to be part of "the system"...but life's more complicated than all of that and so it was tempting to just give up, have some sort of personality crisis/breakdown and be done with it...but that time for personal reflection has helped me to realise that there's still much to do; so much more 'Ryan' that I could be and in part what will really help me realise some of my potential right now is money.
I'm starting a business you see; building not for profit bikes back here in the UK, removing third parties from the far east and trying to bring bike manufacturing back home, in a small way at first and hopefully in a much bigger way in the future. The business plan is actually a lot more complicated than that and does involve additional revenue streams in order to generate a wage but that's all the detail you folks need for now! That and, hey, there's a few things that i'd like to do for myself that will help me feel more 'me': I want to travel, I want to evolve who I am, get some more qualifications, all sorts; but right now, all of that is more important to me than those beloved toy soliders!
So, they're being sold. I sincerely hope they go to good homes and I'll be thrilled if folks from taccomms feel strongly enough about them that they can stump up the cash: I've already had comments relating to my Modular Guard army any how it's so close to people's heart and that's warming, it truly is. I therefore have two pleas to you all;
1: If bidding and interested in an item BID GENEROUSLY! To realise these current dreams I really do need as much cash as possible to supplement my current income. Not only that but Taccomm's members of all people will realise, understand and appreciate the time, commitment, money and skill that has gone into all of this.
2: If you're not interested in any of the items then fear not; you can still help: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE spread the word for me: let your gaming groups know, and if you're a member of other geeky forums then do me a favour and make a quick post about my eBay sales in their trades sectionI really would be eternally grateful. Even if we've only ever met digitally you'll have my utmost respect and thanks :-).
Before I go I'd like to thanks all of my Gaming Mates here, publically, in person: Reedar, EdgarSan, Nat, StuSidle and anyone I've ever gamed with: rock on! It's worthwhile making a side note here that Reedar may take the mantle of the Bristol Winter Warmer: as an 'Executive Director' (especially one without any miniatures!) I simply don't have the time!
So, Taccomm's, whilst I'd like to return to the hobby in a couple of years time and I look forwards to the possibity of getting my froth back on it's goodnight for now. I'll still be lurking but for now I'd like to take this oppurtunity to thank EVERYONE who helps make these boards what they are; the best damn place for Epic on the net.
Happy Gaming, sweet dreams, and may your dice roll high,
Peace and Bike Grease,
Over and Out
Ryan
) though this is evidently the thing you need to do right now. I wish you all the best for the future. 
