About Brian “Octotako7” Tabata
I grew up in Hawaii, which is why I am so tied to the ocean, but despite the sun and surf still ended up a nerd at heart. I’ve always loved math and science and majored in Physics in college. I taught high school before joining the US Navy as a submariner, working as a nuclear chemistry and radiological controls expert. A lot of time underwater has only cemented my love for various strategy games. When I was little I never imagined I’d ever have a fully painted army in 40k. Now painting is one of my favorite aspects of the game and how I like to relax and unwind. The great community and interactions with other players, the creativity people bring to their conversions, and ingenuity in game are why I love this hobby so much, and what I hope to share with everyone I play.
How did you get involved with Warhammer 40K?
I first got roped into playing 40k by my small group of friends growing up. We played numerous board games, card games, anything and everything that involved strategy. I remember distinctly the first time my friend showed me some Dire Avengers, and had them march up unloading a fusillade of shuriken fire into some space marines. I was instantly hooked. Eldar were my first army, and I ran a melee oriented Biel-Tan aspect warrior list. I loved the finesse and effectiveness of setting up a well coordinated strike.
What is your main faction?
My tastes in armies have shifted over the years, but I still love melee based lists. For competitive purposes I love my Space Wolves. I started the army in 8th and haven’t looked back. I typically always enjoyed playing the “underdog” (pun intended) and it feeds in my love for tackling challenges and writing lists. When the answers aren’t so obvious, it opens a lot of potential for creativity.
What is your favorite “fluff” faction?
I really enjoy creating narrative and backstories for all my armies. My Biel-Tan list has always been Dire Avenger heavy, and are currently based around scattered shrines from fractured Biel-Tan, coming together to seek Asurman to bring them back to glory. They have currently found Asurman and have teamed up with the Ynnari, continuing their search to unit the phoenix lords, and are currently on the hunt for Jain Zar.
I also themed my Space Wolves around the Krakenwolves, a mostly primaris detachment of Ragnar’s Blackmanes, that specialize in recon and direct action covert operations. Anyone that talks to me about 40k for more than 5 minutes knows that I love my Reivers. The Krakenwolves form special stalker packs for missions, and final team certification training involves hunting and taking down a Fenrisian Kraken. This is one reason they are more of a deep sea blue/green than the standard grey/blue of the Space Wolves.
What do you enjoy most about the game of Warhammer 40K?
I play the game for the epic moments that have both players shouting in joy and amazement. My love for Dire Avengers stemmed out of heroic last stands of my exarchs vs my buddies Hive Tyrant. When I saw the lone wolf stratagem for Space Wolves I was immediately hooked. It is by far my most favorite and fluffy (sorry SW puns are too easy) stratagem in the game. I’ve had a Lone Wolf after a Wolf Guard Veteran with thunderhammer and storm shield blocked 3 rift cannon shots from a Dark Talon, while his entire squad was cut down by hurricane bolter fire. Ralik (that earned him a name) went on to lone wolf, fatally injure Sammael forcing him out of the battle, and going on to eliminate a squad of Black Knights. Ralik has since been promoted to Battle Leader, and prefers a combat knife with a suit of sleek Phobos armor. Heroic action even in the face of total failure is why I play.
is a founding member of Grim Dark Filthy Casuals, Content Director, Editor, Author, Coach and Chief Dad Joke Officer
