Ok I've been a part of the "Games Workshop Hobby" Since about 1994-5. However, all I've done is collect and paint, never played.

I just moved out here and my friend Austin showed me the wonderful world of Merlyns, so I'm rebuilding my army. I'd like to actually begin playing 40k

I've got about a 1k point Sisters of Battle/Witch Hunter army, which I'm repainting atm, since I've gotten better than I was 14 years ago.

My wife also wants to start an army of her own but wants to know more before choosing (its between Eldar and Ork for her atm, but I described Space Marines to her, and she dug that)

My query is would there be a better night to come in and sit in, watch a few 40k players, maybe get some tips and instruction? I've got tons of Codexes and rule books back to 2nd edition (and a couple firsts), but what I need is to see how it's actually played. Also, would there be anyone willing to kinda take a 30 year old under their wing and show me the ropes?

Repainting my army will take me a while (I'm a rather detail oriented painter, I just finished one mini I'd been working on for 6 days) but soon!

also, just glad I found out about Merlyns, it's a great place.

Wow, I'm not sure how I missed your post. I'm sorry

Most of our 40k gaming is small group based, with groups coming in to play on Wednesdays and Fridays most frequently. We run tournaments once per month on Sundays, and we've got an upcoming national Apocalypse campaign called Lucky 13s which should bring players in on at least two Saturdays per month starting in May.

If you'd like to be sure you'll have some games to watch, I should be scheduling some in about a week. If you'd like, I'll let you know when I'll be down so that you can get used to the newest rules and the pace of play. If you bring in your army we can probably get a quick game in as well.

As for your choice of armies, you should know that Sisters models are getting harder and harder to find, and almost all of them are pewter. While we are still able to stock basic troops, HQs, and a few more specialised units, we can only order about half as many kits as we can get for other armies. You shouldn't let this deter you, as the models can be found (and hopefully GWS will eventually release some new ones), but it is something you should be aware of.

Of your wife's choices, Marines and Orks have the newest codices. Orks seem to be very popular and powerful recently, and marines are always a safe bet for new players. Eldar units are more expensive points-wise, but you can find flexibility in Eldar lists that is hard to match with other armies.

While a painted army looks much better on the table, I wouldn't worry about finishing before you get your first games in. We have enough new players in the store that it's not uncommon to see grey plastic on the table. Some players can also get burned out by spending long hours painting and modelling a unit, only to find that it doesn't fit well with their playstyle in practice.

well im primarily a mini painter, not a wargamer. only wargame i play is A&A War at Sea.

I've GOT the army, I'm repainting them. there have been a few that have come out since I first started my army, but thats ok, i dont need one of everything.