Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Fantasy Adventures => Topic started by: Mars Miniatures on April 11, 2015, 01:41:11 PM
-
Hello Lead Adventure,
Long time lurker, first time poster.
Ive always admired this forum and its talented painters and was always too intimidated to join up. But what the heck, Ive watched the dwarf posts because they mirror my own obsessions of late. So, I present to you my own humble expedition to Moria...
An Expedition To Reclaim Moria!
mars-miniatures.blogspot.com (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com)
Some pics of my newly painted Dwarf expedition force. See blog for words and even more pics.
There are few stories in fantasy that elicit that feeling of "desperate glory" more than the effort to colonize the fallen Mines Of Moria. The dwarven name itself, Khazad-Dum, evokes a sense of dread but also of mysterious treasures lurking in empty dusty halls. So these ideas have been burning in my mind of late, an obsessive compulsion like Dreyfuss carving out Devils Peak, first in mashed potatoes, then later in full blown "terrain mode" to fill your living room. I started this blog with the desire to focus only on 10mm middle earth, maybe dabble in other fantasy subjects, but always in 10mm exclusively. I cant stick to my miniature size shackles… not for "the long dark of Moria". I must, need to return to 28mm. Like Gimli said, "we cannot pass over the mountain. Let us go under it!"
The minis are Reaper Miniatures. Expensive, yet a veritable treasure. The terrain is Dwarven Forge Cavern Tiles. An even more expensive treasure. I spared no expense. ( Dinos sold separately)
So below are my first 30 Dwarves, and they fall into three groups: 1)civilian explorers who are miners, metal and wood workers, etc…, 2) professional soldiers, and 3) the nobility and their House Guard. My goal in this project is for every figure to be a unique character "no duplicate sculpts", also only metal minis.
Rules wise, I will be using Song of Blades and Heroes. I will not be refighting Moria exactly. My lost underground Dwarven Kingdom is hypothetical (fantastically speaking). Yes Orcs and Balrogs will make appearances, but I wont be limited to Middle Earthian sensibilities. All manner of foul beasties will inhabit the Moria of my dreams. This is a far deadlier expedition. So armor up, friends. Get your spelunking skills on and I will see you in the caverns/dungeons/mines/what have you…
"Baruk Khazad! Khazad Ai-menu!" (The axes of the Dwarves are upon you!)
- Dwarven battle cry
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8WOobkTxvk/VShf26dpi7I/AAAAAAAABFk/4_HUW2oxSNk/s1600/IMG_0669.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HF3wtgep-w/VShfshj_tdI/AAAAAAAABFU/0g8ScLh9cSw/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8yOSWvHLrk/VShi4TckfII/AAAAAAAABF4/TFkviRj7ra4/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34jA7RXeJuo/VShivowLNiI/AAAAAAAABFw/emTs8WQImDA/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElPx147yvQI/VShkrZ6p-HI/AAAAAAAABGU/KxjVpoQVZiU/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMyor4VUgVU/VShkrkyPddI/AAAAAAAABGY/1C3EE-xLmP0/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqN-2btwnOM/VShmNxpp2-I/AAAAAAAABGo/91hG_dIRH9Q/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hNkndD5lho/VShms8KkAxI/AAAAAAAABGw/S-wH4ynVeJc/s1600/IMG_0664.JPG)
-
WELCOME ABOARD! The Project sounds like a WONDROUS enterprise. The Vertically Challenged Adventurers & their Cavern environs are FANTASTIC...GREAT brushwork. This should be an inspiring thread to follow. Have FUN with it all!
-
Deafnala,
Thanks for the welcome. Even though Im finally "in the door" and no one knows me, I feel like I know everyone. Im a big admirer of yours, in fact. I just ordered some Harlequin stunties via BlackTree just because I saw them on your thread. They should be on my doorstep any day now, and I cant wait to graciously show them into my home.
Cheers,
Mar
-
THAT is an introduction with a bang! Welcome and well done! I look forward to see more... :D
-
Michi,
Thanks budday! And more you shall see, in approximately 2 days... These newly painted guys are giving me mean looks for not finishing their companions faster.
-
For full text and pics see http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/ (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/)
Hello again, gentle readers. Im happy to show off the first adversaries to confront my dwarven expedition... the Dark Elves! Dark elves are evil hearted elves who live underground, unlike their forest dwelling good natured cousins on the surface. In Warhammer they are called Druchii, and in D&D they are called Drow. I have chosen to paint their skin a purple hue to counterpoint their mostly black armor and cloth. Also, I realize I dont advertise my painting service as much as I should. So, yes, I do commission work, and its about $10 per figure for 28mm fantasy, to the level you see here on this blog. Email me with details of figures you need painted for more details.
Below we have some fluff, and of course some lovely pics with more text to accompany. Enjoy.
Emptiness, then the cold stone of his surroundings. Reality, then hunger, but not his, and then the all too familiar return of distant ghostly wailing voices. "Feed us!" His cursed sentient sword hungered for fresh souls to harvest. Alric was disturbed from his meditation, but not by his blade, something else. His sharp hearing detected two persons approaching his chamber. By the weight of her footsteps and the swish of her noble robes, he knew one was the Countess Alyza. The other he knew by the clinking of various vials, even before he smelled the sharp odor of sulfer and other alchemical agents - Grigori, the Master Of Poisons. Life as a Drow is a constant dance of politics and assassinations, Alric had been taught as a child. He turned to face the door and with a wave of his hand, he magically opened it. The two Drow entered, the Countess with head held high and fangs visible in her disarming smile. The Alchemist was more subservient, with a lowered head to show his respect. Alric could feel the hunger within the Countess, an unsatiable bloodlust. But this time, it was palpable... excited even. But not directed at him, this was no play for power. He understood this hunger all to well, felt it mirrored by the sword at his side. Which meant only one thing.
"Intruders in our realm," Alric said simply. Grigori nodded.
"Yes, Lord commander, our favorite," the Countess smiled. "Dwarves..."
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_G3b4YGBwfc/VSyBGtsZi8I/AAAAAAAABLA/Xuen6HL7UPk/s1600/IMG_0678.JPG)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5t38Ex7GHE/VSyA4WNM5wI/AAAAAAAABKw/-zUJbiAURrc/s1600/IMG_0687.JPG)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUCh_EGfKkw/VSyBtq8wJFI/AAAAAAAABLQ/_kYdwanxBiA/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w-P4PHNSjwY/VSyBt4rEqdI/AAAAAAAABLU/dZa5bI3Zch4/s1600/IMG_0681.JPG)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sijgSwgXxuY/VSyB2LBxTqI/AAAAAAAABLg/r0ApXPNXyi4/s1600/IMG_0685.JPG)
Next post, I will try to do a battle report, with either of these rule sets: Knights & Magick by Heritage, or Song Of Blades And Heroes. Havent decided yet which to read up on. I used to play Knights & Magick, so that would be easy to brush up on. I would prefer to do Song, but I would have to wrap my head around a new and unfamiliar ruleset.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Cool. Love all of it!
-
Ether rule set you choose, it will be a visual treat
-
Love the terrain looks fantastic !
-
Welcome on board.
What a way to introduce yourself!
That is some really lovely scenery and minis.
-
Everything looks fantastic! I'm a big fan of Song of Blades & Heroes. It's dead simple ... after a couple of turns you won't even need to consult the rulebook.
-
@Everyone,
Thanks again, buddays!
@PatrickWR,
Thats what I hear, Ive got to just grit my teeth and dig into it.
-
Very cool!
-
I bought some Alternative Armies dwarves on ebay, a box called Tunnel Fighters. I suppose they are OOP, couldnt find them on their website. There were 10 of them, but only 4 unique sculpts. So I will keep 4 and sell the other 6. If anyone wants some, let me know, I will sell them $11.50 a piece painted. They are 25mm, so are smaller than my Reaper dwarves, so in my world they are now gnomes.
For full post http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/gnomish-tunnel-fighters.html
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_oIt_2vF-jY/VS9o35wZsQI/AAAAAAAABOk/VOgq4WDZt4I/s1600/IMG_0694.JPG)
Group shot of all 4 gnomes
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LWu8yBKNEeQ/VS9ouBmkGTI/AAAAAAAABOc/Uih3Z1obtMQ/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG)
In the future I want to make a artsy pic of these guys in a proper dark tunnel with lighting appropriate for torchlight.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY-SIX4TIDo/VS9o9k9_ZbI/AAAAAAAABOs/jvwSOJE7AbM/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG)
The guy on the left is a firepot thrower. Naptha bombs! I love the smell of burning goblin in the morning. And I love that lil guy on the right, with his tongue sticking out, he really loves tunnel fighting.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5cT14WpFSV4/VS9r7V2HwPI/AAAAAAAABP0/fMNJuoBjrg4/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG)
Here is a comparison shot with a Reaper dwarf. Sure he is smaller, but isnt short on character.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MgBC5CYqm_8/VS9r3IyYVyI/AAAAAAAABPs/ZO5xeoUK5QU/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG)
Another comparison shot with a Reaper dwarf with a lantern in the center. I think he will be their boss.
-
That. Is. Beautiful.
:-* :-* :-*
-
The new Dwarfs in the mine look SPLENDID & go well with the Reapers...a similar build & a difference in height adds a touch of realism. Along with all those BEAUTIFULLY painted Evil Elves you are really making EXCELLENT progress. GREAT WORK!
-
To all lovers of dwarves,
I regret to inform you that we lost 3 lil stunties in their brave crossing over the Atlantic. As I raise my pint or mead/ale, I hope you all join me in a moment of silence for the glorious fallen dead... Below is an excerpt from the "tragedy"
"So, what happened? I opened my package today and was happy for the arrival of Ratnik dwarves, but my joy turned to concern when I found that a corner of the box was damaged. Then upon opening the box, I found 4 clamshells still shut, but 1 big clamshell open... with 9 figures loose in the box. Quickly counting the minis, my concern turned to sorrow as it dawned on me that 3 dwarves were missing in action. :'(
Being a miniature wargamer, I thought I would post this in the style of an AAR/Battle Report with commentary to the pics...
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0rdOcPkvPZw/VTWaZKT9jlI/AAAAAAAABR8/eWnpHdmtPxE/w649-h865-no/IMG_0704.JPG)
The damaged box corner, where 3 wee dwarves lost their lives, or perhaps we should say are wandering in unknown lands. Interestingly, that tape says it was placed by the post office here in South San Francisco, I have made a call to them to search their floors for shiny metal figures... so far to no avail. Im surprised that only 3 were lost, despite the hull damage that box took.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8gQ8vd0XGBQ/VTWaenHUqWI/AAAAAAAABSE/hwEl02ZJf68/w1153-h865-no/IMG_0705.JPG)
Overview of everything that arrived safely
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NcW9H_O8GrE/VTWamu0LPaI/AAAAAAAABSM/fyzbOhoTSBk/w1153-h865-no/IMG_0706.JPG)
The three missing figures were part of this gallant troop - DWA-DEAL-06 Dwarf Adventurers (9)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-muwGSUvSjxo/VTWbRNAg_SI/AAAAAAAABSU/nx3FUQWpFRA/w598-h448-no/dwa_deal_06.jpg)
And circled in red are the missing Dwarves, may their lead alloyed souls rest in piece in Valhalla/Erebor.
So Lords of Lead Adventure, please advise me on my predicament. Do I, or you pursue the postal service? Will you send replacements? Even if you dont send them free, I will pay again for them, since its not really your fault. I am also sending link to this thru your online contact us form.
In mourning for lost dwarves,
Mar"
-
You have my DEEPEST condolences on your tragic loss. The Survivors are UBERCOOL.
-
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html)
Oldhammer First Edition Box Set has Arrived!
I've owned nearly every edition of Warhammer at some point or another. But the original White Box 1st edition was the one that never synchronized with my finances, availability, and/or my interest in wargaming (dont you just hate those hobby droughts). At long last, much like the Dark Crystal, the Great Conjunction is upon me. Just today, I have received a beautiful copy. The box is reasonably intact, and all the booklets are in very good condition. Also, the box contains not only the 3 booklets it should have, but also 3 booklets from the Forces of Fantasy expansion, and another booklet of armies called the Book of Battalions. Basically everything I could ever need for 1st edition gaming. I might hunt for some old White Dwarf magazines in the future though.
So its official… this blog is now an Oldhammer blog. And I am aligning myself to the codes of conduct of an ancient and venerable institution. The Invisible Fraternity, the Brotherhood of Worldwide Gaming Grognards. Our manifesto: to grumble a lot, roll dice often and sneer at new fangled rules sets. So, fellow soldiers of the Old Guard, I have come to say… after many years I am ready for a new campaign to extend, once again, the limits of glory!
Whats that mean for this blog? I will be skewing my purchases towards old lead from the 80s. Marauder, Citadel, Ral Partha, Grenadier, etc… These will fill the ranks of lead I already have. And of course my rules are here, a perfect fit as you will see for my Dwarven Lost Kingdom Reclamation Project. Highlights as to why Im using 1st edition: Use any figures, rules for fighting in dungeons, dwarf and gnome army lists, scenario driven games, character hero progression for a hybrid blend of rpg/wargaming, and even stats for Balrog (yeah, not a bloodthirster… Balrog, deal with it, Tolkien estate!) Some pics to celebrate and some words to accompany them below.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9g7rCg9QLk/VTithkDPNTI/AAAAAAAABVA/rlC0TPmoDIU/s1600/IMG_0709.JPG]picture)
Beautiful old school charm, box is in great condition considering it was "made in 1982"
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mson3YjWR4A/VTit46eog5I/AAAAAAAABVQ/JsQ26O_yFLY/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG]picture)
And look at all the goodies that were in it!
More pics and text at http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html)
-
I will be skewing my purchases towards old lead from the 80s. Marauder, Citadel, Ral Partha, Grenadier, etc… These will fill the ranks of lead I already have.
I still have quite some of that if you´re interested... ;)
-
Oh, Im interested. :-* What do you have that you are willing to part with?
I need to raise some spending cash first. I will be selling some 10mm warmaster armies on ebay soon.
Unless... you are interested in trade? do you Warmaster much? Coz, I have painted and unpainted 10mm armies of Copplestone, Warmaster, Magister Militum. I have painted 6mm Total Battle buildings as well as hedge, treeline and hill terrain, you can see them on my blog. I have other things besides, if you are interested in trade, let me know.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Oh, Im interested. :-* What do you have that you are willing to part with?
PMed you...
-
Fantastic looking project and great looking terrain and figures...I like your style!
I'm very saddened by the word of the free range dwarfs...they must feel like fish out of water in San Fran...to many hippies for their style! lol
I look forward to seeing this project continue to evolve.
Cheers,
Blue
-
Blue,
Ha! Yeah, I think its hobbits who are definitely more hippie friendly. Dwarves would probably like the Colorado, Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain states more than California.
-
Great project and 1st edition takes me back to school days and my pre slotta orc army :D
-
Awesome work Mars :) Great brushwork and fantastic character on all of these.
I wanted to say that I know exactly what you mean with the smaller dwarves. I've got several old reaper ones that serve as Gnomes now in my game world.
-
Awesome stuff. You've also sold me on the DF water cavern bits. I've been needing some rivers. I would go with unpainted, but I don't know if they come with the clear acrylic or not.
-
Kyusumu,
Yup, the Sandra Garrity ones are gnomes in my world, I just received alot of stuff on my "prep to paint" table and I can see that Hasslefree, Bob Olley, and Ral Partha dwarves are going to be joining the ranks of my gnomish allies. Lead Adventure Ratniks, Kev Adams, and Stonehaven dwarves are about the same size of the modern Reaper and GW ones. I just made a trade for some marauder 80s dwarves, and Im anxious to see how they match up. Im hoping they are just big enough to hang with the big boys. If not, I will still call them dwarves, but that they have gnomish grandfathers on their mothers side twice removed... ;p
Elbows,
yeah, I dont know if the unpainted water cavern tiles have the acrylic top. I would imagine they dont.
-
Big post with lots of pics today! Im very happy to welcome these newly painted dwarf reinforcements into my burgeoning Moria Dwarf colony. They are Ratnik Miniatures from Lead Adventure. As most of you know I am a TMP stalwart, yet I have lurked in the Lead Adventure forum for many years. No more lurking! I have recently joined their forum as a member, and am proud to be among such an illustrious and talented community of painters and hobbyists.
These figures match in size very well with Reaper and GW dwarves, which you can see for yourself in the comparison shots at the end of the post. They are pleasantly plump and full of character. The details are sharp and catch paint with delight. These 17 new arrivals (3 were lost in the mail, somewhere over the Atlantic!) I have divided into 3 groups: a) the commander and his 8 Household Guard, b) the Wizard and his 2 apprentices, and c) 5 Cave Explorers.
Onwards with pics and text...
For full post with more pics and words:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/lead-adventures-ratnik-dwarf-clan_28.html
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Be0gXBTTjq4/VT_sg0GxHmI/AAAAAAAABpo/_KBDTV5bIA8/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG)
Group shot of the Ratnik clan as they enter Moria, wondering if the first wave of colonists are still around.
Gorman: "All we know is that there's still no contact with the colony, and that a xenomorph may be involved."
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-skxLKXYoAak/VT_ss-stJcI/AAAAAAAABp4/eIntAHqx7v8/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG)
Here is Grand Ole Axetooth, chieftain of the Ratnik Hills clan, with his trusty mug of ale.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hOO4izvq7fU/VT_snnm8kLI/AAAAAAAABpw/XV0vag0ey7s/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG)
And here come the Ratnik Cavern Experts, with lanterns, ropes, and other spelunking gear. Yes, two dwarf womenfolk... they can sniff out which tunnel leads to treasure more easily!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LENGXgzuMdo/VT_s0v71emI/AAAAAAAABqA/M7Sjw360IJQ/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG)
And here is Balgar Blackwing, dwarven wizard! Along with his support personnel, a librarian and a scribe.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_fC2aNrPBg/VT_tiioVKbI/AAAAAAAABqY/pSvwyjykXho/s1600/IMG_0840.JPG)
My cousin Balin would give us a Royal welcome~! Roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2CkxuwumCzQ/VT_tXhHoSlI/AAAAAAAABqI/C2s6-RIGCTY/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG)
Librarian Iolag: "According to this, the living quarters are this way!"
Gombur the Scribe: "Day 2 since entering the Mines, we are lost and there is no sign that the first wave of the Reaper Dwarf clan was ever here. Repeat, first wave was ineffective.
Capt John Miller: "First wave ineffective. We do not hold the beach, repeat, we do not hold the beach."
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGxddKPi_jo/VT_uCM5HrLI/AAAAAAAABq4/JIrTmz2_XT4/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG)
Swinging axes all day is thirsty work!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ3vdsWEOn0/VT_t7lnn1JI/AAAAAAAABqo/Vom-tlgvHiw/s1600/IMG_0846.JPG)
I smell orc! Or maybe its just bat droppings.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dL-eR8QiS-Y/VT_ujGF2b4I/AAAAAAAABrQ/o5z7sNzlcD0/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG)
I think those are wild cave boar ahead. I didnt sharpen my trusty meat cleaver for nothing!
Wait, its not cave pig, its our Reaper clan brothers!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DdUul0U9zEc/VT_ueWZjaTI/AAAAAAAABrI/q9sBZjy7xT4/s1600/IMG_0850.JPG)
And so the 2 clans were reunited. Comparison shot, Left to Right: Ratnik, Reaper, Ratnik - Grand Ole Axetooth, Reaper - Baron Hawk, Ratnik
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nr0wpjpZWH0/VT_u3J31lxI/AAAAAAAABro/xQY3PBPnqr8/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG)
And finally a battle of the hoods - comparison shot, Left to Right:Ratnik, Reaper, Ratnik, Reaper, Ratnik
So there ya go! 17 Ratnik clan dwarves join 30 Reaper clan dwarves and 4 gnomish tunnel fighters. Im not resting on my laurels though. I just prepped and based 20 Heartbreaker dwarves, sculpted by Kev Adams. Busy brushwork from the Mines of Moria! Until the next post...
Cheers,
Mar
See the rest of the pics:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/lead-adventures-ratnik-dwarf-clan_28.html
-
How could I miss this :o
Lovely Endeavor and great choice of Miniatures (apart from those pesky elves ;P, I hope you keep them locked away, can`t trust them)
Thos elost Dwarves broke my Heart :/
Great Stuff :D
-
Theatralic,
Thank you, I keep those pointy-eared trouble makers on a completely different shelf!
Elves are bad enough, evil ones that compete for underground living space is.... insufferable.
And yes, I pray daily for the lost ones... luckily, the powers that be, will send replacements!
-
Only now i came across this thread.
Lovelly miniatures and terrain. :-* :-*
Keep it coming.
-
More dwarf goodness. :D
-
Now there's a point of agreement between Dwarf Dudes & Goblin Guys; i.e, ALL Elves are EVIL!. That aside the Dwarfs of both Clans look WONDERFUL...especially in their natural surroundings. Your brushwork on Dwarf, Elf, & terrain is OUTSTANDING. VERY WELL DONE all around!
-
Now there's a point of agreement between Dwarf Dudes & Goblin Guys; i.e, ALL Elves are EVIL!. That aside the Dwarfs of both Clans look WONDERFUL...especially in their natural surroundings. Your brushwork on Dwarf, Elf, & terrain is OUTSTANDING. VERY WELL DONE all around!
That´s just the facts:
-Dwarves have beards
-Goblins are green
-Elves are evil
...isn´t it? Did I forget something?
-
Full post from here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/05/bugmans-beer-cart-and-prince-ulthers.html
Morale is about to be boosted in Moria... the beer cart has arrived! Dwarves take their beer seriously and this shipment is guarded by none other than Prince Ulther's Imperial Dwarfs. Hmm... maybe I should have read the fluff before assembling them. Apparently, they are also known as the Dragon Company, but I didnt get any shields with these guys in a trade. So, I scoured my bits box and found these lion shields that are for older Empire spearmen (5th edition box set, maybe?) I like them, so now they are called Prince Ulther's Lion Company. Im still missing the banner bearer, musician, and the 2nd in command figure. Im waiting for a reasonable price on ebay for those.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NsH5Axtstg/VUlM9ZahPKI/AAAAAAAABtk/1CdAMjZucw8/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG)
Here they are on the road to Moria
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xo8mbZECFyc/VUlM530UF3I/AAAAAAAABtc/L6-Rb-no84I/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG)
Bugman's Beer Cart in all its hop-tastic glory
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-52gD5djSiZQ/VUlNCdFmHaI/AAAAAAAABts/AGy0aDhrRmw/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG)
Possible enemy sighted, form ranks!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQIl5LtXXSo/VUlNaAhr5rI/AAAAAAAABuE/_IudWxItC_E/s1600/IMG_0870.JPG)
I think the lion shields look great on these lil fellas
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lDqQoyY4d64/VUlNWb-5qhI/AAAAAAAABt8/LNZVxQd8ugE/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG)
Close up view of the dwarves. They kinda look apprehensive. Perhaps they are not happy with their deployment orders to the dreaded Mines Of Moria.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rSFd5XE_vbs/VUlNPY57_9I/AAAAAAAABt0/9M9vY4BWAbU/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG)
Another close up. I like the helmet with the visor down.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jmsyKYCZp_k/VUlNu08Ab-I/AAAAAAAABuc/0SJBQNiDU8w/s1600/IMG_0873.JPG)
Prince Ulther himself, not a dwarf who should be trifled with.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ca3gaPfYugE/VUlNo-WplOI/AAAAAAAABuM/axi538YLRIE/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG)
Side view of the Beer Cart. I think I need to make some reins.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4SigzuVmsSg/VUlNrW5RN8I/AAAAAAAABuU/5ycV7iFvLkE/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG)
So off they go on the road to Moria... will they make it without mishap? Tune in next post!
-
Just realized its May 5th! How appropriate that my post has a beer cart. Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone!
-
Awesome, loads of atmosphere. I can't wait to see more. :-*
-
:-* :o :-*
More Dwarfy Goodness! I always love to see Ulthers with an alternate paint scheme...they look great!
Cheers,
Blue
-
I think the lion shields look fantastic. Great work on the project so far.
-
Very nice :)
-
Heartbreaker Dwarves - Tale Of The Evil Eye
For full post see http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/05/heartbreaker-dwarves-tale-of-evil-eye.html
Welcome dear readers to another episode of the Moria Reclamation Project. In this tale of bravery and probable woe, we introduce dwarves sculpted by Kev Adams
back in the day for Heartbreaker Miniatures. While Kev is universally known for his Orcs and Goblins, I have to say, these characterful dwarves are full of everything
that is dwarfy and good! Pics and words follow, on to the adventure!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1u3AnJlGfY/VVGGQ0oYIDI/AAAAAAAABu8/eONGl-V9WRQ/s1280/IMG_0981.JPG)
Twenty doughty warriors from the Heartbreaker Clan
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSLiDApX9L8/VVGGaEim9QI/AAAAAAAABvE/MCO4j8KYMBc/s1280/IMG_0982.JPG)
The pointing fella is Prince Helfast of the Heartbreak Hills, and behind him is his perpetually pipeweed smoking counsellor, Thadar the Wise.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zbYk-Qx90o/VVGGcZRLD9I/AAAAAAAABvM/QpZtqOYbQ6U/s1280/IMG_0983.JPG)
The other pointy fellow here, is scout Garric the Ham-fisted.
Scout Garric: "Prince Helfast, Moria is thataways! The clans have taken level 1 and 2. They report little resistance, but have sighted greenskins and night elves
watching them as they build their colony."
Prince Helfast: "Thadar, assemble the troops and prepare to march to Moria!"
Counsellor Thadar: "Time for roll call!"
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C9V48J1Y4/VVGGsepJTDI/AAAAAAAABvU/Zca4qfrycWQ/s1280/IMG_0984.JPG)
Counsellor Thadar: All right, heartbreakers, you're a team and there's nothin' to worry about. We come here, and we gonna conquer, and we gonna kick some, is that understood?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caQlnP2ta84/VVGGs3OjZVI/AAAAAAAABvY/y8ACm6yLzH4/s1280/IMG_0985.JPG)
That's what we gonna do, sweethearts, we are going to go and get some. All right, people, on the ready line! Are ya lean?
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msaeyfxnmPQ/VVGG0OnHMvI/AAAAAAAABvk/OkbnaHUZZN4/s1280/IMG_0986.JPG)
Get on the ready line, Marines, get some today! Get on the ready line! Move it out! Move it out, goddammit! Get hot! One, two, three, four! Get out, get out, get out!
Move it out, move it out, move it out! Move it out, move it out, move it out! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven! Yeah, absolutely badass! Let's pack 'em in! Get in there!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xy9bby_2Dnc/VVGHVuk3ZhI/AAAAAAAABv0/978dOwPyhDM/s1280/IMG_0987.JPG)
What's this? Its Prince Ulther with a very precious shipment of beer. And not just any beer, its Bugmans Beer! The dwarves greet each other warmly!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtOxiMXxNSE/VVGHYl7V9xI/AAAAAAAABv8/bh-IMCgNx7o/s1280/IMG_0988.JPG)
With such a mighty escort of warriors, surely the Beer Cart will make it to the Mines of Moria!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4hOw33WZwXg/VVGHKgsBLGI/AAAAAAAABvs/riltlKDlobg/s1280/IMG_0989.JPG)
But wait, what is the monstrosity ahead! Alarms! Fear, Fire, Foe!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AUpK475Dw4/VVGHf9420rI/AAAAAAAABwE/zwKzvkD8jJY/s1280/IMG_0990.JPG)
Its a Beholder! A dreaded Eye Tyrant, an aberration from another dimension.
What happens next? Read the rest at
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/05/heartbreaker-dwarves-tale-of-evil-eye.html
Cheers,
Mar
-
Fantastic job! They look awesome :)
I loved the Aliens quote, had me laughing! lol
Great stuff Mars!
-
Kyusumu,
Thanks, buddy! Yeah, I love that movie. I quote it at will, and its always appropriate for any situation.
Anytime I ask someone how long something takes, no matter what they say, I reply with:
"Seventeen days? Hey man, I don't wanna rain on your parade, but we're not gonna last seventeen hours!
Those things are gonna come in here just like they did before. And they're gonna come in here... "
-
Those dwarves are awesome - so full of character.
-
Great stuff. I feel Kev's Dwarfs always have been rather underrated. In the same style as the Heartbreaker ones he made a few for Harlequin / Black Tree design.
Might have to paint them up some day... ;).
-
WONDERFUL STUFF! The latest Dwarven Gang looks especially cool...OUTSTANDING paint jobs & BEAUTIFULLY expressive faces. GREAT WORK!
-
Thanks fellas,
Duncan McDane,
I have got those Harlequin dwarves up on the docket as well. They look just as wonderful.
-
It's great seeing some Kev Adams dwarves painted up!
I painted the one with lantern pointing in high school and I recently found it glued it back on its base. I'm meaning to take a picture next round of pictures. By coincidence I also came into possession of another copy of him along with two mates, and at least one of them will probably get paint in the next year or so. Also have a pack of the harlequin ones I've had since they were released.
At any rate, good job getting them into the dungeon. Or mine, rather. :)
-
From full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/05/oldhammer-80s-citadel-middle-earth.html
Lots of 80's metal goodies today! I just finished painting up 3 groups of dwarfs from these ranges: Citadel Lord of the Rings dwarves, Citadel dwarf fighters/adventurers, and Marauder Slayers. I really enjoyed painting these retro stunties.
I use this site to find out what Im looking/hunting for:
http://solegends.com/citadel/index.htm
Its probably best to go through the catalogues by year here:
http://solegends.com/citadel/catindex.htm
And boy, I gotta tell ya, there are a lot more Oldhammer miniatures than I remember. Add in the fact that Im also collecting newer companies that have that retro feel. Meaning...? This blog will be around for quite a while. There will be dwarves a-plenty around every corner to rustle up, paint, and send into the Moria Reclamation Project! Sigh, and then at some point, theres a whole mineful of Orcs to get to...
Onwards to pics and descriptions...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd8AbkTJ0co/VV-fb2GBOBI/AAAAAAAAByQ/Yc736_sXtV8/s1600/IMG_0996.JPG)
First off, we have Gimli and some old school Middle Earth dwarves
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EpPVwkkqTEk/VV-fZall6UI/AAAAAAAAByI/bnr4t4TusH8/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG)
I really like this Gimli, much more than the modern movie version. He just seems... stalwart? Is it just a case of rose colored glasses? Then again, I am biased, as I used to have this fella back in the actual 80s.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eW3VCcEHqMA/VV-foWPHyYI/AAAAAAAAByY/fLU3Y7Ad5L4/s1600/IMG_0998.JPG)
This figure is supposed to be armored Gimli and has a mounted version in the blister (which I dont have). But instead, I am going to use him as Gloin, Gimli's dad. So father and son are now in Moria searching for their cousin Balin. And just you wait til you see my Chamber of Mazarbul coming up! Will my version of Moria have Balin, Lord of Moria deceased? Or is he yet somewhere deep below fortifying crumbling chambers against hordes of greenskins! Ah, Im getting ahead of my narrative. That is still several posts away. ;p
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wMOqrtJwJpc/VV-frvg6SwI/AAAAAAAAByg/skjhaj87qjM/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG)
These three Lord of the Rings dwarves are blister pack ME-33. I have painted their shields with the Lonely Mountain heraldry. Not sure what the 3 stars are, but stars are sparkly, so there.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVgQ65-EcqU/VV-f2k8v5GI/AAAAAAAAByo/BWz4hyswsQI/s1600/IMG_1000.JPG)
And here are 5 Marauder Slayers, In my opinion, much better than the 90's versions. And far superior to the 00's. The regimented look of modern Warhammer figures just feels so cold.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKQ6z-n5rlc/VV-f7EgjLnI/AAAAAAAAByw/253qknxSjgQ/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG)
I debated giving them the bright orange dyed hair and flip flopped, several times. In the end, orange hair screams dwarf slayer to me. I did give them the celtic striped pants and blue face paint as well.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBQ0F4s-f6Q/VV-gAsafwaI/AAAAAAAABy4/uoUnRh1wZvU/s1600/IMG_1002.JPG)
Look at how characterful these guys are! Each sculpt is an individual, not like modern sculpts.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTYoe87OMVI/VV-gcfTn8aI/AAAAAAAABzQ/qSe_TSi3OgY/s1600/IMG_1003.JPG)
Alrighty, these are a mix of Citadel fighters and adventurers. Maybe some northern dwarfs as well?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjYvDVXcdyw/VV-gbVdXLmI/AAAAAAAABzI/zS-95qQFxQ4/s1600/IMG_1004.JPG)
Im calling the Dwarf wizard - Nindalf. Yup, the only apprentice to Gandalf the grey, he also got a Palantir Seeing-Stone as well. I didnt photograph this too well, but the crystal ball has a numeral 8 on it... Magic 8 Ball! Will I ever finish this Moria Project? "Dont count on it" Hmm, thats a little ominous, isnt it? Answer courtesy of "Ask the 8 Ball" at http://www.indra.com/8ball/front.html
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HbJGSsARMrk/VV-gRa-yMSI/AAAAAAAABzA/kYTne-Yyqxk/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG)
This dwarf is either carrying a map or a really large "fortune cookie" fortune.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKlXm2M0fiQ/VV-gn5o8BFI/AAAAAAAABzY/1WFFIHmngmg/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG)
That dwarf with a hammer is definitely Grumpy.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jNxWye362k/VV-gvafKQTI/AAAAAAAABzg/zN9rdmWfikk/s1600/IMG_1010.JPG)
A group shot of the latest additions to Moria
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBzlLGN1pI4/VV-g-ZTPDDI/AAAAAAAABzw/zRdlAxKGH0c/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG)
From the other angle...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSKzbfc0h8U/VV-g9HB3unI/AAAAAAAABzo/FXvys8vIryg/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG)
And finally a comparison shot (from L to R): Citadel Gimli, Alternative Armies, Reaper, Ratnik
Interesting, that the Alternative Armies dwarf matches well with Oldhammer. Which means the tunnel fighters are back to being Dwarves after all! Congrats lil fellas, you have graduated to full time Dwarf status. Now, as for those old school Ral Partha's.... well... you will see in a post or two.
So what next? We still have to resolve the Beer Cart adventure, dont we? and we will do so... in style!
Until next post, this is Mar signing off.
-
Nice additions! I really like those slayer models too, and fully agree with you on the topic of modern day regimented models.
-
... and fully agree with you on the topic of modern day regimented models.
+1. Just had the same discussion with Braxandur on the subject lol.
Again, nice additions, would love to see more of those...
-
Thanks fellas,
Its hard not to like the character of old school minis. Although I have heard someone boast that their Warhammer army was all plastic and digitally sculpted. Sadly, that person was me a few years ago. Luckily I came to my senses! What can I say, I was optimistic about the technology!
-
Really nice job on all the dwarfs, but those 80s Citadel LotR figures are among my favourite figures ever, and you've done a cracking job on them!
-
The Old Vertically Challenged Gumblers do have an abundance of charm & character. GREAT STUFF!
-
Only just caught this thread.
Shame on me!
::)
Some great stuff in here....
Those caverns: I love what you have done with the place.
:-* :-*
The Old Vertically Challenged Gumblers do have an abundance of charm & character. GREAT STUFF!
They sure do!
Lovely work on some great old skool sculpts.
Full of character, as you mentioned.
8) 8)
I was considering selling off my old skool Dwarves soon, but this thread may have just reminded me what great stuff that I have in the pile.
;)
-
From full post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/05/oldhammer-in-moria-party-of-special.html
Thus, did Bugman's Beer Cart make its way past Warg infested forests and Troll haunted hills. Until the day came, when at last on a warm summer afternoon, the Cart and its defenders entered the legendary gates of Moria to the cheer of thirsty dwarves! Hello readers! In this post, we have partying dwarves from Citadel, Bob Olley, Stone Haven. Also, King Kazador and his personal House Guard. Lastly, we focus on some fluff with the 6 major leaders of the dwarves that currently inhabit my Moria Reclamation Project.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfquByFksvo/VWorVSH6n9I/AAAAAAAAB0k/3bIFrLdfgsA/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG)
Unloading the Beer Cart for the party. Or is it "refilling our empty kegs from the Beer Cart?" There must be some enchantment or Rune of Holding on that Cart Keg. That must be it! The Cart Keg has magical properties that allows beer to enter a pocket dimension that is larger than it seems from the outside. That Bugman is a smart fellow, instead of sending out a hundred barrel wagons, he sends one magical one. Ok, in the pic above, on the far left we have a fur hat wearing dwarf from Armorcast's Bob Olley Dwarf World, which I must warn anyone buying... is a large sized line of dwarves. I actually cut off his feet to make him fit in with the rest of my stunties. Next to him is a bald dwarf Brewmaster from Stonehaven Minis. Then a drunk dwarf from Citadel and beside him, a keg carrying dwarf who is actually a cannon crew loader (or perhaps an organ gun). At any rate he has now been requisitioned for beer duty instead.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmRhhIvzZHU/VWorWbO27II/AAAAAAAAB0s/xtTcl-0Sh2Q/s1600/IMG_1014.JPG)
Ah, the Dwarf Barmaid is bringing drinks around. Someone yells "Mhinz Abeir", and everyone else yells "Zyor Rond". The barmaid is another large Armorcast dwarf who has had foot surgery to mix in nicely with everyone else. I believe the fellow flagging her down for a drink is another artillery crew member, perhaps the Marauder siege gun?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMqZ-nrpMVk/VWorLwKNQ3I/AAAAAAAAB0c/rxJx0cvE_U4/s1600/IMG_1015.JPG)
Word has gotten around that the Beer party is here! Some civilians are filing in, taking an early day off work to celebrate.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oqhjs5QvIRM/VWordFiWtvI/AAAAAAAAB00/pkOY8b_j5MQ/s1600/IMG_1016.JPG)
Ahh, look its the woodcutter, the engineer, the young Blacksmith-tress, a happy cheering dwarf, stuntie on stilts (handy for when a dwarf needs that jar on the top cupboard), and the rat-catcher (another very important dwarf to be in Moria, wouldnt want the colony to be knee deep in vermin, would we?) The lady blacksmith is from Stonehaven, woodcutter from Armorcast, the rest are Citadel.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P757V_cxqSo/VWorzjdHfeI/AAAAAAAAB1E/XHHMIPTfXBA/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG)
Late to the party, is the woodcutters assistant, and the dwarven Ninja. Doesnt every self respecting dwarf colony have one? Ninja stars and smoke bombs, helpful in a tight spot.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vuATdS6hoL8/VWor06iVlWI/AAAAAAAAB1M/DFTxM00WG24/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG)
Cheery dwarf: "Barmaid, service please!"
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E__-tCVlwjc/VWorshsCLPI/AAAAAAAAB08/3Bl9mVGwbXs/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG)
The dwarves lead the Cart deeper into the Mines towards the "safe zone" where the bulk of the colony reside.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIJGG2M0vX4/VWor8AdPbsI/AAAAAAAAB1U/iEZpnkWVzUI/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG)
What a merry gathering of dwarves. A veritable conga line of mirth. Some dwarves prefer to stay behind at the pond to continue their pool party.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwhgCojFsn8/VWosOusbE9I/AAAAAAAAB1c/GAcKHTYGIGg/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG)
All this time, the party-goers have been protected by the watchful eye of the Gold-Shields...
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t71gQ2_lgzA/VWosWkBdvBI/AAAAAAAAB1s/L_7dks9YQ08/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG)
King Kazador and his House Guard! I have modified him to carry a shield and done away with his horn. I think he looks far more business now. Definitely ready to start hammering some greenskins!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvzv8TXUOv8/VWosP0pXYeI/AAAAAAAAB1k/ZBHK6cAzZNQ/s1600/IMG_1023.JPG)
His companions are of the most dangerous sort.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--YiD91mO7w8/VWos9rrqnlI/AAAAAAAAB2E/18q4JymEs_4/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG)
While the dwarves have their party below, above them on a ledge, it actually is time for business... a gathering of the clan elders! From left to right: King Kazador, Gimli, Prince Ulther, Prince Helfast, Chief Ratnik, and Baron Hawk.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYuReCQ2-9A/VWos5jqK63I/AAAAAAAAB18/Eoy3v0NK-BY/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG)
King Kazador outranks the others and is declared the leader of the Moria colony. The dwarves still only hold the smallest portion (2 levels out of hundreds) in Khazad-Dum, and are still in danger if ever a serious attack is made upon them. Yet, Gimli asks that he be sent to explore the lower depths of Moria to search for his cousin Balin (the Lord Of Moria). Kazador agrees, but only a small portion of warriors can be deployed for such a mission, at this time. Baron Hawk of Clan Reaper stands up and volunteers to accompany Gimli's force into the deeper levels. So be it, says King Kazador, Gimli and Baron Hawk will take their troops (a sixth of the total dwarves) and lead a recon in force to ascertain if Balin yet lives. In the meantime, Kazador, Ulther, Helfast and Ratnik will continue to build up and fortify the defenses around the Eastern Gate, while waiting for more dwarves to arrive.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tncGMXRLupU/VWotC8JPqHI/AAAAAAAAB2M/BF9vcR10J3g/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG)
Gimli, Gloin, and Nindalf are off to plan for the adventure ahead. They have maps and books to help them plot a course of action.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwgxAyliYvY/VWotIq4Wi8I/AAAAAAAAB2U/Zu_oXkl_oeY/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG)
Baron Hawk tells his second in command, Captain Drogo about their mission. Let their men enjoy one more night of festivities, but on the morrow... onwards to danger and glory!
So there you have it! A party, some planning, and a hint of dangers looming in the near future.
Until next post... Zyor Round!
Cheers,
Mar
-
They are looking great, Mars. I love your photos!
-
Arundel,
Thanks buddy! Im using a Canon Powershot Elph and it works great for point and click.
Even though I know very little about the finer points of photography, technology sure can help a novice take bright clean pics.
-
That is quite a collection of hard drinking Vertically Challenged Guys & Gals...WONDERFUL STUFF!
I think Bugman better get himself a larger delivery vehicle.
-
Absolutely brilliant Dwarf collection and inspiration
Thank you and keep doing what you are doing - its great.
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/06/dwarves-of-legend-box-set-white-dwarf.html
Its that time again! Oldhammer dwarves in the house... or Mines of Moria, rather. We start with the Dwarves of Legend box set (from 1985), with 8 famous Dwarf Lords and fantastic retro 80s art by the inimitable John Blanche to top it off. I did not have this as a kid in the 80s, but I did have the Heroic Fighters of the Known World box set, which makes me want to re-purchase that again (but I needs must concentrate on stunties. Oh and orcses!) Also on this post, I have 20 dwarves that I purchased relatively cheaply on ebay. These are more wonderful Citadel dwarves to add to my ever growing old school collection. While I do have Ral Partha, Hasslefree, Reaper and more figures in my painting queue, the oldhammer lead will always jump to the front of the line. Lastly, you will see some new terrain, but only glimpses of it. Dont worry, you will see its full splendor in the next post. As per usual, we advance the storyline of the Moria Reclamation Project a wee bit, but I promise a proper battle report will accompany the full reveal of the new terrain perhaps next week.
Alrighty then! Onwards to pics and text...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SCeas70oegA/VYMp6O9b4gI/AAAAAAAAB4M/0S5IquNlk5k/s1600/1.JPG)
That artwork makes me think of the Lone Wolf "choose your own adventure"-like books of my youth.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XE9xUoNTh8/VYMptjYelFI/AAAAAAAAB38/2CgsikabzGc/s1600/3.JPG)
King Gorrin, Slayed Gorbald the Gruesome greenskin at the battle of Drakkaz-Snor.
Uther, vowed to slay 100 Skaven every 7th day.
The Baron, fought against the despicable Count Horlichs of Averland
Angus, fell at Klumti Pass crushed by the bodies of his dead foes.
Kimril Giant Slayer, first slayer and bested the Giant twins Thunderguts and Stormbelly.
Throbin Death-eye, axe polished in blood and a agze that was said to slay with a glance.
Lastro Lupinthrall, cursed to howl at every full moon by a Norscan witch.
Borax Bloodaxe, amassed a fortune that required 5 vaults to store.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHDIKtpfveU/VYMpyYbTVFI/AAAAAAAAB4E/gdJCFK4dTVU/s1600/IMG_1028a.JPG)
And here are the 8 Dwarf Lords of Legend in their painted glory.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTBZ5xgEeD4/VYMqB4Ze37I/AAAAAAAAB4U/Ky1vNLduuS8/s1600/IMG_1029.JPG)
Kimril the Slayer, Borax Bloodaxe, King Gorrin, and Angus
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BvLCniPEdw/VYMqdL5v5aI/AAAAAAAAB4k/kQqQt4LDE6Q/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG)
Deatheye, Lastro, Uther, and the Baron
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fk84L2Dl6ek/VYMqj-Qq-rI/AAAAAAAAB4s/_z1_3o4zc7s/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG)
Here is Grombrindal, the legendary White Dwarf himself and his 2-handed weapon paladins. 1d4chan has this description: "He is a mysterious dwarven warrior with an impressively long, white beard who sometimes appears when dwarves are beset by a particularly great and terrible battle, hurling himself into the fray and assuring the eventual victory of dwarfkind."
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXOLAfNHPWo/VYMqXWXsEtI/AAAAAAAAB4c/hk1_3LVTQDA/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG)
Grombrindal and his two hammerer bodyguards. Every dwarf that fights for the White Dwarf is a paragon of dwarven virtue and these 2 are mighty warriors indeed.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-frLEMqDXyNw/VYMqsFxTr3I/AAAAAAAAB40/dF2Hqg9OEWY/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG)
The miniature in the center is Skag the Stealthy. Im sketchy as to his fluff, but I think I remember reading that he helped avenge the first burning of Bugmans Brewery(?) At any rate the figure and rules are from the unfortunately named "Grudge of Drong" expansion for 4th/5th edition?
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja8Kq-_d4w8/VYMrmCTpimI/AAAAAAAAB5c/xuxSgTXxr-o/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG)
I like the little golden pig on that fellas helmet! I shall dub thee Sir Porkins!
Red 3: "Cover me Porkins!"
Porkins: "Im right with you Red 3"
-Laserfire-
Porkins: "I gotta problem here... I can hold it"
Red 3: "Eject, pull up"
-Sounds of fried bacon-
Red 3: "You will be avenged, Piggy!"
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yewUqFN-D7U/VYMrOk7Vf5I/AAAAAAAAB5M/dd87K1hAWxk/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG)
In contrast to Grombrindals heroes, here we have a unit of 10 treasure seeking (arent they all?) mercenary dwarves led by Hodor the treasure porter.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vaUvpaaYTPs/VYMrN8lI0SI/AAAAAAAAB5E/olc6FFsaIIs/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG)
Hodor has a magical treasure chest that has a spell of Holding on it. It can carry 100x its size thanks to its magically enhanced interior dimension. (hmm thats beginning to be my explanation for everything on this blog. Ahhh, im a lazy writer, what of it?)
Hodor: "Hodor says, you stunties get more gold for Hodor!"
Do these sell-swords care for nothing unless its shiny and/or tasty?
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iTO1kloAy0g/VYMrXyQiUCI/AAAAAAAAB5U/4IhuZYOyWFM/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG)
Han:" It is for me, sister. Look, I ain't in this for your revolution, and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I'm in it for the money."
Leia: "You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you love, then that's what you'll receive."
[to Luke]
Leia: Your friend is quite the mercenary. I wonder if he really cares about anything. Or anybody.
[she stalks out]
Luke: [calling after her] "I care."
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7uZwO7uYYw/VYMsH_tWHOI/AAAAAAAAB5s/etbKLsqDOyQ/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG)
Four more gold loving hoarders
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_9GsSm2DpQ/VYMsJ1nkilI/AAAAAAAAB50/lYPVu84bCgc/s1600/IMG_1040.JPG)
So, off they go, the 8 Dwarf Lords Of Legend, Grombrindal with his paladins, and Hodor with his mercenaries. They entered Moria through the Western Gates and have been travelling eastward in search of fellow dwarves.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOhjkr-rRfg/VYMr6f0FuPI/AAAAAAAAB5k/TUHZ-zG_Xd8/s1600/IMG_1041.JPG)
King Gorrin has been leading the expedition from the front alongside Grombrindal. Never far behind is Hodor, who is always on the lookout for treasures. Wait! what is that shiny-ness ahead? Is it gold, is it danger?
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ8AOaxY-bc/VYMskk_UmlI/AAAAAAAAB6E/KVJSBoX13ns/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG)
Oh, its just Gimli and Baron Hawk who are looking for clues as to the whereabouts of Balin, Lord of Moria.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CadJqf40lyw/VYMse6sU8ZI/AAAAAAAAB58/7it_wt4chPI/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG)
Another merry meeting filled with tales (and probable lies) of daring and bravery. Gimli asks Grombrindal and King Gorrin if they have seen any signs of Balin or his colony.
King Gorrin: "Why yes, we were about to explore that mysteriously glowing room above yonder staircase."
Gimli: [looks around at the collective heroes] "Lets investigate this together, Lords of Legend! Are you all with me?"
All: "Aye"
Baron Hawk: "My wee birdy smells danger ahead!"
Grombrindal: "Is that code for something?
King Gorrin: "Cover me Porkins!"
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00HOlc36kR4/VYMsuedhkhI/AAAAAAAAB6M/T0pwJ1P6N5g/s1600/IMG_1044.JPG)
Buttercup: "Thats the fireswamp! We'll never survive"
Wesley: "Nonsense! You're only saying that because no one ever has."
And as the great assemblage of heroes peer into the mysterious room...
The screen fades out.
Oh, dont you just hate cliffhangers!?!?
Will our heroes survive the dangers of the mysterious room?
Tune in next week for another tale of most probable doom, or at the very least some definite woe...
Cheers,
Mar
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/
-
Taken from http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/06/orcs-and-battle-of-balins-tomb-part-1.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/06/orcs-and-battle-of-balins-tomb-part-1.html)
Its been a long time coming and now finally Im happy to show off some painted Orcs on this blog. These are from Reaper, but I do have some vintage Citadel being prepped for painting. I also plan on making some purchases from RalPartha Europe for Kev Adams Orcs and Gobbos, Harlequins from Black Tree, and more... So the iron fist of the Orc will flame the fires of industry in our little Moria Project and will be sure to cause some Dwarven misery in the near future. In this post we also show some story fluff and the initial defensive setup of the Dwarves as they struggle to defend the Chamber Of Mazarbul or Balin's Tomb as it is also known (but at this point, we still dont really know if Balin is dead, do we? Perhaps he is just mostly dead?)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVSqj9PzI3c/VYwgDs_rO-I/AAAAAAAAB7E/jpO89b1xBq0/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG)
The leader of this band of ruthless Orcs is a Wraith with a sword of blue magickal fire.
H.Boy: What's his name?T. Manning: His name is Johann Krauss.
H.Boy: Johann Krauss? Sounds German.
T. Manning: He's the top man in...
A. Sapien: Ectoplasmic.
T. Manning: Yes, thank you. Ectoplasmic research. Comes highly recommended by our European liaison. "Liaison." I love that word, don't you? It's so hoity toity.
H.Boy: I don't like Germans.
T. Manning: No fingerprints.
A. Sapien: Here he comes.
H.Boy: Germans make me nervous.
T. Manning: No photo. Dossier says, and I translate, "He has a nice open face."
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zaf4P6ka8Qs/VYwgNRPoG7I/AAAAAAAAB7M/Vi3OVH6hN9w/s1600/IMG_1049.JPG)
These 5 Orcs are massive brutes and the fella in the center is Gragg the Elf-Slayer.
Readers of this blog might know there are indeed some Elves in Moria who might have a problem with this monster.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gbc3inrIL0/VYwgQhpm6LI/AAAAAAAAB7U/4n0mgQdt6DU/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG)
More Orcs with their banners, drums, and horns. And some pointy arrows!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PM3THounbzM/VYwggatci8I/AAAAAAAAB7c/x0cpKBIRRCU/s1600/IMG_1051.JPG)
These Orcs look pretty hungry. Not a good thing, especially if you get caught by them.
Hungry Orc: I'm starving. We ain't had nothing but maggoty bread for three stinking days.
Grishnak: Yeah! Why can't we have some meat?! What about them? They're fresh.
Ugluk: They are not for eating.
Grishnak: What about their legs? They don't need those. They look tasty!
So those are the new additions!
Now on to more fluff and the disposition of the Dwarven forces.
When last we left you, Gimli and friends enter the mysterious glowing room...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGZjg9DQQkA/VYwgkvgLUkI/AAAAAAAAB7k/_0Lfmfdsh7I/s1600/IMG_1054.JPG)
A quiet solemnity falls over the grieving Dwarves as they enter the Chamber Of Mazarbul. It is also known as the Chamber of Records. In the center is a tomb. Somewhere high above, light shines down upon the sarcophagus which reads "Here lies Balin, Son of Fundin, Lord of Moria"
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zm9ABNS-hy0/VYwg7JagT3I/AAAAAAAAB7s/4O287qEq7Rw/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG)
Another view of the room where you can see the northward facing doors.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIY9T9A0KhY/VYwhAtf_pTI/AAAAAAAAB70/_W1p5pXLcqU/s1600/IMG_1057.JPG)
One dwarf picks up a book, which seems to be a record of the colony.
"Drums in the deep. Bar the doors. They are coming..." (You know the rest!)
It is grim reading, and a terrible end. But wait...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smtwQL3DyTA/VYwhMID3TmI/AAAAAAAAB78/czu2OlcHtgs/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG)
Pickles the dwarf has found a small parchment. "Thats not the end of the story!"
Pickles: "Hmm. Says here that Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria... has been raised from the dead by Ekalim the Mad. What few dwarves survived have turned to the worship of Nergal and Khorn! They have fallen back towards a secret fortress in the Underdeeps below"
Gimli: "Balin lives! Not sure who these Nergal and Khorn are, they sound friendly enough (doh!) but at least we know some of our kin are here. We must find them! Where is this secret fortress?"
Pickles: "Ummm... sorry Gimli, the directions and map are on another page. Look, theres hundreds of pages littered all over the floors here. If it is still here, I will find it!"
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGEtkBdDxds/VYwhWZzaR9I/AAAAAAAAB8E/FFNoW1Dd53o/s1600/IMG_1059.JPG)
At that moment, Captain Drogo, rushes in.
Drogo: "Orcs have been spotted! They are massing in the central hallways to the east! If they take the crossroads we will be cut off from the rest of the colony!"
The Dwarf commanders decide to split their forces and send half to secure the crossroads, and half to remain here in the Chamber to guard Pickles as he searches for the map of the secret fortress.
Baron Hawk, Capt Drogo and his thirty dwarves, 4 of the Dwarf Lords, and a few others head out to the crossroads. Hodor and his mercenaries are stationed between the crossroads and the Chamber and given orders to come to the rescue of whichever force needs help the most.
Gimli: What about west? We should send a few scouts to make sure we arent surrounded!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CHak6R4_O6E/VYwhdHm0XPI/AAAAAAAAB8M/i64iqDf6qk4/s1600/IMG_1060.JPG)
Overview of the western approach to the Chamber. There is some flooded floors on the westernmost approach (bottom of the screen). The left side of the Chamber is facing north and has some doors. The right side is facing South and has an open doorway and stairs.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwfnMb5JU30/VYwh8IInDfI/AAAAAAAAB8k/Vzk1c2RYxhU/s1600/IMG_1061.JPG)
Gloin, Gimli's dad, takes some heavily armored dwarves to the south-western side and finds a rise that looks over the western approach.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Miqj39SDP4/VYwh3beA0-I/AAAAAAAAB8U/7FtcBwSD9p0/s1600/IMG_1062.JPG)
Meanwhile, Grombrindal the White Dwarf, takes a few brave dwarves to the North-west... right to the edge of the flooded caverns. If any enemies approach, they should hear a splash or two.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Axw5fn34AHU/VYwh6Xcne5I/AAAAAAAAB8c/N91DTdK4U_k/s1600/IMG_1063.JPG)
The 4 remaining Dwarf Lords of Legend guard the Northern doors.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vHFf40-tD20/VYwiMzFEE6I/AAAAAAAAB8s/QL45KEl7jwE/s1600/IMG_1064.JPG)
Right inside the Chamber itself looking at the Northern doors is Gimli and his personal guard
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ako-O4Y6yU/VYwiPocfmRI/AAAAAAAAB80/Lc2Y8CXf4fM/s1600/IMG_1065.JPG)
And the final defense of Pickles, is led by Nindalf the Wizard and 2 particularly grumpy looking Dwarves.
So there you have the setup. Will Baron Hawk and Captain Drogo secure the crossroads? Will Pickles find the map in time, before they are overrun by greenskins? Will Hodor the mercenary hold the line or run for the hills? Tune in next post to find out! (Which should be in a day or two!)
-
The figures are looking incredibly good, Mars, especially as we start seeing a real scenario forming. I love how you painted the shaft of sunlight running along the floor and hitting the tomb! Outstanding job!
-
Brilliant work! Absolutely stunning.
That ray of light is a stroke of genious.
-
Looks absolutely amazing! Love the details Mars.
Fantastic work on all the minis and the tomb looks awesome! :-*
-
Your Project is a WONDERFULLY CINEMATIC affair. Beyond producing BEAUTIFUL terrain & populating it some TERRIFIC miniatures, you have a real flair for the dramatic. FANTASTIC WORK!
-
What a wonderfull project! One my most favorite threads! :-* :-*
-
Very awesome looking figures and terrain! Inspiring!
-
Moria Reclamation Project - The Battle Of Balin's Tomb Part 2
Taken from http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-battle-of-balins-tomb-part-2.html
Yeah, this is supposed to be a Warhammer Classic 1st edition blog, but I dont think those rules translate well for skirmishes in dense terrain. So for this battle at least, I used LOTR SBG. Its simple and provides dependable enough results. At some point in the future, I want to create my own mishmash of SBG LOTR & Warhammer (and any of the other dozen or so rules sets on my shelf); taking the best bits I like about them and hammering it out. Anyway, my philosophy is that complexity should be in the scenarios, not in the rules. With that in mind...
This is a defensive scenario, where the defenders must protect an objective (Pickles the Dwarf) for an unknown number of turns, I used playing cards to determine when Pickles finds the map and the Dwarves may then exit the area via the eastern board edge. The Joker card was that marker and I shuffled it in among 11 other cards. Then I took another 6 cards and placed that on top of the 12, which meant that the Joker would show up sometime on turns 7 to 18.
Victory conditions for the opposing sides are:
1) Decisive Dwarf victory = Defeat all Orcs
2) Dwarf victory = Pickles finds map and exits eastern edge
3) Orc victory = Pickles is slain without finding map (or map never leaves the board, Pickles may pass the map to another Dwarf)
4) Decisive Orc victory = Defeat all Dwarves
To add some more spice, I also ruled that certain Face cards meant a special random event had taken place, of which I made 3:
King of Hearts = Young Green Dragon with Orc handler arrives on random board edge
Ace of Hearts = Dark Elf scouting party arrives on Western edge, these are Orc "allies".
King of Diamonds = Hodor and his Dwarf mercenaries arrive on Eastern board edge
So there's the basics of the thing, lets see how it played out...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9PUIF8Db7dU/VZEe5lHy3yI/AAAAAAAAB9U/djXWzkMenlg/s1600/1%2Bnorth%2B1.JPG)
Grombrindal's scouting force in the northwest is assaulted by a wall of greenskins!
Those Reaper Orcs look massive in relation to Dwarves. Which suits me fine, I want my Dwarves facing insurmountable odds.
Is that Porkins at the very front? Fall back you brave little pork!
Henchman 1: What we gonna do now, Tony?
Tony Montana: We gonna war, thats what we gonna do. Come on, Sosa, you wanna go to war, we take you to war, okay?
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRBmDHk4KL8/VZEfHuJVZOI/AAAAAAAAB9k/ozO-Ov8C5wU/s1600/1%2Bnorth%2B2.JPG)
They fall back to the Northern doors, where King Gorrin and 3 other Dwarf Lords form a defensive line! Lets hope it holds, because now a Wraith has joined the Orcish host. The Wraith is "sapping will" from the heroes and "draining courage".
King Gorrin raises his sword in defiance of Orcish threats!
King Gorrin: Stop! See this royal magical sword, it means I am a King and I order you to stop your Orcish aggression!
Dennis: Listen, strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F_-twx9cWQw/VZEe8rf7OgI/AAAAAAAAB9c/vM1QALCdoI4/s1600/2%2Bsouth%2B1.JPG)
Meanwhile in the southwest, Gloin sees a second front of Orcs surging towards his position.
At first, Gloin decides to keep his heavily armored Dwarves on the highground to buy time for the defenders.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVLLzHlA-Ok/VZEfRHLldlI/AAAAAAAAB9s/cAHXKQno7S4/s1600/2%2Bsouth%2B2.JPG)
But the enemy have archers and superior numbers!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVCx8O5MIok/VZEfZ9PfU2I/AAAAAAAAB90/CUtdf_ZMz4g/s1600/2%2Bsouth%2B3.JPG)
Run away! Run away! Run as fast as your little fat feet will carry you!
To the Chamber lil stunties!
Sir Robin: Would it help to confuse it if we run away more?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1QGEvKuIws/VZEf3LRZpsI/AAAAAAAAB-E/bpgd4Q-B7pE/s1600/2%2Bsouth%2B4.JPG)
The Dwarves position themselves in the doorway and as the Orcs pop up from the stairs they get greeted by axes to the face! Oh, now the best part, Nindalf the wizard gets some sorcerous blasts as well to smash them back down.
Those Orcs will find a hard time of it, crossing that archway!
Bridgekeeper: Stop. Who would cross the Bridge of Death must answer me these questions three, ere the other side he see.
Sir Robin: Ask me the questions, bridgekeeper. I'm not afraid.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Si6fmE2BOi4/VZEfxFZpZWI/AAAAAAAAB98/fzq-528eLtw/s1600/3%2Bchamber%2B1.JPG)
As the battle rages all around, Pickles keeps searching for the map. Grumpy keeps close watch.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzKC4vW7Hw/VZEf3RG499I/AAAAAAAAB-I/qsgji1QGxYQ/s1600/4%2Bnorth%2B1.JPG)
And a King of Hearts is drawn! A Green Dragon appears... where?
(By the way, its an Oldhammer dragon. 1987 Citadel Young Green Dragon)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXyIIe7JHx0/VZEgS4g3rZI/AAAAAAAAB-c/qa0H0I3RHkY/s1600/4%2Bnorth%2B2.JPG)
That Dragon ends up right in the worst darn place.. north east corridor!
Guess Grombrindal and King Gorrin wont be able to hold this place while being surrounded by both Wraith spells, and now Dragons teeth.
Into the room, Dwarven lords! All Dwarves are now in the Chamber itself.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HdeC5_0-f4/VZEgb4AwlVI/AAAAAAAAB-k/1t58Tztc3fc/s1600/5%2Bchamber%2B1.JPG)
Gimli takes a suitably dramatic position to cheer up his companions with a rousing speech.
Ahem, they may take our lives, but they wont take our freedom... or some such... For Narnia?!? Boo!
Behind him, you can see Pickles and Grumpy, and behind them, the southern defense. At least Nindalf and Gloin have successfully stalemated the Orcs there. For now at any rate...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YEAMvLF3ac4/VZEgSYCso-I/AAAAAAAAB-U/ikr6WwBCGwM/s1600/5%2Bchamber%2B2.JPG)
Over the shoulder Gimli cam.
Gulp!
Thats alot of hurt coming our way, boys!
We're all in strung out shape, but stay frosty, and alert. We can't afford to let one of those bastards in here.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRLAWnDULo0/VZEhAFwcTxI/AAAAAAAAB-8/khhjxXedI_k/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG)
Whats this? A horn sounds in the deep. Its a King of Diamonds for an event! Which means Hodor and his hoarders arrive... right on the south eastern corridor catching those pesky orcs in the flank.
They're attacking from behind us!
Turn about! Look to the rear! You dogs, move!
There are too many! We cant hold them!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Z8mnZlnmMo/VZEg9U0WNUI/AAAAAAAAB-0/MYNMMIDM_a4/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG)
And as Hodor sweeps the lower corridor, Gloin and Nindalf burst out to take the upper platform.
Orcs are caught on the stairs and surrender, while the rest flee for their lives! Back into the chamber, everyone! The whole southern defense force rushes back to fight with Gimli, Grombrindal, and King Gorrin.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R_vnaNmlcKg/VZEgz4BXx9I/AAAAAAAAB-s/HKDyxviFDnQ/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG)
Overview of the action.
On the left, Gloin and Nindalf find themselves face to face with Murkillor the Wraith!
In the center, Gimli and the Dwarf Lords manage to hold the line.
And on the right, Hodor smashes through the greenskins and are about to flank the orcs below
Hodor has turned out to be a beastly Orc killer and a hero to boot!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-CQIrSXbIk/VZEhRPitHpI/AAAAAAAAB_E/-8LhfgUwUAM/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG)
Closeup of the center, Gimli's throwing axes find their mark on the dragon, while the dwarves below him hack at the beast dropping its wounds to 1! Also, Kimril the Slayer and Lastro face off against a big Orc brute!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m9P3nK6nEQ/VZEhcNIICLI/AAAAAAAAB_M/JPE8sg7_OxU/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG)
The moment of truth has arrived. The Wraith strikes Gloin with his Morgul Blade attack and... instant death?! But wait, Gloin can still make a Fate roll to save... and he does!
Nindalf strikes back with a lucky sorcerous blast and the Wraith dissipates into nothingness with a terrifying wail! Of course, what is dead may never really die, but it wont cause any more trouble, at least in this game!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSjXVIvsvZo/VZEhe2Q-I7I/AAAAAAAAB_U/6KCR-t5mqOI/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG)
With their main leader defeated, the Orcs lose heart and their force begins to crumble. The Dragon also has had enough and tramples some Orcs in his haste to find a cool and slimy pool to dip its wounded aching tootsies in.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1qrxSy7MqY/VZEh5YtG2zI/AAAAAAAAB_k/o0mS2vTv6Js/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG)
The last of the Orcish assault is driven from the Chamber Of Mazarbul!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_mnMtuuM9M/VZEh2LuU0XI/AAAAAAAAB_c/GU_pIC56fHk/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG)
Finally, at the very end... Pickles finds the map.
Grumpy harumphs...
Alls well that ends well, Grumpy!
Its a Decisive Dwarven Victory. Scenario probably needed more orcs, or less Dwarf heroes.
(Oh let them have some happiness for a day or two! Dwarves will find sorrow and woe eventually in the deep dark of Moria!)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ouoaqMZJMvs/VZEh8LDWi9I/AAAAAAAAB_s/cB6IIklEYds/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG)
So, what was it all for?
We have a map to find Balin and whatever is left of his colony.
Oh what about Baron Hawk and the Dwarves that left to secure the crossroads?
They have successfully done so, but more Orcs are on the way, and Dark Elves have also been sighted. They are closing in on our own colony at the East Gate of Moria. The Dwarves decide they must put off finding Balin for another day and return to warn their comrades of the gathering storm. They must begin bolstering their defenses for the impending attack.
So theres my first proper battle report. Hope you readers enjoyed that. I think the pics turned out pretty good, considering I didnt put too much effort into it. Oh and I forgot to mention, the Chamber of Mazarbul terrain piece is Ziterdes all the way from Germany! Took a little time for it to arrive, but they kept in contact with me and let me know. When it did show up it was so well packaged and had no damage from its long trip. Bravo Ziterdes, thumbs up from me.
So, whats coming up next? Im not slowing down the pace one bit.
Well, a nice big terrain piece is! And some warmachines to defend it! Ah, now Ive said too much...
Until next post, keep on "keeping on",
Mar
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/
-
Oh, my heart jumped when I saw you had updated this thread! I read it as quick as possible, and then felt sad I had already finished all the cool new stuff. ;D
Anyways, looks like it has been a really nice game! I bet you've tons of fun doing this project!
Can't wait till the next update, and the story to continue!
(Could you maybe at least continue the story without showing new stuff, if it would take really long till the next update? :D)
-
LordOdo,
Thanks for reading, buddy! Well Im glad you like the story fluff. I just thought it would be some filler for photos of my minis and battle reports. Didnt think anyone would actually like them. Truth to tell, the storylines are kinda made up on the spot, based on whatever I just happened to paint up. I dont have a long term idea of whats going to happen. But I do know that other fictions that involve Dwarfs are going to end up in Moria. A certain Lannister and his hairy hill barbarians are somehow going to have to be woven into the storyline... lol. Hows that spoiler for ya?
Yes, I might do another post in a day or two to advance the storyline and showcase some minis that havent yet been revealed. Then next weekend, the big post with a new terrain piece and another battle report.
-
Oh god, you just made me like crying... :-*
This project already is fantastic, and now you're gonna throw in some Lannisters?! :o
This is gonna be epic!!
(guess you can tell by my avatar/ words how I think about Westeros etc. ;) )
-
LordOdo,
Ah, I didnt notice your avatar! Well, I guess Im going to have make Tyrion's appearance a good one. But dont hold your breath for Tyrion just yet, thats further into the future. Before that I need to show off Chaos-ified Balin and his Chaos Dwarves. Plus, we havent seen the actual Mines and what lives in them. In my head, I can see the geographical locations in Moria where I have to build terrain and figure out what monsters/races live in them, like the Cave of the Mushroom Forests, the Field of Crystals, the Dreaded Lava Level, etc... There are a thousand levels in my Moria, each one is a whole world unto itself.
I better stop or Ill spoil all my surprises that are coming up for the project.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Looks and sounds like utter fun. Normally I'm a stickler for LotR continuity, but I can't not like what you've done here. Pickles sure took his sweet time! lol
-
Vermis,
Im pretty sure Tolkien purists would get their feathers ruffled looking at my project, but what the hey. I cant not use the idea of Moria, its too powerful an archetype. If Im running with it, Im gonna run with it deep into Monty Pythonesque country, even into Lovecraftian country. Darn... another spoiler. But yeah, the Watcher in the Water? Cmon, that thing is definitely a mythos creature, and its bound to have friends!!! :P
-
Gloriously brilliant and bonkers in the way GW games used to be! The film quotes are the icing on the cake!
Are you using the LotR/Hobbit rules?
-
The whole project is looking just great, Mars! Loved the write-up also!
-
In Moria: The Mother Of Dragons (& Hydras, & Basilisks Too!)
Taken from : http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-mother-of-dragons-and-hydras-and.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-mother-of-dragons-and-hydras-and.html)
This post today is about dragons... and some Dark Elves too! Not just any dragons, mind you, but baby dragons! Err, I think the proper D&D term is young dragons, somewhere between hatchlings and adults. Also, we add a little more fluff to our storylines, particularly for our Drow/Dark Elves/Night Elves, who havent been active since their debut. I have been wanting to give more screentime to their main characters... so here's their chance.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1yxq4cO-MU/VZJ4AskpH3I/AAAAAAAACAU/pOXpy_RUUz4/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG)
Here's a nice little monster its a Citadel C29 Chaos Hydra. Ive named her Slithers and painted her purple to match her mistress - the Countess Alyza.
Alyza cares for her hydra very much, as you can see she is scratching one of Slithers seven heads.
Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, and Mother of Dragons
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvIv7G2Vtts/VZJ34663AAI/AAAAAAAACAM/xQotuTl2egc/s1600/IMG_1091.JPG)
These are Reaper dragons which are not new to this blog. I used them as full grown dragons for my 10mm Warmaster project which Ive moved on from. Well, the dragons have been rebased and now live on in 28mm Moria!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5au6Zz3ZHFM/VZJ3yWR9ZLI/AAAAAAAACAE/y8wedDCnyMg/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG)
This fiesty lil fella is Custard. While he has been hatched underground, his ancestors were once mighty forest dragons.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cXDeMg_u8w/VZJ4HjZAccI/AAAAAAAACAc/qfK3xwtCihc/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG)
This red dragon is Ember, he's got some breath on him!
Mama mia! Thats a spicy meatball!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpPDZglaiqU/VZJ4V_p13oI/AAAAAAAACAk/h_8dCbGoj8I/s1600/IMG_1096.JPG)
And here is Oona the basilisk, her uncle (on her mothers side twice removed) became a famous star a few years ago because of some silly little movie about under aged "wizards".
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtikVTKB97M/VZJ4YY0zaDI/AAAAAAAACAs/uihaWWIphC8/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG)
Nimbus is the youngest of Countess Alyza's wards. He is a bratty blue dragon who can spit out lightning when he has a tantrum.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JwGeeUrlBLo/VZJ43GP3PkI/AAAAAAAACBE/d0eicH6NzwQ/s1600/IMG_1099.JPG)
And here is Slithers and Oona, hiding behind their mom.
They have security issues because the other hatchlings teased them for not being "proper" dragons.
Schoolyard Dragon Bully: Why dont you have wings? Why do you have too many heads? 8 feet? Thats gross!
Alrighty, enough with the new minis!
Time for the fluff...
When last we left you, a certain battle took place in a scary room full of angry little Dwarves who carried cruel weapons... (from the point of view of this story's protagonist)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVIAlKYaFGg/VZJ4vDlN6lI/AAAAAAAACA8/g9ZlDAULqPA/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG)
Vermithrax wandered long in the damp dark caverns. He remembered being prodded by Orc spears and goaded into a battle. All he remembered was running towards a glowing room full of Dwarves. Vermithrax yelled for them to help him, save him from his cruel Orc masters, but Dwarves dont understand Dragon speech. Instead, they slashed at his neck with axes. They bashed his toes with heavy hammers. And stabbed his wings with spear and sword. The Orcs lost the fight, and he escaped, trampled over his Orc prodders and outran the whips of his taskmaster. Now here he was, hungry, tired, and alone. Vermithrax collapsed and began to doze off into the sweet numbness of draconic dreams.
Wandering on paths that other men have not seen. Behind the sky. On the other side of the rain.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D51yvhrR0U0/VZJ4rU2L3EI/AAAAAAAACA0/8iUN2Q5xr34/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG)
Until he hears a soothing voice who promises him safety. To lead him to a cool pool of healing water (somewhat slimy, but who's judging)
Just a little further, little dragon...
She speaks Dragonese, thinks Vermithrax, but maybe I shouldnt be so trusting!
But what does he have to lose, he lets her guide him onwards.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2T4jrHyopM/VZJ5AUsVdFI/AAAAAAAACBM/Ru7c-L--7B0/s1600/IMG_1103.JPG)
Vermithrax reaches a pool of water and gingerly dips his toes in the slightly nippy waters and lets out a sigh of relief.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZA78_ON_lg/VZJ5aewOXQI/AAAAAAAACBc/ZFTE_Bhj4_I/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG)
Countess Alyza calls for the High Alchemist Grigori, to concoct some of his healing potions. Grigori is also called the Master of Poisons. Ok normally he makes deadly poisons, but reverse a poison and its a potion, right? Vermithrax gives in and swallows a vial or two and feels much better immediately!
There is no pain, you are receding A distant ship smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-giM6XRd2Fb4/VZJ5XwZdqFI/AAAAAAAACBU/jgx15G2bfOc/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG)
Alyza asks Vermithrax his name.
Time to decide if he trusts her, for a dragons true name is power. Vermithrax thinks about the bloodlust he detects in Alyza. Blood... disease? sickness. Blood drinker! But she has been sooo nice! Vermithrax relents and decides to throw caution to the winds of fate.
Alyza says: "I shall call you Vermy! Vermy meet my other children!"
They swarm around Vermy and snort and sniff at him, welcoming him to the tribe. Success!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jv-SNORQeIM/VZJ5es_TPKI/AAAAAAAACBk/MRsj38oBQOA/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG)
While the dragonlings begin to play with their newfound friend, Lord Commander Alric the Cursed enters the watery cavern and takes Alyza aside.
Lord Alric: The Orcs are preparing to attack the East Gate. The Dwarf forces who were victorious at the Chamber are moving back to join their main army, if they do the Orc attack will fail.
Alyza: You want to help the Orcs? Thats new!
Lord Alric: True, Orcs are not our friends but the Dwarves are even worse. We must not allow the Dwarves to regroup.
Alyza: What do you want of me?
Lord Alric: Use your dragons to harass and delay the Dwarves!
Alyza: Risk my dragons?
Lord Alric: I will send Magister Ludi and his Shadowfire cultists to help with these hit and run attacks. We will have them running in circles, then when they are tired and demoralized, we will strike and defeat them! After that, we will move on the East Gate and slaughter everyone remaining there, be they Orc or Dwarf! While there are countless more Orcs in the Underdeeps of Moria, at least here we shall be the masters! The Drow will rule the upper halls of Moria again!
Alyza: So be it! But afterwards, I want first choice of the Dwarven captives. Three quarters of the captives will do. I need fresh blood for my baths... and my baby dragons are hungry for fresh meat, they grow tired of foul orc kabobs. I will bake those meddling Dwarves! Dwarf pot pie will make my babies grow to be big and strong.
Lord Alric: Half of the captives, Countess. You get first choice, fine. But only half. Your dragons arent the only ones that need to feed.
*Lord Alric's cursed sword begins to howl*
Alyza: (to her dragons) Children... pay attention please! Custard! Let go of Oona's tail! The real playtime is coming, children. Here is what I want you to do...
~ ~ ~
So there is our fine little treat of a post! Hope you enjoyed it, as much as I did in making it. Until next post...
Cheers,
Mar
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/
-
Momotaro,
For that particular AAR, yes I used LOTR SBG, the big blue "One Rulebook". But I have no qualms using any rules. In fact I tend to think of the scenario first, then decide which rules would be the best fit for it.
-
Excellent work, Mars! I particularly like Slithers and Verminthrax: that purple and green really pop, especially against the dull greys of your dungeons.
-
Arundel,
Thanks buddy! Yeah, I like my dragons to look like delicious candy treats! And dungeons or caverns need to be the drab dingy places they ought to be.
-
I expect some blood and fire in the next few battles.. ;)
The elves add a interesting new point of view to the project.!
-
Oldhammer in Moria July 4th Weekend Part 1 - Dwarven Fortress
Taken from: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-1-dwarven-fortress.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-1-dwarven-fortress.html)
Happy July 4th weekend, dear readers. Big update to the blog today, so big I feel I have to chop it into 3 parts. I will post all 3 today at some point. Earlier, I just happened to count how many newly painted minis I have for today's "photoshoot" and noticed something incredible. Since my last post, I have painted 76 new figures, which alone is pretty good, quantity-wise, but then realized... wait, its a fortuitous number! 76 as in 1776, the reason we celebrate the 4th.
The Dwarves that are defending the East Gate region of Moria also have something to celebrate. A brand new fortress terrain piece! The Eastern Gate is also known as the Dimril Gate, which looks out on Dimrill Dale a small valley, out of which the Dwarves hope that the caravans of trade and commerce will once again flow. And here on this Independence Day, the Dwarven cause reaches a milestone in their burgeoning colony's history with the best symbol of Dwarven strength - A stone fortress.
Im calling this fortress Easthold and it is within bowshot of the Eastern Gate itself, on the eastern side of Durin's Bridge. This part of Moria is a vast cavern where the ceiling is so high it disappears in darkness. And what looks like stars above, are actually mineral deposits shining in the torchlight. The Dwarven colony has been hard at work to repair Easthold. It has a vast hallway underneath it that houses living quarters, food stores, weapon caches, enough to supply a small garrison for a long time. As it overlooks both the Gate and the Bridge, Easthold is an important and imposing position that controls the area especially if defended by ranged weapons. So, Im pleased to show off some Dwarven crossbowmen and a catapult as well. Now that the Dwarves have a stable base of operations in Moria, their commanders feel confident they can launch more numerous expeditions into the depths of Khazad-Dum. There are many dark powers in Moria that do not like this news... but the Dwarf Lords are ready to fight and survive!
Perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom… Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution… but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!” We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”
(Ugghhh, douche-chills! That scene is so terrible. But still, like the late great Patrice Oneal said, its the greatest first half of a movie. On a sidenote, if you dont know Patrice, or Opie & Anthony and their discussion of Independence Day... Youtube it! Its hilarious! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEGW2jBzLgI)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTl3_wQPqBM/VZl0znHHuvI/AAAAAAAACCE/nxUPr1Co4z0/s1600/IMG_1107.JPG)
Here is Easthold in all its glory! Its roughly 2 feet in diameter with walls 6 inches high and 10 inches at its highest point. The base of its walls are littered with the skulls of forgotten warriors from some battle long ago.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmMlWuIhQEI/VZl05iySRnI/AAAAAAAACCM/_P8ETRupdiA/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG)
The Dwarves have repaired the gates and are ready to defend their new home.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V2B_yK0h1_8/VZl1DA6lC8I/AAAAAAAACCU/F_TMmFV0OAY/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG)
The gate is removeable.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkhn3G_A9nA/VZl1NBiw_II/AAAAAAAACCc/drkkkoAcAaY/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG)
The inner courtyard.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovyeRTm0ReY/VZl1WDs39HI/AAAAAAAACCk/7d1DkHWR0Sk/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG)
The Great Doors of Easthold lead to a deep underground Keep, where the women and children are housed. Also, non-combat personnel have their areas here: Blacksmithies, Armorers, Bakers, Pubs and Bars, etc...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rd7aN-hPy_k/VZl1dMuMCfI/AAAAAAAACCs/3oZq7_wKauo/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG)
A stonethrower. The catapult is definitely a Dwarfy weapon because rocks are a Dwarfs best friend.
We will we will rock you!
We will we will rock you!
Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'
We will we will rock you!
We will we will rock you!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X3B-WkT83Y/VZl1-XEFRwI/AAAAAAAACC8/VqE9iK77MY8/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG)
I dont think these are the crew that comes with this catapult, but its what I got. I am pretty sure they are vintage models though. Except maybe that guy on the left, he might be a 2000s model, but hey, doesnt make him a bad person.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiaRHVFYKsY/VZl2Khyj28I/AAAAAAAACDE/wmkh-UPIREU/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG)
And the crossbow gents are here! These dapper gentlemen, (errr, dwarves) are well dressed and ready to perforate any enemies foolish enough to try venturing too close to Easthold.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jw8bkdAwbR8/VZl14HbvUCI/AAAAAAAACC0/gN5LElSAf7A/s1600/IMG_1115.JPG)
Boy do these fellas like smoking their pipes.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5G1R3Qt8_k/VZl2Q4vOIAI/AAAAAAAACDM/20PcAVv1kX8/s1600/IMG_1116.JPG)
The dwarf on the right is a Bugmans brewery champion. Oh, and yes he does have a crossbow slung on his back. He just likes holding his axe when there are no targets around, makes him feel all comfy.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wv0aoLvmCa8/VZl2ak8BwPI/AAAAAAAACDU/UxZH-oB_pjw/s1600/IMG_1125.JPG)
And heres our little castle with some defenders! Outside the walls, we have Prince Ulther and his Imperial Dwarves, Prince Helfast and his Heartbreakers, and some Slayers as well.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfFzHf-tVTE/VZl2jnN5_AI/AAAAAAAACDc/fKHnbYrMvf0/s1600/IMG_1126.JPG)
Inside the walls, we have King Kazador guarding the Great Doors, Grand Axetooth and his Ratniks in the courtyard, Balgar Blackwing the wizard in the upper left tower (along with his scribe and librarian), and the new crossbowmen up on the walls.
Up next: Darkhold, Shadow and Flame! (be scared little Dwarves, be vewwwy scared)
The next two parts are up and can be viewed at my blog: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/ (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/)
Part 2: Shadow and Flame http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-2-darkhold-shadow.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-2-darkhold-shadow.html)
Part 3: Army of Darkness http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-3-army-of-darkness.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-3-army-of-darkness.html)
-
Awesome stronghold...and looks extremely playable. Well done!
-
Ooooooh it all looks really great!!! Im amazed by the beauty
-
Ahh, quoted instead of modified! Well, lets just use this to remind you readers that the 2nd and 3rd parts of this July 4th update are up on my blog. so check em out!
-
Already done ;)
Your world of Moria is truly magical! A shame theres not written more about it, like a full story (hint, hint :D ;D)
-
LordOdo,
I suppose after a year or two my blog will read like a picture book. I did write a small fantasy novella sometime ago, I enjoyed doing it, but lost interest and not even sure if I still have it around. I should look in my old computer to see if a copy of it is still hiding somewhere. Elfwood seems to have deleted it. It was about the last elf in the world and her pet bugbear and how they somehow became part of a ruthless mercenary outfit. Standard D&D fan fiction I suppose, but it was MY fan fiction, dammit! :p
-
Vermis,
Im pretty sure Tolkien purists would get their feathers ruffled looking at my project, but what the hey. I cant not use the idea of Moria, its too powerful an archetype. If Im running with it, Im gonna run with it deep into Monty Pythonesque country, even into Lovecraftian country. Darn... another spoiler. But yeah, the Watcher in the Water? Cmon, that thing is definitely a mythos creature, and its bound to have friends!!! :P
I'm a massive Tolkien purist and i think this is great. :D (to the point where i actually caused STRANGERS to WALK OUT of the final hobbit viewing because they said ,and i'm quoting "the look on my face scared them and they thought i was really ill or about to do something ".Found that out when the usher asked if i was alright. apparently they were so anxious that they felt they had to inform security.)
-
nic-e,
Ha! great story, I wish you had a selfie of your "war face", it sounds epic. :p
-
Loving the Dwarves!
-
I'm a massive Tolkien purist and i think this is great. :D (to the point where i actually caused STRANGERS to WALK OUT of the final hobbit viewing...
You did better than me. lol Last Middle-Earth movie I sat through was The Two Towers, and that was it for me.
Stonking fort, Mars. Looks entirely excellent and atmospheric. Is that a commercial model or did you build it yourself, too?
Nice story updates too, but TBH I'm itching to get a look at Evil Balin!
-
Agreed. The castle is a wonderful piece. Did you make it from scratch? If so, it is very well done -very jealous.
cheers-
red
-
Vermis,
Curious to know how you felt about the Bakshi LOTR... Personally, I wish someone in the future would use the same hybrid animation style and make a grim dark LOTR redux. Not the Rankin Bass, mind you, those things must be burned... every last one! (I can still hear that darned "Frodo of the Nine fingers" song in my head... Arghh! or "Where theres a whip theres a way!" NOoooo!)
Also, the lil stonghold is from Ziterdes. Hmm, I wish I copy pasted my private post to Momotaro about my review of it. Why does this forum not save drafts of your outgoing messages?
TLDR, Ziterdes is great! Shipping is reasonable, its sturdy, lightweight, takes paint really well, I myself will buy more from them when my gaming funds allow.
And Im also itching to show off Evil Balin too! But thats about 2 or 3 posts away. :(
The lil fella and his evil buddies are frothing at the mouth to get some tender lovin paintwork. But they have been based and primered already, hope that holds them off. I have this funny scenario in my head, where I wake up and Balin and his buddies are just sitting on my chest. Wouldnt that be creepy?! Good thing I dont have an older brother to prank me like that.
-
Been a while since I saw the Bakshi version, and I can't quite remember much of it, but there are a fair few parts I raised my eyebrows at. It's left me with an abiding hatred of rotoscoping, for one thing. :D Even rotoscoping that's relatively well done. (I understand why they used it, when time and resources ran thin, but to me the ringwraiths and orcs set against the heroes was an even more jarring clash in styles than Who Framed Roger Rabbit)
I'm not sure why they turned Strider into Charles Bronson, Boromir into Hagar the Horrible, Gollum into Kenneth Williams, and Sam into a complete wazzock (http://www.welshpiper.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Bakshi-Sam-3.jpg). Poor old Sam, one of my favourite characters. I know he's not entirely bright or heroic, but did he deserve that? That's one thing I can't fault the PJ movies for - the casting of that kid off The Goonies was a pretty good decision.
Thanks for the note about Ziterdes! And here's hoping Balin doesn't getcha in yer sleep. :D (I have a feeling that if Toy Story was real, we all here would be in deep trouble)
-
I can post it for you though Mar... thanks for the review, it's really appreciated!
Well, heres my view on Ziterdes
Its slightly expensive. And if you dont live in Europe, it takes awhile to cross the pond.
BUT,
The material it is made of is (expanding foam spray used for insulation) incredibly light weight, extremely durable, and comes already primered (really good stuff, it wont rub off). The interior is slightly hollow in spots to help lessen the weight, but there are no thin spots that would make it breakable (you wont accidently poke through your castle, unless with a chainsaw). I accidentally dropped the whole thing after painting it, and my heart stopped for a minute, but there was no breakage or chippage, or even paint coming off! (But I must say, my leg bent with instinct and the castle kind of slid at a nice angle and didnt hit the floor directly which might have helped with the impact) That german engineering isnt a myth, they really got the expanding foam thing down, Im sure they arent a one man operation that stacks rocks on top of a mould in a back yard. With that said, I havent tried Hudson & Allen castles (here in the USA) which are made from the same process and material, but I hear good things and see nice pics of their stuff. Only reason I chose Ziterdes, was I wanted that Balins Tomb as well. Secondly, I like that the castle was imbedded in rock cliffs, which HUdson & Allen dont have. Finally, shipping was a reasonable $20 for both Balins Tomb and the castle. They came in a massive huge box, just packed in the best possible way with lots of room so no possible damage could occur. But I am totally sold on expanding foam over traditional resins... in a terrain piece.
OK, there ya go, normally I wouldnt go to such great lengths to promote a product, but if you cant tell... I really love their products so far. When my gaming funds allow, I will definitely be picking up more of their stuff in the future. I want the ziggurat, the ruins, the kings cliff (its the Argonath really), the watch tower ruin (its Weathertop!) etc...
-
Taken from http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/chicken-itza-in-court-of-lizard-king.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/chicken-itza-in-court-of-lizard-king.html)
Oldhammer - In The Court Of The Lizard King
Small post today, just a peek into some new terrain Ive been working on. I wanted the next post to be a battle report, but I just had to share my new terrain. The battle report is still on schedule for Friday-ish.
Cardboard, clay, glue, and paint a'plenty went into making this new terrain set. As you can see they match well with my Dwarven Forge. Now, you might be asking, what is a Meso-American step pyramid doing in Moria? To justify having some oldhammer lizardmen on the blog, of course! Unfortunately, I dont have any painted up yet, so a D&D Bullywug King will have to step up to the plate for awhile until such time as suitable lizardmen are painted up. The turqoise trees are plastic, which Ive painted in a suitable otherworldly jurassic color. The purple trees are Woodland scenics FineLeaf Foliage. I suppose its a plant thats been treated with a preservative of some sort. Once I painted them purple, they really popped out visually.
Welcome dear readers to the Court of the Lizard King, also called Chicken-Itza!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqcbZro_5_4/VZ2iILvV3JI/AAAAAAAACHU/DjKdpJUjUu4/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG)
Somewhere deep in the Savage Lands, stands the Temple.
Once it was the center of an ancient civilization that brought order and prosperity to the Underworld -
a reptilian race created by the Gods of Order. They worked hand in hand with the Dwarves: Lizard magic for Dwarven stonework, but that was millennia ago. The wars of Chaos divided the races, until both the Lizardmen of Chicken-Itza and the Dwarves of Khazad-Dum were overthrown by evil powers. The Dwarves abandoned Moria, but the Lizardmen stayed behind, were slaughtered, until only one remained...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tt4nOvNlxg/VZ2iW-aEFjI/AAAAAAAACHk/oq7KuHwqnIs/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG)
The Bullywug King stirred from his reverie, for the first time in hundreds of years. Events were happening in the real world, that were also coloring his dream world. The Dwarves have returned to Moria, in greater numbers this time! But there was something else... The Ghost King has also returned... to the Savage Lands. He has awoken the sleeping dead. The Bullywug was not afraid of him or the vast armies he now commanded. The Temple was imbued with an ancient spell that hid it from outsiders with a labyrinthine maze of jungle paths and cavern walls. No one could find the Temple unless permitted to do so.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZpbL7pXl4g/VZ2iQ7OXVII/AAAAAAAACHc/dSShgnAkZfI/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG)
Here is an ancient Spawning Pool, where new born lizardmen were hatched. But they have been still and quiet for many ages.
The grey flooring of the pools are made of clay, which I spread out and smeared to look like rock. And the pools themselves are various green paints and inks with some blues as well, then sealed with a varnish top coat.
"There's danger on the edge of town
Ride the King's highway, baby
Weird scenes inside the gold mine
Ride the highway west, baby
Ride the snake, ride the snake
To the lake, the ancient lake, baby
The snake is long, seven miles
Ride the snake...he's old, and his skin is cold"
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izpuqb9SkZA/VZ2igEp3C7I/AAAAAAAACHs/q6MgmoPmbOg/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG)
Magic is infused in the water, the trees, the stone of this land. An ancient magic, deep and slumbering. But now it is stirring again... the Land is awakening... and it is hungry!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXICR3JuZuc/VZ2jogR1wTI/AAAAAAAACIU/do9mPx3MRmQ/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG)
The Bullywug stares out over the land and with his staff, he traces magical runes into the air. Until a vision comes to him, of events near and far. He sees the threads of the future and its major players. The ancient enemy, the Balrog. The Ghost King. The Dwarf Lords. The cruel Drow and their Dragon Queen. And the Fallen Dwarf... Balin.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4gFUW85uySI/VZ2ip0WNFnI/AAAAAAAACH0/nbFyx2h4u54/s1600/IMG_1157.JPG)
The Bullywug King considers all possible futures and realizes he has a big decision to make that will determine the future of all his reptile kindred. Sure there were feral reptiles out in the jungles, but they were savage and not intelligent. If he chooses correctly, he will see the reemergence of the great Lizard race.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q558yNMgG1g/VZ2i2YarJrI/AAAAAAAACH8/gBH9stgAQos/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG)
He stares down at the two Spawning pools in front of him, that have stood empty for a thousand years.
"I am the Lizard King
I can do anything"
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oMj7YHBp59o/VZ2i9rXWy-I/AAAAAAAACIE/k4rrhCoIaWU/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG)
Who should he side with...? The alliance of Dwarves and Lizardkind was long ago, would the stunties even remember it? It seemed like the right choice.
But what if the right choice leads to extinction?
The Bullywug King makes his decision...
He raises his staff again and magical energy is summoned.
But to what purpose?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ySdsYlwK1YM/VZ2jIQ9oRaI/AAAAAAAACIM/ZPdmlnIBvfE/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG)
Soon, the Bullywug King will receive visitors. They will be the first guests to see Chicken-Itza in such a very long time...
Thats the post!
I will have to drop another hint again for the battle report coming up next post...
"Next to a battle lost, the saddest thing is a battle won."
-
Very cool set-up there...and that's from a guy who generally doesn't love Lizardmen. :D
-
That is a FANTASTIC gaming board. WONDERFULLY WELL DONE!
-
Oooh I like this, while I, just like elbows, not really love Lizardmen.
The Court Of The Lizard King look great -I'm secretly hoping it will be sieged, as it owuld b great seeing the good guys and the minions of darkness crowded all over that board battling :D ;D
-
The Battle Of Waterdoom.
An Oldhammer (Warhammer 1st Edition) Battle Report.
All 3 parts are up on my blog. So read the full story there!
Taken from: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/battle-of-waterdoom-part-1-setup.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/battle-of-waterdoom-part-1-setup.html)
Since this blog's fluff is surely a blight on Tolkien purist's radars, and probably Warhammer purists as well, I will now offend another type of purist. Perhaps, the most rarefied purist of them all - the Napoleonic wargamer, or as I call it... Nappy gaming! (Yuck even I hate the term, but I am embracing it with all my newfound shockjock wargaming blog vitriol.)
I wanted to do this parody of the Battle of Waterloo a month ago for the bicentennial anniversary, but the progress of this blog's fluff and the status of painted figures were not at a sufficient level to do so. But here it is at last! As fashionably late as Marshal Grouchy to the sound of the guns. Im guessing this is going to be a pic heavy affair, so I will chop it into parts. No new painted figures, this is purely a fluff/AAR post (after action report). I will be using Warhammer 1st Edition, so this is a proper Oldhammer battle!
When last we left you, Gimli and company had decided to put off the search for Balin (they found a map to his location though). Scouts were reporting that orcs were massing for an attack against the fledgling Eastgate colony, Gimli gave orders for an immediate return to help in its defense.
But they were ambushed in tight tunnels and caverns by Dragons of various colors spitting fire and acid and lightning. Also, black hooded Drow were hampering their advance. Little did the dwarves know that they were being corralled towards a large cavernous expanse known as Waterdoom. It was roughly square in its shape with a chamber hewn from the living rock on one end and a rise of rock on the other. (the cave of Caerbannog, wherein, carved in mystic runes, upon the very living rock, the last words of Olfin Bedwere of Rheged ... ) In the center was a mossy vegetation and a small marshy pit. This was ground of the Dark Elf general's choosing... a plan long thought out. Plans within plans. (I will not fear, fear is the mind killer!)
So Victory Points, or VP is the object of this battle. If at any point, Dwarves control 3 VPs they win a sudden death victory! The game ends when this happens or if the Dwarves are all defeated. Sound easy? Not so fast! Orcs will arrive on the Eastern edge at the start of Turn 6 on a d6 roll of 5+. If they dont arrive then, roll at the start of each turn. 4+ on Turn 7, 3+ on Turn 8, 2+ on Turn 9, automatic arrival on Turn 10.
Also, the Dwarves setup first without knowing where or how many enemies they will be facing! Ooo, scary... deploy smartly, lil stunties!
PS. House rule: No Hatred rules for my Dwarves. I want control over them, no mindless moving towards enemy.
PS ps. Remember, this isnt just a battle report, the outcome will affect the whole fluff of the blog! Actually that isnt saying much, since Im making up all this stuff on the spot. I take pics and hope my brain will weave it all into a somewhat cohesive storyline. And now, there sure are alot of characters and storylines going on... I hope I can keep all of it straight. Im optimistic but no promises of consistency! (Oh God, how is evil Balin going to fit into this whole mess? Or that darned new Lizard king fella?) But at any rate, if the Dwarves win this battle, they make it back to Easthold long before it is sieged, which in game terms, means they help the entrenchment level of the fortress; more food stores, ammunition, higher defenses of the walls and gates, and also better scout information on the enemy advance. However, if they lose, Gimli and company are cutoff from Easthold and must decide on going west, upwards towards Mazarbul and the higher levels, or downwards to the more difficult levels where even more enemies live. Or perhaps that secret map that Pickles found in the last battle?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2MJqdmrXij4/VaBohNedqpI/AAAAAAAACMY/Yr5djqNNM-0/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG)
View from the Western edge of the table. Nearest to the edge we see the Chamber of Hougoumont.
Pickles: It sure looks like Balins Tomb!
Hodor: But its not.
Pickles: How many chambers are there in Moria that have a tomb smack dab in its center and a blue light glowing down on it? What are the odds?
Hodor: Just go with the bit, dude!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bgl7ldrTYA/VaBe8zBMBII/AAAAAAAACI8/yXXQYwsaB5o/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG)
And the view from the Eastern edge of the table. Closest to us is the rise of rock known as Papelotte.
Pickles: I think thats the hill where Prince Uther and Helfast defended the Beer Cart from the Beholder! But that cant be! That hill is outside Moria miles away from here! There's some inconsistencies in this fluff I object to!
Hodor: You know what, you got something there. Sometimes I think we are all just pawns in some big cosmic game.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5L0OiA8QUKE/VaBfWChEs3I/AAAAAAAACJU/pe7P8zkIqTs/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG)
And here is the central "valley" of Waterdoom Cavern. With the mossy vegetation known as La Haye Sainte. and slightly north east of it is the Sandpit, errr I mean the Swamp Pit. And to the north of both is the northern exit of the Cavern.
Pickles: You know La Haye Sainte means Holy Hedge? Or maybe even Holy Wood... its Hollywood, man! In the future, thats where the humans make movies about us! They think we arent real, Hodor! But they are the ones that dont even exist yet!
Hodor: Dude, my mind is blown...
(Disembodied voice of Jesse Ventura): Miiiinnnnd Controooolll. HAARP, chemtrails, its all a conspiracy little Dwarf people!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXqPkf2-vgI/VaBfYXinV6I/AAAAAAAACJc/_7Gih6B6dMQ/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG)
Victory Point 1 is next to the well in the Chamber of Hougoumont.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwSHZ7bSX5g/VaBfq8PDMZI/AAAAAAAACJs/d7mc1YqbFcs/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG)
VP 2 is in Holywood, err La Haye Sainte.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mC6hRYWrkc/VaBfmEvKrwI/AAAAAAAACJk/27lwO_tVrnQ/s1600/IMG_1173.JPG)
VP 3 is the north exit tunnel out of Waterdoom
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBJjdvACDj0/VaBifrVMBII/AAAAAAAACL4/xKIxY4dONaw/s1600/IMG_1174.JPG)
VP 4 is in the Swamp Pit
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xesUaziWbfU/VaBf0O4jo2I/AAAAAAAACJ0/LCWF0CQGr8w/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG)
And VP 5 is on top of Papelotte "hill"
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SadC8EWc6bM/VaBfDNWNB5I/AAAAAAAACJE/jiR13BSs6_w/s1600/000.JPG)
4 Hours earlier...
Lord Commander Alric: We still dont have enough forces to crush these Dwarves. We underestimated their stubbornness. We are not powerful enough to stand against Gimli and his Dwarf Lords.
Alyssa: But our dark elf soldiers... They are the salt of the Blackroot Vale!
Lord Commander Alric: Scum! Nothing but beggars and scoundrels. Mushroom Ale is the limit of their patriotism.
Alyssa: Yet you expect them to die for you?
Lord Commander Alric: mm hmm
(enter Orc Ambassador Muffling)
Alyssa: That Orc will spoil the dancing!
Lord Commander Alric: Muffling! Where is General Gragg and his army?
Orc Ambassador Muffling: Gimli beat us at the Chamber of Mazarbul but he did not send any force to pursue us.
Lord Commander Alric: If General Gragg will fight the Dwarves, I promise to hold them here in Waterdoom. Tell him, I know Drow and Orcs have never been the best of friends, but together we can rid Moria of the Dwarven menace!
Orc Ambassador Muffling: On that promise, General Gragg would barbeque his favorite squig!
Lord Commander Alric: I need you to tell Gragg, to march to us here in Waterdoom and outflank the Dwarves!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SKQHpGUC4s/VaBf-boD1eI/AAAAAAAACJ8/Q1b_AQPuEW4/s1600/IMG_1177.JPG)
View of the Dwarven left flank. Commanders Hodor, Pickles, and Grombrindal face the Chamber of Hougoumont.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-csrHBAxofNo/VaBgIxYJ15I/AAAAAAAACKE/58-kVuz2NKU/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG)
Hodor leads a chant to boost the morale of his mercenaries.
Silver, Gold, Mithril... Trinkets! Loot! Loot! Loot!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyZQ-VHP4Do/VaBgSA2CfcI/AAAAAAAACKM/37Ao5a8RIPU/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG)
Pickles has been given a field promotion and now commands a small tunnel fighting outfit.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMFzVRdlULA/VaBicJmyBcI/AAAAAAAACLw/ax4MJiWPUyY/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG)
Grombrindal, the White Dwarf stands ready to battle!
Porkins: I hope no Dragons show up this time!
Grombrindal: Be a good fellow and settle down Mr Porkins... you will upset the lads.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3igy9LvZL98/VaBga5Nmf_I/AAAAAAAACKU/tyHgkrLK1Wo/s1600/IMG_1182.JPG)
The Dwarven main force in the center. Gimli and his advisors decide the main strategy is to break and control the center. There are 3 VPs there, enough to win the game. The side VPs are just a distraction. (Hmm, the Dwarves line of thought seems oddly similar to a certain French fella's strategy as well. Come to think of it, Mr Bonaparte might have been a stuntie due to his smallish stature)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKudHKDSzsI/VaBgkgrUBfI/AAAAAAAACKc/9l8t6jS995A/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG)
Dwarven high command: Nindalf the wizard, Gimli, and Baron Hawk.
Here are Nindalf's spells and info:
Constitution is generated thus: 2d4 x mastery level +4
Nindalf is a Level 2 wizard and ends up rolling a measly 4 on 2d4 (I dont think I ever rolled d4s in a miniature wargame before!) So his constitution is 12. Which means in the whole battle he can cast 12 points worth of spells. Each spell has energy cost, which is basically constitution cost.
Here are his randomly generated spells:
Level 1 Spells
- Cure Light Injury: 3 energy, cures 1 wound
- Far Sight: extends line of sight, pretty much useless in this game
- Fireball: 2 energy per fireball, can cast 2 per turn, 24" range str 2
- Bless: 4 energy, lasts d4+1 turns, gives target an additional 3+ save
Level 2 Spells
- Smash Door: useless here
- Turn to Frog: Sounds great! Then you realize it only targets the caster. Hmm... for escaping?
- Mystic Mist: 4 energy, 12 diameter cloud blocks line of sight, but also forces anyone in it to randomly move only 1" in their move phase. This could be very useful!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1tA9fC00Po/VaBguEclW4I/AAAAAAAACKk/yUfESt2VCO8/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG)
King Gorrin and his Dwarf Lords are THE Old Guard!
Ive made each one of them a minor hero!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saSRz0OjotY/VaBg3ARgJ-I/AAAAAAAACKs/KhlCx14eybs/s1600/IMG_1185.JPG)
Gloin and his veterans.
Grumpy: Harrumph...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dpkQbjrrbAA/VaBhAfgQrTI/AAAAAAAACK0/cfEWmZRLxjw/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG)
The main unit of the Reaper Clan stands ready!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KhDa28VgI8/VaBhNIM0dBI/AAAAAAAACK8/ayL3jNOv12E/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG)
On the Dwarven right, facing Papelotte.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XE2HJ6OHUi4/VaBhR1t0oeI/AAAAAAAACLE/h9vuObGP0RY/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG)
Captain Drogo, Baron Hawk's second in command, leads another unit of the Reaper Clan
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXnzToPfibg/VaBhbr_IK9I/AAAAAAAACLM/72gndGO5QQ4/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG)
Finally, we have Wallace and his Irregulars. They are a motley assembly of miners, scouts and ne'er do wells.
Hamish: There's somebody coming.
Campbell: MacGregors from the next clan.
MacGregor: We heard about what was happenin' and don't want you "Amadans" thinkin' you can have your fun without us.
Wallace: Go home. Some of us are in this; can't help that, now. But you can help yourselves. Go home.
MacGregor: We'll have no homes left when the Orcs come through and burn us out. And they will!
[Wallace motions for the MacGregors to join them]
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqqX6hypYPA/VaBhjj20ydI/AAAAAAAACLU/w99kSy2F5AY/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG)
Hodor marches into the room! Dwarves in oldhammer move a measly 3 and a half inches.
I must remember the Turn sequence, which is:
1 Movement
2 Shooting
3 Combat
4 Second Movement - as long as you didnt Combat, also no closer than 4" of enemy
5 Magic
6 Routing
So there is no running. You can charge in the first move phase though, but not the second. Also, countercharges are available, which helps in the "To Hit" chart as a modifier.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVbpxvZ8SOA/VaBiwshXMjI/AAAAAAAACMA/JoJXAEiVFrw/s1600/IMG_1191.JPG)
Pickles is going to back up Hodor.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STe7XENKNuI/VaBhteX-loI/AAAAAAAACLc/FWBFKsFbgQs/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG)
Grombrindal and Gimli decide to act as reserves and hold their ground. When the Dark Elf positions are revealed they can then decide where best to lend a hand.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HzrudTdtg0Q/VaBiyXEYxRI/AAAAAAAACMI/3BOniMbRZZ0/s1600/IMG_1194.JPG)
The center moves forwards with Gloin, Baron Hawk, and Captain Drogo. Nindalf thinks about casting a Bless spell, but decides to wait, afterall energy points are so precious. So precioussssss....
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f1uGJK9rIXI/VaBh4Mp0MaI/AAAAAAAACLk/8x47d2W9y7A/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG)
And finally, Wallace decides its probably best to go right up that hill instead of to the left and around. Lucky for him, his troops are excellent at climbing the "high" ground. Get it? Coz they are "high"landers? Ba dum psh..... (Crickets)
Next post: The Battle Begins!
Again, all 3 posts of this battle are up on my blog.
For part 2 go to http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/battle-of-waterdoom-part-2-battle-begins.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/battle-of-waterdoom-part-2-battle-begins.html)
For part 3 go to http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/battle-of-waterdoom-part-3-battle-ends.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/battle-of-waterdoom-part-3-battle-ends.html)
-
Poor dwarfs, I wish them better luck in future battles. Wiol there be an expedition lead by Nindalf to unfreeze the poor Hodor? Judging by his eye movement he's still alive, and Im sure he could be very useful for the remaining dwarfs! :)
-
LordOdo,
That Hold spell isnt permanent. It only lasts 7 turns, by the end of the battle, he was freed. Nindalf cancelled the Mystic Mist as they were retreating in good order and Pickles and his crew helped Hodor out the Chamber, to the jeers and catcalls of the She-Elves. In fact, you can see Hodor limping away in the retreating in squares photo, he is near the bottom. Safe to say, he is reunited with his mercenaries.
-
Dungeon Chef: Quest For Meat, An Oldhammer AAR
Warhammer 1st Edition Battle Report
Taken from: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/dungeon-chef-quest-for-meat-part-1.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/dungeon-chef-quest-for-meat-part-1.html)
Units of Orcs and rumors of the Undead approach! Princes Ulther and Helfast are ordered to harass and delay the enemy. King Kazador is fortifying the defenses of the fortress outpost known as Easthold. Even the civilians are doing their part to help the war effort. Twelve Dwarves are tasked with gathering food supplies for the upcoming siege of Easthold. This is their story...
Hello, dear readers to yet another 3-part Battle report! Im still using Warhammer 1st Edition for this. This time its a bit smaller in scope, and gives us the perfect scenario to help introduce some secondary characters in Easthold. Im using a card deck to determine this scenario's enemy appearances - they will arrive randomly after turn 4, in groups of 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. A Dwarven reinforcement card is also in the deck. On top of that, six tokens are placed on the board for the Objective locations. These tokens are numbered and represent a dungeon denizen that the Dwarves are hunting for food supplies. Each of these have their own stats and abilities, but also have their own temperament rating. Some are aggressive and charge the Dwarves, some are indifferent and remain stationary, and others will bolt and run from the hunters. The tokens are revealed by rolling a die when a Dwarf is within range of it. Some dwarves have modifiers that help them when rolling on their temperament monster rating check. Once a monster has lost all its wounds, it is considered to be "Bonked" - a good thumping to its noggin will tame the beast and it will move at the speed of any Dwarf that leads it. Each monster has a dungeon meat rating, which are worth victory points.
Victory table is:
Dwarf Major victory - Bring back 7 or 8 points worth of dungeon meat and have no Dwarven losses.
Dwarf Minor victory - Bring back 5 or more points worth of dungeon meat and have no more than 3 Dwarven casualties.
Draw - Above conditions not met.
Enemy victory - Dwarves have 5 or more casualties
These victory conditions will affect the Siege of Easthold scenario.
And now we bring you to the action....
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W8kxsgqcDtg/Vad35tUOXCI/AAAAAAAACUU/2aG9_1xE7EU/s1600/IMG_1264.JPG)
From left to right: Mochi the Dwarf Ninja, Ratcatcher, Chumley, and Dudley the woodcutter
"Be vewwey vewwy quiet, Im hunting wabbit!"
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88bKZSyYtj4/Vad3qGxGTOI/AAAAAAAACUE/l1KH84NlSpw/s1600/IMG_1265.JPG)
Mochi, being a ninja sneaks forward towards the first counter! Chumley in his armor makes a racket and decides to hang back while the more stealthy Dwarves move into position ahead.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LybAuKiv4Zg/Vad3wyLiLuI/AAAAAAAACUM/qTDMl1ZEeDw/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG)
Getting closer, the stunties should be able to identify the target any second!
Penny, a female Dwarf from the Reaper Clan also comes forward, using her crossbow to cover Mochi and Ratcatcher.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDTrHGEQc7k/Vad4J49LHUI/AAAAAAAACUc/o2wD54N9ziQ/s1600/IMG_1267.JPG)
Penny: (whispers) What is it, Mochi?
Mochi: OMG! Its... its...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z71Nsz7QLfY/Vad4OW68uZI/AAAAAAAACUk/j7oWf05jng8/s1600/IMG_1268.JPG)
I turn over the counter and its revealed to be monster meat number 2... Myconid. Myconids are a race of sentient fungoids. Some of them can release dangerous spores when attacked. Luckily, this is a "garden variety" Myconid. It is worth 1 Dungeon meat.
Its indifferent to the Dwarves and just stands there stupidly.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-j0hhEClhM/Vad4V2eeRNI/AAAAAAAACUs/W0GDo8E6JAY/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG)
Mochi: Cowabunga!
Ratcatcher: (slaps forehead)
Penny: Cut him some slack. Yeah, maybe he isnt teenage or a mutant, but he is a ninja.
Mochi jump kicks the creature, excited to add mushroom cuisine to the larders of Easthold!
Ratcatcher has his hands full, holding back his frisky rodent companion.
And the Dwarves have their first success, as the Myconid is quickly Bonked into submission.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eju6e8qMINM/Vad6ar8ELfI/AAAAAAAACWE/s6cFlbD8fuA/s1600/IMG_1270.JPG)
Bertha, the cook wrangles it and has it follow her to the main tunnel entrance.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HnUofcxDb0I/Vad4dtf5xwI/AAAAAAAACU0/4v9dARbDDaQ/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG)
Sleepy Dwarf is elected to watch over the captured creatures.
Bertha: Dont let them get away, Sleepy! Or else!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1U35DCbrDqc/Vad4p0sAM1I/AAAAAAAACU8/9NUsnx4R_EQ/s1600/IMG_1271A.JPG)
Overview of the game board. The southern tunnel at the bottom is where Sleepy is.
The center bridge is where the first token was revealed.
There are five more: southwest, northwest, north, northeast, and south east.
The corners are where possible advancing enemies may appear.
All captured creatures and Dwarves must exit from the southern tunnel only.
A Dwarf that stands sentry at the corners provide a modifier when enemies appear there. This represents the early warning a sentry provides. A drunk dwarf will only provide a +1, but a more vigilant Dwarf provides a +2
The Dwarves know that enemies are approaching quickly and must decide to spread their forces thin and explore as many locations as possible or play safe and move slowly and surely. They decide to risk it and spread out! Good luck little stunties!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2OgInmfGEnE/Vad4zIXih9I/AAAAAAAACVE/wEcXhnGIR30/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG)
Ratcatcher and Valdor the Slayer team up and head to the southwest location.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRpkOhrH4TU/Vad470xabXI/AAAAAAAACVM/xrbLtVkzud4/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG)
Penny and Bertha head to the southeast location.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbbk4jPvp_Q/Vad5EsOaihI/AAAAAAAACVU/VK6qsGyv-M0/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG)
Mochi, Rope Dwarf, Dudley the woodcutter, and Chumley head over the bridge to the northern locations. While the 4 party Dwarves (2 are drunk) stay near the main southern tunnel as a flying reserve. They will act as guides for Bonked creatures, guard them and also act as sentries for corners when they are captured.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qNvrK0VjbE/Vad6qcYxPII/AAAAAAAACWM/v4NAIJxTrx0/s1600/IMG_1275.JPG)
Ratcatcher and Valdor the Slayer approach the southwest counter.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYDlrDIeMSE/Vad5cAS76EI/AAAAAAAACVc/w6V7sdCh7X8/s1600/IMG_1276.JPG)
Its revealed to be number 4. A Grick!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-chXbLHDcnqA/Vad5ndU3CfI/AAAAAAAACVk/YBqmxVt2h6c/s1600/IMG_1277.JPG)
Gricks are aberrations from another dimension. They are wormy tentacled horrors that have a sharp squid like beak. It is worth 1 Dungeon meat and has an aggressive temperament. It charges the Dwarves!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw13oxPxsKY/Vad5vn2paLI/AAAAAAAACVs/oJBuBmlfIQw/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG)
Valdor: Are you sure this is edible?
Ratcatcher: Wrapped in seaweed and dipped in soy sauce, it makes a great sushi roll!
The Grick is quickly Bonked by the power of Valdor the Slayer! Im thinking making Valdor a great hero might have imbalanced this game in favor of the Dwarves. Ah well...
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly2Fens6qMo/Vad567kEYvI/AAAAAAAACV0/5EqeGGYrlpc/s1600/IMG_1279.JPG)
Two party Dwarves show up. One leads the Grick away, and the other...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmmKc2g1t34/Vad6CdCQpzI/AAAAAAAACV8/VHlxjzbFjpI/s1600/IMG_1280.JPG)
is now the sentry for the southwest corridor.
Unfortunately, he is a drunk Dwarf. But any lookout is better than none.
Next post: Dire Pork Luau Party
To see what happens next visit my blog for posts 2 and 3 of this battle report.
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/dungeon-chef-quest-for-meat-part-2-dire.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/dungeon-chef-quest-for-meat-part-2-dire.html)
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/dungeon-chef-quest-for-meat-part-3-no.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/dungeon-chef-quest-for-meat-part-3-no.html)
Cheers,
Mar
-
FANTASTIC REPORTS! I think you've out done moi for cinematic effects. GREAT STUFF!
I just noticed the Dwarven Wizard with the 8 Ball...now that is COOL!
-
It is all looking wonderful, Mars. Thank you for sharing!
-
A really nice and inspiring game! Good to see some of the Eashold stories!
-
I know its a shameless plug, but please help support the Moria Reclamation Project.
Dwarves need your help to retake their homeland.
Remember a happy Dwarf is a well provisioned Dwarf!
If you need miniatures painted, look no further...
Cheap, but good painting service from yours truly here in the USA.
$2 per rank and file, $6 per character
Fantasy, Sci-Fi, even Historicals! I can paint them. Read more below...
Full story here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-reminder-about-mars-miniatures.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-reminder-about-mars-miniatures.html)
---
Now for some pics of fantasy, sci-fi, and historical minis that Ive painted recently and from long ago...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkBSHwFthsk/VbHw_sOKV6I/AAAAAAAACck/ZAAD-HrCtCw/s1600/IMG_1339.JPG)
Recently painted fantasy mini.
Oh and look at that barbarian…
why is he skulking around Moria?
Those dirty pesky humans are making a move into the neighborhood!
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fX55Tx1Zx7M/VbIFPbCIjxI/AAAAAAAACc4/vfNmNeBKWlc/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG)
Some custom Rogue Trader conversions I made. These are part of 10 space explorers that are going up on eBay soon.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhjIqeMqZOw/VbIFXaKV5SI/AAAAAAAACdA/mHTYaBE3nd4/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG)
Some Nappy cavalry, photo taken back before I had a good camera. But Ive painted French nappies, Austrians, Prussians, Russians. For colonials, I painted Zulus, Sudanese and Brits. Ive painted Vietnam for moderns as well. I have a full Osprey library, so I can do any period really.
-
Oldhammer Slann, Chaos Dwarves, and Metal Magic Orcs Too!
Pre-Game interviews:
You got Bullywugs in my Ziggurat!
or Guard my sacred spawning pool!
From full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/pre-game-gallery-balin-and-slann-metal.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/pre-game-gallery-balin-and-slann-metal.html)
Im going to have a Warhammer 1st edition battle tomorrow based on the "Ziggurat of Doom" scenario.
Thought I would show off the figures today and introduce the forces that will be involved in the upcoming conflict.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVTdNzr4qiY/Vbk-sqwAXoI/AAAAAAAACio/5X_LnweNMIA/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG]picture)
Here are some Slann guarding one of their sacred spawning pools.
Slann come in many colors, I chose to stick with the Kremlo lore, and paint them as the "BlueSpine" tribe.
Left to Right: Musician, Slavemaster, Kremlo, Warrior, Herald, Palace Guard Officer.
These are C-32 Slann from 1987.
Kremlo actually has a scenario in Citadel Compendium #1 "The Legend of Kremlo the Slann".
I think this might be the only scenario written for 1st edition, outside of the White Box and Forces of Fantasy.
Apparently, he was raised by humans and took up arms against his own species. Here in Moria, he has been forgiven of his past misdeeds and cant wait to show his loyalty to the Slann cause.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pexzM7FEX0U/VblPVjiOD3I/AAAAAAAACko/JNP-bhA-xMA/s1600/kremlo.JPG]picture)
As an aside… Here's a look at it. The scenario itself isnt anything great, fluffwise or mechanically as a game. But it does have great artwork! Look at that old school charm!
Than again, the "Ziggurat of Doom" scenario isnt that great either. But I will spruce it up, with more victory conditions, more forces, more objectives and random event cards.
For full story:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/pre-game-gallery-balin-and-slann-metal.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/pre-game-gallery-balin-and-slann-metal.html)
-
Oooh looking forward to the outcome of this battle! Neither can I wait for when Tyrion will appear... :D
So much to be excited about in this thread once again!
In other news, some dwarfs are on their way to my place for a similar adventure; I can't help it ,couldn't resist the inspiration coming from your Moria... *blush*
-
A Warhammer 1st Edition Battle Report.
Lots of Dwarven bravery in the face of impending doom!
Plus Slann-nation... who doesnt love Kermit the Frog's people?
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/ziggurat-of-doom-redux-part-1-its-tower.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/ziggurat-of-doom-redux-part-1-its-tower.html)
This is a 3-part battle report based loosely on the "Ziggurat of Doom" scenario as found in the Warhammer 1st edition White Box set. Since we already showed off all the newly painted units in the last post... let's get straight to the action!
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRbxWnZJFkw/Vbrh9AUNLII/AAAAAAAAClA/Y8oqUQAGQKc/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG)
Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria was surrounded by a flash of magical light. When his eyes adjusted, he found himself and his companions transported to a ziggurat in a humid jungle that could only be The Temple of Chicken-Itza in the Savage Lands, far below Moria. His 2nd in Command, Mad Furrikson gave a low growl, how he hated magic, that mad one.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iecJ7KEheLI/VbriACbfJHI/AAAAAAAAClI/2-L8URzLPGY/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG)
Balin: YOU! Who are you, to teleport me without my permission?
Bullywug King: I am the Lizard King, I can do anything!
Mad Furrikson: (whispers) he is no Jim Morisson, if ya ask me...
Bullywug King: Hundreds of years ago, our two kinds built the Undermountains. You Dwarves built Khazad-Dum, the Mines of Moria. We Slann built below your Underdeeps of Moria, this land... The Savage Lands. We lived in harmony until Chaos came and destroyed our peaceful existence. The Orcs drove you out, Chaos annihilated my people. I am the Last Bullywug King! I have waited for your kind to return and here you are. The power of this Temple is failing and the enemy will soon penetrate its defenses, but I can still use the last of its energy to help us both!
Balin: And if we ally ourselves with you, what help can you offer?
Bullywug King: I am a summoner, I can summon great and vicious beasties that will help you reconquer your Kingdom. Dwarf King, your enemies are mine also! Together, we can crush the Orcs, Dark Elves, Undead, and whoever else from our lands. In fact you have no choice! In moments, the tribe of Orcs known as the Metal Magic Clan will attack us!
Balin: Hmmm... this place doesnt look very defensible.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-eGesL8x9A/VbriM_oqzsI/AAAAAAAAClQ/FAxiCRMNihw/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG)
The Bullywug King raises his staff and suddenly crystals sprout from the spawning pools.
Bullywug King: I can summon reinforcements for us with the power of these crystals. But you must make sure I am not disrupted.
Balin: My companions and I are powerful heroes, but we are only seven. What can we do against a whole tribe of Orcs?
To read what happens next, go to full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/ziggurat-of-doom-redux-part-1-its-tower.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/ziggurat-of-doom-redux-part-1-its-tower.html)
All 3 parts of the battle report are up, now!
Cheers,
Mar
-
I worried there a few times for the brave dwarfs, would be very sad to see them all fall.
"A jedi always pays his debts" -> can we expect Tyrion woth a lightsabre? :D
-
LordOdo,
I also was quite worried for the lil stunties, myself. Even though I must try to remain impartial as the chronicler of this tale.
Tyrion with a lightsaber! Thats ridiculous... well... on 2nd thought... ;p
Im actually in the middle of taking pics for the tyrion introduction post. Im just taking a break at the moment.
Setting up the scenery took awhile, and drained me, especially with this heat. Plus for pics, I have to use 3 lamps, which really heat up the place.
So the intro, looks like it will turn into a small skirmish as well. Might take awhile longer to post if it does become an AAR.
Either should be up in a few hours, I hope it lives up to your expectations.
Also, if my project inspires you to similar dwarven games, Im glad and approve, and would love to see pics or posts.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Tyrion Lannister has been transported out of Westeros by some unknown power. He has been teleported not just through time and space, but also out of dimension, out of fictional canon... into the Moria Reclamation Project! He doesnt come alone, he has companions from other surprising and unlikely places. What fantastic adventures are bound to happen with the coming of these latest arrivals.
Narrator: You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone!
Onwards to pics, fluff, and a skirmish! I wont be using Warhammer 1st edition here. Will you be able to guess which rules Im using, just from the descriptions?
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WrjU2ngDzJo/VbwWtkxkhhI/AAAAAAAACtQ/UX8K4yUGhhk/s1600/IMG_1501.JPG)
Tyrion and Podrick
Tyrion - Lived in some squabbly gossipy land far to the west. In this land, he was pretty much the only Dwarf around. He is also called the Imp, Halfman, and his favorite - the Demon Monkey. For reasons unknown, he has been magically teleported to Moria. He has also acquired the services of some really savage looking barbarians. He once told someone that a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone. You know nothing, Jon Snow!
Podrick - A simple and loyal boy who squires for Tyrion. Apparently, he is a big hit with the ladies.
See the full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/game-of-thrones-vs-middle-earth-tyrion.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/game-of-thrones-vs-middle-earth-tyrion.html)
-
Oooh awesome! I wonder where they'll get and who they will meet in the darkness of Moria.
Where are the miniatures of Qyburn and Varys from? Can't remember I've seen those before and they are full of character
-
LordOdo,
I wonder about that too!
Qyburn and Varys are GW "Empire civilian" figures. I think they were limited edition, for 7th or 8th.
-
Greetings, dear readers, in this post we return to Easthold in Moria and show off the new Dwarven arrivals / reinforcements.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLakpkXBrJE/VcPWGiwqdPI/AAAAAAAACxY/wxAyNKGqKsk/s1600/IMG_1547.JPG)
Left to Right: Banner bearer for Prince Ulther's Imperial Dwarves, High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer, and Runelord Kragg.
Thorgrim is the descendant of the most ancient and noble of all Dwarf lords. The very blood of Grungni flows in his veins and the wisdom of Valaya sits upon his brow. The High Kings have kept the Great Book of Grudges, the oldest and most important of the many Books of Grudges that exist throughout the Dwarf realms . This book, known as Dammaz Kron, recounts all the ancient wrongs and deeds of treachery perpetrated against the Dwarf race.
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/return-of-high-king-part-1-eastholds.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/return-of-high-king-part-1-eastholds.html)
Parts 1 & 2 are both up on the blog now~!
-
Easthold looks like a hard nut to crack. I guess there will many dwarfs die though... I wish them all the best!
-
A Warhammer 1st Edition Battle Report, inspired by Steve Jackson's Ogre. All 3 parts are up on the blog now! Can you guess who or what the Ogre is?
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/steve-jacksons-ogre-vs-oldhammer-part-1.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/steve-jacksons-ogre-vs-oldhammer-part-1.html)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAKGKJfO8Hs/VcUblC7GWwI/AAAAAAAAC1I/4xw3tRrWkdI/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG)
And now for something completely different! This is an Oldhammer battle report that is inspired by Steve Jackson's Ogre boardgame. For those who dont know Ogre, its about a giant cybernetic tank (the Ogre) that is trying to destroy an enemy HQ defended by a horde of infantry, tanks, missile tanks, artillery, and hovercraft. I played the heck out of the mini pocket game when I was a kid. The basic game was pretty much just a single scenario that my pals and I played over and over again. Everyone had their own strategy and theory of how best to play as or against the Ogre and many a lunch break was occupied with heated discussion over tactics. Playing as the Ogre tank, felt like the 4th of July, in that you had all these weapons and you got to decide which one to light and fire off next. As the defenders, you had all these cannon fodder units, and if you actually damaged the Ogre you had to decide whether you targeted its weapons (to lessen the deathtoll to your troops) or its treads (and slow the Ogre down so it didnt get in firing range of your HQ).
In tribute to this great little game, I present this battle report inspired by Ogre. Obviously, no... there is no giant tank in Moria. But what will represent the Ogre? An Ogre? A Dragon? Balrog? Something else?
Can you guess what it will be? I will try to drop a hint or two below. Place your bets here folks...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5alcln7R24Y/VcUbsZKlMmI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/FABQppyOJg8/s1600/IMG_1582.JPG)
The Orcs show up, they are LOOKING for a good rumble.
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/steve-jacksons-ogre-vs-oldhammer-part-1.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/steve-jacksons-ogre-vs-oldhammer-part-1.html)
-
Can you guess what it will be? I will try to drop a hint or two below.
Guessed it. lol
Fantastic scenario, Mar. Fits really well into the greater narrative. Glued to my screen. :)
-
You're brilliance is never ending it seems! Just when I guessed it couldn't get any better you add Ylvis (what does the fox say) lyrics for a spell and come up with a fantastic named eating contest! Love the flashback to the first meet of the dwarves and the beholder. Now im gonna read the battle report :)
-
LordOdo,
Ha! I didnt think anyone would get the "fox song" reference.
Vermis,
Thanks, buddy! Here's the reward for all those who guessed correctly. Cash in your prize by high fiving the Displacer Cat's paw on the image below...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caUcb0C1MC4/VcY6aoD365I/AAAAAAAAC8M/zq5fva6Qy8k/s1600/CBcGRf7UQAAnHLo.jpg)
-
Classic 80's Basic Dungeons & Dragons battle report with miniatures!
Tyrion Lannister in Middle Earth Vs... Cthulhu?!?!
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part.html)
I wanted to do an Oldhammer battle report in the Savage Lands, but certain things I needed for the scenario are still in transit via the postal service. So in the meantime, I figured I would post another Basic D&D session report with Tyrion and friends. Enjoy...
Tyrion Lannister and his adventuring companions had been lost for hours in a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms, fighting all kinds of dungeon vermin. In one room, Giant Centipedes had repeatedly bit the backside of Shagga, son of Dolf, making the hill barbarian even more moody than usual. In a dark tunnel, Green Slime had dropped on the back of the neck of Thundarr. Even though Crom had the best of intentions trying to scrape it off with a dagger, it just didnt work. Varys who knew better, used a torch it burn it off. So, Thundarr had dagger cuts on his neck and burnt hairs on the back of his head. He might have been a bit sniffly and a bit weepy as they walked awkwardly through the dark tunnels. Temujin lost one of his favorite swords after smacking a Rust Monster with it. Tyrion could hear the eastern barbarian mumbling something about "wind in his hair and falcons at his wrist".
A giant magical spider called a Tarantella bit Varys on his toe and while Beowulf eventually killed the spider, many of the barbarians laughed as the poison made the plump Varys suddenly spasm and start dancing like a wildman around a bonfire. But the laughter was cut short, as those who watched the pirouetting fatman were magically compelled to also start dancing in the same way. After 5 turns, the dancers ended up collapsing from fatigue. Luckily, they were not in combat at the time. All these minor encounters and misfortunes pushed the burly barbarians to their limit and they began to growl at each other. After finding a room to rest in, what began as a joke about a dancing queen turned into melee. The whole room was full of brawling wounded barbarians with Tyrion trying to pry the brutes apart.
At that moment, the door opened...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xK0eE85ehhc/Vcd6cYh3MZI/AAAAAAAAC8k/cpbFGR6LDq8/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG)
Five adventurers enter the room.
Left to Right: Abdul Alhazred the Mad Arab, Radagast the Brown, Halbarad Dunedain the Ranger, Lady Eowyn of Rohan, and her brother Eomer the Marshal of the Riddermark.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Loj0xaUVgBQ/Vcd6pNvMtyI/AAAAAAAAC80/5wpI0DK_ebI/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG)
The wizard has a lantern on his staff. He raises it, letting its light shine on the barbarians, some of whom are rolling around on the ground.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6cRXmGtOijM/Vcd6kXYvAEI/AAAAAAAAC8s/xeCLNRaAL_Q/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG)
Radagast: Are we interrupting?
Tyrion: Ummm... our warriors were just... training.
Radagast: Ahh, well. There it is.
Tyrion: Who are you folks and what sort of place is this? We know it is called Moria, but what sort of people live here? Its infested with monsters!
Radagast: I am Radagast the Brown, a wizard. You are a Dwarf, how do you not know what sort of place Moria is?
Tyrion: I am Tyrion Lannister. My fellows and I are not from this err... world.
Radagast: Well, Tyrion Lannister, Moria was once the greatest kingdom of the Dwarves, its proper name is Khazad Dum. It has been lost to Orcs, Undead, Drow, and other nasty creatures for many long years, but just recently Dwarves from everywhere are making a return to recolonize their homeland.
Tyrion: A whole kingdom... of Dwarves? Ive never heard of such a thing. Its wonderful! Where do I find them?
Radagast: Well we entered through the Western Doors, as Im guessing you did too, and seen no other Dwarves. They might be on the Eastern side of Moria, perhaps.
Tyrion: Can we travel with you? We have been lost for hours.
Radagast: Of course, but we are on a mission, ourselves. A cabal of cultists are at work somewhere ahead and we are hunting them. After that, we would be happy to travel together with you eastwards.
Tyrion: Cultists? Sounds dangerous, perhaps my barbarians can help!
Radagast: Perhaps you can, my friend here is Abdul Alhazred. He has been scouting ahead and he can tell us what he has found. Abdul?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yA_Pwhs35GQ/Vcd6xUNo6II/AAAAAAAAC88/dLiyAiwarsk/s1600/IMG_1643.JPG)
Abdul The Mad Arab: (bowing low) Salutations most stunted Dwarf Tyrion, I am the Mad Arab and I have been hunting the evil wizard Rasputin across time and space. I have slain him countless times, only for him to ressurect himself in other places.
"That is not dead which can eternal lie,
And with strange aeons even death may die."
Abdul: The most daring and intrepid ranger Halbarad of the North accompanied me as we silently hid in the shadows and crept quietly in the lair of our enemy. He himself was hunting an evil halfling warlock, whom we found to be working with Rasputin.
---
To see what happens next, see full post
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part.html)
-
Part 2 is up:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part_10.html
---
The rest goes up tomorrow.
-
Can't wait for tomorrow! The spells used keep getting me smile!
In other news, my own dwarfs arrived... :)
-
This Dungeons And Dragons adventure session is complete.
Parts 3 to 5 are now up.
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part_58.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/basic-d-tyrion-vs-cult-of-cthulhu-part_58.html)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARYzwZBCV7Q/VcfQPYpA5QI/AAAAAAAADDg/wZjuFtGFnjQ/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG)
-
BEAUTIFUL STUFF once more! VERY WELL DONE!
I must admit that modeling, painting, & gaming a novel or a TV series is a turn off for moi. Fantasy for moi is a exercise in realizing my own imagination. Should I find that wanting, I could go back to historical games.
-
Great story again! Wondering how this all is gonna end once... I silenty hope it will be some kind of a mass battle, with the dwarves, lizards elfs and humans all teamed up together. :D
-
Deafnala,
Yeah, I kinda agree with you, I could never fantasy game something where the fluff was set in stone, like warhammer later editions or any of the other companies that do the same. Otherwise, yes go historical. Im torn on the Imagi-nations historical gamers, but I suppose what Im doing with my Moria Project is no different. In the end, Im actually making fun of the fantasy tropes, I hope that comes across. My next project blog I do will explore a non-comedic, more grim but hopefully more original subject.
LordOdo,
I have no doubt that this blog project will end in a spectacular mass battle. If it ends in tears or happiness, is still to be determined. Im thinking that I will wrap up the Moria Project by the end of the year. I want to start a new blog and project by start of 2016. But lets not get sad just yet, theres plenty more painting, gaming, and story left to report!
-
Ooh I wasn't sad at all, as the news you're gonna do another project is too exciting ;)
-
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/sneak-peek-mars-morpheus-project.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/sneak-peek-mars-morpheus-project.html)
A sneak peek for your consideration… a new blog!
Mars-Morpheus
http://mars-morpheus.blogspot.com/ (http://mars-morpheus.blogspot.com/)
Mars-Morpheus, will be set in an fantasy dreamworld called Utlendisc.
Its a work in progress that probably wont launch fully until 2016.
But I will put out terrain progress pics now and again.
It will feature a higher level of paintwork and terrain making than the Moria Project.
Whereas the Moria Project is a comedic retro tribute to old school fantasy wargaming,
the Morpheus Project is going to be more of a creative art and narrative endeavor.
Im planning on using the following rules sets:
1) old school AD&D Planescape
2) Rogue Planet by Brent Spivey
Picture below is just a rough guide of what to expect of its subject matter.
Its going to be a strange psychedelic journey…
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-YJxGBBs1E/Vcq1I9SbiGI/AAAAAAAADO4/dtJXUXvh12c/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG)
-
Now that looks promising in it's own bizarre way. SpellJammer might work with your concept as well. Watching this develop will be a trip...appropriately enough.
-
Oooh looks very promising!! :o
-
Lots of old-school goodness in this thread, for sure.
You must have a king's ransom worth in pre-made terrain ;D
And I thought, I had a large Osprey collection... almost all Napoleonic titles plus some stuff on the side (grml..brml..) lol
-
Thanks everyone.
Deafnala,
You might be right! But its going to be 54mm... so I dont know. But building 1/35 space pirate ships would be magnificent@!
Ok, below is excerpt from new blog, but I wont dwell on it too much more in this thread. It will get its own thread when its ready...
Back to the Moria Project...
---
Some thoughts:
http://mars-morpheus.blogspot.com/2015/08/some-thoughts.html
The new project is going to be using a miniatures campaign system, that Ive had in mind for a while. Ive been using cards for the Moria Project, but Im ready for something more substantial.
The new system will have more components: Hextiles for the campaign map and an encounter book. I was inspired after watching Jodorowskys Dune when that came out and wanted to do something that looked like Moebius. The Rogue Planet rules have new artwork that exemplifies what I want to do, so I might use them just because of that. Although I might just use the old Inquisitor rules from GW. Crazy thought, how about I use Dark Heresy for the mechanics...
The campaign rules I have in mind are based roughly on the Runebound board game, Barbarian Prince from the 80s, that Krynn computer game from the 80s, Science vs Pluck campaign for the Sudan, and Kings and Things, and the Carcosa book (which I dont have, but have skimmed through and just remembered now that I want badly, I might just use that as my default setting)...
But the jist of it will be:
- thinking about using 54mm figures, and Rogue Planet and/or Inquisitor for the rules.
- players arrive on a hostile planet (via starship/magic portal) and attempt to survive.
- main characters are magic users that receive power through souls. thus, they gain power and levels via the deathtoll in battles. So as the players army slowly dies, its leader becomes more powerful. The game is unforgiving, your men are dying for you, so that your character gains power from the death toll, both friendly and enemy.
- campaign map is generated by random hex placement. Hexes are double sided, and intially placed facedown and turned over when entered.
- the tiles have a letter/number that refers to the encounter book passage detailing what is in that location usually leading to a tabletop battle encounter. Encounters are generated like old school d&d lairs; i.e. 4d6 cave bears d3 wendigos.
- players construct their initial army build via point construction. As players explore the board, their armies dwindle. Lost units remain lost. There are recruitment towns, where some reinforcements may be found, but these are few and far between.
- on the edges of the board are Fabled locations that have their own specific pool of 6 hex counters. These are the endgame tiles, that players need to defeat to win the game. Each fabled location and their random 6 tiles have a theme that ties into its name; a water location has watery traits, volcano has fiery traits, etc...
- the monster types are generic, so that players might have something that fits that type in their miniature collection.
- the encounter book has a list of all the monsters needed from all the encounter hexes, that way players know what type and how many of each monster is required to play campaign. encounters will have their number appearing like d&d 4d8 apes. thus game only ever requires 32 apes at any time. some locations will have less like 3d6, or 5d4 etc.
- while the player can take their time and gain power by exploring, random roving monster armies appear on the board. so player must strategize best time to start heading to fabled locations.
- something about the Fabled locations leading to character Destiny which is a randomized chart which you roll on at the end of the game. Modifiers are based on how you played the game. The outcomes lead to immortality and godhood, all the way down to madness and oblivion.
Much (too much) to ponder,
Mar
-
54 mm is the scale with which I got started war gaming more than fifty years ago. We mostly converted Britains Ltd. minis into 18th century types...if we had left them in their boxes, they'd be worth a fortune. As the one who made the terrain, I can identify with the daunting nature of the beasty. The miniatures take considerably longer to paint also, which is something to consider if you are in a hurry to get to the gaming table.
All that aside, have FUN with the new project...new projects can be WONDERFULLY exciting!
-
All of it fantastic stuff
-
Welcome To The Jungle Part 1 – Chaos Dwarf Crossbows, Ral Partha Dwarves
Full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-1-chaos-dwarf.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-1-chaos-dwarf.html)
So on this post we have some newly painted Chaos Dwarf Crossbows and some old school Ral Partha Dwarves.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nES9GicYIKk/VdGSVpCUwWI/AAAAAAAADP0/m21bvuZ2ePM/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG)
My growing Chaos Dwarf contingent just got some ranged firepower.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0erO-LTDyE/VdGS5H6nxlI/AAAAAAAADQU/RDcWbxHlTqQ/s1600/IMG_1810.JPG)
These Ral Partha Dwarves are a bit on the tiny side being true 25mm old school.
For full post see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-1-chaos-dwarf.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-1-chaos-dwarf.html)
-
Nice looking fellas! :)
I guess they'll have to fight a giant ape :D
-
Welcome To The Jungle Pt2 - Valley Of The Mon-Keigh
Full Post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-2-in-valley-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-2-in-valley-of.html)
Intruders have entered the sacred valley of the Mon-Keigh.
These beasts are Dire Apes and they will not tolerate any trespassers into their territory.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vdK2-UtJ5aY/VdHc5y-g23I/AAAAAAAADSQ/eQU-B1qNMa0/s1600/IMG_1822.JPG)
They tend to attack in waves of 34.
Why 34? Because thats how many of these guys I bought!
Found a good deal and got them for 50 cents a piece.
I didnt paint anything on them, this is how they already are.
Eerie arent they? The red eyes and inscrutable expressions...
Are they friendly... or hungry? Who knows.
Caesar: [to Maurice in sign language and breaking and bundling sticks] Ape alone... weak. Apes together... strong.
For rest of story:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-2-in-valley-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-2-in-valley-of.html)
Both parts 2 & 3 are up now.
Edit:
Parts 4 & 5 are now up on the blog and finishes the battle report.
-
Ooh I like those monkies!
And so do I like the idea of waves; I'm for sure trying a battle like that once too!
-
Full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-long-last-some-actual-mines-in-moria.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-long-last-some-actual-mines-in-moria.html)
At Long Last, Some Actual Mines In Moria!
If you are a reader of this blog, you might have noticed posts for the Moria Reclamation Project have been slow lately. This is not due to disinterest on my part. Rather, my painting commission business has taken off with spectacular success. Alas, the negative effect is that Moria posts are at a trickle...
But chin up, my little Dwarves!
Because in between painting hordes of Medievals, battalions of Napoleonics, and armies of Romans, I have managed to sneak in some "me" time and I have completed my Yakkum Mines from Ainsty Castings. I just realized I didnt take a good overhead pic of how many Mine Tiles I have, but I have enough to cover a 3 foot square area. Its a good start.
Now to paint up some Dwarf Miners and start mining those precious metals and gems!
So in case you have forgotten, Gimli and company have been searching for Balin by following a map...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rPUr2ogTJRA/VfLPE5LJ6rI/AAAAAAAADnk/qLe7hguLWrI/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG)
Left to Right (Gloin, Pickles, and Gimli)
Gimli: Are you reading that map right?
Pickles: (turning map upside down) Umm I think so? Then again, these mine tunnels are a pretty confusing maze.
Gloin: Where there are mines... there must be miners!
Gimli: Well, Pickles... keep leading the way.
Gloin: (whispering) I heard he got lost in his own museum once...
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7E4WCRmDCrI/VfLPPmFkNpI/AAAAAAAADn0/vdMoSxHFAHo/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG)
Left to Right (Nindalf, Pickles, and Grumpy)
Grumpy: Watch your step! Someone needs to patch up those floorboards there. (grumbles) When we drive out all the monsters from Moria, theres going to be alot of renovations needed around here...
Nindalf: I think its molecular acid that melted through the floor! Look, I can see at least 10 levels down. Dont lean too far, you'll fall in!
Pickles: I think theres a junction ahead...
---
FOR THE FULL STORY:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-long-last-some-actual-mines-in-moria.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-long-last-some-actual-mines-in-moria.html)
-
Yayy an update!
I like the mines, and good to hear about the painting service!
-
Taken from full post with AAR here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/10/squat-trek-episode-1-forgotten-planet.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/10/squat-trek-episode-1-forgotten-planet.html)
Moria 40,000 - Squat Trek Episode 1
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoY_bAtTBrE/VhzjpvwSoxI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/Mn8zTCwLoP4/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG)
Left to Right: Engineer Scotty (with a Conversion Beamer!), Capt Khyrk, Paulie Atreides
"Stardate 43018
My name is Captain Khyrk, commander of the U.S.S. Entenmanns. While on routine patrol of the Squat Homeworld Defense Perimeter, we were attacked by an unknown and hostile alien fleet that can only be described as... "tentacle-y".
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKptOERHM9c/VhzjzAHT4vI/AAAAAAAAD1o/s8lsmrYQHdE/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG)
In the center: Science Officer Spokk (with a trusty Tri-corder)
" Reverse calculating their trajectory, our science officer Mister Spokk had determined the invaders are not from our galaxy, that they had come from the deep darkness of intergalactic space."
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAkIJFjJ-QQ/VhzjuMw9dlI/AAAAAAAAD1g/8IZILt3UUyA/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG)
In the center: Yoga Master Kenobi
"The vastness of their fleet is beyond comprehension and had destroyed our own without effort. The four greatest and mightiest of Squat ships were hastily assembled to combat against these aliens which the humans call "Tyranids". We had decided to call this particular alien incursion as "Hive Fleet Om Nom Nom"."
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc9PZqKyjnw/VhzkGonlHmI/AAAAAAAAD14/ZezirNMwYz0/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG)
In the center: Judge Dreddlock (with Hot-Shot Lasgun)
"The USS Pork Cracklins, the USS Mojito and the USS Heineken were all destroyed in the first minutes of the fight. Only my ship was able to get away, but damaged reactors/failing life supports/hull breaches forced all survivors to abandon ship in the shuttles. "
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMMIG-ouc8/Vhzj8LGOUFI/AAAAAAAAD1w/EaA3AxYAcwo/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG)
In the center: Korben Dallas (with a Multipass!)
"The closest planet was a primitive feral planet that was not on any of our starmaps and had no humanoid lifeforms. This planet was on the DMZ between Squat and Eldar space. It was probably one of the Forgotten and Forbidden Planets."
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_6ZfzXa6e4/VhzkgfyFPyI/AAAAAAAAD2Q/tPxxhOecYrQ/s1600/IMG_2116.JPG)
Survivors of the USS Entenmanns make planetfall and emerge from the wreckage.
Korben Dallas: Did anyone think about bringing some of those delish Crumb Cakes from our lost USS Entenmanns? Im hungry!
Yoga Master Kenobi: Or at least some Romulan Ale!
Korben Dallas: I thought Romulan Ale was against the law?
Judge Dreddlock: AYYYyy UMMMmm DAAAAaa LAWWWWww....
Korben Dallas: (pats Dredd on his helmet) Yeah, we know buddy.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6fGOUOzcwzc/VhzkwjY5rWI/AAAAAAAAD2g/kZ8g-R5Yk5c/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG)
Capt Khyrk: There... they are! Its... those... psychotic... Genestealers again! They... must... have... followed us to this planet!
For full post see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/10/squat-trek-episode-1-forgotten-planet.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/10/squat-trek-episode-1-forgotten-planet.html)
-
The minis & terrain look TERRIFIC...I always loved the Dwarfs In Space!, but shouldn't this be in the Future Wars Section?
-
Not a real Sci-Fi fan, but hey I didn't like dwarfs before your fantastic thread either! It looks promising already! :)
Cool little guys, hope they'll find a nice place to live now their homes are destroyed..
-
Seasons Greetings From The Dwarves Of Moria
Taken from post here at
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/12/seasons-greetings-from-dwarves-of-moria.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/12/seasons-greetings-from-dwarves-of-moria.html)
Contrary to popular belief, Moria is not yet dead. (Not even mostly dead...)
Distant stirrings and rumors of longbeards and their fat stuntie feet abound in that dark dank undermountain kingdom. The faint sounds of beer steins clinking and forks on plates laden with mutton chop can be heard. And soon, the tide of good ole Dwarven industry will once again populate this once forgotten city.
This blog has been quiet, it is true, but not for lack of trying. In the absence of new posts, this Dwarf loving heart has dreamt of all the good plans that will unfold in due time. In fact, the doors are set to burst with new arrivals and battle reports in the new year.
I couldnt let the year end without at least one more new Moria related post to send off 2015.
Luckily, I have had these fellas below painted from a good month or two ago. They had not been able to get on camera until now. They have been good lads waiting patiently for their patron to take them out of their storage case. Well the lights are on, the camera is charged, and I am on my feet again... at last.
May your axe be ever sharp and your mug never empty!
Happy Holidays from Moria,
Mar
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJ6ae39acgo/VnrgBhxO0jI/AAAAAAAAD7I/pJBkAT6TTzk/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG)
The Dwarven miners are determined to have some holiday cheer in the face of adversity and certain Orcish invasion. They are debating which tree would make a good yule totem. Im not sure Treebeard and the Ents of Fangorn forest would approve. But then again, it is the the season to be cheerful! But before axe could be laid to bark, a high shrill whistle resounds and the perfect tree uproots itself and begins walking into the warm and cozy Dwarven hall. What few Dwarven children remain in Moria are surprised to see a yule totem plant itself right in the middle of the Great Feasting Chamber.
High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer: Hmm, Im guessing a certain Grey wizard was able to put in a good word in our behalf to the tree folk.
Runelord Kragg: Yes, Sire. Which means Gandalf could me nearby. I sure hope he drops into Moria sooner than later. I could use some lessons in his Fire Magicks. Could come in handy against that juggernaut of an Orc siege that is about to crush us.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tofaTqUqrA/VnrgGnJg32I/AAAAAAAAD7Y/Q7ET5MtSE18/s1600/IMG_2252.JPG)
Here are some old school Citadel miners from the 80s.
In the center is Foreman Brisket.
He is the bossman (bossdwarf?) of Union Local Number 674 of the Miners Fellowship.
Foreman Brisket: Big Ass Mug Holder 674, reporting in...
All the Dwarven Miners: Hooo Ahhh!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOqlJgyLnX8/VnrgFbF_fDI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/hrhgRZIJmgk/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG)
On the left is a Hasslefree Dwarf(?) with new fangled eye tech for night vision. No greenskin is gonna be surprising this well prepared miner.
And on the right is a fella with a bucket. Handy for lugging precious ore around. Gold nuggets, mithril nuggets, diamonds and rubies. Hey there fella, what you got in your bucket today? Oh, well Bugmans Beer will do in a pinch too, I suppose...
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VnQQ7EujPwc/VnrgQUdwMZI/AAAAAAAAD7g/aXpOAPz-TDE/s1600/IMG_2254.JPG)
And finally we have these 6 miners from the 90s era. Here at the Moria Reclamation Project we dont discriminate. All Dwarves of any era and manufacture have a place at our table. Long as they're willing and able to put an axe into a goblin, they are most definitely welcome.
--------------
So there you have it, some fine new additions to the roster here in Moria. And if you recall from a previous post, these guys really do need to find their way to wherever Gimli is at. You might recall Gimli and his commanders had just discovered some lovely Mines that need... err... mining.
Until next post!
Oh I leave you with this little ditty written by a fine old bloke some time ago...
"O! wandering folk, the summons heed!
Come haste! Come haste! across the waste!
The king of friend and kin has need.
Now call we over mountains cold,
'Come back unto the caverns old'!
Here at the Gates the king awaits,
His hands are rich with gems and gold.
The king is come unto his hall
Under the Mountain dark and tall."
- Song for The King Under The Mountain
-
How I've missed this!! Good to see this thread getting updated again!!
-
Oldhammer Halflings, Hasslefree Dwarves, and New Terrain
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/oldhammer-halflings-hasslefree-dwarves.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/oldhammer-halflings-hasslefree-dwarves.html)
Hail fellows and well met!
This blog will be getting some love and updates again. Huzzah!
Ive been rebasing all my figures from 25mm round to 20mm squares. That can only mean one thing… Im moving from skirmish gaming to mass combat fantasy.
This blog started with:
– 28mm LOTR/Song of Blades/basic D&D dungeon skirmish, then became
– an Oldhammer 1st edition game blog, with larger and larger units
As my retro lead miniatures collection has grown, my gaming table will now also expand in scope.
Ive got alot of new terrain for battles above ground. Time to take the battle out of the dungeons, my little stunties. Similar to how Expert D&D to Basic, its about the Overland Wilderness adventure.
The time has also come for my rules set to be upgraded as well. From now on, the story of the Dwarves of Moria will be told through the lens of…
7th edition Warhammer Fantasy Battle, with the 6th Edition Ravening Hordes booklet for army lists.
Onwards to some pics…
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L2vD5RDjn6U/Vz5k355gA6I/AAAAAAAAEO4/uiWiZdlz4pE-pnhQBncf-UUPdI74JdLPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG)
An idyllic farmland on the southern borders of the Shire. A motley force of Hobbits approaches a group of Dwarves marching to Moria. They trade news of happenings in the wide world.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6wzcuOO9wEo/Vz5k0BRmAsI/AAAAAAAAEO0/CWtRH9a3c8Uc4S7DDmwBaW8KqjHRYLAiACLcB/s1600/IMG_2481.JPG)
Lobelia Sackville Baggins has taken command of the Shire Militia.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMPc9VmjUGw/Vz5k8bQthKI/AAAAAAAAEO8/3Nt6rl5dMY8qR3FeQOOuv1ThQxBH-0K_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_2482.JPG)
Despite the fact that most of them are eating, drinking, or smoking pipeweed, the Hobbit Militia can be a dangerous foe. Especially when motivated by the ever present threat of Lobelia's broom.
For the rest of the post see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/oldhammer-halflings-hasslefree-dwarves.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/oldhammer-halflings-hasslefree-dwarves.html)
-
Hey nice looking game!
Could you tell me how to build those green fields?
btw:
I like your narrative style to present your figures!
cheers
GS
-
GS,
Thanks buddy! The green fields and wheat/barley fields are door mats. The game mat itself is European Enhanced Fields from Hotz Mats, whom by the way also do similar crop fields. But I have only seen those in pics, not in person. Door mats are the way to go, if you find the right kind.
-
Yayy an update finally! !! :) :)
I'm curious to the adventures in the Shire, but I hope as well we'd still hear from Pickles, Nindalf, the Mother of Dragons and the rest.
But I'm sure wherever the story takes place, it will be great!
-
LordOdo,
Hey buddy! Yup, I will be doing alot more regular updates again.
Ive had some troubles with my health lately, but the medics have patched me up for battle again.
You cant keep a good Dwarf down. And if we do go down, just like good ol' Balin, we come back as Chaos Dwarves. ;D
Oh and dont worry, all of our old friends will be making a come back. And like any good wargaming collection, they are being rebased.
I just hope next year, I dont switch to Age of Sigmar and end up rebasing to rounds again. o_o
-
Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/dwarfs-from-iron-claw-essex-grenadier.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/dwarfs-from-iron-claw-essex-grenadier.html)
Old School Lead: Dwarfs From Iron Claw, Essex
Sculpted by the great Bob Olley.
Are these fellas really Chaos Dwarfs? Lets examine them...
Even more Dwarf reinforcements are on their way to Moria. First up are 24 Dwarfs made up from a mix of old school lead from Iron Claw and also from Essex Miniatures. While they are from 2 different companies, they are both sculpted by Bob Olley and are virtually indistinguishable from one another. In fact, after putting them together as a unit, I have forgotten which are Iron Claw and which are from Essex.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWpHJ0VQxKQ/V01B8zFSNaI/AAAAAAAAES0/PlMlbPkXRTgur3DJ5GahjfcEAsX0L0nOgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2532.JPG)
The Iron Claw Dwarfs are sold as "Gothic Dwarfs". But Essex sells them as "Chaos Dwarfs". At first, I didnt think of these fellas as Chaos looking. In my blog's fluff, at this point at least, Chaos Dwarves have not yet been ostracized from the rest of Dwarf society. Which is fortunate for Balin, Lord of Moria who has been resurrected by the Fell Gods of Chaos. I myself wonder how Balin will be treated by the Dwarf Kings Thorgrim, Kazador, Gorrin, and others. Also I believe Prince Ulther has a special rule about Chaos Dwarves, something about a tradition handed down to him to hunt them. Oh, its the Frenzy special rules that apply to Prince Ulther's Imperial Dwarves when fighting Chaos Dwarves.
At any rate, lets investigate these Iron Claw/Essex Dwarfs further before judgement…
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVOXy8RvUaM/V01B5IXh8zI/AAAAAAAAESw/I_nlAhPFHpI2GNGxP0g51KVCYBUoCNUHACLcB/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG)
Ok, let me discuss these guys from left to right.
1) Skeletor helmet dwarf does look Chaos-y, I will admit.
2) The Dwarf wizard Peter the Hermit is holding an upside down imp and thats pretty cool. Is he about to sacrifice it or just scold the lil fella?
3) Next we have the Grandmaster Jacques De Solay with his fancy "Order of the Golden Sun" Helmet which means he is the Grand Poobah of this Lodge.
4) Our banner bearer here does look a bit ominous looking. Perhaps a Nurglish banner, but the head at the top reminds me of a D&D Oni Mage, so perhaps its a Tzeentchian banner. Ooh, btw the new Warhammer Quest has a Oni trollish looking monster.
5) Drummer here has a skull drum and bone drumsticks. Mahabone, brothers!
6) This fella has an eyepatch. One eye. Osiris reference, anyone? There is a definite and peculiar symbolism in this unit which an Inquisitor needs to look into. (Perhaps with an Ordo Hereticus team and a couple of Virus bombs in orbit, just in case…)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVOv85yAkRI/V01B1Y94KSI/AAAAAAAAESs/vTp-PMQ1Qd41O9BB5P0T8OfGyOJj9alEQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG)
Bane: "Theatricality and deception are powerful agents to the uninitiated… but we are initiated, aren't we Bruce? Members of the League of Shadows"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OereikkipVw/V01CFrpntRI/AAAAAAAAES8/LkXOt8vlEVUChfji_DCJzXidkprwcizngCLcB/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG)
Jack the Ripper: "These symbols, the mitre, the pentacle star, even someone as ignorant and degenerate as you can sense that they course with energy and meaning. I am that meaning. I am that energy"
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/dwarfs-from-iron-claw-essex-grenadier.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/dwarfs-from-iron-claw-essex-grenadier.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/dwarf-valkyries-drunk-rangers.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/dwarf-valkyries-drunk-rangers.html)
Dwarf Valkyries & Drunk Rangers
A Dwarf Lady Warhammer unit, my version of Bugmans Rangers, and some good ol' fashioned Dwarven warmachines in this post!
Greetings, dear readers!
On this post, we show off some Dwarven womenfolk, some good ol' fashioned warmachines, some Bugmans Brewery Rangers, and finally an update on Balin, Lord of Moria.
The great rebasing project continues. Soon enough, all of my Dwarves will be on square bases. Then we need to move on to the Orcs, Dark Elves, Undead, Dragons, etc. Not to mention, there are loads of new painted and unpainted forces to bolster the enemies of Moria! In time, all these will be revealed. Then we can do some battle reports and move forward with the story fluff. So patience, young padawans. Good things are on the way.
Onwards to pics…
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff-yRtTqDto/V01YFXC23yI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/hhKuMRVYyQUr-NJ_jSttVnj7ENnK3NLmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2552.JPG)
At last, Dwarven Womenfolk are here. This unit is called the Valkyries of Valaya. Valaya is the Dwarf goddess of healing and protection.
Astute readers of this blog may recognize that Bertha and Penny from the Dungeon Chef adventure are now in this unit. The Dwarf barmaid from the Party of Special Magnificence, as well as 3 of the Hasslefree girls have also joined and become founding members of the Valkyries.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz_Hdf-lVPc/V01YIkaqFLI/AAAAAAAAEUU/hFIxYdpOm_oOwRQqCVs4EaeFk1yq-mhhwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2553.JPG)
On the far left is a Stonehaven Dwarf paladin-dress, paladrina, or perhaps a she-paladin?
Next is Chef Bertha with her famous and feared Cleaver of +1 Mutton Chopping,
Next is Brienne of PopTart the High Priestess of Valaya, (not to be confused with Brienne of Tarth, which is understandable since both of them are exceptionally tall and imposing women of their respective races)
and finally on the far right, we have Penny the Sharpshooter with her trusty crosbow.
Gimli: "It's true you don't see many Dwarf-women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, that they are often mistaken for Dwarf-men."
Aragorn: [whispering to Eowyn] "It's the beards."
Gimli: "And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no Dwarf-women, and that Dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground!"
[Eowyn laughs]
Gimli: "Which is, of course, ridiculous"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BeFTZ3DYjOo/V01ZDICEZyI/AAAAAAAAEVY/iS9qn8XFcYU7dSV0IT3vlVPAIMRt4KGawCLcB/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG)
Bugmans Rangers. Rangers lead the way!
Alright, they arent the Bugmans Rangers Box set of which I believe there are 3 versions (Pre Slotta, Oldhammer, & 90s). But, Im using the 6th edition army book to create a Bugmans Rangers unit that doesnt have crossbows, or 2 handed weapons, nor shields. Hmm, they are more brewers and drunks than Rangers, actually. But, hey! They are still excellent at moving through woods and forests. And they have the excellent Beer Cart in its new green basing scheme to accompany them. But dont fear, I have a list. And on that "list of stuff to acquire" is a proper Bugmans Rangers box set, among other things. A Gob Lobber box, Dwarf Renegades, Dwarf Kings Court, and 80s Fellowship of the Ring, are also on that list. In fact the Fellowship is going to come in mighty handy with the fluff I have planned. Middle Earth, you are doomed! Doomed, I say!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWu3zfpfziE/V01Yi5q-qGI/AAAAAAAAEUs/qsxuwca6MH8mgwWliW9mwz7dLr7ZuDzKACLcB/s1600/IMG_2564.JPG)
And what Ranger unit is complete unless it has cooks.
This army marches on its stomach… with beer and beer basted ribs.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BGHkrRUditc/V01YsN-lGnI/AAAAAAAAEU4/U0Wy7pwY328TmtXV96YGVNhWmZq6Oow_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG)
Now for an updated look at Balin and his boys.
Balin's forces are not only rebased, but they are also growing in numbers!
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/dwarf-valkyries-drunk-rangers.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/dwarf-valkyries-drunk-rangers.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-rest-of-rebased.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-rest-of-rebased.html)
The Rest Of The Rebased
Whew, rebasing is hard work.
But here are the last of the Dwarfs who needed switching from round to square.
I do need to make or buy some movement trays.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HNHAyU6Jzhg/V0_KmEBMwkI/AAAAAAAAEV0/lmTMNr3ZVw8TdgdwA3_h8cXIjWqF0nJRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG)
Overview of alot of stunties.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--i1L6_Tveg4/V0_KnPV5pbI/AAAAAAAAEV4/fbO5DktMiXQ3-70BKMVzsgNjYVmsMMuxACLcB/s1600/IMG_2572.JPG)
The Dwarf battle lines in depth.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baJ6svtyKEc/V0_KgjL7faI/AAAAAAAAEVw/eVIUyK3h77kvSiBTmkQkS65RYj3FPCgOACLcB/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG)
High King Kazador on his Throne of Power.
He is talking strategy with his 4 trusted counselors:
Kragg the Grim, Runelord (back left),
Burlok Damminson, Guildmaster Engineer (front left),
Ungrim Ironfist, the Slayer King (back right),
Joseph Bugman, Brew Master (front right)
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-rest-of-rebased.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-rest-of-rebased.html)
-
WOW don't know how I've missed this thread up until now but it's absolutely awesome. Dwarves were my first army when I began playing WFB in the late 80s. You're miniatures bring back some lovely memories.
-
Two kings are called Kazador?
Either way a fantastic army, although I seem to miss Grumpy, Pickles and Gloin...
-
The Dwarven Horde looks WONDERFUL. There are a lot of Old Friends in the mix, all BEAUTIFULLY painted. OUTSTANDING WORK!
-
Thanks all,
Deafnala, any praise from you is humbling, sir.
LordOdo, How could I have insulted the High King Thorgrim? He will never forget. Afterall he does carry the Book of Grudges.
But you LordOdo, you deserve a prize, my friend for spotting a mistake! I shall edit my blog post and immortalize your name therein and proclaim you Dwarf-Friend.
You can check the blog post to see the newly edited fix. But here is the addition:
Edit: Please note that I, Mars Minis, made the terrible mistake of calling Thorgrim as Kazador. This mistake was spotted by LordOdo (of the Lead Adventure Forum). LordOdo, is now given the Dwarf Eagle's Eye award and is proclaimed Dwarf-Friend by official decree and may visit the Kingdom of Moria at any time. I, however must shave my beard in shame... I really do need to shave, it really is getting quite unruly and scruffy.
-
:D
Being a dwarf-friend I shall open my own thread about dwarfs soon!
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/citadel-imperial-dwarf-box-set-more.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/citadel-imperial-dwarf-box-set-more.html)
I have got my hands on an Oldhammer Citadel set from the 80s.
Its the Prince Ulther Imperial Dwarves!
I have had 18 of them for awhile now, but didnt have the box itself. So I jumped at the chance to get another 18 of them but this time with the box.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67ybjCmhBdY/V33S7CmU4XI/AAAAAAAAEYU/g1JbBTHsYoEmWWmmQGK4MIDzDM3Br5DqQCLcB/s1600/box%2Bfront.JPG)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UEIMm0o3wHs/V33S2CDUGJI/AAAAAAAAEYM/03iSwru9SM4iWxkehoEtzwuxCL0SHRMigCLcB/s1600/box%2Bback.JPG)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uS1Lctt0Czw/V33SdVea0oI/AAAAAAAAEX0/bL_0e0N5KTcIceP724MUdZAVLxwlnvb5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2603.JPG)
Here are the 2 figures I had been missing. A musician and Prince Ulther himself.
All this time I thought I had Prince Ulther, but actually I had the unit champion, Borri Forkbeard.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3VbWMoRNNk/V33SiepDmWI/AAAAAAAAEX8/4x3zdnf2OUkRBN05_osxZvYddxUslsUxgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2604.JPG)
So, here is a pic of all 36 Imperial Dwarves I now have.
As you can see, Runelord Kragg has joined this unit.
Front rank from left to right: 2 troopers, musician, banner, Prince Ulther, Runelord Kragg, Borri Forkbeard, 2 troopers.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ostxp4vO_YM/V33SGCOl2HI/AAAAAAAAEXg/fnux6yAdZ2UGcQj2TkoZhyXHS3-TWs-PQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG)
Here is another newly painted Dwarf. Boren the Hunter with his trusty feline companion.
He might be a druid, or a ranger, but he is definitely a rat trapper.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Foi-8_vzymk/V33SQkNsNII/AAAAAAAAEXo/hgLavZybGNw9JWLn6r7qkx72Cdw6K6JIACLcB/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG)
So Boren joins the ranks of the Rangers alongside Josef Bugman himself.
Front rank left to right: The Beercart, 2 drunk dwarves, Pickles the Mapmaster, Josef Bugman, Stonewall Jarlson, Finlay the Bagpiper.
For the rest of the post, see here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/citadel-imperial-dwarf-box-set-more.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/citadel-imperial-dwarf-box-set-more.html)
-
So great!!! This thread (your blog) really is one of my favourites to read!! :-*
-
Taken from:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/army-of-moria-with-video.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/army-of-moria-with-video.html)
Short update today, but this time with a video!
I took out all the painted Dwarves I have on my shelves and the current muster is at 453.
Its just been a lil over a year since I began my retro delving into Oldhammer goodness and I still feel like there is just so much more to do and stunties yet to purchase and paint. Gotta catch em all!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c702UvsSzWQ/V4XLYOMc38I/AAAAAAAAEZA/ZX28zWastrwuHea3PZtIC1et7WTCPh4JACLcB/s1600/IMG_2618.JPG)
And here is the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbgmZpDjcOE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbgmZpDjcOE)
Which could be a lot better, I admit.
But the music is inspiring!
The Dwarven Empire will reach the limits of glory.
I do need to find a Dwarven Napoleon figure, I think I remember seeing one sometime ago.
In the next post I will show off all the enemies of our stuntie heroes... the Axis of Evil! Orcs, Undead and Dark Elves.
-
Balrog's Army Of Darkness
Taken from:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/balrogs-army-of-darkness-pics-and-video.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/balrogs-army-of-darkness-pics-and-video.html)
So another quick update with another video.
This time its the armies of darkness which have vowed to destroy the heroic Dwarves...
its Balrog and his Axis of Evil!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIK2gJ-jHGE/V4Y_LhRrwXI/AAAAAAAAEZU/AfSLJPOM9fQrm3lEy0SXoG88r2UcSWo0QCLcB/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG)
An overview of the Army of Darkness
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7GoQhxfvFhs/V4ZAiQicTYI/AAAAAAAAEZk/C196XINSRbE9rbSnwh1EGkd2Qltr4mM4ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2640.JPG)
Mr B.
Balrog.
Mighty Overlord of Evil.
I hear he cooks a mean barbecue though...
Video is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR7Gfr1uF-0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR7Gfr1uF-0)
For the rest of the post and pics see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/balrogs-army-of-darkness-pics-and-video.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/07/balrogs-army-of-darkness-pics-and-video.html)
-
Oldhammer Orc on Tusker & 80s LOTR Uruk-Hai
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/oldhammer-orc-on-tusker-80s-lotr-uruk.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/oldhammer-orc-on-tusker-80s-lotr-uruk.html)
In this post, another 32 painted Oldhammer Greenskins joins the Horde.
Plus we show off some surprising non-Orc allies/slaves?
So lets start with a painted gallery of figures, and in the second half... some fluff for the impending battle report!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCOnVKIecrc/V6GviGubQ5I/AAAAAAAAEfc/cLupEs7KShcmja3ELJzgKCiRaVInauwswCLcB/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG)
Left to Right: General Remulak on Orc Tusker, General Snarktail on Wolf.
Remulak comes from a rare Orc species known as the Conehead Orcs. They are more intelligent than the average Orc greenskin. Their unusual head shape unfortunately also makes Conehead children the target for lots of Orc bullying. However, the survivors that make it to adulthood end up being the most cunning and cruel of greenskins. Remulak rides an Orc Tusker, a creature from a forgotten time, the Pre Slotta age. This figure comes from the legendary Fiend Factory line from Citadel's Pre Slotta era.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nliwyqFYBVs/V6GvmtQulXI/AAAAAAAAEfg/g7QOgoivtvk2Mq9Hgc6MMDiKSmOo0LQCwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2711.JPG)
80s LOTR Uruk-Hai.
From left to right: Uruk Hai guard, Captain Gorgo, Uruk Hai guard.
These 3 Uruk Hai are vintage Citadel ME-44 Uruk Hai Guards. They are the leaders of a unit known as The Uruk Fireballs. Captain Gorgo is related to the Gor Brothers. They come from Fireball Island, a volcanic rock in the middle of Lake Nurnen in Mordor.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jt2MQTRdYZc/V6GwPiUKxII/AAAAAAAAEgM/ejZCuB1Y2ygsmTik3m82QmHs_MJq0qZHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2721.JPG)
Somewhere on the southern border of the Shire. An Orc General on his Tusker and his Uruk Hai underlings have just found out that their Elephant beastman is missing.
"What do you mean you lost the Mumak? Its a bloody giant beastie!" the Orc General Remulak screams at his soldiers from atop his Tusker.
"We last saw him grazing near the Shire - you know, that green flowery happy place that makes us Orcs sick to our gullets." says one Uruk.
"Yeah we hate happy places!" says another Uruk.
"Assemble the Horde!" says Remulak.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_GEN306RPIU/V6GwYWBm_BI/AAAAAAAAEgU/N1asZKx_4OwZF0tn-FGYcX5MmIMwAHjhwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2723.JPG)
The hills are surrounded with more orcs than you can shake an axe at!
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/oldhammer-orc-on-tusker-80s-lotr-uruk.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/oldhammer-orc-on-tusker-80s-lotr-uruk.html)
~~~
-
WONDERFUL miniatures & FANTASTIC terrain...these are the sort of games I dreamed about when I was an active gamer. OUTSTANDING & INSPIRING STUFF!
-
Now who's the gobbo big boss; Skarsnik or Snarktail?
And am I right if I say the Orc lord on the pig doesnt have a name yet?
Another wonderfull addition to a lovely project!! For the first time ever I might be tempted to get some orcs.. ;D
-
Thanks buddies!
*bows to DeafNala*
LordOdo,
Skarsnik commands the Night Goblins, Snarktail commands the Wolf Riders (who will be making their appearance very soon)
Yeah, that Orc General on Boar is still unnamed. Any ideas?
And here is the next post...
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part1-defenders-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part1-defenders-of.html)
Battle Of Longbottom, Part1 - Defenders Of The Shire
Ok, so I wanted some rangers for this battle, but I dont have any suitable Oldhammer lead. So forgive me if I must substitute some plastics in their stead. They are a mix of heroclix/horrorclix/mageknight/D&D minis, that I have repainted to my more grimy aesthetic. I really need to start branching out my old lead purchases to other races beside Dwarfs & Orcs.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_H8D0QSVpJo/V6G-Et_FysI/AAAAAAAAEhE/AWIck-IG1qsosdSnq_dnx4L6cbtk5GwXQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG)
Arya and her Dire Wolf Nymeria have been on the run from vicious Greenskin monsters. They were part of a unit of Rangers that were guarding Sarn Ford to the South. They were easily smashed aside by a large force of Orcs and Goblins. Gandalf the Grey had asked for the Rangers to guard the Shire. He never really mentioned why, and he hasnt been seen since. Radagast the Brown and Halbarad the Ranger were on a mission to Moria and havent been heard from either.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNpBBeWDJqw/V6G-JBl1KZI/AAAAAAAAEhI/Gy4lg_bpW-MZWcqjfh1EvUeEaMKXEohgACLcB/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG)
"We probably should resupply at Bree and wait for reinforcements from Ranger HQ," says Arya. "There isnt much we can do against that Horde. I did send a raven to Bear Island for some reinforcements, since they are closer than Fornost. Lets hope they answer the call."
The Rangers nod in agreement.
Melisandre looks into the distance. "There is no time! If we dont stop the Orcs here, they will burn the Shire, Bree, and eventually Rivendell itself. The Grey Wizard knew this and tasked us to stop this from happening. But how can we 5 stop them?"
"Well, perhaps we arent alone in this fight, afterall. Look!" says Arya, pointing towards a gathering crowd.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MsNmyoOAILw/V6G-WJqklKI/AAAAAAAAEhU/wiBm8NcLZB0zXiwmX-AN16L0SokpnkEdgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2735.JPG)
A trumpet sounds! But its not a trumpet, its a friendly Mumak! The Hobbits have come! And many Stunties from the Blue Mountains.
The Dwarves are on their way to Moria to help defend their fledgling colony there. The road to Moria is blocked with Greenskins so they grudgingly unite against a common foe.
While they have no love for Elves, they will fight alongside them, just for the sake of the Hobbits. The Beer for Pipeweed trade agreement between the races is well known, but more than that, the Dwarves have actually grown fond of the hairy footed halflings of the Shire.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4WvoBhpZlk/V6G-rcoP1lI/AAAAAAAAEhs/eynWwWxRQ0AaiZ2KBtT-NO6q-pXJ3gKCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG)
And here are the defenders of the Shire. They may be outnumbered, but they are valiant!
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part1-defenders-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part1-defenders-of.html)
-
Wow, lovely minis you have there. I like the way they work together visually, and the background to the battle was very fun to read. I can´t wait to see the battle unfold.
o_o
-
Only one thing that isn't fantastic - gunpowder weapons. No Dwarvern gunpowder in middle earth - that's for Gandalf's fireworks or used by nasty goblins.
-
Moshes,
Thanks buddy.
jon_1066,
Fortuitous timing buddy! I have been meaning to make a blog post about all the crazy things that have happened/ is happening in my Moria wargame campaign.
Just to get all the new readers up to "snuff" on the current state of it.
My wargame blog isnt a "historical" recreation of Lord of the Rings, its a parody of all things Dwarven fantasy related.
In fact, gunpowder weapons is probably the least crazy thing.
Cut and paste from my notes... and away we go...
Hey buddies!
How about a list of the craziest things happening on my Moria blog (and their implications!)
Lets see...
1 Balin has been brought back to life by the 4 Chaos Gods!
2 Game of Thrones characters are running around Middle Earth!
3 Game of Thrones characters are running around Middle Earth WITH Crom the god of Conan's people, Beowolf killer of Grendel, and Temudjin aka Jenghis Khan, a real historical person, among aothers!
4 Dwarven wizards!
5 Dungeons and Dragons creatures like the beloved Beholder is hoping to live a peaceful life in Forodwaith.
6 D&D Drow live in Moria!
7 One of those Drow is Elric Of Melnibone who has been magically transformed into his present predicament (Eternal Champions are coming if I can get a vintage box of it!)
8 Deep below Moria, the world opens up as an Inner Earth primordial jungle where dinosaurs live and its called the Savage Earth, where the X-Men sometimes end up!
9 And there are Monkeys down there too, from the Planet of the Apes!
10 There is a cult trying to wake Cthulhu from his slumber... again, at the bottom of Moria!
11 Sleeping Cthulhu is still transmitting a beacon 40,000 years later and is the real reason the Tyranids are attacking the Galaxy!
12 The Dwarf known as Pickles is actually carrying around the Marauders Map from Hogwarts!
13 Time Bandit Dwarfs are about to enter the craziness because they want to get their map back from Pickles! (Which means the Maruaders map belongs to... the Supreme Being!)
And there you go! A baker's dozen of crazy things happening in my wargame club's Moria campaign.
-
Yeah, that Orc General on Boar is still unnamed. Any ideas?
Seeing his Roman(ish) helmet id go with something like Cezargh or Nerorc.
Or more in Westeros theme, because of the Boar it could be Robborr Baratheorc... :p
-
Impressive!
-
Battle Of Longbottom parts 2, 3, & 4 are up now on my blog.
Warhammer AAR.
Its that Oldhammer essence with 7th edition smoothness.
Part 2:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part2-deployment.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part2-deployment.html)
Part 3:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part3-greenskins.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part3-greenskins.html)
Part 4:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part4-conclusion.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/battle-of-longbottom-part4-conclusion.html)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DvpNtil4Pg0/V68CO-JPn7I/AAAAAAAAEiU/83Zv4bEWUBgom6Tcr8UO0pdKhX3n4VVWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2745.JPG)
On the Western edge of Longbottom is the Ironshoe Mercantile. It is a Hobbit-owned merchant Outpost that many freefolk use to trade goods and merchandise. Mostly, its Dwarf Beer for Shire Pipeweed, although the Elves try to export their salad and environment friendly hair products too.
The Elves have deployed here on the furthest flank and beside them are the resilient and grim Grenadier Dwarves. Luckily for the alliance there is a common enemy approaching. Still, some glances are exchanged between the pointy-ears and the stunties. The Dwarves are resolved to outdo the Elves in killing more Greenskins.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UpfEED3h1rM/V68CIUidEmI/AAAAAAAAEiQ/tLwg1oBqOKYQ8YO7PWsC3pG6OTmZPnoaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG)
Here is the center, the main road that leads North to the center of the Shire.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BvtOwr1zN0E/V68XEy-9PNI/AAAAAAAAEjc/P3vPdobv-uk1R2osHPdXHvmn0KRXaJ4_gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG)
Night Goblin fanatics launch out of Skarsnik's unit! Two of them hit the Band of the Hawk!
Dice are rolled and.... 6 hits... for 6 wounds. No armor saves allowed... devastating. The Hawks make a successful roll for panic and stand their ground, but a whole rank is lost.
For the whole battle report, see links above.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Poor allies.. i hope the avengers will take some revenge soon!
My compliments to general Remulak though, as he seems to to know what he's doing; a very clean victory!
-
Great stuff!
-
I always baulk slightly at mixing miniatures from different eras and manufacturers, but these show how silly that is. Those armies are like the history of Warhammer across several editions and all fit together perfectly well.
-
LordOdo,
Those Orcs did indeed have some good strategies up their sleeves there. But some bad dice are what really sealed it for the alliance.
I'd like to say things are going to look better for them. But the next post coming in a few minutes is actually more bad news for the Hobbits!
Warburton,
Thanks buddy!
Humorous_Conclusion,
I was of the same persuasion just a few years ago... I was proud of my all plastic, all Warhammer armies on one shelf, and all my other figures on their own separate shelves. And never the twain or more shall meet! But I broke down that wall and my sanity, it seems!
-
Shelob & Stranger Things
Arachnophobic? Cmon... Shelob is adorable!
And she wants you... yes YOU... to click on in!
Look at the wittle Forest Gobbos piggy back riding on the spider!
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/shelob-stranger-things.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/shelob-stranger-things.html)
Hey buddies, Im happy to announce the arrival of the Spider Queen herself...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uMNxWyEanIo/V7D_XyiY2EI/AAAAAAAAEls/NuJpT-XvpYUhYWShpCh4A4HxXHkrJ_3EACLcB/s1600/IMG_2788.JPG)
In the Old Forest... an ancient evil has come. All the way from the pass of Cirith Ungol, in the Dark Lands of Mordor, a many legged Goddess of Darkness has come to find creatures to feed upon. But the Old Forest is not her final destination. Where is she heading to?
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6a7ixdwCQk/V7D_R4kZ0BI/AAAAAAAAElk/ka67-J9BFKspducJITRBqEaMXvGKv0P5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2789.JPG)
Shelob is on the search for new food. Mordor is a nice place and all, but alot of the best restaurants in Middle Earth dont deliver there and the local dives are kinda samey. But Shelob has heard of the Shire and its inhabitants... the plump and scrumptious Hobbits. Plus Sauron has been putting out a reward for some Hobbit called Baggins. So if the Shire doesnt provide food delivery, Shelob is coming to feast! And get some rewards from the Dark Lord too!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zo45Ds8qfEY/V7D_iA2-JLI/AAAAAAAAEl4/B2h-CqWih3oVbcCFliIG59NB9L-1rLO4ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG)
Once a long time ago, when Shelob was a young and rebellious teenager, she did visit the Misty Mountains and all the Frost Giants came out and gave her a hard time. They thought she might be a tasty treat herself. She showed them that their bad neighborhood is nothing compared to The Dark Lands and proceeded to hand out ass-whoopins - Mordor style! Then proceeded to give the Hill Giants gang... and the Fire Giant gang a beatdown too!
The Giants never forgot her and the Fire Giant King, Snurre Ironbelly, wanted to make her an honorary member of their gang - the Spider Queen of the Barrio. Instead, she went looking for some gang of Northern Dragons to bully. Some say, those Giants want to make a comeback. But who will fight.... G-1-2-3 "Against The Giants"?
~~~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/shelob-stranger-things.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/shelob-stranger-things.html)
-
Quite a sizeable model, is it a GW creation?
-
Is Melkor himself somewhere kicking around, and if so will he come and say hi?
Either way an awesome addition to your fantastic blog!
-
Argonor,
That my friend is an GW Arachnarok.
LordOdo,
Hmm... if there is anything on my blog that seems to be constant, its that anyone and everyone from anywhere might show up!
On a side note, Im sure you know that Melkor is the fallen Valar.
Well, you know about that Braavosi saying too?
Yup, Valar Morgulis.
See, its not just me, everything IS connected!
Where is my tin foil hat?
"Im Jesse Ventura, and Im going undercover to see whats really going happening in the Shire. I think its the HAARP system, and thermite paint..."
If any Valar are coming to this blog, I would like to see a show down between Valar Melkor and Valar Morghulis.
In a grudge match between all the armies of Middle Earth versus all the armies of Westeros.
Whoever wins gets a lifetime supply of Bugmans Brew, Longbottom Leaf pipeweed, Milk of the Poppy, and a season pass at the Baby Dragons petting zoo in Meereen.
-
This thread is bonkers.... and I salute it! lol
Some great models on show here and I love the mix of different manufacturers/eras.
-
Argonor,
That my friend is an GW Arachnarok.
Thanks, I suspected that it might be from the green critters clinging to its back lol
-
Very nice indeed
-
That is a big model. Love the painting, especially the eyes.
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/gravelord-wraith-raccoon-swamp-groot.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/gravelord-wraith-raccoon-swamp-groot.html)
Converted Wraith on horse, an undead beastman, and a sentient plant critter...
Presenting Gravelord, Wraith Raccoon, & Swamp Groot.
Even more characters to fight for Mordor. The Dwarves are doomed!
Pics and character fluff below...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAWtc07bq7k/V7EH8L4ufKI/AAAAAAAAEmo/fHJFvTI33E4wLcjQ-A4SUhGJgYefTzGHQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG)
This is Gravelord Nito.
He is a Wraith that I've converted/cobbled together from many parts. An unidentified skull was glued unto a shield and then I sculpted some ghostly flames around it. The lance arm is from an Empire General, the horse is from a Napoleonic Cuirassier. The head is an Elf head (I think) whose face got scrapped off. The cape is from a mounted Engineer? No idea about the torso. Its all spare parts found in my bits box. I think its appropriate for this Overlord of Undeath to arise from dead bits.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ1qWV8vIiQ/V7EIE7oF-XI/AAAAAAAAEm4/yyYqBGiccowJTL0Bbd0oN6n5jGK1IJZ7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2805.JPG)
Honda Civic, I've a horse outside
Subaru, I have a horse outside
Mitsubishi, I've a horse outside
If you're lookin for a ride I've a horse outside
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPTf50SitJI/V7EIJj1OJDI/AAAAAAAAEm8/HtlF_Loe3FIQBIOW9uYiUqeqOpfruz_qwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG)
Wraith Raccoon and Swamp Groot are ready to start some trouble in Middle Earth!
Wraith Raccoon: For over a thousand generations, the Deadeye Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttEv5U--BbI/V7EIMnDj07I/AAAAAAAAEnA/Z5QvcUXBD2oJRclkkCNRGxOm69DqnHZCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG)
Wraith Raccoon might be the last of his Order... the Order of the Deadeye Knights!
Hunted relentlessly, millennia ago by the God Emperor Sigmar and his twisted evil and human-centric Empire, the Deadeye Knights were a coalition of Beastmen creatures who are able to harness the power of the Force (err.. I mean Chaos, or the Warp, depending on which century Warhammer game it is!)
While Sigmar is long dead, the Empire still lives and Wraith Raccoon is fully dedicated to destroying it as soon as possible.
But if a few garbage cans happen to show up... What the hey... the Force can wait!
Raccoons have an instinctual love for all things trash can related!
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/gravelord-wraith-raccoon-swamp-groot.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/gravelord-wraith-raccoon-swamp-groot.html)
-
lol lol
The Deadeye Knights....
Love it!
:D
-
Where does it stop lol lol
Deadeye knights :) oh and wondering what Tom the riddler will come up with when the time is there.
And regarding the battle of the Valar; sounds like a serious endgame.. will Melkor beat Morghulis who might have been the successor of Melkor after his fall... :o
...Honda Civic, I've a horse outside...
https://youtu.be/mbyzgeee2mg
Don't underestimate a civic ;)
-
Mason,
May the Farce be with you!
LordOdo,
Yeah, I dont have a Voldemort figure in mind yet, but I suppose any wizard with his nose scraped off will fit the bill.
But before he comes into the blog, I plan on some minor characters from Hogwarts to appear first.
The last name of one fellow has been on the last couple of posts...
His hometown sadly was burned to the ground.
Melkor is probably just a Bloodthirster, and Morghulis is Death itself, so maybe a giant Grim Reaper of sorts.
Finally,
¸¸.•*¨*•♫ Never mind the car, let's talk about the henge... it is the greatest henge of all! ¸¸.•*¨*•♫
-
Awesome stuff! The tiles are 2x2 inch right? How thick are they?
-
Taken from full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/little-lady-mormont-bear-island.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/little-lady-mormont-bear-island.html)
Little Lady Mormont & the Bear Island Berserkers
Lady Mormont speaks harshly... but truly.
Enemies of the North beware!
Bear Island has received a summons for help from the Rangers of the North.
Lady Mormont is the leader of House Mormont - the rulers of Bear Island.
Will she answer the call to war?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btk5ZeY3_q8/V7QJ37eAGpI/AAAAAAAAEps/NqMxub0wMA4T0PSvcoJHU0O5HX2iqamlgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2844.JPG)
Left to Right: Tyrus Forel, Lady Mormont, House Mormont warrior
Lady Mormont: House Mormont has kept faith with House Isildur for a thousand years. We will not break faith today. We are not a large house, but we are a proud one... Everyone from Bear Island fights with the strength of ten mainlanders.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iibOWiyFYEQ/V7QJ_ziXaMI/AAAAAAAAEp4/vh0sPdK3TGMo8b21zyiyCrbBP2SXZZUOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG)
Close up of the Bear Island Standard
The motto of House Mormont is "Here We Stand"
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSujY2Dmsa4/V7QKXjoVVkI/AAAAAAAAEqQ/3V94PnRH5mUpizfUZi_Tqbh4xr2wc90xwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2856.JPG)
House Mormont is a minor House that is a vassal to House Stark of Winterfell and/or the House of Isildur. While the Starks lay claim to being the King of the North, the House of Isildur lays claim to the King of the Northern Kingdom, Arnor. Starks help the Rangers at the Wall, but the House of Isildur ARE Rangers themselves. The Starks might have a Valyrian Steel sword, but the House of Isildur has Narsil, the blade that cut the One Ring from the hand of Sauron the Dark Lord.
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/little-lady-mormont-bear-island.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/little-lady-mormont-bear-island.html)
-
Go house Mormont!
-
Taken from full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-company-of-wolves.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-company-of-wolves.html)
A Company Of Wolves - Goblin Wolf Riders
A pack of Wolf Riders appear!
Who doesnt love Gobbos on Doggies!
So, you must be wondering why Goblin General Snarktail was not present during the Battle of Longbottom.
Well, he was away gathering the wolves.
Its time to cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbTsWufAIEI/V7ET-R87tzI/AAAAAAAAEn8/LgQi3f_4YLQh3uxlClyTzKGbFVLb5XZUACLcB/s1600/IMG_2816.JPG)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_MUBp3uM3w/V7ET5o0pTXI/AAAAAAAAEn4/rE-lvo_FM0Ekv_p-xHxUJWX6Wx6qkIcogCLcB/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG)
The Psychedelic Furs are a unit of Goblin Wolf Riders with bows. They are cruel Gobbos who definitely dont think pink is a pretty color.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bs5acxwANDc/V7ET5nS8m6I/AAAAAAAAEn0/DHaMQyoPBHcYAhl0hrF-FYhdpQbfT-0nwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2817.JPG)
The Pet Shop Wolves are another unit of bow wielding Riders who are out to make a name for themselves in the wide world of Middle Earth. But they do remember where they came from; in a west end town in a dead end world.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw7QcqYkYns/V7EUNZaCxoI/AAAAAAAAEoI/yS0uX7R9uLIJXN8xzczc9QvYOzJUCKArQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG)
Thats right, you heard me... the Beastie Wolf Boyz.
They drink Brass Monkey and they rock well
They got a Castle in Brooklyn that's where they dwell
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-company-of-wolves.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-company-of-wolves.html)
-
The Ork boar boyz could still be the Backsteet Ork Boyz ;)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/dark-forces-in-old-forest.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/dark-forces-in-old-forest.html)
The Shire Campaign continues with some pre-battle background fluff.
Warhammer has never been so wacky!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d1nQ0sTM2jc/V7EaHlquo8I/AAAAAAAAEos/HvIlZ6waHuQ9QplsdAo9wixaF64XKRVoACLcB/s1600/IMG_2827.JPG)
Wraith Raccoon: You underestimate the power of the Dark Side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny!
Snarktail: I am now one of the Dark Overlords of the Universe.
Gravelord Nito: Ever danced with the Devil by the pale moonlight?
Swamp Groot: There was no alien. The flash of light you saw in the sky was not a UFO. Swamp gas from a weather balloon was trapped in a thermal pocket and reflected the light from Venus.
Everyone: ... (turning to look at Swamp Groot)
Swamp Groot: errr.... I am Swamp Groot?
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXGmeLNP-n4/V7EaLS8rBLI/AAAAAAAAEow/EdxxuXi-3a49Pxfo6w3vQon69UnpvScsQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2829.JPG)
Shelob: (dropping down from out of nowhere) Hey guys!
Everyone: Hey Shelob!
Shelob: Movie quote game? I sure do like playing games!
Snarktail: Yeah, Sauron is always saying that you play with your food alot.
Shelob: I heard about this Shire place you guys are going to. Can I come with?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4ieuDIeKw8/V7EaQHzDqpI/AAAAAAAAEo0/2FvlMn5RNcMFZDSnsjd9vYWVU1YRb9jbACLcB/s1600/IMG_2830.JPG)
Snarktail: Of course you can!
Shelob: Thanks little buddy! Im sorry I ate your cousin. Good food is hard to come by in Cirith Ungol.
Snarktail: No problem. And, ummm, you ate 7 of my cousins actually...
Shelob: Awkward...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EY_IC-Lr-xY/V7EaUp22tMI/AAAAAAAAEo8/nKzOB6uQQhYpEGsGggUhIBqj0JWcCqtxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG)
Wraith Raccoon: Eat your heart out, Gravelord Nito! My ride is extra wide! And tall! I can see forever from up here! All right you villains, lets get this party started! Those Hobbits arent going to eat themselves. Scouts, patrol up ahead! The rest of you line up behind the Big Spider.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/dark-forces-in-old-forest.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/dark-forces-in-old-forest.html)
-
Tales From The Beer Cart, Part 1 - (L)ost in Edhil
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/tales-from-beer-cart-part-1-lost-in.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/tales-from-beer-cart-part-1-lost-in.html)
An expedition into the hostile lands of Middle Earth for the most important quest of all....
A Quest for Beer!
Mars Miniatures presents... Tales from the Beer Cart!
This is a mini-campaign adventure that involves a Dwarven caravan travelling through the hostile lands of Middle Earth. I have decided not to take the standard AAR style of reporting, but instead focus on a narrative approach to the events. Because starting and stopping for pics during games are a pain. Im content to jot down notes during the game about key events, and then afterwards put some figures on the table for a photoshoot recreation. Im hoping it reads better, and looks better to boot.
So lets get this tale going...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0q_cbViRYXo/V8QFftmspVI/AAAAAAAAErA/CQ9296dee1kF0bDX8ZsFTo9_QCP9SovvwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2862.JPG)
The Dwarves of Moria have been under siege by the forces of evil Orcs, Dark Elves, and Undead. With neither side able to gain an advantage to destroy the other. The Dwarven defenses hold up time and time again.
Gimli and his expedition have returned to Easthold fortress to unite the Dwarves with Balins forces. But the war is still a deadly stalemate. But now their stocks of beer and food, but most importantly beer, are running low.
High King Thorgrim has commanded Bugman and his Beer Cart to head to the Blue Mountains for supplies and request more reinforcements from the Dwarves there. Bugman and his Rangers accept the mission, to the respect of all the Dwarves witnessing. It will be a dangerous trek, Bugman!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkTVpYogLFs/V8QFb-lNgzI/AAAAAAAAEq8/1Z_Oo-PuI7A_2cm4iSiHrUkQbfnXYAHqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG)
Pickles: (looking at his map) These are, or were, the ruins of an ancient elf city called Ost in Edhil. Hmm, they say the Rings of Power were forged there!
Bugman: Elves! Be on your guard then, boys.
Pickles: Not to worry there boss, the Elves of this city died long ago in the 2nd Age when Sauron led his armies through this area.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGEHcNOl7mI/V8QFy-8-i4I/AAAAAAAAErQ/Oseom7VYjlwaCkmOLw4o6X49mjrF-dANwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG)
Left to Right: Bugman, Baron Hawk, Kyra the Banshee
Bugman and Baron Hawk summon up the courage to approach it
Baron Hawk: Let us pass please? Miss....
Kyra the Banshee: I am Kyra, sister of the great Elf Celebrimbor, one of the Gwaith-i-Mírdain, who crafted the Rings of Power. While everyone knows of the Rings of Power, not everyone knows about the multitude of minor Rings that were made in Ost-In-Edhil. One of those Rings has been stolen from my grave and you Dwarves will help me recover it from the thieves.
Bugman: (squinting his eyes at the banshee) And what if we say no?
Kyra: You will... because we are allies, are we not? The great Dwarf Narvi was a friend to my brother and together they made the Doors of Durin in Moria. Also, because the way ahead is blocked by those villains who took my Ring. You will need my help to defeat them.
Baron Hawk: No offense, Miss Lady Kyra, but we now live in the 3rd Age. Elves and Dwarves in our age are... not allies, to put it mildly. Let me discuss this with the rest of the commanders first.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTTOWlhgZlQ/V8QF97KO5GI/AAAAAAAAErc/Q93truUZ1jk2mjc5tdxzWEOAvjAmc9LmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2874.JPG)
Ahead, the way is indeed blocked! By a multitude of Apes.
So many, you might even call them a host, assemblage, legion, or even a plenitude!
Dare I say... a Planet of the Apes!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BM6WIGMsM_g/V8QGCq6z6pI/AAAAAAAAErg/ZNIMdy7qW1IQ676zAOnmTXECkXssBzoHgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG)
Their leader is the legendary white ape called Barsoom.
Some say that isnt his name, but where he comes from.
He is intelligent and has Kyra's ring.
Why he has it, no one knows. It also gives him level 2 Amber Wizard powers in battle.
But he is chanting something near that Crystal Stonehenge.
Barsoom: Hear me army of Warhoon! Hear me army of Tharks! Fight for apes. Crush the stunties.
Kyra: He must be stopped before he opens a gate to another world!
Barsoom: No more Caesar, no more Koba. only Barsoom now and Barsoom is coming!
For the full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/tales-from-beer-cart-part-1-lost-in.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/tales-from-beer-cart-part-1-lost-in.html)
-
So much fun reading the background to this battle! lol
After that, I feel compel to do the same with my army of mercs, laying waste from Enroth to Calradia.
And these lovely minis... :-*
Good work, sir
-
Did she give Pickles the ring :o
Oh and everytime I see the Bugmans' Cart I'm so jealous.. it's way too expensive nowadays to add one to my collection :'(
Anways, keep up! :)
-
If you're still looking for a Gobbla to accompany Skarsnik I could maybe help you. Saw one around here for quite cheap, but it's already painted and a bit converted. If you're interested I could get a pic.
-
LordOdo,
How much is the "quite cheap" Gobbla?
-
Old School 80s Citadel Boromir & Perry Gondor Minis
Taken from full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-3-breaking.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-3-breaking.html)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vh0zXRm_J4g/V8x92DsTkmI/AAAAAAAAEtY/qUwFhvxQ4PEordjmovZ5VnHYedsVDFRyQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG)
Boromir: One does not simply walk out of Tharbad. Its roads are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil here that does not sleep, and the Night Hag is ever watchful.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UM0JGVBCYZE/V8x96w-etGI/AAAAAAAAEtc/evihOW2_H18nrxMg9cuI8NX5MBGJuwKgQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2906.JPG)
Pickles: Hmm... on the map this Tharbad place is actually also known as Carcosa?
See the full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-3-breaking.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-3-breaking.html)
-
Taken from full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-4-breaking.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-4-breaking.html)
Just in time for a Labor Day brew!
Its another Tales from the Beer Cart Part 4 - The Battle of Tharbad!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTD-xogjlTA/V8zL0Y8WMOI/AAAAAAAAEvI/RQ0dQG2dr18NEbA5d8WWhQSv1KJ_lrlCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG)
The Oddfellows get stuck in. Howling mad and frothing at the mouth, they smash into the defended wall.
Oddgit: Bring me their heads and shroom beer is on me, boys!
Death created time to grow the things that it would kill.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z2T3r5OI8F4/V8zLemzLkuI/AAAAAAAAEu0/RUdV4m1Q818WfXaru4HM4_X-EMSCINbGACLcB/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG)
The Night Hag cackles and prods the Shoggoth on.
The Shoggoth decides to try taking a bite out of the Dwarven lines.
The Dwarves do a quick head count.
Wasnt there another monster with the Night Hag?
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-4-breaking.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-4-breaking.html)
-
Awesome!! The cavalry was right on time, like always! :)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-5-sunny-day.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-5-sunny-day.html)
Food Cart and Picnic Table, Dwarven party feast!
Yummy Dwarf party feast!
Food carts and picnic table from Scotia Grendel.
Also, the Beer Cart adventures continue...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XC05_Y0da0/V9NbkpyTs6I/AAAAAAAAEwg/kzpqnKZN9L8yVwmqRFMSPqneLnMHgN4PwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2949.JPG)
These are resin cast pieces from Scotia Grendel.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JirzhWWFvU/V9NboYWg1pI/AAAAAAAAEwk/-sQdwsAUsgo5KM6UL9OkCMNdchNzX7kRwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2950.JPG)
Look at all the scrumptious foods in the food cart!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gnglbuIKwqg/V9Nb-pV3H5I/AAAAAAAAEw4/Fc4vh2t_AwYlbZA57ndrz1fyBxLg-M6iACLcB/s1600/IMG_2956.JPG)
Ok party people, the party is over, lets get moving!
Sarn Ford is near. Shire... here we come!
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-5-sunny-day.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-5-sunny-day.html)
-
Another Goblin spear unit - Giblet and the Doomstickers.
Also, parts 6 and 7 of the Battle for Sarn Ford.
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-6-sarn-ford.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/tales-from-beer-cart-part-6-sarn-ford.html)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G45IecVQ49M/V9Pg1MyAVCI/AAAAAAAAExk/KqTdQIoOaEQ_lvfAeOrro6_6tYmJ1JsFQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG)
-
LordOdo,
How much is the "quite cheap" Gobbla?
It's mine now :D
But as I already have one you can have it :)
-
Hey buddy,
PM sent with some trade offers.
or go here for a quick look at some pics:
http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2016/09/some-stuff-for-possible-trade-properly.html (http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2016/09/some-stuff-for-possible-trade-properly.html)
-
Taken from full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/frodo-lives.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/frodo-lives.html)
80's Citadel Lord of the Rings Hobbits - Frodo Lives!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOtMn-n_URM/V9VPoC5b2RI/AAAAAAAAE0U/cUPCx7MinCs7azR3Zs6r85ySc3aG_qHkwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3001.JPG)
Here is the sleepy little village of Crickhollow in Buckland.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DOrh2bO6bkY/V9VPsp3TkRI/AAAAAAAAE0Y/RksS9X7bDzEQR51drTdCzfLRhrXJJXwiwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG)
So as not to appear suspicious when he left Hobbiton, Frodo bought this house in Crickhollow.
Then he told everyone he was moving to Buckland.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AEGXG3nBNKs/V9VPtUDlfGI/AAAAAAAAE0c/IqMKwB7-WxUQvzp9GhyOI6gtkByx8I0NQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG)
Back left to right: Pippin, Merry
Front left to right: Sam, Frodo
And here are our halfling Hobbit heroes!
They are proper 80s Citadel figures.
As you can see, Frodo isnt messing around. He is wearing his Mithril shirt and is carrying the magic sword Sting.
In our version of Middle Earth, Bilbo had the foresight to give Frodo his shirt and sword right away.
I like how big Pippin is. He really is a bully of a Took.
Merry is a fancy Hobbit.
Sam is carrying all sorts of pots, pans, and sundry supplies.
They are anxious because night has fallen and there is fear among the townsfolk of Crickhollow.
There are reports of enemies nearby. The townsfolk have locked themselves in the cellars of their homes and Crickhollow is silent and dark.
They see dark figures, in the distance... is it Goblins?
---
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/frodo-lives.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/frodo-lives.html)
-
Oohh I'm interested to see how far Frodo will get before he gets trampled by a dizzy mumakil. :D
-
LordOdo,
For you, buddy... Death by mumak is now a top priority!
In the books, Frodo is stabbed by the Witchking, speared by a Troll (it was a troll in the movie, but I think it was an Orc chief in the books), gets bitten by Shelob, gets bitten again by Gollum.
Thats childs play, Tolkien!
I will top those with far more outlandish injuries.
Personally, I can see Frodo in these dangerous situations, in the near future:
1) Death by mulch. Leafy rotting strangulation from a Shambling Mound - Swamp Groot
2) Death by friendly fire. Dwarf organ cannon explosion
3) Death by feeding time. Baby dragons/hydra/basilisk feeding frenzy
4) Death by jalapeno. At the Rhosgobel Hellpepper Showdown.
Ive really wanted to make a post about that! But how to make a mini game for a food contest?
Even just as a fluff piece, guaranteed, there will be some wild contestants for that post!
-
Great table and minis! :)
And I don't like halflings!
-
And I don't like halflings!
Try 'em in a curry. Masks the taste.
-
Try 'em in a curry. Masks the taste.
In this book it's said they taste like chicken when properly prepared:
(http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/images/HobbitRecipesCover.jpg)
;)
-
Gentlemen,
Shelob and Gollum know best, Hobbits are to be eaten raw and wriggling.
-
Halfling stew by the campfire:
(http://www.dark-art-studios.co.uk/dark-art-studios_shop/images/campfire-001.jpg)
Ogre chef with wriggling roasting halfling on spit:
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TYlyc5b37lU/TyiL8IhxAuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/EcXpA7YVlh0/s1600/img47926dd23208a.jpg)
From here: http://halflinghouse.blogspot.com.br/ (http://halflinghouse.blogspot.com.br/)
8)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-lotr-king-in-north-wizard-in.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-lotr-king-in-north-wizard-in.html)
80's Citadel Lord of the Rings - Aragorn and Gandalf
Before we get to the big battle of Willowbottom to decide the fate of the Shire, let us travel far to the north to find the ranger known as Strider...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VNliYgHW0cw/V9wJ-VVp6qI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/WyCjWomAjEAg8UT3QnhM9EZh36-ZVbHtQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3026.JPG)
This particular Aragorn figure is from the box set known as BME3 Balrog, Encounter at Khazad–Dum. I dont have the box set, nor any other figures from it besides this Aragorn.
So fluffwise in our campaign, Aragorn, the heir of Isildur, is busy defending the Wall at Castle Black against the Night King, the heir of Slitherine. Despite being outnumbered a thousand to one, the Rangers of the North put up a valiant defense. Attackers are repelled from the Wall itself every hour of every day. The Castle is also constantly being breached and the battle is fought corridor by corridor, room by room.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjqWPXaHIFw/V9wKBfEDwcI/AAAAAAAAE2c/fq4wpliqKLEKaBTPZm4AuHkQeoGpTxY8gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG)
Mord the jailor of Isengard checks on Gandalf in his "sky cell".
Everyday, Mord tortures Gandalf and threatens to throw him out the Moon Door... a hole in the floor that is a long drop from the very high tower of Isengard. Everyday, Gandalf wonders if Radagast has forgotten the task he was given to send an Eagle to Isengard. Did Radagast know about Saruman turning evil? Or is Radagast just a forgetful nincumpoop? The Grey Wizard regrets that his life is now dependent on the Brown Wizard's reliability. He worries about Frodo and wonders if the little Hobbit is still safe. And the Ring... is it secret, is it safe?
Gandalf: (To Mord) Tell your master that the more he tightens his grip, the more star systems will slip through his fingers.
~~~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-lotr-king-in-north-wizard-in.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-lotr-king-in-north-wizard-in.html)
-
Gandalf: (To Mord) Tell your master that the more he tightens his grip, the more star systems will slip through his fingers.
PRICELESS! lol
-
Lyanna Mormont: "We know no king but the king in the North whose name is Stark."
I'm sorry for Aragorn, but yeah when Lyanna says so there's no chance he's the true king in/of the North.
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-elves-how-night-elves-became.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-elves-how-night-elves-became.html)
Oldhammer Elves: How Night Elves became Dark Elves
A small look at Oldhammer Night Elves: Pre-slotta and Slotta, Dark Elf vs Night Elf, D&D and Warhammer.
The Drow/Dark Elf forces on my blog are getting some reinforcements... of the Oldhammer kind.
I just painted up a dozen Citadel C09 Dark Elves.
OK, some of them are Marauder.
After a little bit of internet research, it seems that the pre-slotta Night Elves, were replaced by the slotta Dark Elves.
I believe the pre slotta figures are sculpted by the Perry Twins and are some of their earliest work.
But the slotta figures are done by Bob Naismith.
I love both, but this post is about the Naismith ones I just painted...
Lets bring out the ladies...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIB2gr0m8p0/V-M5d02P81I/AAAAAAAAE3E/mjZRt2qyJlMk7HPnMSiutjef9Lyf9jK-gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG)
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-elves-how-night-elves-became.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/09/oldhammer-elves-how-night-elves-became.html)
-
From: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/10/contemplation-time-switching-to-15mm.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/10/contemplation-time-switching-to-15mm.html)
Contemplation Time: Switching To 15mm Fantasy Skirmish
I love 28mm Oldhammer, but my aching body cant tolerate playing on big tables anymore.
Im not saying Im getting rid of my 28mm collection.
They are just (possibly) going into hibernation for a bit.
In the meantime, I have painted up some test figures for 15mm skirmish!
The idea of 3 foot gameboards that are comfortably in reach from any table edge is appealing to me.
And I want to scratchbuild some really nice terrain boards for this.
Rules? Im thinking... Mordheim, Frostgrave, Dungeon Scum, Havoc, Goalsystem Delves, Otherworld Skirmish, and of course LOTR SBG. I will try a game or 3 of each and see what sticks.
My campaign setting?
I dont know if I will stick with my Middle Earth mashup, but if I do, maybe I will call it Mordorheim!
Yeah its Mordheim in Mordor.
But also it moves forward in time to the 4th Age of Middle Earth.
The War of the Ring is old history, its 200 years after the Fall of Sauron.
King Aragorn has died at the ripe old age of 210. The rest of the Fellowship have either died or sailed west to heaven. But rumors of a shadowy evil Cult are everywhere!
Small bands of magic users and their henchmen are crossing over into Mordor to find ancient relics to further their own arcane business ventures.
Even if I end up not using Mordheim, and use Frostgrave, I might stick with the name of Mordorheim.
Anyway, here are 4 trial figures and their backstory...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyJmzcmhB_c/WArAnW_78mI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/whYnCWVLDCUPpoBkckBoj_nYb8zt4b3HwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3102.JPG)
Left to Right: Tom Dominick Cruise, Sean Connor McGregor
Sean Connor McGregor is a wizard serving in Her Majesty's secret service as agent 00Grey. On his off time he competes in the Ultimate Pit Fighting Championship, the UPFC. He is also known to have a tattoo on his chest of a gorilla wearing a crown and eating a heart.
Tom Dominick Cruise is a short fellow who likes to jump on couches but is also a champ in the Tinyweight division of the UPFC.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9f3IiXoOShM/WArAoqlP06I/AAAAAAAAE8U/_bVIw4ArLJsmlUr80MZFKd19s8M9N9MngCLcB/s1600/IMG_3107.JPG)
Left to Right: Bela Bartok Lugosi, Jesse James Gandolfini
Bela Bartok Lugosi is either a Priest of Morr or a Mordor Death Cultist, perhaps they are the same organization. He is also known as the composer of the eerie horror movie soundtrack to Redrum Hotel Axe Murderer. After his death, his followers known as the cult of Bauhaus decided to proclaim in song that he, Bela Bartok Lugosi is indeed dead.
Jesse James Gandolfini is the most rootin’ tootin’ two gun shootin’ wild west buccaneer outlaw and bushwhacker of the the post Moria Civil War era. But dont call him an outlaw to his face, he prefers the title Waste Management Consultant. He spent many years "managing" the Moria Department of Sewer Safety and Sanitation. This stuntie has a lot of "buffers".
~~~~~
I will try to finish up the Shire Campaign and the Big Moria Battle in 28mm before moving on to smaller scale pastures.
But yeah, Im thinking 15mm is my future.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Nice looking miniatures and painting too.
-
Switching To 15mm Fantasy Skirmish
Right decision and a good start!!
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright.html)
Basic Dungeons & Dragons - The Kids Are Alright, Part 1
How about a good ol' fashioned Basic D&D adventure report!
This one was an especially frightening Halloween session for six little adventurers.
To help make sure our kid heroes had a fighting chance, they all started at Level 2.
While this was a Basic D&D game, a couple of our intrepid heroes had classes from the (in)famous AD&D 1e Unearthed Arcana.
I like to play my D&D like I play my Warhammer - a hodge podge mix of editions.
This adventure session still takes place in my alternate Middle Earthian fluff.
But enough with the real life details, lets get straight to the action, with the backstory...
~~~
The Breeland orphanage has been burned down by the evil goblin invaders!
But the goblins found that the place had been deserted, "The humans must have run off."
The goblin leader was determined to find the human children at all costs.
Afterall, what is better than "children pot pie' to a goblin?
"Find the human matriarch and her runtlings! Slay her and put the little ones into the pot!"
Rather than go east back to Breetown, which was under attack, Sister Beatrice knew the kids would be better off escaping into the Old Forest. The rest of the sisterhood had gone off to fight with the Breelander Army. The Sisters of Sigmar, were not only a charitable institution but also a warrior order of battle nuns. But they did not count on raiding parties coming out of the north as well as the east.
Suddenly, an evil goblin arrow hissed through the air and struck Sister Beatrice in her side.
She called to the six orphans under her care, "Run to the Old Forest, my children and look for Tom Bombadil. He will take care of you now. Remember stay out of the hills, run straight to the forest..."
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XBGfVXu8uvk/WBpt6UvgThI/AAAAAAAAFBw/Eib1mVTR4Qcw-NUq5b9ABlyJPHh9ExlwwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG)
Left to Right: Max, Billy, Katie, Tommy, Liam, and Agnes
The kids hop over the walls and evade the goblin wolf rider patrol. Being as tiny as a hobbit helps from being seen by unfriendly eyes.
The tearful children flee for their lives, looking back to see their caretaker fend off a dozen goblins. Perhaps she will survive and make her way to the Old Forest and reunite with the kids, but more likely this will be her last stand. Max the Barbarian has to be dragged away, so determined is he to fight for Sister Beatrice. Tommy reminds Max that he has to protect the little kids now. Seeing Billy and Agnes, brings him to his senses.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9ot95dyczo/WBpt_PXumGI/AAAAAAAAFB0/wPpdmQn1NyUDc1s11cQbmN2IJG9-0n3QgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3163.JPG)
Katie: We cant take the road! Its too dangerous, they will spot us for sure!
Tommy: Right! C'mon you guys, we are going into the wild, just like that ranger Strider who used to visit us.
Billy: I wish Strider was here! He could have saved Sister Beatrice.
Agnes: ... (begins to sniffle)
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright.html)
-
Great stuff! Bravo.
-
Parts 2 & 3 of the Halloween D&D extravaganza are up now at:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_2.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_2.html)
and
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_99.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_99.html)
Trouble In The Barrow Downs AAR
The adventures of our kid heroes continues...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlGg8zYUdN4/WBq-reaqXwI/AAAAAAAAFEc/mhNodTC0eO8oJllQJc1OApgJlg6bECjZACLcB/s1600/IMG_3183.JPG)
Mr Fox continues to whimper.
Billy: I hear ya, Mr Fox, I dont like this place either.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhkip-r9mwM/WBq9klVWCyI/AAAAAAAAFDc/3HDE3lrc-Tk_xnY5V7WzaUHoaBKnSVKKACLcB/s1600/IMG_3188.JPG)
The rock door slams shut behind them.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yJCdjwfRhr0/WBq9puJsMDI/AAAAAAAAFDg/TeBPuBQOHekXyVso9ifMibdgwWjtzb27ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG)
The kids continue to sleepwalk right to the edge of a foul looking pool.
~~~
For the rest of the posts:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_2.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_2.html)
and
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_99.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/basic-dungeons-dragons-kids-are-alright_99.html)
-
Mars: great minis, scenery and narrative, CONGRATULATIONS! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
Loving every bit of it - been wanting to get some of those Hasslefree kids, and now I kinda feel compelled to make anoter order, soonish (just got a bunch the other day... ::) )
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-into-old-forest.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-into-old-forest.html)
Little Heroes - Into The Old Forest
The adventure continues with our little heroes.
"There is unrest in the forest..."
The orphan adventurers resume their quest to find Tom Bombadil.
Hot on their trail, are Orcs and Goblins, who are determined to capture the kids.
The kids are forced to travel without rest for hours, lest the Greenskins catch up to them.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wOfGQK-4OAo/WC2racrN6dI/AAAAAAAAFG8/TXy2rgZIbFAlwVMBmqq8fq3QSB-fF64IwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3236.JPG)
In marching order: Mr Fox, Katie the Ranger, Tommy the Warrior, Mr Toonces the Cat, Agnes the Witch, Billy the Cleric, Max the Barbarian, Liam the Paladin
They leave behind the haunted hills of the Barrow Downs and enter the Old Forest.
They trudge through the woods, tired and thirsty.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-8_LbjcGWI/WC2rlTW4i4I/AAAAAAAAFHE/kLePpQRSlToIY8FrRg9GOt3Va6tA97U2wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3237.JPG)
There is an eerie silence in the woods and the kids feel like someone is watching them.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tbDy3mG2K88/WC2rc2xYgGI/AAAAAAAAFHA/v6-0OFjREdgNOuEP0tgHvWvD3k8hf8fKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3238.JPG)
They find a tiny pond next to a willow tree.
The thirsty kids are glad to find some water.
The willow tree sways from side to side. Strangely, there is no wind...
Tommy: I never thought I would be so happy to find a pond.
Katie: Wait! Remember that strange man that travelled around with Aragorn? What was his name? He carried around something he called a "boom stick"
Liam: Oh his name was Ash! He is the Chosen One of the Prophecy! His destiny is to battle the Deadites and their Night King. Winter may be coming... but Sigmar has a Hammer of Fire to melt it!
Katie: Ok... um... anyway, remember what Ash told us about trees? He said sometimes they were alive and that we should be careful around them.
Tommy: Better safe than sorry, then... There's got to be another pond somewhere ahead.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-into-old-forest.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-into-old-forest.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part2-battle-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part2-battle-of.html)
Little Heroes Part 2 – Battle Of Goldberry's Pond
The Red Hoods are coming!
The kids were about to be tested with a proper battle.
The boys were excited to see a bigger battle on the table.
The girls were anxious… not for themselves, but for their new animal friends.
Agnes, in particular, was already personally invested in the welfare of the Jackalopes.
Why did I have to say they were an endangered species?
~~~
A band of Night Goblins have entered the Old Forest.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFhkBSxUcgo/WC3JmBWEZTI/AAAAAAAAFI0/FA96iD7MLS4Ao7YdhI11EuK1q3KYq7LGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3262.JPG)
The call themselves the Red Rum Hooligans.
They are a raucous band of villainous gobbos that like to torture and eat small animals, and human children is a special treat for these evil Gobbos!
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part2-battle-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part2-battle-of.html)
-
Hurray another update!! The kids do really really well so far, guess they could be of great use in the reclamation of Moria!
-
Btw, I still have a Gobla here waiting to move to Middle Earth.. ;)
-
I simply have to ask, as my google-fu seems weak this last couple of days:
Who makes that little witch? She looks Hasslefree-ish to my eyes, but I cannot find her... :?
EDIT:
Never mind me, gov, I'll just get me hat and be off... lol
-
LordOdo,
Ive been busy lately and I did indeed forget! PM will be sent.
Argonor,
I actually did the same thing arguing with someone who had one. "Im telling you it isnt on the Hasslefree site!" Doh...
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part3-ellcrys-weirwood.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part3-ellcrys-weirwood.html)
Little Heroes, Part3 - The Ellcrys Weirwood Tree and Orc Ravagers
My Weirwood Tree.
Dont just hug any tree, sculpt a face in one too.
The Weirwood Tree of the Old Forest is a white tree with red foliage.
It might be related to the White Tree of Gondor.
It is definitely related to the Weirwoods of Northern Westeros.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AaHfdjQLCNs/WC4A3oo-ckI/AAAAAAAAFKY/rUgEZ4QqjlcjimMTnUsqoz3psZWkopY4ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3285.JPG)
Some say that it was Tom Bombadil who got Ellcrys Tree acorns in Shannara and planted one in each forest of Middle Earth and Westeros.
Tom planted them, but it was Goldberry that cared and watered them to full growth.
Back in Shannara, those pansy Shannaran Elves had to try to make their Tree even more fancy by melding the souls of Elven Princesses to them.
As if hugging trees werent bad enough!
Luckily, for Arwen Undomiel, the daughter of Elrond, the Middle Earth Elves didnt feel the need to keep up with the latest Shannaran fashions.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zmou_z_l63Y/WC4A6wK-EtI/AAAAAAAAFKc/-RhJRfvZGvE_B_y87m70H0V6CRNA9tGmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3288.JPG)
Warlord Hulku's Ravagers
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part3-ellcrys-weirwood.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part3-ellcrys-weirwood.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part4-hey-kids-save-that.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part4-hey-kids-save-that.html)
Little Heroes, Part4 - Hey Kids, Save That Tree!
The final battle of the D&D Halloween Weekender...
Those evil Orcs are about to burn the Weirwood Tree!
It is up to our heroic kids and their animal friends to save the Tree, and Middle Earth!
To get to the Tree as fast as possible, the forest defenders have divided up into 4 forces based upon their movement speed.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAoRWTx_6nA/WC8qtbrdLsI/AAAAAAAAFLw/PG9izE7kgSY4CtohvEdTtf0uX6jS4SpfACLcB/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG)
The fast response team arrives on the scene!
Bluebell: Stop those Greenskins!
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part4-hey-kids-save-that.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part4-hey-kids-save-that.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part5-conclusion-of-basic.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/little-heroes-part5-conclusion-of-basic.html)
OK, last one is up! The conclusion to the Basic D&D Halloween weekender…
Little Heroes, Part5 – Conclusion Of Basic D&D Night
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WBFcVFwoRAQ/WC9NzbztG6I/AAAAAAAAFNQ/mw3tXK4uSaELr8QWjPQc2U-3vNebBDR0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/misty-mountain-terrain-board-for.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/misty-mountain-terrain-board-for.html)
Misty Mountain Terrain Board For Oldhammer Skirmish
I just finished my 3 foot square Misty Mountain terrain board.
Its just a test piece, but I think it turned out pretty good.
I know the Shire campaign isnt over yet, but I thought I would show off the start of the terrain boards for the next theater of operations of my Imagi-Nations Middle Earth.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_rgrT10jWM/WDCWXDXLMeI/AAAAAAAAFQs/cyHREZNfGwEZ7mGh34V65J8s3NmY4jjwACLcB/s1600/IMG_3356.JPG)
Terrain materials: dense styrofoam, cork bark, talus of varying grades.
The lands to the west of the Misty Mountains (Shire, Eriador, Bree, etc) are green, lush and pretty well tended.
In contrast I want the lands to the east (Rhovanion, Mirkwood, Gladden Fields) to be more rocky, grey, and wild.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wT2rL7whuLM/WDCWVpceciI/AAAAAAAAFQo/nISWE2R6JkMQJF2QHLKnJoJkzEnF5Y4WQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3357.JPG)
Sparse foliage and reeds.
I wanted the rocks to have a blue tinge to keep an otherworldy look to it.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/misty-mountain-terrain-board-for.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/misty-mountain-terrain-board-for.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/bear-y-happy-thanksgiving-oldhammer.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/bear-y-happy-thanksgiving-oldhammer.html)
Bear-y Happy Thanksgiving – Oldhammer Owlbear
Oldhammer Owlbear… and more bear madness!
Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to a bear filled post.
Why bears?
Because thats what I got painted, no connection between bears and this holiday.
I couldnt even think of a proper "pun"ny title… alas.
Onwards to some yummy pics and some light fluff (and maybe some hints at future developments here on the blog!)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-My1-LyR9BKs/WDb_QsVA1zI/AAAAAAAAFRs/nTdiA7iAy8Iynf7vae40Cvy5_VYjYuSzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG)
High above in the pass of the Misty Mountain…
There lived an Owlbear!
This is an ADD81 – Owlbear.
From back in the day, when Citadel made minis for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s9cR4fAj8e4/WDcAdRbsDTI/AAAAAAAAFSg/MVeTJpKz2ioo6A4fHRXLkK0PaJhOSXegwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3395.JPG)
Bugbears have been sighted!
These hairy hill goblins have thick fur and padded feet.
Perfect for sneaking up on enemies!
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/bear-y-happy-thanksgiving-oldhammer.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/bear-y-happy-thanksgiving-oldhammer.html)
-
Both look pretty nice, gamingboard and minis :)
May I ask where the Bugbears are from, Citadel as well?
-
Comsquare,
They were Splintered Light minis. But now are sold under CP Models in their 20mm fantasy range.
-
Comsquare,
They were Splintered Light minis. But now are sold under CP Models in their 20mm fantasy range.
Thanks for the info, think they will be a little to small then.
-
I wonder what trouble they will cause...
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/rafm-vs-ral-partha-chimera-shambling.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/rafm-vs-ral-partha-chimera-shambling.html)
Rafm vs Ral Partha - Chimera, Shambling Mound
Fantastic Beasts and how to enslave them to do your bidding!
No big battle for the Shire this weekend. Maybe next one…
But the victory conditions, forces and scenery are all ready to go.
In the meantime, how about some more old-timey minis from back in the days of olde!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOC9lzvMao0/WDtVc_KXLRI/AAAAAAAAFTI/TF0DE7h6fBglOkywtXgOKaGBmp05sUofACLcB/s1600/IMG_3405.JPG)
Here we have a AD&D Ral Partha 11-493 Shambling Mound!
I love this miniature. Look how friendly he is!
He wants to shake your hand like a little gentleman.
Of course, he might just be luring you in, so he can strangle and suffocate you with his mulchy mass.
Still, its the thought that counts!
I dont know if he is available via modern Ral Partha Europe.
I know they have most of the old generic fantasy codes, but the specific AD&D ones?
I dont think they do, which is a shame. Someone, correct me if Im wrong.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQxxVFz-094/WDtVmz59KkI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/RfBMjbgLz-kkYADSWFAPrcY-RSf0_nDOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3406.JPG)
And here we have the other mini company that starts with "R"…
RAFM!
This fine fellow is a RAFM 3718 Grave Lich & Throne
In my world, he is Zed the Lich King.
This Lich travels in style, aboard his flying throne of doom.
The throne is run by the same powers that allow that silly flying stone head, Zardoz, to zip around in the skies.
He waits for his entourage to appear in painted form, before he wages a battle to control whatever portion of Middle Earth he can take!
Some say he has his empty eye sockets on Isengard Tower.
In the meantime, he is studying up on his spellbooks – particularly the chapters about Binding Monsters To Your Will.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hNQ5R_HCbj0/WDtVv4hsIPI/AAAAAAAAFTY/m1Yt_DYuCDA688e4buFj2F3m7lHNQu75wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3408.JPG)
Finally, the next painted mini is a Ral Partha 11-414 Chimera.
There are many Chimeras out there in the miniature world.
But this one might be my favorite.
Yeah, rose colored glasses… I did have him as a kid.
Luckily I have him again, and this time, I can paint him a little better than my 6th grade self.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/rafm-vs-ral-partha-chimera-shambling.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/rafm-vs-ral-partha-chimera-shambling.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/ad-ral-partha-3-stage-clerics-oldhammer.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/ad-ral-partha-3-stage-clerics-oldhammer.html)
AD&D Ral Partha 3 Stage Clerics & Oldhammer C02 Wizard
Bring out your dead...
Another post with old lead.
This time we got a Ral Partha Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 3 Stage Player Character: Clerics.
While these figures are designed for rpgs to show a player character's development, Im just going to use them as 3 clerics who belong to the order of R'hllor warrior priests.
For the night is dark and full of terrors...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLKc2BsuOu4/WD4NCu0-MdI/AAAAAAAAFUI/C069S8R_xOQPXa1GCCZ5DLid7SH1E6JEwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3416.JPG)
Left to Right: Brother Maynard, Paul the Hermit, Sir Randolph Carter
These fellows were on their way to support the defense of Bree.
They crossed over the Brandywine Bridge and came across a burning abbey and orphanage.
They are searching for survivors...
Damn these Greenskins!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coq5wEwiokc/WD4NXlv45hI/AAAAAAAAFUc/olg1nzbepZckNGkvmc_Guq3bmH2vawjBwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG)
Amon Doom is an Oldhammer Citadel C02 Pre Slotta Wizard
Amon Doom is a cult leader who scours the lands to understand the Riddle of Steel.
He also happens to have a sister, Amon Joy, who is a famous confectioner and has a shop on Diagon Alley.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/ad-ral-partha-3-stage-clerics-oldhammer.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/11/ad-ral-partha-3-stage-clerics-oldhammer.html)
-
I suspect a bitter and huge battle in the mountains..
-
Rules? Im thinking... Mordheim, Frostgrave, Dungeon Scum, Havoc, Goalsystem Delves, Otherworld Skirmish, and of course LOTR SBG. I will try a game or 3 of each and see what sticks.
Mar...did you ever play with the "Dungeon Scum" ruleset? I'm curious to know more about it from somebody who has actually played it, but there is scant information online at this point. For example, it seems to have a fairly simple but robust set of spells and spellcaster types, the one area I wish "Advanced Song of Blades and Heroes" had a bit more of. If you've played it, how does it compare to ASBH?
-
UBERCOOL STUFF! Old though he may be, the Shambling Mound is a new to me; AND a WONDERFULLY whimsical miniature...I'm into whimsy these days.
GREAT WORK all around!
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/battle-of-willowbottom-pt-4-battle.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/battle-of-willowbottom-pt-4-battle.html)
Battle of Willowbottom
A lot of toys on the table...
First 4 parts are up now on the blog.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2htQfJklWPQ/WEeL7KHDXsI/AAAAAAAAFXs/48iA_XmSmzIQm4m-jRMxs02iyIb1Zwy1QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvkXVBoY7aw/WEeMJFABBoI/AAAAAAAAFX0/NobFd7wmEM8zbg7Sk2VUndyaNa-gZ3bigCLcB/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYNsCmhgxFg/WEeMnE8kE-I/AAAAAAAAFYI/wzzzeG2fCcEdy3jFHIwivNl2ggWGKgv0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3476.JPG)
-
Deafnala,
Whimsy.
I love that word and it definitely describes how I feel about gaming these days for me, as well.
The world has far too much seriousness as it is. My hobby world needs be whimsical.
And yes, Shambling Mound is a delight!
The Bibliophile,
Mar...did you ever play with the "Dungeon Scum" ruleset? I'm curious to know more about it from somebody who has actually played it, but there is scant information online at this point. For example, it seems to have a fairly simple but robust set of spells and spellcaster types, the one area I wish "Advanced Song of Blades and Heroes" had a bit more of. If you've played it, how does it compare to ASBH?
I have not gotten around to playing Dungeon Scum yet.
I have only read it through once and my initial thought is that I might like it more than SOBH.
Its got 6 schools of 10 spells, and another cantrip section of 20 spells. Some of those spells are non combat and RPG-ish.
But again, take that all with a grain of salt, as until I play it... who knows?
If you really like spells in a miniatures skirmish setting, I dont know if Frostgrave can be beat.
-
:o :o
That is a truly magnificent spectacle!
Well done.
-
outstanding terrain and figures
-
Dr. Zombie,
tomrommel1,
Thanks buddies!
~~~
Part 5 is now up:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/battle-of-willowbottom-pt-5-bloody-hill.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/battle-of-willowbottom-pt-5-bloody-hill.html)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5iZMUMT_bk/WEfsa13kvrI/AAAAAAAAFZI/GFQiFrBvpl83IBwBGa5iUY-MW-clQtRVwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/cabin-in-woods-making-balsa-wood-house.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/cabin-in-woods-making-balsa-wood-house.html)
Cabin In The Woods – Making A Balsa Wood House
Building… a building!
Scratch build your own balsa wood house, at your own peril.
For a change of pace, I wanted to put my hobby time towards something else, other than painting…
Its arts and crafts time here on the blog!
I broke out a steel ruler, a new sharp x-acto blade and some balsa wood.
Here is my attempt at scratch building a medieval style house.
I only had one balsa wood panel though!
Which means I didnt have enough wood to build a 2 storey Tudor house like I wanted.
So, its a ranch style house then…
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S1yFtNCprGk/WE_Iqes4BAI/AAAAAAAAFe4/rfoa1o9cfzkHbOM-y8GQmSZSizz0gya7gCLcB/s1600/1.JPG)
Here is my humble little house with the roof off.
Next time I think I will use bass wood instead, balsa is just too soft.
So turns out, maybe Im lucky that I only had one balsa wood panel.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pTMG0aAnx5s/WE_I7Fk7KgI/AAAAAAAAFfI/0IW0Tl368BgXUTKNAvp2Y6o_PcKzjsy2ACLcB/s1600/6.JPG)
The window sill is great for putting pies on.
Or maybe its a drive thru window!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtPPX8RaxlU/WE_Jcwh0RYI/AAAAAAAAFfU/Pqv7Iu9v6FQlxnuJDj3Js5ctdEC1My03gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3585.JPG)
Im thinking this house is going to be used for Bree.
Sigh.
Breeland campaign here we come!
Painting assets are being relocated to some vintage Citadel humans.
The ones I have predate the Empire/Bretonnia distinction, I think.
Raise the army of Breeland!
Which means, the "Return to Moria" campaign will have to wait a bit…
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/cabin-in-woods-making-balsa-wood-house.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/cabin-in-woods-making-balsa-wood-house.html)
-
Looks great!!
-
I am very impressed by your thread here. Your paint jobs are awesome, and your AAR's are even greater! I like how you blend in the fluff from various worlds to make a unique world all your own. Keep up the great job! I look forward to the ongoing saga of Moria!!
-
Reviler,
Thanks buddy.
A final blog post for the year will be coming tomorrow.
More of a summary by one of the spokepersons of the Dwarves themselves.
It will be both a summary of all things Moria and a send off for the great 2016 campaign here at the Moria Reclamation Project.
But Im sure it will have a hint or two of the future for the Dwarven Kingdom. (and this very blog)
Greatness walks hand in hand with Doom.
Such is the long history of the Stunties... alas!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-trial-of-balin-lord-of-moria.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-trial-of-balin-lord-of-moria.html)
Happy New Years, my buddies!
Here is my last post of 2016... The Trial of Balin, Lord of Moria(?)
Another year draws to a close here at the Moria Reclamation Project, with its ups and downs.
2015 saw its launch and the initial Moria Campaign.
2016 branched out to a wildly outrageous Shire Campaign.
And with 2017, we should see alot of smaller campaigns in Bree, the Misty Mountains, and then a return to action for what could be the close of the Moria Reclamation Project.
Whether it ends in Eternal Dwarven Glory or Ignominous Defeat will depend (as always) on the coming battles and the luck of the dice!
Back in Khazad Dum, Balin promises to make Moria great again!
But is he a pawn of the Chaos Gods that brought him back to (un)life?
Or will he become the greatest Dwarven Hero ever?
We now take you to the action in a secure location deep under Moria, in the barricaded underground fortress known as Easthold...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofn7wsd6Csk/WGhjx3d8geI/AAAAAAAAFow/YfA4l8aKFbIBVysk-pya0C_lzFe4Q0sqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3690.JPG)
Left to Right: Balin, De Solay of the Iron Claw Clan, King Arombolosch of the Ral Partha Clan
Balin: My fellow Dwarf Lords, I have just returned from the Mirrormere and received Roac, our faithful Raven, King of Ravens. Yes, it was Roac that spoke to Thorin and company at Erebor long ago. His news is from our human allies, the Beornings. They have been ambushed and their caravan of supplies are lost. There is no word from Bugman, or the Iron Hills, or Erebor. Everywhere in Middle Earth, the Free Peoples are under attack. We are alone, with no supplies. If we continue to stay here in Easthold, we will grow weak from hunger and worse... from Beer thirst! While we still have the strength, I say, we march out of Moria into the Valley of Azanulbizar where we fought and defeated the Greenskins before!
Jacques De Solay: I speak for the Iron Claw Dwarves! We have just arrived from the Iron Claw Hills (not to be confused with the Iron Hills) and we are prepared to fight for Balin, Lord of Moria!
King Arombolosch: We Ral Partha Dwarves were saved by Balin in the Savage Lands deep below Moria and owe him a blood debt. We stand with Balin. Thats right! #StandWithBalin
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gWXDqG7c7rU/WGhjyc2Wb3I/AAAAAAAAFo0/ozvA435z53wgVDkSTVihRAEgSk0OXlBbgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG)
Left to Right: King Ulther of Karak-Ungor, Priestess Brienne
King Ulther: Balin, son of Fundin, one of the companions of Thorin Oakenshield is a Dwarf to be respected, but he died. This Balin before us now, was raised from undeath by the powers of Chaos. As King of Karak-Ungor, I swore an oath to fight against Chaos Dwarves! The only reason I have not yet declared war on Balin and his allies, is the respect I have for Thorgrim the High King and the other Dwarven Kings assembled here. We are besieged by enemies without... and within. I move and vote that Balin is guilty of the taint of Chaos and demand judgement is passed on him!
Brienne: I am the High Priestess of Valaya, our Goddess of healing and protection. How long will She continue protecting us, if we ally with the Ruinous Powers of Chaos and their minions? I also vote guilty!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9NQP3MPcjw/WGhjuf36wWI/AAAAAAAAFos/vRV0nJ4Cy2EDHEhSQfAyfXStT5OWDY7hwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3695.JPG)
Left to Right: Gimli, Nindalf, King Gorrin
Gimli: My Lords! When did this war council turn into a trial? It was I who searched for Balin in the depths of Moria and brought him back to you. I have fought beside him and know in my heart that he is no slave to Chaos! I might not be a King, but I vote innocent.
Nindalf: As one of the few Dwarven Wizards, I will now use my Magic 8-Ball... (in wizardly voice) Oh mighty 8 Ball, is Balin tainted by Chaos? (reading the answer) without... a... doubt... Oh, this silly thing must be malfunctioning again! At any rate, I vote innocent!
King Gorrin: As a Dwarf King and a Dwarf Lord of Legend, I vote that Balin is innocent of charges! In fact, Im pretty sure the other 7 Lords of Legend agree with me. Do they get votes too?
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-trial-of-balin-lord-of-moria.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-trial-of-balin-lord-of-moria.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/scotia-grendel-terrain-more-balin-fluff.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/scotia-grendel-terrain-more-balin-fluff.html)
Scotia Grendel Terrain & More Balin Fluff
Weaponsmithy, Bookcase of Grudges, Fountain & Fluff!
Just painted up some Scotia Grendel terrain.
These resin pieces definitely have that oldschool charm.
I dont know how far they go back, but I know Ive had some since the late 90s at least.
So this is the 3rd time Ive owned and painted some of these pieces.
If ever, I get tempted to sell my personal collection again, someone punch me in the face.
Thanks.
Also, for fun, we have a little more fluff regarding Balin and company...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHh07p56f4Q/WG0v3pWFfdI/AAAAAAAAFpk/4fuxfL1FVwgNuaHHcpS-aBLONFM4cV5AwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3701.JPG)
Here we have the Weaponsmithy.
Stunties need to constantly sharpen their axes, so this area always has a line around the block.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCnpTzsnGMU/WG0vu3GE5zI/AAAAAAAAFpc/zoaYMkZQF6UOv3QtTp4eZ-sCkZzSA3dSwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG)
And here we have a Bookcase filled with some Books of Grudges.
So many pages filled with promises of vengeance versus the enemies of Dwarfkind.
Funny how even in the library, empty beer bottles and Dunland Whiskey flasks lie strewn about...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0AT9Y94LQk/WG0vyIKtNRI/AAAAAAAAFpg/6zsqKFTT60EoHKqrY0bEDJFUj5t-bDV0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3703.JPG)
And here is a nice Fountain!
Nindalf has cast a spell of Eternal Refreshing Springwater on it.
Of course, as wonderfully sparkling as it looks, the Dwarves never seem to drink from it.
Why, drink water.... when you can drink beer!
And now for a little bit of fluff...
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/scotia-grendel-terrain-more-balin-fluff.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/scotia-grendel-terrain-more-balin-fluff.html)
-
Poor Balin, he's definitely in a difficult position...
Not that I care too much for him, I'm just reading and enjoying the stories (and the more drama the better) :D
-
Taken from full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/pub-snug-altar-of-evil-more-also-id.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/pub-snug-altar-of-evil-more-also-id.html)
Pub Snug, Altar Of Evil & More (Also ID these walls!)
Try saying Pub Snug ten times really fast...
Im on a roll, painting Scotia Grendel resin terrain.
So here's a bunch of them...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0a0cX_dW8c/WHAWQkuY_HI/AAAAAAAAFqg/xeR_oNjJkywXWzvydCWyMwRId2i4yep4gCLcB/s1600/IMG_3713.JPG)
I love the words Pub Snug.
There is something comfortable about the sound of it.
This is going to be used for The Prancing Pony in Bree.
I dont want to say more, best not spoil the fun.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMFN8nn-CfA/WHAWaPKvwPI/AAAAAAAAFqo/WSNYf5waulwqx04Me8COQvmqL7LVPpqfACLcB/s1600/IMG_3715.JPG)
And here are some walls I got in a trade long ago.
I have no idea who made them.
They are plastic, and looks to be futuristic gothic, because of the bullet marks.
I dont think they are GW or Pegasus.
How many companies made plastic terrain? Im totally stumped.
I trust that one of you TMP, or LAF folks might know...
Cheers,
Mar
~~~
For rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/pub-snug-altar-of-evil-more-also-id.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/pub-snug-altar-of-evil-more-also-id.html)
-
LordOdo,
Yeah, plenty of drama coming this year in Middle Earth.
Also, your Gobbla is going to make an appearance in the next post!
Probably tomorrow...
-
Nice to hear from Gobbla that soon! :)
In exchange I know the origin of the walls; they're from Heroscape. I've got the same ones (and the whole Heroscape game)
-
LordOdo,
Saber6 from TMP forum beat your reply by 2 minutes. But you are totally right, its from Heroscape.
Thanks buddy.
Gobbla's post will be a tearful reunion story, between a Goblin and his Squig! ;p
-
LordOdo,
Saber6 from TMP forum beat your reply by 2 minutes. But you are totally right, its from Heroscape.
Barnacles >:(
Gobbla's post will be a tearful reunion story, between a Goblin and his Squig! ;p
I picture a sunset at the beach, both Goblin and Squig running towards eachother in slow motion etc etc :D wonderfull
(Don't think Skarsnik has the power to run anymore though, since he fled the battlefield head over heels already.. that coward must be exhausted..)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/skarsnik-and-skaven-mystery-of-bree.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/skarsnik-and-skaven-mystery-of-bree.html)
Where'd the cheese go? I dont know...
Skarsnik and The Skaven & Mystery Of Bree
Hobbiton, on the hill of Bag End, the Greenskins have set up a Command HQ.
They've torn up Bagshot Row! The Gaffer will not be pleased!
If he is even alive that is... Oh poor Sam.
With their troops scouring and looting the Shire, the Orc and Goblin commanders are lounging in the spoils of their recent victory.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMpNdvlrCPE/WHApBp9N8yI/AAAAAAAAFrE/71PL4C4wzWwnEMYKBb8DVka7hOe_nGs1wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3716.JPG)
Left to Right: Goblin Warlord Skarsnik of Eight Peaks, Captain Gorgo of the Mordor Uruks
Skarsnik: General Remulak has given us orders to march to Bree.
Gorgo: Bree? I would rather pursue the Stunties heading to Moria!
Skarsnik: General Snarktail and his Wolf Riders have been tasked with that mission. Shelob too. We will catch up with them later after we crush the human resistance. Then... its skull thump time for those Stunties. Like Remulak says, its best to save the best bits for last.
Gorgo: I thought the Night King was handling the Breeland Campaign? Arent his forces and the Vampire Counts of Sylvania enough to handle a few peasants?
Skarsnik: Undead Humies are just as inept as living ones... (sigh) But I hear, that they burned out all the towns in Breeland, and yet... a human resistance leader has risen from the ashes. One man, has rallied all of them. No one knows his real name, but some have started to call him...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_MH-MiJkqvc/WHAo9FVqxwI/AAAAAAAAFq8/EXD96W9MsewkF7ntJbknNU4UdMG81IY7wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3717.JPG)
At that moment, The Gor Brothers - Gorgut and Gorfang drop in to tell Skarsnik he has visitors.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9BnSOo1mD8M/WHApA2hV50I/AAAAAAAAFrA/yYhG2m-UE3onjLBmeET69fQSya4MeQeXACLcB/s1600/IMG_3718.JPG)
Oh, rats!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nb-i_bcSeS8/WHApJOzclEI/AAAAAAAAFrI/Sje7DrWUOYIWHIYw1oMksI86EIPY9JVBgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3719.JPG)
Its some dirty Skaven!
They've come all the way from Skavenblight.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/skarsnik-and-skaven-mystery-of-bree.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/skarsnik-and-skaven-mystery-of-bree.html)
-
Aww, Gobbla, such a cutie :-* :-*
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/more-ral-partha-ad-monsters-catoblepas.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/more-ral-partha-ad-monsters-catoblepas.html)
More Ral Partha AD&D Monsters: Catoblepas, Ormyrr
♪♫ ♪ He did the Mash, he did the Monster Mash
The Monster Mash, and it's a graveyard smash
He did the Mash, they caught on in a flash
He did the Mash, they did the Monster Mash ♪♫ ♪
Here are some more wonderful Ral Partha Advanced Dungeons & Dragons monsters, which I will be porting over to my Oldhammer Monster Hunting Skirmish Campaign.
While we have so many editions of Warhammer and can pull stats for the most common and iconic monsters in fantasy, these fellas below are a bit more... rare and fantastic.
So they are going to need some rules and stats made for them, which I dont think will be too difficult.
Onwards to these strange lovable creatures...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjEjrTberA4/WHfNUgcaLkI/AAAAAAAAFr0/1Mav5DDCAicEZOjd7LZbxx4jZDowh9SKACLcB/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG)
Ral Partha AD&D 11-532 Ormyrr
According to the 3rd edition Monster Manual II:
"Ormyrrs are intelligent, semi-nomadic creatures that live in small settlements along muddy river banks and lake shores.
An Ormyrr has an enormous, grublike body that can measure as much as 25 feet long.
At the top of the body is a froglike head that appears impossibly large and heavy.
Below the head, four short but powerful arms extend out from the body.
Ormyrrs have no magical ability, but magic fascinates them.
They covet magic items."
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_JHvHYvM1E/WHfNpzDxpYI/AAAAAAAAFsI/Lw7Np9Y6rH0yE4rb3syS1sKi7HWMAVqeACLcB/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG)
Ral Partha AD&D 11-422 Catoblepas
According to AD&D 1e Monster Manual:
"This nightmare creature is loathsome beyond description and has no redeeming features.
Its body resembles that of a huge, bloated buffalo and gives off an offensive odor.
The Catoblepas' neck is long and thin, and perched atop it is a big head uglier than that of a wart hog.
Perhaps its habitat - fetid swamps and miasmal marches - caused the bizarre combination of genetic characteristics.
Or perhaps it was due to some ghastly tinkering with life by a demented godling."
Interesting... what god would make such a creature? Going to have to look at the list of "demented" gods for a suspect.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--foEjcmuLuU/WHfNs9IQ0vI/AAAAAAAAFsM/LKabnBorWPsXcx_Khu3X7qUme5ePTjtNwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG)
Hmm. I dunno, I dont think he is loathsome at all.
Look at that face!
I shall call him Angus...
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/more-ral-partha-ad-monsters-catoblepas.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/more-ral-partha-ad-monsters-catoblepas.html)
-
Awesome painting!
Also, that catoblepas thing has the most derpy face ever!
-
They are LOVELY creatures with an abundance of character & charm...obviously the Rules Folk were wrong once more. I never saw the Ormyrr before...a new old mini for me. Both he & the Catoblepas are BEAUTIFULLY painted treasures. OUTSTANDING WORK!
-
Maxromek,
DING DING DING! The derp was exactly what I was aiming for! You win 50 internet points.
"Angry derp animals" was what I google imaged for inspiration. (Umm... yeah I got no defense for that)
Deafnala,
Yes sir, they are indeed charming.
To my shame, I saw the Ormyrr and Catoblepas in the 90s and thought they were ugly.
More than half of my opinions before the age of 40 are entirely without merit.
Oh the follies of youth...
-
HA! That gives me... 50 internet points in total!
Well, now off I go to spend them on something stupid and without merit - I'm only in my mid-twenties lol
-
Maxromek ,
Well if its any consolation, at least you wont have realized you spent them frivolously for another decade and a half.
Now, you kids, get off my lawn! (shakes cane angrily in the air) :p
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/oldhammer-monster-manual.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/oldhammer-monster-manual.html)
Oldhammer Monster Manual
Just for fun, here are all my currently painted Oldhammer-ish Monsters.
Citadel, Marauder, & Ral Partha only need apply.
All my other new fangled critters will have to sit this one out.
The stats for the monsters I pulled from all versions of Warhammer 1st edition to 8th.
Storm of Magic was pretty handy, and the 6th edition Chronicles titles too.
For the weirder monsters, I did take into account their AD&D stats from 1e Monster Manual.
And tried to model them by using mostly Chaos Attributes/Gifts/Spells and other Special Rules to Warhammer-ify them.
I dont play in pick up games or tournaments, so I didnt bother about point values.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6eqh3mp9x8/WHnO4G_eHgI/AAAAAAAAFtc/IVNkNbF7Gy0YkS3l8lX3QJJ-EAkYGFRNACLcB/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG)
"At my challenge, by the ancient laws of combat, we are met at this chosen ground, to settle for good and all who holds sway over the five points."
Now onto the Monster Manual (in alphabetical order too!)
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/oldhammer-monster-manual.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/01/oldhammer-monster-manual.html)
-
My bet is on team Citadel
-
They are all WONDERFUL Old Creations. I LOVE the Shambling Mound; that is one of THE MOST PERSONABLE mini monsters I have ever seen. All VERY WELL DONE!
-
Mythological mayhaem!
Poor bürgers of the Olde Worlde! lol
-
Hey buddies,
While I dont like to mix my paint commission posts with the Moria Reclamation Project, but I'd like to share these Apes in Roman armor.
They are from the Hundred Kingdoms line from the defunct Black Orc Games, but are going to be released again in the summer by a client of mine.
Im glad these great figures will be going back into production.
And the Breeland Campaign?
Ive had a bunch of commissions back to back, so my painting of the Breeland Resistance has been interrupted, but it is about 80% done.
So another week or so, I can get back to the Bree Campaign.
And the terrain is nearly done as well! All new terrain for these coming battles: Archet, Combe, Staddle, Bree, and... Weathertop!
Oh, and if you like these Apes, go to the paint blog to see the Cat Folk too. And in a day or two, the Dinos! I love the 100 Kingdom Dinos!
From full post here:
http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/01/100kingdoms-roman-apes.html (http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/01/100kingdoms-roman-apes.html)
Here are some 100 Kingdoms – Roman Apes painted up on commission.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4Z8SkPc8sc/WI-szWwmNwI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/xbmZqkH8I6UfR3YOG85sjd8L2WMGsmYxgCLcB/s320/IMG_3830.JPG)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jyRqRWdHavA/WI-syIJDrpI/AAAAAAAAFzM/ekT4NjzUOvsEmUQW3D97fi2Q3iSZ4rg2wCLcB/s320/IMG_3831.JPG)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2FUEuYxT_I/WI-s_uLPSgI/AAAAAAAAFzY/_jRPQSp0UPQ1-gOhEqpO9KfiZwqCKoeVQCLcB/s320/IMG_3835.JPG)
~~~
For the rest of the pics:
http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/01/100kingdoms-roman-apes.html (http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/01/100kingdoms-roman-apes.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/02/100kingdoms-dinos.html (http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/02/100kingdoms-dinos.html)
100Kingdoms - Dinos
Gotta love these Dinos!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ffHCNpUDsBI/WJIUAMtmaHI/AAAAAAAAFz0/IMnWhRh0Y-0IXzuf6tCJwpYWabCrNLHxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oR3rxZtQAKI/WJIUaAnUV0I/AAAAAAAAF0I/8CyCimZGHL4x5m6hwPcbn8MQP1Q-8bntgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG)
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/02/100kingdoms-dinos.html (http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/02/100kingdoms-dinos.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/aragorn-arrives-in-breeland-village-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/aragorn-arrives-in-breeland-village-of.html)
Oldhammer LOTR: The Muster of Bree
Ravens have brought news that the Shire and Breeland have been burnt and ravaged.
The defenders of the Shire have retreated south.
But in Breeland, a Resistance Leader has risen to forge the survivors of humanity from the ashes!
More armies of the Undead are heading to Bree again and in even greater numbers.
Aragorn the Ranger has decided to head south to Breeland, to help this mysterious Leader of the Resistance and rally Bree from certain doom.
Aragorn has left command of the defenses to Lord Commander Jeor Mormont and Jon Snow.
He cannot bring an army of Rangers with him, but he has sent a handful across the lands to inspire other nations to send contingents to Bree...
To Kislev and its Icy Queen, Rohan and the Horse Lords, Dale and King Brand, Deepwood Motte and House Glover, White Harbor and House Manderley, and to the mercenary Houses of Estalia and Tilea - the famous Dogs of War.
In the meantime, a lone Aragorn has fought his way to the northernmost part of Breeland, the forested village of Archet.
We now take you to the action...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81djIP4084s/WJ5s4hXbWQI/AAAAAAAAF2c/mszkOD6ZNW8Ti9ia6pjJfwll0Fak2cyqgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3866.JPG)
Left to Right: Aragorn, Aeron Thistlewood, the "Rip Raffs"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LxtUTRtDemQ/WJ5syYeUpKI/AAAAAAAAF2U/vGJH8ACSdEsjC0GtO6SpmAFmLpjawQM8wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG)
Aeron Thistlewood is bandit chief of these parts.
This mini is an 80s Pre-Slotta Oldhammer Citadel figure from the Fantasy Adventurers Cavalry line (FAC)
His code is: FAC4 Mounted Sneak Thief with Dagger
Sneak Thief is pretty awesome descriptor!
Aragorn: Excuse me, I am Aragorn, also known as Strider the Ranger. Are you the Leader of the Resistance?
Aeron Thistlewood: Hail and well met. I am not the Resistance Leader you are looking for. I am a simple bandit chief trying to make my way in the world. However, I am on my way to Bree to look for this Leader and see if we can join forces with him? Shall we share the road?
Aragorn: Sure! (moves his wallet to his front pocket)
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/aragorn-arrives-in-breeland-village-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/aragorn-arrives-in-breeland-village-of.html)
-
The Muster continues….
From full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/farmers-at-arms-village-of-combe.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/farmers-at-arms-village-of-combe.html)
Farmers At Arms, Village of Combe
Further south, Aragorn and the Archet Bandits arrive in the farming community of Combe.
Considering that farmers and bandits have never gotten along, Aragorn decides to go meet them first – to smooth things out.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KWPO6p_7wTo/WJ54afXDxmI/AAAAAAAAF20/6MT15Szzl5QOEltlrs-QN9uoQN_YZ05tACLcB/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG)
Left to Right: Aragorn, Gavin Appledore, the "Penny Crop Mob"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dossJDpUI6k/WJ54f_DWbeI/AAAAAAAAF28/Gzmnk6wOsVo_fbuRur8kkcNpeGqVtsSVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG)
This mini's code is FAC5 Mounted Druid with Sickle
Aragorn: Excuse me, I am Aragorn, also known as Strider the Ranger. Are you the Leader of the Resistance?
Gavin Appledore: No, sir, I am not. I am a humble Druid and protector of these farmlands. I do know you! You are the Heir of Slitherine! Ummm… no… Isildur! Yes! The Heir of Isildur, and rightful King of the North. I am at your service, Majesty!
Farmer 1: I didnt know we had a king.
Aragorn: Then who is your Lord?
Farmer 2: We dont have a Lord, we're an anarcho-syndicalist commune. We take turns to act as sort of an executive officer for the week. But all the decisions of that officer have to be ratified at a special biweekly meeting by a simple majority in the case of internal affairs.
Aragorn: (sigh) Farmers…
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/farmers-at-arms-village-of-combe.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/farmers-at-arms-village-of-combe.html)
-
Old school fantasy gaming - with priceless references to 2010s pop culture - done in the best way possible, simply AMAZING!!!:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
dinohunterpoa,
Thanks buddy. Just trying to keep that Oldhammer silliness alive!
Now onwards to more Mustering...
~~~
From full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/trade-union-of-staddle.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/trade-union-of-staddle.html)
Union workers join the fight!
Onwards to the industrial town of Staddle...
Aragorn and company have reached the great East Road and the town of Staddle, known for its Blacksmithies.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAa66-Ge6Uo/WJ6BVEEhw9I/AAAAAAAAF3s/LL4qLDrSA-w-S6-_WtXVYcnHwCLVjtTkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3882.JPG)
Left to Right: Aragorn, Howland the Hammer, the "Bellow Boys"
Aragorn: Excuse me, I am Aragorn, also known as Strider the Ranger. Are you the Leader of the Resistance?
Howland the Hammer: No, Im not the great leader of the Resistance, but my sources tell me, he can be found in Bree tomorrow. If he promises to fight for fair wages for workers everywhere, I will promise him my Hammer! What about you, Ranger? How do you feel about the 99%?
Aragorn: Strangely, I know nothing about politics, really... but I do know how to fight with a sword and a bow.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEpA5Caca9w/WJ6BT0o8ArI/AAAAAAAAF3o/mOZR0lJsdIYuV1cf_7-8cqm4jExPGk3BwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3883.JPG)
On the left is Howland the Hammer of Staddle.
He is the Master Craftsman, and all the Trade Union toughs recognize his authority.
With a word, he can shut down industry across Eriador with an event that is the most dreaded thing among the bourgeouis elite... Labor Dispute!
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/trade-union-of-staddle.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/trade-union-of-staddle.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/radagast-his-terrible-horrible-no-good.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/radagast-his-terrible-horrible-no-good.html)
Radagast & His Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Quest
On the road to Bree, Aragorn and company run into.... Radagast the Brown and a company of foot Knights in full armor!
Finally, this blog confronts the issue of Radagast and how he is at the center of all the bad events that are ruining Middle Earth!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5LfrrToDuI/WJ6HOksqMQI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/wAucQ2q59T43T-Gqltbh5qgiFtK8A6U6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG)
Left to Right: Aragorn, Radagast the Brown, the "Lost Knights of Arthedain"
Aragorn: Radagast! Dont tell me that YOU are the Resistance Leader!?!?!
Radagast: (looking sad) Um, no... actually Im not. Im not even a hero, really. I have soooo much to make up for.
Aragorn: (puts arm around the wizards shoulder) Oh? Whats wrong there, buddy? You can tell your old pal Aragorn...
Radagast: Where to start? Umm.. so I was leading Arwen, Haldir, Glorfindel, a Dwarf from Westeros, and alot of Barbarians through Moria... (see last years posts of basic D&D in Moria, EDIT: Ohhh, yeah, the very last ending adventure was not recorded on the blog. Its all for the best, really! Lets just let Radagast explain... But at least you can read how well they started off!)
Aragorn: Ooh, did you run into Halbarad? He was on a mission there with Eomer and Eowyn! I hope they are ok?
Radagast: Oh they are fine, Im sure, they took a different route than us. But... (sighs) I lost Arwen and all the other Elves in the Tombs of Terror! Haldir was impaled, Glorfindel is trapped in a rock prison, and Arwen stepped through a doorway that looked like a mouth! It might have been a sphere of annihilation, but Im certain it was actually a portkey! (I claim DM's discretion in saving Arwen for a future adventure hook!) In fact, as she disappeared, I noticed the faint odor of brimstone... The dwarf Tyrion and his barbarians lasted a bit longer, they...
Aragorn: You let my beloved Arwen fall into... HELL!?!? Arwen Evenstar, daughter of Elrond, grand-daughter of Galadriel, High Elven Princess of both Rivendell and Loth-Lorien...
Radagast: Noooo... not that bad! It was the odor of noxious fumes that could only be from the Dark Plains of Mordor... So, shes fine... as long as she keeps herself hidden in the shrubbery... and avoids the Orc patrols. And the toxic pools. And the Nazgul on winged beasts. Oh and the Eye of Sauron thats like a searchlight of doom... Look, Aragorn, we can go find her later. Right now we have to save Bree. Then we can save Arwen. OH wait. We have to save Gandalf from the top of Isengard Tower after Bree. Thats why Im here, we save Bree, then get all the northern humans together to assault that traitorous Saruman...
Aragorn: (facepalm) Gandalf too?
Radagast: Well, I was supposed to send Eagles to Isengard, but then... you know the Tomb of Terrors thing happened, and Galadriel banished me from Loth Lorien... and I forgot. So by the time I got to the Misty Mountains, something terrible happened to the Eagles! Terrible, Aragorn... its Tzeentch, he must have planned this for a long time...
Aragorn: Arwen, Gandalf, Eagles... Im afraid to ask about the most important news of all... Frodo.
Radagast: Wait, who is Frodo?
Aragorn: (facepalm)
Radagast: I hope its not too important...
Aragorn: (facepalm)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VXiqaf0riq8/WJ6HKJwb_qI/AAAAAAAAF4M/ukFVjoXEmxUlWibWp3rVhDdzC7Lw4pmagCLcB/s1600/IMG_3888.JPG)
This mini's actually code is Citadel C02 - Gustavus Ravenmage.
Of course, in my campaign... he is Radagast the Brown!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0P8gL7Jt8A/WJ6HUnbX-eI/AAAAAAAAF4U/xkZlpkakFxU-6HcaSpd7mdkhVgaTt_LpQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3890.JPG)
The "Lost Knights of Arthedain" claim they are descended from ancient nobility from the fall of the Northern Kingdoms.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/radagast-his-terrible-horrible-no-good.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/radagast-his-terrible-horrible-no-good.html)
-
Now I really start wondering who that rebellious leader might be!
-
dinohunterpoa,
Thanks buddy. Just trying to keep that Oldhammer silliness alive!
And you're doing an AWESOME job! ;)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-prancing-pony-militia.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-prancing-pony-militia.html)
Aragorn & Radagast in Bree at last... Plus protesters! Make Bree Great Again!
The Prancing Pony Militia
Aragorn and company finally get to Bree.
All his life, Aragorn has trained in the art of war.
But nothing prepared him for politics.
His dealings with the commoners has sparked an interest in him to at least try to understand them.
But, its hard work trying to get the communist farmers from preaching louder than the union worker activists.
Activists: WHO GOT THE POWER? WE GOT THE POWER! WHAT KIND OF POWER....
Guy who has had enough: Hey... hey... (crowd quiets down) This is library....
All this politics is giving Aragorn a big headache.
Strangely, the bandits seem to be the least troublesome.
They just tease the farmers, and try to steal from the union workers.
Bandits at least are just lovable bullies.
Aragorn: These protesters and anti-protesters are getting out of hand, Radagast. Hopefully some Undead show up soon!
Radagast: Dont worry there buddy, they are being painted as fast as possible by our invisible blog chronicler! BTW, you should hire that "This is Library" guy when you become King. And not just because you need to have an Easterling quota in your cabinet, but Im pretty sure that he will be an internet meme someday.
Aragorn: Whats an internet?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6J4j8ZulrLE/WJ6fJHGRKhI/AAAAAAAAF48/QAFFMGrUxb0yStWexf-g94EkJFIItUvvACLcB/s1600/IMG_3894.JPG)
Aragorn and Radagast lead a motley band of rogues into town.
Oh, I forgot to mention my new game mat from Deep Cut Studios, all the way from Lithuania!
I splurged and got the mouse pad material. It folds out totally flat and the colors are great.
It just matches Oldhammer colors, like 80's gamebook art.
I got this one with cobblestones and another stony/mountain one for the Return to Moria campaign.
I highly recommend! Thats a 10 out of 10 axes review rating from me.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-prancing-pony-militia.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-prancing-pony-militia.html)
-
Those are some truly WONDERFUL miniatures in a LOVELY setting...the stuff of inspiration. VERY WELL DONE!
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html)
The Midnight Rider & the Peaky Breelanders
A horseman rides into town, at the head of a large group of ruffians.
Is it the Midnight Rider?
♫ Go and tell the Midnight Rider
Tell the rambler,
The gambler,
The back biter
That you can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time ♫
Indeed, it is him!
The Leader of the Resistance!
And he has brought a lot of proper Oldhammer friends to boot!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaSZr9deqhQ/WJ6qjtUFI4I/AAAAAAAAF6I/3PaS-Gr5VOca3L6g3jKrhdfz335LV80mQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3905.JPG)
Left to Right: Aragorn, The Leader of the Resistance, the Peaky Breelanders
Yummy old school 80s goodness!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSgXZMBvIys/WJ6qbG7KQYI/AAAAAAAAF6E/KVaa2_q8cuQaklJBrgjBKjN54IsuQIW0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG)
This mini is coded as C33 Mounted Adventurer, Rogue with Dagger
I love everything about this model - the rider, the rearing horse pose.
Look at that horse's face! And his 80's flowing mane!
And the rider himself is the epitome of rogueish-ness.
So who is he?
Who is the Midnight Rider?
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html)
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html)
The Midnight Rider & the Peaky Breelanders
A horseman rides into town, at the head of a large group of ruffians.
Is it the Midnight Rider?
♫ Go and tell the Midnight Rider
Tell the rambler,
The gambler,
The back biter
That you can run on for a long time
Run on for a long time ♫
Indeed, it is him!
The Leader of the Resistance!
And he has brought a lot of proper Oldhammer friends to boot!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gaSZr9deqhQ/WJ6qjtUFI4I/AAAAAAAAF6I/3PaS-Gr5VOca3L6g3jKrhdfz335LV80mQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3905.JPG)
Left to Right: Aragorn, The Leader of the Resistance, the Peaky Breelanders
Yummy old school 80s goodness!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSgXZMBvIys/WJ6qbG7KQYI/AAAAAAAAF6E/KVaa2_q8cuQaklJBrgjBKjN54IsuQIW0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG)
This mini is coded as C33 Mounted Adventurer, Rogue with Dagger
I love everything about this model - the rider, the rearing horse pose.
Look at that horse's face! And his 80's flowing mane!
And the rider himself is the epitome of rogueish-ness.
So who is he?
Who is the Midnight Rider?
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-midnight-rider-peaky-breelanders.html)
Well done. :) Lovely collection of C-Series stuff and beautiful terrain!
-
Yes, love it. Good thing to know is that the peasant militia in the bottom picture is available again by Wargames Foundr ( one of their daughter compagnies I believe ) so we don't have to shell out crazy over the top Oldhammer prices anymore :D
-
Yes, love it. Good thing to know is that the peasant militia in the bottom picture is available again by Wargames Foundr ( one of their daughter compagnies I believe ) so we don't have to shell out crazy over the top Oldhammer prices anymore :D
Casting Room Miniatures, right?
-
Yes, thanks, that one I meant. :)
-
Casting Room Miniatures, right?
Yes, thanks, that one I meant. :)
Nope, they are here: http://www.warmongerminiatures.com/collections/ex-citadel/products/wa001-ex-citadel-mercenaries (http://www.warmongerminiatures.com/collections/ex-citadel/products/wa001-ex-citadel-mercenaries)
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1058/6186/products/WA001_1024x1024.png?v=1487028529)
http://www.warmongerminiatures.com/collections/ex-citadel/products/wa002-ex-citadel-mercenaries (http://www.warmongerminiatures.com/collections/ex-citadel/products/wa002-ex-citadel-mercenaries)
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1058/6186/products/WA002_1024x1024.png?v=1487028597)
;)
BTW: Their site is so lame that they only have a "contact form" that one must fill, and not a single email adress... WTF?!?!!?!? ;D
-
Well, those are 80's models so I guess we'll have to contact them the 80's way. Pigeons, smoke signals, telegraph, that sort of thing lol.
-
Buddies,
I believe Warmonger & Casting Room are both still cast in Foundry anyway.
Ive never ordered through either of them, but the ex citadel range and a whole lot more are available through Foundry's proper site here:
http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ex-citadel (http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ex-citadel)
-
Well, those are 80's models so I guess we'll have to contact them the 80's way. Pigeons, smoke signals, telegraph, that sort of thing lol.
Yep, it seems their "customer service" works this way... :'(
-
Buddies,
I believe Warmonger & Casting Room are both still cast in Foundry anyway.
Ive never ordered through either of them, but the ex citadel range and a whole lot more are available through Foundry's proper site here:
http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ex-citadel (http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/our-ranges/ex-citadel)
Their are indeed the same company, but while buying online some items from the Foundry main catalog, for example, I am redirected to Casting Room or Warmonger shopping sites - and each of them have their own Shopping Cart, so I am asked to make different purchases and pay different shipping charges! :-[
I am waiting for an answer from their "customer service" for about 10 days now! :`
Waiting... and waiting... ;D
-
BTW: Their site is so lame that they only have a "contact form" that one must fill, and not a single email adress... WTF?!?!!?!? ;D
OK, didn't check closely, but Casting Room also has some rioting peasants.
Re: the order form - I recently gave up on getting some ancient fleets from a Navwar, as it turned out that I would have to print out an order form and fax or snailmail it (plus write my credit card details, including the security no. on it - what could POSSIBLY go wrong...??). It's the 21st century, for crying out loud!!! No fecking pics on the website, and too much hassle to get the goods.
-
OK, didn't check closely, but Casting Room also has some rioting peasants.
Yep, they have, and very nice ones. But I seriously think they don't wanna sell them! lol
Re: the order form - I recently gave up on getting some ancient fleets from a Navwar, as it turned out that I would have to print out an order form and fax or snailmail it (plus write my credit card details, including the security no. on it - what could POSSIBLY go wrong...??). It's the 21st century, for crying out loud!!! No fecking pics on the website, and too much hassle to get the goods.
Its seems that it's not a legitimate business, but some kind of scam! :o
-
Its seems that it's not a legitimate business, but some kind of scam! :o
I don't think so - Navwar was recommended to me.
-
I don't think so - Navwar was recommended to me.
So it was just a matter of adjustment to steering a serious business in the 21C! :D
I am also deeply disturbed by manufacturers that don't have pictures of all their models in their websites. Hey, some of them even don't have proper websites! :o
BTW: still waiting for an answer from Wargames Foundry... :`
-
Taken from full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/ruined-medieval-buildings-lovely.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/ruined-medieval-buildings-lovely.html)
Just finished up painting these Armorcast resin terrain pieces.
And... more than 200 Undead troops as well, lots of bones coming up in the next post!
So, lets examine the Ruins of Bree...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pSWUjFKsUdY/WLS47ki1LgI/AAAAAAAAF-Y/ZCQCiiaSmi8xWvXDyDBShE3867gcuGKAwCLcB/s1600/IMG_3971.JPG)
So I got 5 ruined structures here.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k1gYdc1Lqp8/WLS6F5UZrNI/AAAAAAAAF_U/ctW0gNGaYLAZyBk1JJ_NKbcQcTjNzpiaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_3996.JPG)
But life goes on, in the ruins of Bree!
Here is the portable Prancing Pony snug pub!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhblGsMSwj8/WLS6bwdtGJI/AAAAAAAAF_o/nnci8MOq82IPwOpelbROE5KWisZfP5KggCLcB/s1600/IMG_4000.JPG)
Radagast sets up a little wizards study to prepare his Vancian spells for the upcoming battle.
~~~
For the rest of the post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/ruined-medieval-buildings-lovely.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/02/ruined-medieval-buildings-lovely.html)
-
Life goes on, indeed! Those villagers are looking a little *too* comfortable in the ruins of their village. Great work! 8)
-
Lovely collection, there! Makes that mat look very good - normally I am not all that keen on 2D pinted terrain, but for stuff like this it really works.
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-1-zombies.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-1-zombies.html)
Here is the first of 2 Undead armies converging on Bree.
We have some old school Black Riders from Citadel and Grenadier.
Along with a nice new Necromancer from Reaper.
The zombies are Mantic plastics.
But I will be adding auxilliary metal regiments from Rafm & Harlequin.
I already have a decent chunk of Citadel metal skellies, so my painted Undead army is coming along quite nicely.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyffbjvMjR0/WMmW5wCAMaI/AAAAAAAAGLw/-l1Qk1EF5TsmFfp7ghBOhl_WeN1-R5k1wCEw/s1600/IMG_4116.JPG)
The moaning battle cry of Brrraaaiiiinnnnsss can be heard along the eastern roads of Bree.
Zombies are on the march!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtCfnWGdRBY/WMmYpnmS4uI/AAAAAAAAGMA/q_iCHNjRg6gFY3S3R6FQiVARPYQVMWj4wCEw/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG)
This Mounted Wraith is vintage 80s Citadel Lord of the Rings.
His code is: ME-64 Black Rider - Ringwraith
Its nice to have some respectable old metal figures to lead these new fangled plastics.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GhOlM7LBY0/WMmaDphi0vI/AAAAAAAAGMI/kUsO8x7wzZkSTQJ8Nj0_w1rOOgq-4uMVgCEw/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG)
This fellow is Domus the Necromancer.
He is part of the 25th Anniversary of Reaper that is taking place this year.
Lovely, lovely figure that just oozes old school charm!
He reminds me of vintage Grenadier D&D wizards.
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-1-zombies.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-1-zombies.html)
-
I sense a big battle is coming, and I am afraid the good lads will be on the losing side...
Nevertheless, this is once again a great looking army!!
-
Mars, it's really amazing the way you manage to paint such a large amount of figures in a small period of time keeping that high standard of quality! And the storyline and AARs are awesome as well!
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
How did I miss this thread? So many beautiful miniatures and terrain!
-
Thanks, my buddies! Another post coming later this afternoon-ish. That is if you live in the west coast of Lustria. Although I think Lustria is more South America. Naggaroth? No, I think that would be Canada... Who knew my northern brethren were emo pointy eared tree huggers, or that Trump is building a wall to keep out the Slann? At any rate, another post of Undead are coming after lunch in my timezone!
LordOdo,
Heroes fighting against nearly impossible odds seems to be the theme to my campaigns eh? Yeah, but it will mean the victory, if and when it does happen, will be all the more sweeter!
dinohunterpoa,
You might find it even more amazing when you look at all the minis I have to paint on commission too!
von Lucky,
Welcome and well met then, sir!
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-2-lich-queen.html
(http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-2-lich-queen.html)
Oldhammer LOTR - The Lich Queen of Carn Dum
Here is the 2nd Undead invasion force coming from the North.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajrFWmKEqQU/WMnjjUqRQEI/AAAAAAAAGM8/hcsQEXdrK_saJYDJYFRYP6JztHcbrSqxwCEw/s1600/IMG_4133.JPG)
Again, the bulk of it is Mantic Skeletons.
They are being led by various Lich lords... and a lady!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8hbBZFp4OE/WMnjW4eFxQI/AAAAAAAAGM8/ygmp_UL_bx8EVpwW07ilz8GrrXme_nq3ACEw/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG)
She is a fancy one, the Queen.
She likes to sit on her throne, reading her favorite novel, while waving a gold plated scepter around.
The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen!
Pass the pub that wrecks your body
And the church, all they want is your money
The Queen is dead, boys
And it's so lonely on a limb
Life is very long, when you're lonely
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KC1jxlfoI-c/WMnnqo4117I/AAAAAAAAGNs/6gCzkxlplbQiqoy13csiKkMvYUf-XhtMwCEw/s1600/IMG_4140.JPG)
This tall fellow is Vordekai the Cyclops Lich.
He is the sworn servant of Lucrella, who took pity on the giant cyclops and showed him kindness after he was abandoned by his father for being a Chaosy freak of nature.
It was Lucrella who gave him his name - Vordekai.
Hmm... I wonder who his father is?
All that is known is that the original name on Vordekai's birth certificate is Magnus...
Vordekai does have vague memories of his brother primarchs teasing him and poking him in his eye.
Oh those imperial bullies!
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-2-lich-queen.html
(http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/03/undead-invaders-of-bree-pt-2-lich-queen.html)
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/04/blogs-2-year-anniversary-oldhammer-box.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/04/blogs-2-year-anniversary-oldhammer-box.html)
Citadel Box Set BC7: Heroic Fighters of Known World
Blog's 2 Year Anniversary & Oldhammer Box Set: Heroic Fighters
Hiya buddies!
I just realized that as of yesterday this blog has reached its 2 year anniversary!
Happy Anniversary Moria Reclamation Project!
May your axes be ever sharp, and your Bugmans Brew always cold!
So, better late than never, we shall celebrate with this post of freshly painted minis from the lovely 80s box set known as...
BC7: Heroic Fighters of Known World
Sculpted by the legendary Jes Goodwin.
This was the very first Citadel box set I ever bought (errrr bought for me, thanks dad!)
I spent too many years using these figures in both Warhammer and D&D.
Sometimes afterwards they were supplemented with the early Empire plastic halberdiers and the Men at Arms from Advanced Heroquest.
But they were at the forefront of all my gaming as a kid.
Well, they are back again, this time to save Middle Earth...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dc2K12ML6s8/WO1kd3odbgI/AAAAAAAAGYY/kScg05sQchgGZiK-u0lKX36KON_95AJvQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4267.JPG)
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting
Till the end
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eftnzVDsG1U/WO1kfB8s3WI/AAAAAAAAGYc/t1mVykHwcCY_tbgQC4_Xzzjc9Imtg7GJQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4268.JPG)
Box cover
Oh 80s art... how I love thee.
Im guessing this is John Blanche?
The colors and style sure feel like it.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mxPTsMjQfVc/WO1kln3PkWI/AAAAAAAAGYg/3CJ3GGRdHxMxZQDc6B3IOQ-3PKUoUdlhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_4271.JPG)
Left to Right: Ulrik Ulrikson, Sir Brut, Vlad Krakhed, The Moon Duke, Lord Aquila, Gladius, Harry the Hammer, Manfred
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-whz1_3PTjtg/WO1kx8x0KZI/AAAAAAAAGYw/GfPq6U0IW5IEbZb9_a2Rz1fJHH1QmauHACLcB/s1600/IMG_4274.JPG)
Lord Aquila
I remember in my 80s campaigns, he was the scourge of the Micronauts! (action figures & comic book)
Sure, he was smaller than them, but he had the power of Golden Armor.
Oh, and he was always on the quest for the "Golden Axe" (video game)
Huh... I realized my game campaigns were already zany back then too!
Can it be possible that Ive been playing the same campaign since the 80s!?!?!
But more importantly... will the Micronauts save Minas Tirith? ;p
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--h7UBfDFUVk/WO1k-fp1ZHI/AAAAAAAAGY8/4OtRvTNKO2oc8IhgRWvYzpForNNXmPUiwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4277.JPG)
Harry the Hammer.
This mini is the 80s remake of the original Pre-Slotta Harry the Hammer, who is the poster boy of Warhammer and was on the cover of the 1st edition White Box.
See my post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html
I do prefer the Pre-Slotta version, and if I can get one without selling a kidney, I would.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rjn3a7JU5Yo/WO1lFdG0o0I/AAAAAAAAGZE/BkGu8y9HRrsxP-AXzVqgFXpcaflx_OxoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG)
Ulrik Ulrikson
I just finished binge watching the UK TV show Utopia and this made me think of Wilson Wilson.
(Spoiler ahead for those who havent watched that lovely lovely show)
Ulrik is so dedicated to saving the Old World that he has carved the Nippon symbol for Rabbit into his stomach.
Where is Jessica Hyde?
~~~
For the rest of the post and a 2 year blog celebration: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/04/blogs-2-year-anniversary-oldhammer-box.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/04/blogs-2-year-anniversary-oldhammer-box.html)
-
Harry the Hammer.
This mini is the 80s remake of the original Pre-Slotta Harry the Hammer, who is the poster boy of Warhammer and was on the cover of the 1st edition White Box.
See my post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html
I do prefer the Pre-Slotta version, and if I can get one without selling a kidney, I would.
You mean this fellow?
-
dinohunterpoa,
Nope. This fellow here:
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOQOqQktkPA/WO5qq7jPk-I/AAAAAAAAGcA/vt08VR0xXV86GhWijB7WlnHm52c8s7s5gCLcB/s1600/harry%2Bthe%2Bhammer%2Bpreslotta.jpg)
-
Happy Birthday!!
Herzlichen Geburtstag!!
Fijne verjaardag!!
Since the beginning I follow your imaginative world pretty closely, and I love it as if it was my own baby :p
I need to thank you for all the fun and inspiration, and I hope you'll continue for quite some time with all your fluff!
-
LordOdo,
Thanks buddy!
You might find it interesting to know that your own countrymen are going to make it to the blog in the next post!
Well, Dutch of the late 1600s/early 1700s specifically....
Something about a League, and the number 9, and the color Orange.... ;p
And let me just say they sure look dashing with their floppy hats!
Oh spoilers! Let me just stop now...
-
dinohunterpoa,
Nope. This fellow here:
Thanks Mars, another one to my have-to-steal-from-that-old-guy-at-the-club-find list! ;)
-
Thanks Mars, another one to my have-to-steal-from-that-old-guy-at-the-club-find list! ;)
He'd rather have you steal his car, as that's around the same value hahaha :)
@Mars, I'm curious to see what you'll come up with!
-
You mean this fellow?
Dino, where is your hammer guy from again?
Grimm
-
Dino, where is your hammer guy from again?
Grimm
From here: https://khanofsomet.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/402/ (https://khanofsomet.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/402/)
;)
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/05/age-of-sig-marienburg-league-of.html
(http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/05/age-of-sig-marienburg-league-of.html)
The League of Augsburg enters the War for Middle Earth!
The Town Crier can be heard with the latest news in the war torn lands of Eriador...
Marienburg has entered the War for Bree!
Floppy Hats sighted crossing the borders of Eriador!
Sauron says Floppy Hats are for sissies!
Social media calls for ban of all Mordor products until the Dark Lord apologizes for bullying!
Now that Ive got your attention (and possible prepared ire)...
Am I switching from Oldhammer to Age of Sigmar?
No. (You can put down the rocks now you grognards!)
Im here to announce that Marienburg is joining the war effort in Bree...
complete with new outfits and floppy hats!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--YJIU4goGGQ/WS4R-qNH1QI/AAAAAAAAGrk/roaOl9dg_Gg8W3QK7xApQwboJ7rRSfp2gCLcB/s1600/IMG_4464.JPG)
Here comes the vanguard of the Marienburg forces.
They feel a bit vulnerable right now without the protection of their pikemen, cavalry and cannon.
But dont fret, reinforcements are following right behind this post!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p97gzSomIEM/WS4SAYsTZMI/AAAAAAAAGro/33WnT1aBLvQY1-NImLgl1FBY2komi9uuwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4465.JPG)
Churchyll, Duke of Marlboro... errr... I mean Marienborough.
Churchyll is the sworn foe of the High Elven Cirque du Soleil King, Ludovic XIV
The Sun King, I mean Soleil King employs a troupe of Eldar mime/assassin/performance artistes whose wave of terror has spread across the Empire. These self-styled Harlequin assasins were making snide insults about Elector Counts the Old World over, simply because they just didnt have that "je ne sais quoi". Even the already flamboyant Marienburgers werent exempt from the taunting of the Soleil King and his snobby Elven insulteurs. Many a thin-skinned noble stepped out of public office and deleted their twitter accounts from the deadly Eldar ridicule. At first there was the War of the Estalian Succession, then the War of the Hochland Succession, then the War of the... you get the picture. It was a dark time for the Empire, until the Marienburg General Churchyll beat those dastardly pointy ears at the Battle of Bad-Plaquet. The Soleil King has accepted the terms of the "No more bullying" Treaty and so far the haughty Elves have refrained from their deadly derision and settled for narrow eyed looks and upturned chins. But the Eldar, being such a duplicitous species (dishonorable according to the stunties!), no one knows how long the peace will last. The success of the campaign has brought much glory, wealth and technological prowess for Marienburg. While the rest of the Empire has languished in the (yawn!) Renaissance era, Marienburg has leveled up to the Age of Reason, complete with floppy hats!
OK, this new and entirely silly background fluff allows me to now field the wonderful minis from Warfare Miniatures who have just opened up a US site! Cheaper prices and free shipping! For years Ive wanted to join the Imagi-Nations craze. Now I will, but it will happen in the context of my Oldhammer Middle Earth campaign world. And I really think its just an evolution that was bound to take place in the Oldhammer mythos. Bretonnia is just an excuse to use medieval minis, the Empire for 30 Years War, Kislev for Polish Lancers, etc...
I think there was even a Roman Centurion looking mini at some point in the past. (Yup, it was a Dogs of War General, Lorenzo Lupo - Prince of Lucinni)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzCGZA9EiS4/WS4SKrFlPlI/AAAAAAAAGrw/FGzhtCc8dkQXG3aZiPOcYLpyWgWFO4lbwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG)
The men in blue coats with red sleeves are from Oldenburg.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKHTpqN5iJA/WS4SHm4efWI/AAAAAAAAGrs/FkYa7IP1N8YowDV8OhkQGwRKqOTFLE_qQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4469.JPG)
They are the most grizzled veterans of the lot and like to grumble about all manner of affairs; usually about new fangled editions of wargame rules.
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/05/age-of-sig-marienburg-league-of.html
(http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/05/age-of-sig-marienburg-league-of.html)
-
OMG!!! :o
"Bretonnia is just an excuse to use medieval minis, the Empire for 30 Years War, Kislev for Polish Lancers, etc..." - EXACTLY!
BTW: the use of Dutch figures as Marienburgers is PERFECT! :-*
When will we see the land ships and airships? ;)
(https://thunderclam.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/the-three-musketeers-pic06-1.jpg)
-
dinohunterpoa,
Thanks buddy.
I do love my fancy dressed men... oh, er.... that could be taken the wrong way.
And no, none airships will be making it to the blog.
Even those new dwarf steampunk ships by GW.
Although...
I imagine the pirates of Pelargir - the Corsairs could be using flying dirigibles!
Ha, I can see the fun of it, when suddenly at the siege of Minas Tirith - the look on everyones faces as Aragorn and his Ghostly Army disembark from airborne Skyships.
Oh, now youve done it, it might happen, afterall... ;D
-
lol lol lol lol lol
-
I always like to see fellow Dutchies, even when they're only 28mm tall!
Good needs a victory, so maybe they can help them get it.
-
Taken from full post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/06/warfare-minis-more-marienburg-infantry.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/06/warfare-minis-more-marienburg-infantry.html)
Warfare Minis – More Marienburg Infantry Arrive In Bree
Oldhammer LOTR – More Floppy Hats in Bree
Buddies… welcome to another post.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNeDnS-eorQ/WT9f2WRmQzI/AAAAAAAAGu4/jU0v8GJVPWM6hWtyhKRER7htELFB_391wCLcB/s1600/IMG_4504.JPG)
More Marienburgers have crossed over the Misty Mountains Pass and are headed to the defense of Bree.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNLXFAaxRhA/WT9f1BJDSFI/AAAAAAAAGu0/WO21uhcG9hstYtONWkQIa307IL_xkSZkwCLcB/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG)
This time we got a block of pikes, some grenadiers, a general on horse, and a cannon.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5V7V6NrIBxc/WT9geQYZTJI/AAAAAAAAGvc/pe5MxW68Ss40XL4bxpTL7BeQmKHihI0_QCLcB/s1600/IMG_4520.JPG)
Brushing up on my Pike rules from the Dogs of War armybook, I (re)learned that Pike can strike with all 4 ranks in any combat where the Pikemen have not moved (they have been charged, or in a second or subsequent turn of combat).
4 Ranks of attacks!
In the first turn that the Pikemen have charged they still get to attack with 2 ranks.
Pikes also get to strike first in any combat, despite being charged or Initiative.
Oh, and also, each Pikeman gets an extra attack against enemy cavalry on the first turn!
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/06/warfare-minis-more-marienburg-infantry.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/06/warfare-minis-more-marienburg-infantry.html)
-
Churchyll: Trust in the defense of your Pikes, brother. And in the power of our muskets.
Rutger: Yeah, yeah... still... there is something comforting about waves of cavalry riding down the enemy flanks!
Churchyll: Hmm... youre right. Where are those damned cavalry?!
PRICELESS!!! lol lol lol lol lol
At the same time, a lone scout was looking at the heavy clouds over the mountains and wondering: Where are the frigging AIRSHIPS?! ;D
Looking forward to see the Marienburgers in battle! ;)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/oldhammer-2nd-edition-box-scenario-books.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/oldhammer-2nd-edition-box-scenario-books.html)
Minty fresh copy of Oldhammer 2E came with a surprise!
Sometimes eBay amazes me.
Not all the time, but when it does, it makes me cry manly tears of joy.
Here is the 2nd Edition Box set of Warhammer Fantasy Battles.
You might remember my White Box 1st edition post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/04/oldhammer-first-edition-box-set-has.html
There is similarity in both of these purchases.
Not only did I get each of these boxes at about $50 a pop, but they both had all the extra material of their edition packed in the box!
In the 1st Edition box, I got the Forces of Fantasy supplements and the Book of Battalions.
Now in this 2nd Edition box, I got all 3 scenario books for 2E with all their miscellany.
How am I so lucky?
Sigmar must be watching over my hobby purchases.
Either him or Sauron, Im not sure which.
Im also a very patient eBayer and I always wait til I can get a good deal, so Im prepared to get a "not so great" copy.
But surprise again, once more!
I got a sharp undented box and crispy clean booklets.
So later, I might have to sacrifice some fatty Hobbits in the name of Sauron (although isnt that what pretty much happened in the Shire campaign of last year?)
Now I have had this edition before, but I never had the scenarios supplements of McDeath or Lichemaster back then.
Hence, my surprise of new nostalgia waiting for me.
Look on, dear reader, and witness the beauty of Oldhammer 2E
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD3wl5Kvmg0/WWxDOTUCOAI/AAAAAAAAGz0/QNy_XE0Ie68OCdo5GpbkbSfxIEEAVlX1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4578.JPG)
Overview shot of everything that came in the box.
Thats right, I got all the scenario books with the rulebooks!
And all the cardboard buildings and miniature standup counters.
Plus some addendum, catalog pages, and various ads.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4LYWVEpl2mU/WWxDJlyK8UI/AAAAAAAAGzs/uFV2DfK0lh4LfDumtEvXNQCT6COJgYZXQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4581.JPG)
Look how nice and crisp this box set is!
John Blanche does the box cover art (as if you didnt already know!)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohAmTUQ6HZ8/WWxDYZWovYI/AAAAAAAAGz4/Sjy6XnpGwAIh0cVRy4EI0H_aHs3OUM-RACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4584.JPG)
This drawing looks to be a Wraith or Wight coming out of some pottery like a Djinni from a lamp.
Dammit, who knocked over the Urn?
(everyone points at the sinewy barbarian)
Conan! You're too big to be a thief!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6JjecGOzSw/WWxDdz6NL5I/AAAAAAAAG0A/bNNU_qgAbfsrxl-A4708LTu5-iiyi_r8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4585.JPG)
The third core rulebook is the "Monster Manual".
And the 1st scenario book is Bloodbath at Orc's Drift, which is written and illustrated by...
Gary Chalk, Ian Page, and Joe Dever!
For those who dont know them, they are all of Lone Wolf gamebook fame.
Joe Dever, was not only the writer of Lone Wolf books, but also the video game Killzone.
Which is why Helghast is in both works.
Gary Chalk did the artwork for Lone Wolf, various Oldhammer and also the board games Talisman and Cry Havoc!
Both of those board games I spent much of my formative years playing.
Ian Page was an unfamiliar name, so I googled him to find out: not only did he help write some Lone Wolf books, but he was also the lead singer of the Mod Revival band "Secret Affair".
An obscure band, but since I do have a fascination with the "mod/power pop/punk" bands of the 70s, this was quite a surprise for me.
Listen to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XonDLg3e5wU
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTAxa8y3dwY/WWxDngQHJgI/AAAAAAAAG0I/FEYRrHxGcKoEQqE14Jt0c_ymblC-eDyQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG)
Hey they even provide a nice map of the area
I swear this looks like it belongs somewhere in Sommerlund!
Now I will have to figure out where in Middle Earth this is for my own campaign.
Oh, spoilers!
Yup, Orcs Drift might certainly happen on this blog.
If I had to guess, I would say this map is a small area in Dimrill Dale!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFSHg7chIy4/WWxD05YPKYI/AAAAAAAAG0U/mlmaq5snGqcXs_lDUU2SIf8XVNOUnng5QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG)
Oh look its the Loch Ness... err I mean Loch Larm Monster.
Nessie it turns out, is just a Dragon Turtle!
Oh, and I do have a Dragon Turtle just waiting to get a nice paint job.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/oldhammer-2nd-edition-box-scenario-books.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/oldhammer-2nd-edition-box-scenario-books.html)
-
Great treasure, CONGRATULATIONS! 8)
Your take on the Battle of Rusinane Castle (from "McDeath") would be AWESOME!!! ;)
-
Excellent treasure trover right there. Awesome.
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-cavalry-arrives.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-cavalry-arrives.html)
The clatter of hooves echoes over the wartorn lands of Bree...
Is it the mighty Eoreds of Rohan we hear?
No, it is not.
Rohan has not yet entered the War of the Ring (at least not in our campaign).
It is a mighty host of cavalry from Marienburg!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-897MI_DcL9A/WXAjvUDJt6I/AAAAAAAAG1A/JKWmlLitk6U4T9F4qU8ziTKtmPx8U_sQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4599.JPG)
Here is the last portion of the Marienburg army.
3 units of finely dressed warriors, come to battle for Bree and the freedom of Middle Earth.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RqVEKu2X4zo/WXAj2A6OzCI/AAAAAAAAG1E/_DIFEowAv8UxQ2Ku80Zor3FFM5recePRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4600.JPG)
Here are the best cavalry of Marienburg, the Gardes du Corps.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZelRLrZxJYc/WXAj8AcbGSI/AAAAAAAAG1M/6SKRDWeogssdPHjtDSmPdlXA6eZpgGGgQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4602.JPG)
Musician and trooper.
The Gardes du Corps are also known as the Marienburg Life Guard.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QhABFjlq6Lo/WXAj_8AzpQI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/402T7eJmuJ0nytt1T9DUfJt9T8Y9_tBxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4603.JPG)
Here are some Brandenburg cavalry.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpj9t5BJZLo/WXAkF87if1I/AAAAAAAAG1U/kFsvAHkUydA7hMVLIPchfhVdgYQygb2XwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4605.JPG)
The musician and commander.
The commander uses the olde style lobster pot helmet.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MlSeKs0QnOg/WXAkMcgZ1iI/AAAAAAAAG1c/3GBdUhiF4gs17GJH9vmbYU96S2KkrG4iACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4608.JPG)
We have some Saarlander cavalry.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQuMhKY5T6A/WXAkaKvZbCI/AAAAAAAAG1o/tkc8jYBivmETkHRMUY_dlAajntjujt0YwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4610b.JPG)
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-cavalry-arrives.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-cavalry-arrives.html)
-
AWESOME as always! :-*
-
Is it weird to look forward to a battle? :)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/tom-meiers-zombie-dragon-more-pets-for.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/tom-meiers-zombie-dragon-more-pets-for.html)
Tom Meier's Zombie Dragon & More Pets For The Lichemaster
An ancient box of awe...
And also a bunch of dead pets for the Lichemaster!
A Zombie Dragon appears on the blog.
The Lichemaster, Heinrich Kemmler, also makes his debut.
It is by his undead hand that he commands the Zombie Dragon.
As if the Dragon isnt enough to handle, the Lichemaster brings even more pets to maul his foes for the upcoming battles for Bree.
Look upon this 80s box artwork and despair from its pure awesomeness.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CtoLxrLMDDY/WXGKYGdoNNI/AAAAAAAAG10/JqGEs2kxPQwaEO4mSVHGUeJNvPFWqQHWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG)
This is coded as DG6 Tom Meier's Zombie Dragon.
Go visit the internet archive Stuff of Legends for more info on Citadel dragons and anything else vintage Oldhammer: http://www.solegends.com/citadel/
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--crsSmmn_OU/WXGKchThLyI/AAAAAAAAG14/JK0WlZM_wRc8IH9rrdPRRAh0zA3l_mt7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4614.JPG)
A great worm from an ancient time, brought back by fell magicks.
Whatever his name was of old has been forgotten.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8vl33JzcqRs/WXGKc3-nLoI/AAAAAAAAG18/YSfa4z2wh4MTLGHVCVRNyTecSTjIRTpyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4615.JPG)
Lichemaster Kemmler has given him a new name... Drakkar Noir.
Feel the power!
In the far future, those silly humans will bottle the essence from the pools of his homeland and use it as "eau de toilet".
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42WygfuaBM0/WXGKghuq8gI/AAAAAAAAG2A/sPlt-Al23VcW5VkiczikjlNOCEv0kn50wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4619.JPG)
Here is Heinrich Kemmler, the Lichemaster himself!
Sure , he's a 90s sculpt, but that dont make you a bad person.
(And yes, there is an 80s version of him that was made for the "module" Terror of the Lichemaster.
Which I would like to get at some point. But this one will do for now...
That module also had minis of the skeletal warlords Krell, Ranlac, and... Mikael Jacsen and his Zombie troup!
Oh, 80's Oldhammer and its wacky humor!)
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LPeExaFbm4/WXGKlWIMHFI/AAAAAAAAG2E/6yf7T92xM8sXgpbU2qAR91FyyaBKM5hEQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4622.JPG)
This is another of the Lichemaster's pets.
He is a three-headed canine which I am calling Kibbles.
Thats right... the dreaded creature known as Kibbles of Ered Mithrin!
Ered Mithrin is a mountain range far to the north of Erebor, the Lonely Mountain.
And it is home to many strange arctic fantasy creatures, like for example...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cjsLQTghm-E/WXGKuzUedrI/AAAAAAAAG2M/E9d6TNStCWI-EElJdRoG29N-jZZnV3X9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4624.JPG)
...the Frost Hounds of Ered Mithrin.
I somehow got a box of these GW Chaos hounds, which I didnt care for at first.
They have grown on me though.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/tom-meiers-zombie-dragon-more-pets-for.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/tom-meiers-zombie-dragon-more-pets-for.html)
-
Blimey, I have that old decayed wyrm, wasn't aware that it is actually a Citadel mini. Been contemplating painting it up for my God of Battles Lords of Undeath army, but haven't found a good way to squeeze it into the rather prohibiting army list. Well, maybe it will work better with an A Fantastic SAGA list...
-
I love that zombie dragon. He's still available from Ral Partha Europe for a very reasonable.price. one day I will buy him!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/kiss-knights-in-saurons-service.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/kiss-knights-in-saurons-service.html)
KISS - Knights in Saurons Service
The Oldhammer Mystery of Uthmog Elvenblade/Harry the Hammer
Over the next two posts, I have some Oldhammer White Boxes, also known as "Speciality Sets".
First up we have KISS.
The Knights in Sauron's Service!
Actually its the Box Set coded as SS1-2 Warriors of Chaos.
These Chaos Knights are the elite warriors of Mordor's strike forces.
Beneath their helmets they have black and white face paint.
I wonder which one of them has the unfortunate cat face makeup.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VKnZok0u18/WXHarpubr8I/AAAAAAAAG3M/HKQbZ49eiqk5OC2oGzA380VMBudbtQcAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4635.JPG)
The front of all the Speciality Sets were the same cover art.
Look at this artwork...
Look at the figure below...
The first and greatest mystery of Warhammer history follows...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xb19O7I8rw/WXHaoIyz1FI/AAAAAAAAG3I/oTgWVrPzR1gwZF6wG0PYUhYHrIpsr-o5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG)
Uthmog Elvenblade
The boxed set for the rules of 1st edition Warhammer Fantasy has this miniature as its cover.
Its the same artwork as these White Box miniatures sets.
The artwork features this fellow with a... Warhammer!
This figure has a name... Uthmog Elvenblade.
Yet strangely he doesnt carry a blade, he carries a hammer.
There is an untold story here, of how his magical Elven blade was shattered and he replaced it with a trusty Dwarven Warhammer instead.
Moral of the story?
Elf made weapons stink.
At least thats how the Dwarven version of the story goes...
OK, I made that up that last paragraph.
There was little to no fluff in the early Oldhammer era.
Someone needs to ask Rick Priestly about this.
Its probably the most important thing about Warhammer and now I need to know the origin story of Uthmog Elvenblade/Harry The Hammer!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFUujVLqWlQ/WXHatW2zTpI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/p0tXs39M2qAbteU9vLBql7NUr76cIxH9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG)
Closeup of Uthmog's shield
In later editions, he will become known as Harry the Hammer.
But I will always call him Uthmog!
His name is Uthmog Elvenblade...
I understand. In death, a member of Project Mayhem has a name. His name is Robert Paulson...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJQdW0h66kc/WXHcMeVyKAI/AAAAAAAAG4E/uKJZ9Y1RYZw4bqP_FpDH5-sKxafh6aXcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG)
Kardos Bloodhelm
This guy is obviously a worshipper of Khorne the Blood God.
Before he became chosen by the Chaos Gods, he was a famous gladiator.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNrFFw-UqY0/WXHcQWciJyI/AAAAAAAAG4I/2Uniz4yazkIK25UZutvBJVFVOoFxf-RFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG)
Athgul Evilhand
Im guessing this guy is a worshipper of Tzeentch because of his bird helmet, so I gave him the colors of the Lord of Change.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/kiss-knights-in-saurons-service.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/kiss-knights-in-saurons-service.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-east-is-red-hobgoblin-red.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-east-is-red-hobgoblin-red.html)
The East is Red... Hobgoblin Red
Vintage 80's Citadel White Box Hob-Gobbos
Old General: We won again! This is good, but what is best in life?
Young Prince: The open steppe, a fleet horse, falcons at your wrist, wind in your hair.
Old General: Wrong! Conan! What is best in life?
Conan: Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. Hear the lamentations of their women.
Old General: That is good! That is good.
~~~
I know that this post's title "East is Red" is a Chinese thing, and the minis featured below have Japanese armor...
And also the quote from Conan is actually Mongolian (Jenghis KHAAAAAANNNNN!).
But what balances out all this misappropriation is that... not all Warhammer Goblins have green skin!
And now we have proof.
Finally, on this blog we have some fine examples of some red-skinned Hobgoblins.
Hobgoblin special rules to note: Frenzy, Scouts, Poisonous Attacks.
So basically they have a high output of poisonous attacks and at start of game they can deploy ahead of the battle lines.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epGCSYJS-GM/WXHlzbn0TKI/AAAAAAAAG4k/QRPKXsmlEPY4QYjHxd2UuaqedTnmouDSQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4652.JPG)
A unit of 20 vintage Hobgoblins ready for battle
12 came from the box set shown below, and the other 8 are from the C36 line, all sculpted by Aly Morrison.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpStH4I_keE/WXHlvMPZ65I/AAAAAAAAG4c/sB9DMXdcYDkt30TStoRePH3iraVlN3muwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4652a.JPG)
Another White Box set here and it is coded as DL2 Aly Morrison's Hobgoblin Warriors.
The front of the box is the same as all the other White Boxes, but the backs were different.
The back of the white boxes have this text:
The miniatures in this set are suitable for use with role-playing, tabletop and other games. They may be painted and collected or made into miniatures scenes (dioramas).
Thats interesting, besides rpgs & tabletop games ... what other types of games are there?
These guys dont have names, so I named some of them with suitably eastern sounding ones...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFg5RP1Lkl8/WXHlyd30NyI/AAAAAAAAG4g/PWt8nnXFzYIGYwFHrNjLDu0VYL9cJlRuwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG)
Left to Right: Ogadai the Champion, Sorgan Shiro the Shaman, Banner Bearer, Warrior with Spear
Ogadai is the enforcer of the Clan and carries out the will of the Chief.
Sorgan Shiro carries a magic skull. He is the witch doctor; Oh little sicky, seems to be the pain?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-FOTBybpzU/WXHl4aoXHoI/AAAAAAAAG4o/z7a16hXhZBQipTjua2EaJPMCd_HzttmiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4654.JPG)
Left to Right: Taklo Makan the Chieftain, Snooter the HobHound, Jamuga the Hound Master, and Hob-Ninja.
Taklo Makan is the Big Kahuna of this Clan.
Snooter the HobHound is just a pup, but he is already a good tracker (and he sure is a cute little feller!)
Jamuga the Hound Master makes sure Snooter doesnt get rabies from any wild Wolves.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-east-is-red-hobgoblin-red.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-east-is-red-hobgoblin-red.html)
-
Dang, those look suitably evil
-
LordOdo,
Yup, you really dont want one of them for a neighbor, or a roommate! :p
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-mouth-of-sauron.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-mouth-of-sauron.html)
The Mouth Of Sauron - Oldhammer LOTR
In The Mouth of Madness!
Do you read Sutter Cane?
It's a mad house! A mad house!
The Mouth of Sauron has come to Bree!
This figure has the Citadel code: ME-55 Mouth of Sauron, Evil Warrior Mage
Apparently, he has great knowledge of the Dark Arts.
Considering his master is the Dark Lord Sauron, I would say he is the envy of Dark Lord groupies the whole (Middle)Earth over.
Especially those precious snowflakes - the Death Eaters!
Even their Lord Voldemort is a fake wannabee Dark Lord.
The Mouth of Sauron is the real deal, who serves the true Dark Lord.
There is only one Dark Lord, and he is a giant Lidless Eye in Mordor that does not sleep!
Eddard Stark: The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JR-y-iIUUJI/WXH0phivhiI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/jcZgpZZlBpUu4ZP8s3w8DE3l4Xz1Eg3GACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4633.JPG)
The ambassador for the Black Lands of Mordor is here and he has been given the authority to deal with the humans of Eriador.
The deal is... submit to the Dark Lord of Mordor or die!
The Mouth is also the Lieutenant of Barad-Dur.
Barad-Dur of course is the Dark Tower, where Sauron resides in Mordor.
The Mouth might or might not be a few thousand years old.
Also, he is a Black Numenorian, which means he is kinda like Aragorn, but evil.
Think Elf and Dark Elf.
OK bad example, as I am pro-Dwarf and inclined to say that all Elves are indeed evil.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TrSz3zroN6Y/WXH0thicpyI/AAAAAAAAG5g/DtJ6BjdJ4HcS0DMq1-uvSwczfiqZt216wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4664.JPG)
The fact that the Mouth of Sauron is accompanied by the Warriors of Chaos and an elite Hobgoblin unit shows the level of trust placed upon him by the Mordor High Command.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-mouth-of-sauron.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-mouth-of-sauron.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-good-bad-ugly.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-good-bad-ugly.html)
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
Update to my Imagi-Nations Oldhammer Middle Earth mashup campaign
Looks like our Oldhammer Middle Earth gaming campaign has stalled a bit and will continue to experience a slow down for a while longer.
The Bree campaign will resume at some point when the stars are right (and Cthulhu wakes!)
Im going to tentatively rename November as Bree-vember as that is when I hope to get the current campaign up and running.
Which is perfect timing as I hope the new game mats will arrive around that time!
Yes, I have some lovely plush mats from Cigar Box Battle coming, via their Kickstarter.
In the meantime, Ive put a couple of figures together for this post.
These minis were to be used for a future campaign.
But I hate having long droughts on the blog, so here they are for a little show and tell.
So lets spoil the Misty Mountains campaign with this little teaser...
Oh! Also I have an "internet garage sale" going on, so hop on over to my commission blog to see what Im selling.
Support the Moria Reclamation Project and buy something why dont ya?
Go here for more details: http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2017/10/mars-internet-garage-sale.html
And finally, I have a backlog on commissions and am not taking new clients until I can clear up the painting queue.
If you are currently a client and on the queue, please accept my apologies for the long delay.
Thank you for your patience my good fellows.
Now, onwards to pics and fluff...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMQmcmmOZxI/WdVyfo40LiI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/gXUJVVGHbcMSYPZPvXA2VNijzBhMeU8xgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG)
Left to Right: Fishspeaker Siona, Hag Queen Morathi, Belladonna Lestrange
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Also note my new terrain piece... Amon Sul... Weathertop!
I will show it off properly when the Bree campaign resumes.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUpB4yS11aU/WdVyexhEIAI/AAAAAAAAHEM/C2B6vpjbBmMUQmaCe50HOS8ngA74KNGcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4765.JPG)
Fishspeaker Siona, much like one of her distant ancestors, is a blind prophet/mentat who also has Fire powered spells at her command.
She belongs to the Sisters of Manaan, also known as the Fish Speakers of Numenor...
The Sisters of Sigmar arent the only female order in the Empire.
Manaan is the god of the sea and is known the Drowned God in the Iron Islands, Poseidon in Themyscira, and Ulmo in Middle Earth.
Since Marienburg is a maritime city, Manaan is its most worshipped deity.
But the headquarters of the Sisters of Manaan is on Numenor, to the West of Eriador.
The warrior order of the Sisters are known as the Fish Speakers - the protectors of the God Emperor, caretakers of the Great Sea Wyrms of Shai-Hulud.
"Bless the Maker and His water
Bless the coming and going of Him
May His passage cleanse the world..."
These warrior/mage women have been trained to be fanatically loyal and believe in the destiny of mankinds rule over Middle Earth through the mysterious Golden Path.
They are taller than even most men and their beauty makes most think they are descended from the gods and goddesses themselves.
Some of the girls have white hair which might come from a Targaryen heritage.
There are whispers that they are bred from the finest stock of Amazons from both Lustria and Themyscira, Bretonnian Damsels, Empire Aristocracy, Numenorean Lords, Atreides Sea Captains from Caladan, Ironborn raiders from Pyke and legend has it - from Manaan himself!
"Let your servant be born again from the sea, as you were. Bless him with salt, bless him with stone, bless him with steel."
"What is dead may never die!"
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DPb5QXH5vpM/WdVyhFvas-I/AAAAAAAAHEU/PdfyIR8C3HYjEQIYFYngCkChvxxZjFNUwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG)
Morathi is the ancient mother of the Witch King.
Oh... not that Witch King!
The Dark Elf one.
She is the first of the Hag Queens and a great and powerful sorceress.
It is whispered that the great Cauldron was given to her by the Elf War God Khaine himself 5,000 years ago, and each year she bathes in its warm blood to restore her beauty.
Not only can she take Dark Elf spells, but Chaos Slaaneshi ones too.
She is quite the naughty elf lady!
If you thought Alyssa the Queen of Dragons had alot of pets, wait til you see Morathi's menagerie of mad monstrosities!
Yes, Morathi will be leading the vanguard with a veritable army of monsters.
The very ground of Middle Earth will shake with the trampling of their varied and numerous hooves.
The Dark Elf hosts are coming and this blog will soon fill with the full machinery of pointy eared malice.
The end is coming, humies and stunties (mainly because I was consumed for a bit with collecting Dark Elves and EvilCute monsters.)
"And you tell me over and over and over and over again my friend,
You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction."
"Nimrod Bodfish have you any wool
Get me another body bag the body bag’s full
My face was scorched, scorched
I miss my home I miss my porch, porch
Left, right, left"
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmIXVcZQfc8/WdVykwsdBLI/AAAAAAAAHEY/D8QmI1AuSg8R6Vh2jTflc4J6SrJC0uduQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4767.JPG)
Belladonna Lestrange is quite mad you see.
But one cannot master the magic of Mordor without first travelling to the other side!
Belladonna is a member of a Mordor Death Cult.
She belongs to the most twisted one... The Order of the Black Rock.
Mordor Death Cultists are covens of evil humans who worship Sauron.
Three of the largest of these cults are:
1) The Druids of the Astral Sea. These animal worshipping barbaric cultists are from the Easterling lands of Rhun. In their shamanic visions, these cultists believe that Sauron is the prophesied Lizard King. Because his Ring Wraiths ride atop ancient winged reptiles, just further strengthens their beliefs. They foresee a world where "Man becomes one with Beast" in a green environmentally safe hippie commune love-fest.
2) The Order of the Black Rock. The toxic air of Mordor has twisted these humans into grotesque nightmares. They mostly come from the southern area of Mordor known as Nurn. It is their belief that only the strongest can survive in Mordor and it is through mutation that a new breed of human will emerge and inherit Middle Earth.
3) The Golden Mumak Society. These Southrons are from Haradwaith and have seen the birth of a yellow-gold colored Mumakil as the sign that the King in Yellow has returned. They believe Sauron will become this King after unifying the lands of Middle Earth and will usher in a Golden Age of Magic.
"She wore a gown the color of storms, shadows, and rain and a necklace of broken promises and regrets."
I will have 3 Mordor Cultist units, of 12 cultists each.
In addition to having the stats of chaos marauders, a Death Cultist unit is considered to be a Wizard and can cast spells in the same way as Pink Horrors of Tzeentch.
A unit of 12 Cultists will cast spells as a Lvl 2 Wizard
Choose spells as normal Wizards do, but as casualties occur, the unit will lose magic levels and spells.
Once the unit is reduced to 8, it becomes a Lvl 1 Wizard.
The unit loses Magic ability once it is reduced to 4.
~~~
Yup!
Lots of background fluff to fill in the lack of painted minis/battle reports for now.
I have a couple more painted teasers to show off til Bree-vember comes.
I dont have full units, as my painting hand has been injured the last few months.
And while I normally wait to show off whole painted units, we will have to settle for more posts like this one.
Oh, I have terrain pieces that I was saving for the future.
But I suppose I can show them ahead of time.
I suppose I can even give some fluff for minis already shown on the blog.
Aragorn and Radagast conversations?
Or Mouth of Sauron and Shelob just shooting the breeze?
Hope some of you like fluff, because its going to get fluffy around here!
Cheers,
Mar
-
The boxed set for the rules of 1st edition Warhammer Fantasy has this miniature as its cover.
Its the same artwork as these White Box miniatures sets.
The artwork features this fellow with a... Warhammer!
This figure has a name... Uthmog Elvenblade.
Yet strangely he doesnt carry a blade, he carries a hammer.
There is an untold story here, of how his magical Elven blade was shattered and he replaced it with a trusty Dwarven Warhammer instead.
Moral of the story?
Elf made weapons stink.
At least thats how the Dwarven version of the story goes...
OK, I made that up that last paragraph.
There was little to no fluff in the early Oldhammer era.
Someone needs to ask Rick Priestly about this.
Its probably the most important thing about Warhammer and now I need to know the origin story of Uthmog Elvenblade/Harry The Hammer!
I have the rather prosaic answer for you, I think: if you look at the First Citadel Compendium, his name was Uthmog Elvenbane. It was a transliteration error or typo that led to him being labelled Uthmog Elvenblade.
-
Very fluffy. Nice painting too (Belladonna's face is creepy as hell in its realism(!)). Where are the miniatures from? I recognise the Games Workshop Dark Elf, but not the other two.
-
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUpB4yS11aU/WdVyexhEIAI/AAAAAAAAHEM/C2B6vpjbBmMUQmaCe50HOS8ngA74KNGcwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4765.JPG)
Fishspeaker Siona, much like one of her distant ancestors, is a blind prophet/mentat who also has Fire powered spells at her command.
She belongs to the Sisters of Manaan, also known as the Fish Speakers of Numenor...
I really like this miniature. What is her origin?
-
Thanks buddies!
Hobgoblin,
Oh, silly me, I have the Compendium and didnt think to look in there for that.
Thanks for clearing that up!
von Lucky,
Yeah, sometimes minis take a life of their own as you paint them. I didnt plan on that level of creepiness.
The mini is a Werner Klocke figure from his own company - Freebooter Minis.
Michi,
She is from Kingdom Death. She is one of the Whitespeakers
-
Michi,
She is from Kingdom Death. She is one of the Whitespeakers
Thanks a lot - regretfully no longer available and a bit expensive too... :'(
-
Thanks - I can't believe that's a Freebooter Miniature (though I only own the sci-fi female assassin)!
-
Buddies,
More fluffy silliness up on the blog here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/pulp-fictional-slice-of-middle-earthian.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/pulp-fictional-slice-of-middle-earthian.html)
Michi,
Yes, they are frustratingly expensive and limited.
von Lucky,
The one with a machine leg? Love that one, first mini I ever bought from Freebooter.
-
It's a lovely miniature (just needed to clip the base to fit a round base):
http://www.meeplemart.com/resize/Shared/Images/Product/Female_Assassin.jpg?bh=200
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/hobbits-in-moria.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/hobbits-in-moria.html)
Oldhammer LOTR - Hobbits In Moria & Cigar Box Plushy Mats!
Cigar Box Plush Mats arrive for Middle Earthian Oldhammery goodness!
Well, my Cigar Box plush game mats came and I thought this would be the opportunity to show them off with a couple of "show and tell" posts with some terrain and figures.
Enjoy some pics and fluff!
So after the fall of the Shire, the allied defenders were able to escape with most of the civilian population. (And while I have figures for all the combat ready Hobbits, I leave it to your imagination that thousands of civilian halflings are shuffling along behind the front lines).
Most importantly, Bugman's quest for supplies was accomplished; food, pipeweed, and beer!
Dwarves from the Reaper & Grenadier Clans, as well as the Thunderers were tasked with the tactical retreat at the back of the allied columns.
The Highlander Dwarves scouted far ahead of the main column and were able to identify an Orcish ambush at the West entrance in Hollin.
Saruman's Orcs from Isengard were waiting for them!
So Bugman and the other commanders held counsel and decided to take the Redhorn Pass east over the mountains and from there they could approach Dimrill Dale and the Eastern Entrance to Moria.
And were the skies ready to blast them with snow?
No. Something must be distracting Saruman and his weather control spells. I wonder...
Now we take you to the action at the main allied column with Bugman and his allies!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yT9gREre3Ig/We2MzEwIiiI/AAAAAAAAHFg/i8vozW28G7MRr9jSEjmVowI8-DJD74HAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4776.JPG)
The allies are just about to exit the Redhorn Pass.
Moria is close!
Here we see Bugman leading the front, the Beer Cart behind him, the Shire Hobbit Militia, and finally Commander Guts and his Blue Mountain Dwarves.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G95ZGjP9WFo/We2M4kxo0gI/AAAAAAAAHFo/DBLkYG-ps980IlW-h6yOVthoRwpbbk65gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4777.JPG)
There is a hushed awe as the stunties behold the Eastern Entrance to Moria.
For the Hobbits, its both awe and a nervousness about their (hopefully) new home.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9DwNm8pKVo/We2NALmUcyI/AAAAAAAAHFw/LYvu4SXaimI1AC648GleJKS2ohy9_pYRwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4780.JPG)
Lobelia and Frumpy Bolger lead the Shire Militia.
Despite the important historical moment, some Hobbits can still be seen munching on drumsticks.
Chicken... good.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/hobbits-in-moria.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/hobbits-in-moria.html)
-
Great looking little army and terrain.
-
I agree with Codsticker; i.e., the army of Little Folk is SPLENDID looking & the the terrain is BEAUTIFUL. The mine entrance is very reminiscent of the White Dwarf pieces back in their Golden Age. OUTSTANDING STUFF!
I love that feisty Little Wench in the front rank...a GREAT mini with a FINE paint job!
-
The mine entrance is very reminiscent of the White Dwarf pieces back in their Golden Age. OUTSTANDING STUFF!
+1 !!! :D
-
You selling off both the dwarven forge caverns and the Ainsty mines means we wont see any action in Moria anymore? :0
Thorin going to be the one that rules them all being the heir of almost everything :o
-
Thanks buddies!
LordOdo,
There will be action in/under/around Moria, just not using those products.
Im now a firm believer in game mats (specifically Cigar Box ones) with terrain pieces on top of them.
Its just easier to setup and move figures around on.
There are mats and terrain for underground battles, but...
Most battles from here on out will be above ground. Lorien, Gondor, Rohan, even... Mordor!
As for Thorin... well, my blog is a Dwarf-centric blog.
So Long Live the Empire of Moria! (at least I hope so. I must still obey the dice gods decree. The Shire campaign ended terribly for the allies!)
Speaking of Thorin... wait for the next post coming very soon!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/thorin-and-citadels-norse-dwarves.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/thorin-and-citadels-norse-dwarves.html)
Thorin And Citadel's Norse Dwarves
Buddies, here's another post showing off my new Cigar Box plush mats.
This time its one of the European Field ones, of which there are 4 different ones in the series.
They give off a distinct fantasy world vibe, to me at least.
Not exactly the same as old Bakshi Lord of the Rings 80s movie, but somewhere along those lines.
Which is a great fit for this Oldhammer Middle Earth Imagi-Nations Campaign!
Now on to the latest fluff!
When last we left, the Shire defenders reached Moria.
But they arent the only ones heading to Khazad-Dum.
Several days journey north of Moria, another force of Dwarves are marching towards the call of battle...
Thorin Oakenshield has awoken from his slumber beneath the Lonely Mountain!
The Runesmiths of Erebor with guidance from their Adeptus Mechanicus allies have combined archeotechnology with Runesmith-ery to keep Thorin Oakenshield alive from his much publicized (false news!) death during the Battle of the Five Armies.
For more info on this and Thorin's true lineage, see this previous post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/pulp-fictional-slice-of-middle-earthian.html
So the truth has come out at last - The Arkenstone is a stasis healing device that can create a medically induced healing coma, which is good for Primarchs and Sons of Durin alike who need recovery from ouchies received in battle.
Apparently its quite useful for a galaxy spanning grimdark Empire Imperium full of grim and dark war, and an "only war" future that is dark, war grim... grim... did I mention the dark?
Back to the present... (or is it the past? Im so confused!)
But Thorin and his Runesmith posse are not the only Stunties looking for a fight!
Queen Helgar of the Norse Dwarves have come to escort Thorin to Moria.
Some say she might have the hots for the bearer of the Oakenshield, if ya know what I mean...
Thats right, she must be after Thorin's family recipe for "The King's Spicy Rhinoxen Hasenpfeffer in Athelas Leaf Stew" (Oh, what did you think I meant?)
That recipe's name has references to Warhammer, Lord of the Rings... and Bugs Bunny too!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-327HIf5GRVM/We2qqODBdFI/AAAAAAAAHGk/QBkkyx7YIEM_kSsK7BuVvoKmcpfNIXCOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG)
Reinforcements from Erebor the Lonely Mountain, and also from the Dwarven Holds in Norsca.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmVem95GZTY/We2qh925jDI/AAAAAAAAHGc/Ve4EiGtJVxUJy3HRCUICXhgmZfBGP7ILgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4794.JPG)
Here is the Argonath Du Nord.
This smaller version of the Argonath is just north of Moria on a small stream feeding into the Anduin river.
While the Big Argonath, south of Lothlorien, are massive statues of the 2 Kings Isildur and Anarion, this one is just one king from the northern kingdom.
No one remembers which king's or chieftain's likeness it is.
Either Arvedui, Araval, or maybe even Arveleg.
Its some distant ancestor of Aragorn's, at any rate.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g38mKxg8Q7Q/We2r6oAqryI/AAAAAAAAHHU/aCV7CEs-TCE_5oH07f2vT2Zlmawu1YE9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG)
Here are the Dwarven infantry.
In the center is Thorin himself.
Thorin II Oakenshield, son of Thráin, son of Thrór, King under the Mountain.
Im sure everyone is anxious to see if his views on Elves and Humies have changed any...
At least Halflings are on his good side, thanks to that Hobbit thief extraordinaire Bilbo Baggins.
Never trust an elf.
Be wary of humies too!
They are just short lived, round eared Elves after all.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmn5GBdwDBA/We2qu1NECaI/AAAAAAAAHGo/dYVz-qoiJhEw2oX2gZQNnImM-XC2wUfPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4797.JPG)
Thorin in the center and Queen Helgar on the right.
Thorin is a proper 80s Oldhammer metal mini.
His code is ME-82 The Hobbit Personalities, Thorin Oakenshield
Queen Helgar comes from 5th Edition and the Grudge of Drong campaign.
She is a hefty and stout Dwarf Lady!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SClj7ey3fs/We2qytn4G-I/AAAAAAAAHGs/cIes1bxw72E2vNB4C3vHvQxVaA_6ce_MQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG)
More Norse Dwarves. And a female Dwarf warrior.
These Norse Dwarves are vintage Oldhammer and are coded as C06 Northern Dwarves.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUlb7VVBXPI/We2q63uC2aI/AAAAAAAAHG4/f-AT4JHUGMcQQnzSYr-Z4cwRdeGLJL8rgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG)
Here we have an Anvil of Doom!
Riding upon the Anvil is Runelord Vulkanor of Erebor.
Vulkanor is the senior Runesmith in Erebor who supervised the powering of the Arkenstone.
He has served Thorin Oakenshield well and has been honored with riding the Anvil of Doom wherever Thorin goes.
He learned from the greatest Runesmith of the era - Kragg The Grim, who is currently serving High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer in Moria.
Vulkanor hopes to impress his teacher with tales of the Arkenstone and also to show off his new fancy free-wheeling Anvil of Doom!
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/thorin-and-citadels-norse-dwarves.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/10/thorin-and-citadels-norse-dwarves.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/11/citadel-c07-rangers.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/11/citadel-c07-rangers.html)
Citadel C07 Rangers
Rangers lead the way!
The Rangers of the North have arrived as last minute reinforcements in Bree.
Aragorn is sure to be happy that he now has a personal bodyguard of his fellow Dunedain at his side.
Also the plush mat below is the New Europe design from Cigar Box.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mk-Aw_3BI9c/WgOt4P_nSgI/AAAAAAAAHJU/G4mab2b-CDkNQUb4VyjQtJtylZewInLdwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG)
These miniatures are coded as Citadel C07 Rangers
I have the entire range of them too!
I need to start checking my collection and see which ranges I am close to completion.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7yIRrTFMa2w/WgOt63T6U0I/AAAAAAAAHJc/BO0tYcQeiYg1rHK9CA7qoC0veqiPZNC3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4838.JPG)
Left to Right: Strong Arm, Bounty Hunter, Far Sight
I am using the names from the 1985 Compendium.
The Bounty Hunter is obviously a famous Italian Western celebrity.
Far Sight, I believe is re-coded from the LOTR 80's Citadel catalog as a Dunedain Ranger.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8LjQ6ioVGg/WgOt4-u42FI/AAAAAAAAHJY/zQbH7Q8KArY5ZVy_ggyUdfXVKfxbEP3NwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG)
Left to Right: Trapper, Poacher, Hunter
If you look carefully, Poacher has a lil rabbit peeking out from the bag at his shoulder.
Love em or hate em, only old school Citadel minis have such charming characters.
I really think its that quirky humor (humour?) that differentiates the quirkiness of British Oldhammer companies.
And yes, Im including the associated companies with Citadel: Bob Olley's Iron Claw, Nick Lund's Chronicle, and Aly and Trish Morrisson's Marauder of course.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/11/citadel-c07-rangers.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/11/citadel-c07-rangers.html)
-
I liked very much the color scheme! :-*
-
These figures have a lot of atmosphere, and I love the muted colours!
Eyes are a bit wide. ;)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c13-dark-elf-general-on-dragon-horse.html
(https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c13-dark-elf-general-on-dragon-horse.html)
C13 Dark Elf General on Dragon Horse
So what exactly is a Dragon Horse?
Im not sure, but I do know that this Dark Elf General is riding one!
Must be one of those top secret Drow gene manipulation projects.
Is it just a spiny tailed pony?
Or can it breathe fire?
I hope the DM allows the latter...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1F0ZJtxQa8s/Wi7pWbcSvII/AAAAAAAAHPM/sXwSFxvCCLUE4vRNcavDZEH_7CiedkrtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG)
These 2 figures are coded as C13 Heroic Adventurers, On Foot and Mounted
The mounted version is also noted as Dark Elf General on Dragon Steed.
Citadel C13 is a range of mounted and unmounted figures much like the C33 Mounted Adventurers range.
The other 5 figure sets in this range are just as amazing.
I sure would love to get my hands on a Kaleb Daark.
Or those Chaos Brothers...
As always you can get info on all things Oldhammer from http://solegends.com/citc/c013heroicadv/index.htm
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qPqQOF_KzHs/Wi7pWzFmqUI/AAAAAAAAHPQ/p8bM9m4elxcn1Y4RHKqh0k1S1_cRF8u6gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG)
That Dragon Steed sure is a strange (but cool) spiny tailed creature.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJNtwQf8JcI/Wi7pbZ6d_XI/AAAAAAAAHPU/B9_DzMOna1ktdMnAKbUi-PlqMConb3ZHwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4898.JPG)
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c13-dark-elf-general-on-dragon-horse.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c13-dark-elf-general-on-dragon-horse.html)
-
Those Drow are awesome!! Makes me want to own some of my own!
-
What a fantastic thread - plenty of vintage awesomeness for me to fest my eyes on.
-
Funghy-Fipps, LordOdo,
Thanks buddies!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c25-minotaurs-thunder-of-hooves.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c25-minotaurs-thunder-of-hooves.html)
Morathi has a bunch of new pets.
Dont have a cow… or call bull…
Its Battle Cattle!
Morathi, the Hag Queen of Ghrond, introduces her new pets…
Minotaurs!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOcz5QQTBqk/Wi7xRGEEWpI/AAAAAAAAHQA/uZdmOAr2A4MhWQPYXXftvrBcqoM3xleGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG)
Citadel C25 Minotaurs have arrived in Middle Earth!
They are anxious and frothing at the mouth to get some trampling done.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gsvF01HhTdU/Wi7xLCtx1MI/AAAAAAAAHP4/47CYlorIcPEGLJOQ6Fk3-m_D5FsLng6EgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG)
Morathi and a Minotaur Lord – Doombellow the Warped
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jE0doA-rXA/Wi7xVZWFYmI/AAAAAAAAHQE/bazzJYIos44Xj3WkuAqCw2ewQrWbDeubQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4907.JPG)
Clubhorn Runesmasher and Ox-Roar Chaos Champion Of Ultimate Slaughter
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtSJpxQIJ1Q/Wi7xaA3IVHI/AAAAAAAAHQI/tTOAE5JH7WovYIJmuLTtfKO8dkzhR5FcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4908.JPG)
Bloodcry the Beast and Abovus Snarlsteam
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c25-minotaurs-thunder-of-hooves.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2017/12/c25-minotaurs-thunder-of-hooves.html)
-
Very nice. The minotaurs are great. And that is my favourite GW dark elf mini too. Nice work on the flesh tones!
-
Taken from full post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/dwarf-quest-upon-wreckage-of-beleriand.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/dwarf-quest-upon-wreckage-of-beleriand.html)
Dwarf Quest: Oldhammer Skirmishing - Pre-Game Setup
Buddies,
Happy belated New Year.
Here comes a trio of Warhammer Skirmish games that are now finally getting a full photoshoot and write-up.
This first post is the setup.
Also, there are some changes going on in my wargame life.
I will be switching my 28mm mass combat to 15mm mass combat BUT...
Narrative skirmish in 28mm will continue here.
So fear not!
Oldhammer still lives here!
For 15mm fantasy I will be using Kings of War & With Sword & Shield.
Also been ramping up to do proper historical 15mm wargaming with L'Art De La Guerre (ADLG) & Might of Arms.
At some point I will start a separate blog for these 15mm mass combat ventures.
Finally, since I am moving away from 28mm mass combat, I will be selling my non-Citadel figures.
I just wont need so many anymore.
I will be keeping IronClaw, Marauder, and all the other vintage lines.
And will continue to focus primarily on completing my Citadel and pre-slotta collections.
So help fund the Moria Reclamation Project and check out my internet garage sales going on:
For Undead: http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2018/01/painted-minis-for-sale-part-1-undead.html
For Monsters: http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2018/01/painted-minis-for-sale-part-2-monsters.html
For Humans & Dwarves: http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2018/01/painted-minis-for-sale-part-3-humans.html
For Orcs & Goblins: http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/2018/01/painted-minis-for-sale-part-4.html
Now, onwards to the Dwarf Quests!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDmDHqN1nsQ/Wl-x50PDPNI/AAAAAAAAHgc/nF5Ne1gMdbQYheh8534Fm4c5xs15qkD7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5076.JPG)
When last we left you, Bugman and his Beer Cart Defenders, the Dwarves of the Blue Mountains, & the remnants of the Shire's Hobbits approached the eastern entrance to Moria when the sounds of a vast army came echoing out of the tunnels.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oU0VLQg1Uks/Wl-yBVgOyAI/AAAAAAAAHgk/41pzpLmuK6IH02stv_wJ1rRHoaDkK0QigCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5079.JPG)
It turns out, it is the Dwarves, fleeing Moria (though others say it is a tactical withdrawal, but the truth would be beer withdrawal!)
The main commanders and heroes have gathered together, while the rank and file army move out to the valley of Dimril Dale.
There are Hobbit refugees, Slaan ambassadors, Gondorian Wizards, and even an Elf!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8w1vStlHtE/Wl-x864u-PI/AAAAAAAAHgg/8quTzO9BwQMkBUX1bpmIf7eF_RFJr23MgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG)
But firstly and most importantly, Thorin Oakenshield has arrived from Erebor.
High King Thorgrim: With your coming, Thorin - King Under the Mountain, the morale of the Dwarves are at an all time high, and they would stand here and fight the army of Balrog if you and I give the word. They are just right behind us! What do you wish to do?
Thorin: I have made many mistakes in the past because of Gold fever, Dragon sickness, but also mainly because of my Dwarven hubris. Ive died and been reborn. Ive been humbled and will not charge headlong into another mistake without consulting with our wisest counselors and our fellow Dwarf Kings. I have never seen so many Kings of the Dwarves gathered together as I have today. My friends, we all have stories to tell, and advice to give, let us speak together about how best to achieve complete Dwarven victory! (louds cheers erupt from the crowds)
High King Thorgrim: You have indeed changed, Thorin. I will relinquish my title of High King to you, if you ask it!
Thorin: Keep it for now, my friend. I swear that I shall not sit on the High King's throne until Moria belongs to the Dwarves and all threats to Dwarfkind are eliminated. So let us hear news from everyone and decide how to deal with the coming of the Balrog and his minions.
A collective gasp from the Dwarves gathered around fills the air.
Oaths are a sacred thing to stunties!
Also, thats an oath of a very tall order!
Some would say its too tall for a Dwarf, but we are talking about Thorin, of the House of Durin the Deathless.
To the Humans, Slaan, and Hobbits this oath may sound poetic or impulsive, but to all the Dwarves this is a serious venture and means very epic times are indeed approaching!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyN1v8Dh6rQ/Wl-yH0RBX3I/AAAAAAAAHgo/U8waZH_HDmsm7Lgz1objbZpphvb4wHRrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG)
Lobelia, Frodo and the cocky banner of the Shire
The Hobbit refugees come forward to seek asylum with the Dwarves.
They pledge undying loyalty and oaths of cooking and pipeweed in return for safety.
It is granted, and everyone celebrates this fine alliance.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LObO7u6Jmjk/Wl-yKJOPmqI/AAAAAAAAHgs/NXqHwuOSEWoYEEBy5X8qmSz2vfdhtyoFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5083.JPG)
Kremlo the Slaan, and Legolas the Elf
Kremlo brings greetings from the Slaan high council and pledges their ancient alliance to be remembered and renewed.
Long ago, before the coming of Chaos and Orc, the Dwarves ruled the upper depths of Moria, and the Slaan ruled the lower depths beneath Moria - the fabled Hollow Earth.
Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil of Mirkwood Forest, brings a nervous greeting and a request for alliance between Dwarves and Elves.
With a frown upon his face, Thorin nods in agreement. (He still remembers his prison time beneath Thranduil's Halls)
But these are new days, days of change and progress!
Even the grumpiest Dwarf will ally with the snooty point ears, it seems!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XIkyIyl7XRg/Wl-yOpnaLfI/AAAAAAAAHgw/vaAFfyEUrcMnEKCqwo3ygmJ-d9FULBe2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG)
Hieronymous, Otto, Gimli, and Nindalf
Finally, two wizards from Gondor approach the High King's throne.
Hieronymous is a Fire Wizard from Altdorf, and Otto is an Amber Wizard of House Slytherin.
These 2 Oldhammer minis are coded as Citadel C02 Wizards.
They speak to the High King about a quest to not only save Moria but also Gondor. Maybe even all of Middle Earth!
The Dwarves are fighting the Balrog and Gondor is fighting Sauron, but their master is Melkor aka Morgoth who is coming back!
Morgoth, the Great Enemy is coming back from the void, the Dwarves ask?
Yes, at least thats what all the signs point to.
The prophecy of the Dagor Dagorath (The Last Battle): "until the Dagor Dagorath, and the Coming of the End, when Melkor returns”
To prevent/combat this, they must find ancient relics located in the isles to the west.
According to the librarian/seers of the White Tower, they have narrowed their search to 3 particular isles which might have these powerful relics.
The names of these isles are: Tol Morwen, Tol Fuin, and Mirdorog-naht
They can sense the glow of these magical energies through the Astronomy Engines atop Minas Tirith.
Weapons and artifacts powerful enough to slay Morgoth, Sauron, and the Balrog?
What manner of magic must fuel them?
But the Dwarves are in need of help now and this quest would take a long time?
The Wizards have new spell devices that can send them to the isles - Tele-Port-Keys!
Or TPK's for short. (The Dwarves grunt at that, afterall TPK is also short for Total Party Kill)
They are two-way use and burn out afterwards.
They cost too much and take ages to make, but they can carry 8 people and only a wizard can control them.
Unfortunately, the Gondor Wizards were hoping Gandalf would be found, but alas, they are one Wizard short. (Merlin went looking for the White Towers somewhere near the Shire, Saruman has turned into a Sith-Lord, and Radagast is gods only knows where)
Luckily, Nindalf the dwarf wizard is here to control the 3rd device.
So the Dwarven council decides to take the 3 Quests and send 3 "Away Teams" to go planetside (erm Isle-side)
These Quests must hurry, since the Balrog and his armies are just about to descend upon the Dwarves!
The rest of the Dwarves and their allies will begin to fortify the Valley of Dimril Dale against the coming Balrog.
But who to send?
The new Hobbit allies are good at thievin' (good for getting into small spaces).
The Slaan are wise and ancient, they might know something about these isles.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/dwarf-quest-upon-wreckage-of-beleriand.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/dwarf-quest-upon-wreckage-of-beleriand.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-1-aar-dark-isle-of-tol-fuin.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-1-aar-dark-isle-of-tol-fuin.html)
Oldhammer LOTR - Quest 1 AAR - Dark Isle of Tol Fuin
Oldhammer Skirmish Battle Report
Off the coasts of Forlindon are several islands, they are all that remains of the ancient lands of Beleriand.
Great cities of Men and Elves here sank 'neath the waves at the end of the War of Wrath.
And now only the highest mountains of that realm remain as islands.
Magical relics and treasures of a bygone age are there to be found, but no one has been foolish enough to disturb the creatures that dwell there... until now!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nFTexXVYFY/WmKzqHG38KI/AAAAAAAAHh0/_qulxduSBCE7HQEUOSnG-_ZZH0PlKp79QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5090.JPG)
The heroes see a Weirwood tree ahead and further north a henge of large standing crystals.
Looking around they see a hill to the west, ruins to the east and several woods scattered around.
There are no enemies to be seen, and the only sounds to be heard are the unsettling creaking of tree branches in the wind.
Gimli says if relics are to be found in this place then its the ruins or the crystal henge that are the most likely places.
Nindalf says to avoid the trees even the Weirwood.
There is something unnatural about these forests...
Gimli says to split up and check both places.
Frodo asks if its smart to split the party?
Of course, no one hears the halfing...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISpeh8rooes/WmKzo6KXwxI/AAAAAAAAHhw/fR1oHYxl1UYSavINw6dHUNKfHZXmBeKsgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5091.JPG)
Legolas heads the troop setting out for the ruins.
Frodo, Uther, and Foreman Brisket follow behind.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJsYckFAeGg/WmKzsmU6_sI/AAAAAAAAHh4/QVuDBbYVrW8Rgo5GeITUZ8gNMjN5fg7dwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5092.JPG)
Gimli leads the others setting out for the crystal henge.
Nindalf, Maggie, and Kimril follow him.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZL-T8yjhrXw/WmKzyRqAxVI/AAAAAAAAHh8/iUNQAGvqYVUpQZj_dwmOhzI-Ja6Elc1pwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG)
There is something here, but they dont know what or how to find it.
But a palpable static energy crawls over their skins and frizzles their hair.
Kimril: I think maybe its the chemistry between us, Maggie!
Maggie: (rolls eyes) #MeToo
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HABRe1c1goU/WmKz2O3SB1I/AAAAAAAAHiA/ImFiNxaH-lo-UYsoQg_QWjOpkE7k-ohEgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5095.JPG)
The other team find nothing but crumbling ruins.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkElVb-YGks/WmKz4h9XhkI/AAAAAAAAHiI/941CtIsYoysTVNwNF5sXqh92MRYfqtydQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG)
Brisket: I feel like we are being watched!
Uther: Not to worry, I am a Dwarf Lord of Legend, I can sense things even behind me, as if I had eyes on the back of my head. I was once trapped in a tunnel with 100 Skaven gutter runners when my torch blew out and...
Frodo: Wow, I must be tired, those trees look like they are moving...
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-1-aar-dark-isle-of-tol-fuin.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-1-aar-dark-isle-of-tol-fuin.html)
-
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
Great update! Curious to how the change in scale will work out. Sad to see so much famillar faces (Baron Hawk, the Mother of Dragons etc. etc.) from the story leave. On the other hand, it makes room for new heroes which will be very welcome in this long and epic tale of the reclamation of Moria
-
LordOdo,
The change to 15mm mass combat will only affect this blog as my game table will only be 4' x 3'
The part of Baron Hawk will be played by Dwarf Lord of Legend "The Baron".
And Alyssa, the Mother of Dragons, will now be played by Morathi, Mother of the Witch King.
And yes, lots of new heroes will be fleshed out, because many of them will (most probably) die terrible (but heroic) deaths!
My upcoming 15mm campaign will be a very different one, based on ADLG.
Im still not sure if it will be interesting enough to blog about.
But I will show some of those 15mm figures here in the upcoming AAR quest #2 later today.
Cheers,
Mar
-
BEAUTIFUL miniatures, & WONDERFUL scenery add up to delight to view. VERY WELL DONE!
-
Thank you DeafNala, you are too kind, sir.
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-2-aar-cursed-isle-of-morwen.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-2-aar-cursed-isle-of-morwen.html)
Part 2 of Dwarf Quest, wherein Samwise Gamgee meets a hero(?) from the Silmarillion
Here is the 2nd part of Dwarf Quest, wherein our heroes are looking to acquire magical relics to combat the coming of Morgoth.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hG963ICvvI/WmeaisKvErI/AAAAAAAAHkw/vpOn1URK4z4T33C79Jig2mo_pxYEgH5jwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5125.JPG)
The wizard Heironymous and his companions appear in a bright flash and find themselves teleported to a misty swamp.
The wizard puts the Tele-Port-Key back into his pocket.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bs5yA2KHa6o/WmeavXOA2zI/AAAAAAAAHk8/a_l1o8w-6vYzH6w-F55prYQKARph6EV4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG)
The White Dwarf: Hmm... what is this huge skull marker doing here? Dont worry little Hobbit, I will protect you.
Samwise Gamgee: (to the Wizard Hieronymous) That Tele-Port-Key only has 1 charge left?
Hieronymous: Yes.
Samwise Gamgee: And you are the only one who can power it?
Hieronymous: Yes.
Samwise Gamgee: So... if you die, we are all stranded here?
Hieronymous: Yes.
Samwise Gamgee: (to the White Dwarf) Protect the wizard...
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-2-aar-cursed-isle-of-morwen.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/01/quest-2-aar-cursed-isle-of-morwen.html)
-
Awesome! Now just waiting to see how it will work out at the third island...
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/full-mithril-jacket-hobbit-bunker-pub.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/full-mithril-jacket-hobbit-bunker-pub.html)
Full Mithril Jacket & Hobbit Bunker Pub
Buddies,
Oldhammering in Middle Earth has returned from the realm of Nagash.
Had some health troubles that prevented painting and gaming.
But my prayers to Sigmar have been answered and we are back in business!
We got some new pre-slotta Dwarves, some terrain, and some nice fluff.
There is one more Dwarf Quest that needs to be posted, but we will hold off on it just for now.
Instead, we take you now to our story, in Dimrill Dale, a nice fertile valley outside of Moria's eastern entrance...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cjuY73A7uBE/WtafCFJX4FI/AAAAAAAAHuI/8DSr2ByyYUEdt1qIE_MQ07ofz6C7zjqnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5289.JPG)
New recruits have come to join the cause for freedom and beer-dom.
Its a rag-tag line of Dwarves who have come far and wide across the lands to help Moria in its hour of greatest need.
But have they come too late?
They are vintage pre-slotta Citadel Dwarves.
Some of them are coded from the old "Fantasy Tribes" line.
But some are collected and coded into the line known as: C06 Dwarf Fighters /Dwarf Adventurers (solid base)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ07Nj8WwIM/WtafIrQva1I/AAAAAAAAHuM/phASh5Uhu8MzVQZQzPMEjVsm_5KOnDfUgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5290.JPG)
As they enter Dimrill Dale they see a strange sight... a Hobbit hill home.
What in Durin's beard is going on here?
Wasnt this supposed to be a Dwarven colony?
This looks more like an idyllic halfling vacation resort!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HojgR0Kl3rs/WtafJc7-WqI/AAAAAAAAHuQ/pGM1mwI4CnMdk3f_NHLOHL0KQ0Lu8ZvcQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG)
They see a Dwarven Engineer scolding some rascally looking Hobbits.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6XASgBj5Z2I/WtafNE9g-XI/AAAAAAAAHuU/NPDBtzsFpY0vtOCkOM7Fd_a7Os3-768FwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG)
Burlock Damminson: Hobbits! You were tasked to build a bunker. That looks nothing like a fortification!
Pippin: Yeah... but its cozy and there's crumpets and tea inside...
Burlock Damminson: Crumpets are not a military feature!
Merry: They can eradicate hunger though!
Burlock Damminson: But will it repel an Uruk-Hai assault?!
Pippin: It might... did I tell you about the beer celler? There is an ice cold tap that Nindalf magically enchanted to be at near perfect temperature for a nice tall Bugmans draught.
Burlock Damminson: (wipes his sweaty brow, looks up at the high noon sun, licks his lips) Hmm... no. But I am willing to inspect it... for military soundness, of course. Lead on, lil' Hobbits.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/full-mithril-jacket-hobbit-bunker-pub.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/full-mithril-jacket-hobbit-bunker-pub.html)
-
Great stuff, glad to see you're back.
-
Thanks jon_1066 !
Taken from: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/citadel-ad-umber-hulk-and-oldhammer.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/citadel-ad-umber-hulk-and-oldhammer.html)
Citadel AD&D Umber Hulk And Oldhammer Evil Princess
This post we got some old school 80's Citadel minis.
An Umber Hulk from Citadel's AD&D line.
And a pre-slotta Fantasy Adventurers - Evil Princess.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7hmJJk26Mk0/WtysSeqfh6I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/NCg-BEYoi1Uc8iMQLLqIwH4Ev6AzDC0lwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG)
Because this blog loves Citadel Codes, here are the mandatory Citadel Codes:
ADD77 Umber Hulk & FAC23 Mounted Evil Princess
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkIXaiz9dB4/WtysWMT_41I/AAAAAAAAHwU/Wgy2-9vFx00hhOd_ojKLErLyNh2rv1dLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5325.JPG)
On this blog's LOTR campaign this figure is now known as Karla, Night Elf Princess of Lodoss.
Princess Karla is the last survivor of Lodoss - an ancient Drow Kingdom of Sorcery.
Many millennia ago, the Kingdom of Lodoss was facing annihilation because of the Great Wars between Chaos, Dwarves, Humans, and Elves.
The Seers of Lodoss saw the destruction coming for all civilizations and a long period of darkness.
Princess Karla was placed in stasis-sleep in the hope that one day she would wake in a better world.
Her pet Umber Hulk named Skitters was also chosen to accompany her.
Skitters was content to dream for ages next to his beloved master.
And so the ancient world fell, and darkness reigned for ages.
More time passed, and Lodoss became a myth and Karla's chamber was buried deep and forgotten by time.
Numerous empires rose to glory and fell to obscurity, and still mistress and pet slept on.
Until just recently, thousands of years later, the Night Elf Patrol have found the ancient stasis chamber of Karla and awoken her from her long slumber.
The Night Elf Patrol realized that the ancient myths of Lodoss were indeed true and have embraced Karla as royalty.
Karla has reciprocated and declared that the Night Elf Patrol would be her personal entourage and royal bodyguard.
Would the Dark Elves of today accept her ancient claim to rule?
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aQpED2OEk38/WtysWa7FRMI/AAAAAAAAHwY/VAMzqVHUsHMjvnFekLaw0-jFePuCvlcKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG)
Umber Hulks are subterranean creatures and are excellent at digging tunnels.
They have 4 eyes and can create Confusion among its foes.
In Warhammer terms, I made these stats and special rules for the Umber Hulk...
Movement: 6
Weapon Skill: 3
Ballistic Skill: 1
Strength: 6
Toughness: 5
Wounds: 3
Initiative: 1
Attacks: 4
Leadership: 8
Special Rules:
1) Confusion: All enemies in melee with Umber Hulk suffer a -1 To Hit modifier in Close Combat
2) Tunnel: Umber Hulk may Deep Strike instead of deploying normally at start of game.
3) Umber Hulk Causes Fear.
~~~
So there's the latest post and I am glad to finally include these minis in the campaign.
Lets see how well Queen Morathi receives news of this ancient Drow Princess being awoken.
Will they get along... or will it be a Dark Elf Cat Fight!
Also at the top of this blog's banner, in the left pic, to the right of George the Giant you will see Princess Karla.
I consider those black and white illustrations and their respective minis as icons of Oldhammer.
Many more of those figures will be showing up in the next few posts.
Such as the Night Elf Patrol mentioned in the above fluff.
In fact, we have a trio of Citadel "White Boxes" coming up.
Keep on Oldhammering!
Next Post: Citadel White Box SS3 - Night Elf Patrol
Cheers,
Mar
-
That's the best Umber Hulk sculpt I've seen, and your paint job does him justice. Went looking for one on eBay, and he does fetch a pretty penny now, unfortunately...
-
Thanks Joe!
And yes... the evils of high priced Oldhammer eBayers.
Still, sometimes if you are lucky you will find listings by people who have no idea what Oldhammer is.
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/night-elf-patrol-citadel-white-box-ss3.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/night-elf-patrol-citadel-white-box-ss3.html)
Night Elf Patrol, Citadel White Box SS3
We got 3 Citadel White Boxes in the next couple of posts.
This first one has Night Elves.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3NSdRZhbH4/Wt1SEZ7_MNI/AAAAAAAAHw0/usy8ZnjwNFkRtcdGUmBjcldjFcSdsHOjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5315.JPG)
Here is the Citadel White Box known as Night Elf Patrol SS3 - Speciality Set 3.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BMc8KncIIE/Wt1R-vJO6gI/AAAAAAAAHws/eTkdj1fqXyskschS9SlGM4SiQmPm0hmBQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5316.JPG)
Group shot of the Drow
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OU2I6jdTvPw/Wt1SHxmbiXI/AAAAAAAAHw4/JhVa1hQrusghWLVU4ihocmz3wVeD8SIOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG)
Priestess Lillith Child-Impaler & Vard Demonslayer, Night Elf Champion
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnYgR3OvHOM/Wt1Sbz_Ku_I/AAAAAAAAHxg/pBThttiM_bY9kxnWeH2zQIYUVIpiTBqXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG)
Skitters and Commanderess Zelosa
Commanderess Zelosa: Whoa, Garthim! Back off! What did I tell you about getting too close to me! Your Confusion Aura affects both friend and foe!
Skitters: (coos for affection)
Commanderess Zelosa: Ahh... poor beastie. To be so unsettling to others, even to your loved ones... I suppose we must bear your vertigo nature (scritches the Umber Hulks neck) Your creators - the Skeksis were immune to your bewildering aura. I wonder if any of those demonic vulture creatures still exist in Middle Earth? I hear they were masters of the Chaotic magicks of Tzeentch.
Skitters: (makes strange clicking sounds)
~~~
Who would have guessed that Skeksis were Tzeentchian, or that Umber Hulks were Garthim?
What really happened in Lodoss long ago?
Did the Gelflings rise up and overthrow the Skeksis, taking their magic and their servants - the Garthim?
But most important of all... what happened to Aughra's Observatory... that wondrous mechanical astronomical machine?
Guess I better get myself that Age Of Sigmar - Numinous Occulum afterall... sigh.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/night-elf-patrol-citadel-white-box-ss3.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/night-elf-patrol-citadel-white-box-ss3.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/dwarf-kings-court-citadel-white-box-ss2.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/dwarf-kings-court-citadel-white-box-ss2.html)
Citadel White Box - Dwarf King's Court
Circus in town? No, its the Dwarf King's Court!
Buddies,
Another Dwarf King and his entourage arrive on the blog.
I believe that takes us to 10 Dwarf Kings about to be fed to the Balrog!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFNME1zhUTc/Wt1fHeT2zWI/AAAAAAAAHx0/eFK_vvE1mcUotjQQ1AFZeaPR3UfLrCpgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5306.JPG)
This time its the box set known as Dwarf King's Court - Speciality Set 2.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8xqDfVjv3s/Wt1fMKmGf8I/AAAAAAAAHx4/_zCz9wrKKq4v50HkhH6NXtWSzNmL6kc-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5308.JPG)
Group shot of the stunties
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-50F4tbNuu94/Wt1fNHufQ1I/AAAAAAAAHx8/8cgWBmgCJRAd-bN6xf51x67ffD6PGsLFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5310.JPG)
King Dumin Ironbeard & Queen Asabelle Dragonsmiter
I wonder if the Queen secretly wears the pants in this marriage.
Her smirk can definitely smite a dragon.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKpYgcbjB4o/Wt1fYzksP1I/AAAAAAAAHyM/1ruD4TEAMVw3B9M2MJHktB7pvwKGo9TawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5312.JPG)
Corbit Shortstuff, Gnome Jester & Cyril the Bear, the Royal Mascot
I love the Jester, and the bear is like "huh? what? me?"
~~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/dwarf-kings-court-citadel-white-box-ss2.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/dwarf-kings-court-citadel-white-box-ss2.html)
-
Love the jester too! :)
-
Caldor,
His is indeed loveable!
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/goblin-raiding-party-saruman.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/goblin-raiding-party-saruman.html)
This time we got Citadel White Box SS4 - Goblin Raiding Party
and Saruman with his personal bodyguard of Citadel 80s LOTR Half-Orcs.
The White Wizard approaches.
"Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us!"
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8OAC2Qaet8Y/Wt1owf8PMmI/AAAAAAAAHys/3E_1jseAz_AHZd_oKo5kNqqS37w5CTvoQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5334.JPG)
Citadel White Box SS4 - Goblin Raiding Party
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCZ7mQgQ6Jc/Wt1o1VEQbRI/AAAAAAAAHy0/yKiIXum5XKYEBgGHPnt3NTjBmt2wP7ihACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5335.JPG)
Warlord Ubar Earbiter, Goblin Chieftain & Urag Legeater
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIrcoQN9hsw/Wt1pAkhuFpI/AAAAAAAAHzA/zjkzduolSzM1zJJDV_KchxCJcpfgS04yACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5338.JPG)
Shaman Pogo Wildchant & Gigblad Childsplatter
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E42TtWkvI2I/Wt1pHJu8U7I/AAAAAAAAHzI/9noXBxUF50M2f4cjhd58DxliWG6N04BZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5340.JPG)
Saruman!
His Half Orc bodyguards always keep a watchful "eye" (of Sauron?!).
OK, how about they are always close on "hand" (of Saruman... much better!)
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/goblin-raiding-party-saruman.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/04/goblin-raiding-party-saruman.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/springtime-for-sauron-plus-classic.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/springtime-for-sauron-plus-classic.html)
Springtime For Sauron! Plus Classic-Hammer Ogres & Trolls
All your base belongs to Sauron!
Or
Where'd the cheese go? I dont know.
Buddies!
This post has reached a milestone.
Sauron himself has finally made it to the blog!
Lets hear it for the Dark Lord folks...
♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ Springtime for Sauron and Ered Lithui
Barad-Dur is happy and gay
We're marching to a faster pace
Look out, here comes the Orc-ish race!
Springtime for Sauron and Ered Lithui
The Dark Lands are a fine land once more!
Springtime for Sauron and Ered Lithui
Watch out, Gondor... we're going on tour! ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬
Rolf: I was born in Goblindorf and that is why they call me Rolf
Mel: Dont be stupid, be a smarty, come and join the Nazgul Party!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1zx7ahGjMo/Ww0Mj6uAVuI/AAAAAAAAH6g/zGfgUFFMTe4L20WGabeTSL94NBMlAvrRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5409.JPG)
Here is the Dark Lord of Mordor!
He sits upon his throne and broods in the Tower of Barad Dur - the Dark Tower.
That throne reminds me of Harry Potter (I forget which one) where a bas-relief sculpture shows the oppressed muggles suffering under the glory of the wizarding elite.
Look, every Dark Lord needs suffering souls for orthopedic support.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRdqpApVXfo/Ww0MqekoOzI/AAAAAAAAH6o/WtQu3MusqRQYk1NKp1VQQaoXSOYEhiMVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG)
Sauron calls for his trusted lieutenants.
Mounted Ring Wraith and the Mouth of Sauron.
Sauron: Raise some elite troops of Mordor to serve as my personal travelling Household Guard!
Mouth of Sauron: Which troops are those, Mi'lord?
Sauron: Surprise me!
Mouth of Sauron: And where are you planning to go exactly?
Sauron: I think I will go stretch my legs... up north.
Mouth of Sauron: This isnt Sparta and you dont need to go to war yourself, Mi'lord. You got plenty of generals out there right now!
Sauron: Oh dont be a spoil-sport! Whats the use of being the Dark Lord if I cant have any fun? Now go!
So off the lieutenants go to find some elite troops worthy of being a bodyguard for the Dark Lord...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pM8CM1C8qiU/Ww0M2QHTTgI/AAAAAAAAH64/FG9fQ4WbPDsHTMTlhaSUQqxKko3UNCXgACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5415.JPG)
While I do love C Series Trolls, I love the 90s ones just as much.
That Troll on the right is in deep thought.
Should I throw rock? Or eat it?
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/springtime-for-sauron-plus-classic.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/springtime-for-sauron-plus-classic.html)
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-nightmare-before-sigmar-pre-slotta.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-nightmare-before-sigmar-pre-slotta.html)
Klaatu Barada N… necktie… nectar… nickel…
The Nightmare Before Sigmar – Pre Slotta Undead
Another post of Pre Slotta classic minis!
This time we have some Fantasy Tribes Skeletons here for your perusal, Citadel Code C17.
And Wraiths, also from the olde Fantasy Tribes line and are Citadel Coded C18.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7aFKQC1mQc/Ww1syTDeN9I/AAAAAAAAH7o/HZCMub6-wkkqTHKuGEKfVsrkMTYLZPkCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5420.JPG)
Shiver me bones! Here they are in all their skull and bones glory.
Boys and girls of every age
Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
Come with us and you will see
This, our town of Halloween
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYw1MMp9bVk/Ww1s6IEfeuI/AAAAAAAAH7w/uIL0KcI1Yusyx0PrWR7Vv5KlTRwxYJ5qgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG)
The Wraith in the middle is called "The Lord of Darkness"
I really like the wraith on the right with the embossed shield.
There are a bunch more of these solid based Wraiths that Im missing.
But as with all things Oldhammer, if you dont have them already they are either too hard to find or too expensively priced.
Which makes me cherish these three Wraiths that I do have.
This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins scream in the dead of night
This is Halloween, everybody make a scene
Trick or treat till the neighbors die of fright
It's our town, everybody scream
In this town of Halloween
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KhVxBP43Jlg/Ww1s3L9RnhI/AAAAAAAAH7s/nDeFIKVQnQUMo6IeTmA0YMOUdCEakmiVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG)
The fella 2nd from the left is an Undead King, hence the rusty crown on his skull.
I like his "scary hands" pose.
I can almost hear his ghostly boo.
I am the one hiding under your bed
Teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red
I am the one hiding under your stairs
Fingers like snakes and spiders in my hair
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-nightmare-before-sigmar-pre-slotta.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-nightmare-before-sigmar-pre-slotta.html)
-
More great figures. Did you collect all these guys back in the day or did you stumble upon a hidden stash of them in a charity shop somewhere? Actually I am assuming you found a treasure map ala The Goonies.
-
jon_1066,
Indeed, I did find a charity shop with a sizeable amount of goodies, and yes! I do have multiple treasure maps!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/kislev-and-averland-share-road-to.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/kislev-and-averland-share-road-to.html)
Kislev and Averland Share The Road To Eriador
In this post, we got the Ice Queen of Kislev and the Count of Averland along with their retinues.
The Kislevites have come from the far north and are coming down on the eastern side of the Misty Mountains.
With all the trouble around Angband (massive armies of Undead and Orcs), they had to take the long way around.
The Averlanders, on the other hand, are coming up from the south following the Anduin River.
They meet on the road and eye each other suspiciously.
Its the old Northerner and Southerner rivalry.
Will they parley or draw weapons?
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCfMNHi7ByU/WxWa3ysap0I/AAAAAAAAH-s/ZZf4VWRbtVgihFV0Rb_ZsNqgQ3PtDlh3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5443.JPG)
The Kislevites are searching for Bree.
The North has come... and with it the power of Ice and Snow.
Winter is coming... oh, its already here.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wt76_yCoEMY/WxWbCA3DroI/AAAAAAAAH-4/jM9dGV38YSMwralCYzd3B8dkA1rsDx_cgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG)
Its the Ice Queen of Kislev, Queen Katarina!
Not to be confused with the other Ice Queen, Freya who was the other fairest of them all.
Or the other, other Ice Queen, the White Witch, Jadis of Narnia.
Or the Snow Queen, Elsa, Bard of Clan Dis-Ney.
What is with all these "cold weather" broads anyway?
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_uUj0_WsN24/WxWbNm1w5nI/AAAAAAAAH_M/ifzVu7JWOFcZDzGlw9khP7WVAuq66FziQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5449.JPG)
The Averlanders have come to fight for Bree!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1vI2xhixIw/WxWbY6ocyyI/AAAAAAAAH_c/do0BDQqRGxw2QFID6ZLiJ8b8O1lz_pZ1QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5452.JPG)
Do you hear the voices too?
No its not the Chaos Gods, its just plain old schizophrenia!
~~~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/kislev-and-averland-share-road-to.htmlhttps://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/kislev-and-averland-share-road-to.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/kislev-and-averland-share-road-to.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armaments-chapter-2-verses-nine-to.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armaments-chapter-2-verses-nine-to.html)
Armaments Chapter 2, verses nine to twenty one
And the people did feast upon the lambs, and the sloths, and carp...
Today we have for your viewing pleasure... some monks.
And a nun.
Half of them come from the Citadel Clerics line.
Clerics, monks, priests, men of the cloth, what have you...
and dont forget the battle sister!
And Saint Antila raised the hand grenade up on high saying, "Oh Lord, bless this thy hand grenade, that with it though mayest blow thine enemies to tiny bits in thy mercy."
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sjk61A4De4Q/WyB1WKGh9KI/AAAAAAAAIAw/mqggYfJJ-CA-4jeB68z5n4sHYk2lgUvkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5473.JPG)
Here they are, ready and willing to cast some Purify Food & Drink, Protection from Evil, or maybe a Silence 15' Radius?
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7gzS95KuUg/WyB1XxhJpqI/AAAAAAAAIA0/SxeuJVrfy7M2wjEBZ_UiPyLtrCIKk6bygCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5474.JPG)
Left to Right: Brother Maynard, Saint Ogg
Brother Maynard is a monk from Citadel Code TL1.
Thats right! Talisman - The Magical Quest Game.
Remember, he cant use an axe in combat, but he can use it to build a raft!
Saint Ogg is from the Citadel C03 Clerics line.
I like how they both are in the act of blessing someone or something.
They also remind me of japanese girls taking pictures with their V for victory hands.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armaments-chapter-2-verses-nine-to.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armaments-chapter-2-verses-nine-to.html)
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armoured-orcs-of-barad-dur.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armoured-orcs-of-barad-dur.html)
Armoured Orcs Of Barad-Dur
Crush your enemies and see them driven before you!
We got some hard hittin' minis here.
Uruks of Mordor AKA Black Orcs are now on the blog...
Its proper old school minis from Citadel Code: C15 Armoured Orcs.
They previously existed as FTO - Fantasy Tribes Orcs.
I believe they were sculpted by the Perry Twins, but I cant find any confirmation about that.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abVh76rrhQk/WyCDfT49wdI/AAAAAAAAIBQ/cX-j26FSg90MOKKpHPIIpUeTJL0Z9A8xgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5467.JPG)
Here they are, ready to rumble.
Looks like "Lord of Darkness" Wraith has come up with them from Barad-Dur.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-18XwwbTJ3fU/WyCDiOMOWeI/AAAAAAAAIBU/I6qSfdSr9ssuHY1bef3uU6E1zx7sDkp1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5469.JPG)
That one on the left has a cool helmet that makes me think of the Orcs in the old 70's Lord of the Rings animation (Bakshi with his rotoscoping).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlgRtoFBhNE/WyCDoJ0chyI/AAAAAAAAIBc/OlIELinJnNYyXLZKsFmfkjUa_fs8Dx8LwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5470.JPG)
They look savage and beautiful!
Its something about the posing too.
Again, these fellas look like they would have no qualms about taking a bite or two out of their enemies (even) during the combat.
They'd just call it appetizers!
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armoured-orcs-of-barad-dur.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/armoured-orcs-of-barad-dur.html)
-
Yeah, they are Perry figs. I love these guys, and they look good with a dark scheme. :-*
-
Aye, beautiful board and painted minis! Great work.
-
Karak Norn Clansman,
Spooktalker,
Thanks very muchly buddies!
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/radagasts-moving-castle-oldhammer.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/radagasts-moving-castle-oldhammer.html)
Radagast's Moving Castle, An Oldhammer Children's Adventure Tale
Trigger Warning! Like Jimi Hendrix said "'Scuse me while I scream at the sky..."
Buddies, this next post is not in response to the latest GW Warhammer children's Adventure books announcement.
OK, you got me, maybe it is...
You know how we love to "weave in" current world events into our Frankenstein-ian patchwork narrative.
Next thing you know, President Turin Turambar will meet with North Cathay to declare that the wargames are over!
Then famed BloodBowl Dark Elf player of the Drowland Pistons - Dennis Rod-Elf ends up crying manly (or elfy?) tears of joy on Sigmar TV...
Ah what a wacky world! (I meant ours, not my fiction! Did ya hear? GW is making PC children's books...?)
OK, on to our lovely little story!
(Somewhere Mr Rogers and Miss Molly are watching in horror!)
~~~
(all kids chant together) Yay! Story time is here!
Narrator: Gather round kids, and I will tell you a tale of Oldhammery times. This one is called.... anyone?
(all kids chant together) Radagast's Moving Castle!
Narrator: Thats right, kids! And who is Radagast?
(all kids chant together) Worst wizard in Middle Earth!
Narrator: He really is a terrible person isnt he? Next time we see him, we will throw rocks at his face!
(all kids chant together) Yay!
Narrator: So... Count Marius and his Averlanders, the Ice Queen and her Kislevites arrived in Rhosghobel - the home of Radagast the Brown...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFSfIPHXuP8/WyCNyzIowKI/AAAAAAAAICc/72VAuJEosywk0867VhyfksQbc6E4meslgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5477.JPG)
At the same time that Marius and the Ice Queen arrived, so did a monk, a cleric, a priest, two cultists, and a hammer-nun.
Rhosghobel was a blue and yellow and stone grey colored Wizard's home - with an attached high tower and ivy growing 'round its windows and three green doors.
Behind it was a great thick forest - Mirkwood, full of giant spiders and mischievous elves.
To the left of the house was a red-leafed Weirwood Tree with a creepy bleeding face on its tree trunk.
And to the right was a Willow Tree with its swaying branches though there was no wind, and a small pond where no animals dared to drink.
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OymQzCzDKX8/WyCNucQVP7I/AAAAAAAAIDI/FyZ7uUhfS6gCjaImeuPHqPNHDgu9aQnCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5478.JPG)
'Radagast, come out!' they said.
But no one came out, nor peeked out a window.
Marius was mad. Emotionally, I mean. Because he was also cat-lady crazy insane as well.
And the Ice Queen was icy. Temperature-aly, I mean. Because well... she did have an icy demeanor. Everyone backed away as the area around her suddenly got really chilly. Her poor horse even had icicles hanging down from its nose.
'Radagast! We are here for the Annual North-South Potato-Sack Race Tournament! Surely you havent forgotten that?!' they demanded.
But no reply came out and not a head peeked out an ivy ringed window.
So they were mad.
'We are mad!' they said.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kdy4HRyn6-w/WyCNzGo023I/AAAAAAAAIDI/sQuc0qQ3FeImF9YWqngSqw67zJyXPAguwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5479.JPG)
Poindexter, Lieutenant of Averland, spotted some people coming up the road to Rhosghobel.
'Stop! What are you homeless people doing here? There are important things happening here and you filthy beggars arent allowed to participate!' Poindexter pointed his accusing finger at their faces.
'But Sir, we are not beggars or homeless, we are here for the Annual Whip Your Back With A Flail For The Orphans Benefit!' they tried to reason.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XFi211OGsOg/WyCN3AyccPI/AAAAAAAAICk/IRr1eAuX-QkG6lfRJoFEVSrThmsHagMDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5480.JPG)
'If you arent homeless then why do you wears rags and have no shoes?' Poindexter pointed his accusing finger at their suddenly self-conscious dirty toes wriggling on the grass.
'But Sir, we are a Mendicant Order. It is our duty to wear sack cloth and not wear shoes.' they explained.
'What is this Mendicant?' Poindexter asked.
'It comes from the root word mendicus, meaning to beg, begging, beggar... Umm... I guess we are beggars then." the monks shrugged and weakly nodded their heads in surrender.
~~~~~
For the rest of the story: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/radagasts-moving-castle-oldhammer.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/06/radagasts-moving-castle-oldhammer.html)
-
I see I've missed quite some updates :o
Those will make a good nighttime reading tonight! :D
-
Such a great thread... i love the look and feel of your world.
-
Ah thanks buddies.
Maybe next weekend I will have the battle reports.
Just waiting for the correct timing of the stars...
-
In the years I lurked here, this was always a favorite thread. I really like your battle posts, and hope to see a few of them this year!
-
Mister Frau Blucher,
Aww, thanks for reading buddy. I also was a lurker for many years.
Battle reports are indeed coming! This year wont end til we see the fate of Bree and Moria itself!
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/07/citadels-fiend-factory-george-giant.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/07/citadels-fiend-factory-george-giant.html)
Citadel's Fiend Factory - George The Giant
Get in mah belly!
Or...
Dont make me hangry!
Fe Fi Fo Fum...
Game of Thrones has Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun...
the Greeks have their Titans,
the Irish - their Fomorians,
the Norse - their Jotun
But Citadel's Fiend Factory has George the Giant!
Now this blog has a painted Giant too!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dztlP1JoyCo/W1e86FHu9hI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/LdXBr_TfOdo_hxWZl9C-uNN4LOBzogmOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5562.JPG)
Here is George the Giant in all his grody-ness.
Regular readers of this blog are used to the mandatory C Series Citadel Code in my posts.
But this time I will also provide the Fiend Factory Code!
George started with the Fiend Factory code: FF64-2
And later re-released in the C Series under C28 Giants
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bvejfXLK_yY/W1fGChVINFI/AAAAAAAAIP4/UQ_HK1T9xHAzxNmWpNPpdiSKnu_Hb6e2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5570.JPG)
All those monsters were collated into a book - The Fiend Folio!
My copy of Fiend Folio is still in pretty good condition.
So, yes, for those that werent aware, Citadel and Games Workshop's genesis was tied into the early history of D&D.
In fact, in the back of the Fiend Folio there is a list of the monsters and who created them.
Early Games Workshop owners - Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson are listed there for a good number of the monsters.
Ian Livingstone notably had the Grell and the Hook Horror.
Here is the entry for Mountain Giant alongside George the Giant.
So George is a Mountain Giant.
And in my Middle Earth campaign, lets just say George calls the Misty Mountains his home.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_aTjkgJPSQ/W1e86_dpV_I/AAAAAAAAIPU/xrm7sBAM7c8tVNsGmp4SifqljWCDnpbwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5567.JPG)
Many years ago, long before the War of the Ring began, a band of brave Gondorians had an encounter with George!
Yes, that is Hieronymous - Fire Wizard of Altdorf, Boromir - Steward Prince of Gondor, and Gladius - Heroic Fighter of the Known World.
I wonder what quest it was that brought together that brave band of heroes?
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/07/citadels-fiend-factory-george-giant.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/07/citadels-fiend-factory-george-giant.html)
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/galadriel-lothlorien-wood-elves.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/galadriel-lothlorien-wood-elves.html)
Oldhammer LOTR - Galadriel & Skarloc's Lothlorien Wood Elves
Elves... heroes or villains?
Buddies,
At last, those pointy eared elves have mobilized their forces.
Here are the Wood Elves of Lothlorien.
Rumors that the Dark Lord Sauron has moved his headquarters to Dol Goldur across the river from Lorien has reached Galadriel Evenstar - Queen of the Elves.
And while the Elf Queen has great hidden powers of perception... she seems more concerned with events happening in Moria.
Does she know that Frodo the Hobbit has the One Ring and is under the care of the Dwarven Kings?
Does she fear that the Ring will fall into their stuntied fingers?
But the Dark Lord of Mordor is close and she must shield her mind lest Sauron glimpse her thoughts.
While the idea of the Ring falling to the Dwarves is terrible, Sauron regaining his Ring is still infinitely worse.
Onwards to the Golden Wood of Lothlorien...
Also, if anyone wants some nicely painted minis, please check out my eBay listings:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/mars-miniatures/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from= (https://www.ebay.com/sch/mars-miniatures/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=)
And if you need some of your minis painted, check my Paint Commissions Blog:
http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/ (http://mars-miniatures-commissions.blogspot.com/)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kot_WC15Z00/W95bhqjOQbI/AAAAAAAAIgs/f7Q7PMP7dak5XCmW4oY8F2o4myAd5FWngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6016.JPG)
The Elven army emerges silently from the woods.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maNluG5S96U/W95bbE4w84I/AAAAAAAAIgo/_7zxguoGdO05BnfNcITjDB3sVdbNoqn6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6017.JPG)
Wardancers!
They will battle the enemy... in dance!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBHdH-VD8TE/W95dqXA5wWI/AAAAAAAAIi4/48zhFv6Q7gw2dLeNtVuCCJ-j1JhTjt3mgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6023.JPG)
And here are Skarloc's Wood Elf Archers, a regiment of reknown.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYjCsuH1tvo/W95b3O9iXCI/AAAAAAAAIhQ/BDvy2QDCOHof1scucLHUEZtRePZ_tQhoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6025.JPG)
In the center is Skarloc, the hooded One, his sword has Runes of Swiftness, Armor, & Protection.
On the left is Kaia Stormwitch who is both a hero AND the standard bearer!
Kaia carries the group's standard, which incorporates a heart-shaped casket holding the ashes of a legendary Elven Hero, Kern son of the goddess Torothal. It adds 2 points to the unit's Ld, rather than the usual 1. Her magical dagger can cast up to three Lightning Bolt spells per day.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lcdmy1JlZQQ/W95cT5WbhTI/AAAAAAAAIh0/RrK9U6k9VJQOy6Lw2ajNA0B9iSwhTET6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6032.JPG)
Finally, here we have Galadriel and her Dryad Guards!
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-devbrmUybDg/W95ccycdVCI/AAAAAAAAIiE/AsCuz6byBQ4HxXAaegAZ2Ku86JH30zh8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG)
If she gets ahold of the One Ring...
"In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!"
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EGfnz2DEcJc/W95cvPypbqI/AAAAAAAAIig/C8MLy0CZALg-mY7KsF1vuvdPSsn5XrX3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6042.JPG)
Galadriel: Minions! Are you ready for war?
Ren McCormack: Milady, my Wardancers are ready to march and breakdance too!
Skarloc: Clouds of arrows will block out the light of the sun at your command!
Quickbeam: My leafy canopy is a bit bare, does anyone have some Miracle-Gro?
~~~
Will the forces of Lothlorien march against the ruined fortress of Dol Goldur, fortify the Golden Wood, or march to Moria?
And if they do march to Moria, will it be to help or hinder the Dwarves?
As a wise Dwarf once said... Never trust an Elf!!!
~~~
For the rest of the post: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/galadriel-lothlorien-wood-elves.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/galadriel-lothlorien-wood-elves.html)
-
The Wood Elves look great and I love your take on Galadriel, very clever.
:-* :-*
-
Great to see you back in action!
-
Another chapter in this great never ending(?) epic!
On one hand it is sad to see you have to let go of some beloved characters from this series, on the ither hand it's great to see new faces.
Please keep up!! :)
-
Thanks buddies!
Mason,
The Elves are indeed clever and I must match them to keep up.
I know they are up to something, just sitting there on their shelves.
I can feel them conspiring when Im not looking.
Luckily, I have the Dwarf shelves opposite them to keep their cleverness in check!
Mister Frau Blucher,
I am indeed back in action and ready to release the floodgates upon the Dwarves... :)
Yes, dire omens are in the air and an evil wind blows towards Moria!
LordOdo,
The restructuring of my forces to a purely Oldhammer cast of heroes and villains was something I wanted to do from the start.
But I changed my mind and I was too ambitious!
Afterall, collecting all fantasy miniatures from every company in the world is too difficult.
But, collecting all my favorite Citadel/Marauder from the 80s... still difficult, but less so.
If Im going to tell the story of Moria from an Oldhammer point of view like my thread says, I have to do it right!
(I dont know if you saw my blog when it was a 10mm Moria Reclamation Project, but thats how it really started! With Rohan and the Dwarves taking on Isengard.)
Another Lothlorien post coming tomorrow!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from full post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/war-beasts-of-lothlorien-forest.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/war-beasts-of-lothlorien-forest.html)
Oldhammer LOTR - Jabberwocks & Basilisks & Chimeras... oh my!
War Beasts of Lothlorien Forest
Who doesnt love forest dwelling beasts?
Here is a bedlam of beasties...
a menagerie of monsters...
a trampling herd of hoofs...
Step this way folks and let us visit the natural habitat of the war beasts of Lothlorien...
Reminder to myself, I really should update my Oldhammer Monster Manual!
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga4n8Ykp9C0/W96Zn_idjUI/AAAAAAAAIl0/OZmM_JCfousCoQtI7_18g4LEmR_V1rYJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6043.JPG)
These are all Citadel minis of course!
Which means they are all 'eavy metal.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gz3x_sf3XTM/W96Zg6DwQGI/AAAAAAAAIls/y0QemMKJb9o-VKR5ADk5m63wXjUC9mg3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG)
The Elven beast master of Lothlorien with a Jabberwock.
That's Citadel Code C29 Jabberwock to you!
The beast masters job is to make sure no Vorpal Swords go snicker-snackering around his favorite pet.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBdsUNYVgRA/W96ZmowDo4I/AAAAAAAAIlw/kJ4svD8xh2IZq6lcwfW9-OhkCGcmU8UlACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG)
Look at that lil mug!
What a cutie-patootie!
Warhammer 1st Edition has this for Jabberwocks:
The Jabberwock attacks on sight with a ferocity tempered only by a full stomach.
A hungry Jabberwock exhibits a luminescent quality which illuminates an area up to 6" radius around the creature, making Jabberwocks easy to see.
Unfortunately the mere sight of Jabberwock causes victims to freeze with fear...
Throw a d6 whenever a Jabberwock is visible within 15"
1-2 May not move this turn. Must Save vs Poison or die!
3-4 May not move this turn.
5-6 May move... but only away from the Jabberwock.
So how does anyone get in close combat with it? Only if it charges you, I guess!
On top of this, the beastie has 8 wounds, 8 attacks, can Regenerate, has a Weapon Skill of 8, and a Toughness of E (thats toughness 5 for you non old-schoolers!)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pUD1Z5DEW50/W96Zt8XAbOI/AAAAAAAAIl4/_l1iSSU8poM5RNrycZIw6EJsGbU_x8a2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6048.JPG)
This sly beastie over here is a Basilisk.
Citadel Code C22 Creatures - Basilisk.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iTh4TCtmsz4/W96Z12blZOI/AAAAAAAAImA/kwE9C0R_ySYmpEm85J378MjGASiMZhOQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6049.JPG)
He has that glint in his eye.
He is planning some mischievous deed and will surely snicker when he accomplishes it!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nzi1vxm30PY/W96Z_PagWAI/AAAAAAAAImQ/5Qd9JgHFiD49yUpZsNrENqmpmbDoZmvRACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6052.JPG)
This figure was supplied with a random assortment of heads and body.
There were 10 different heads and 4 different bodies.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CrE7RF07Lk/W96aHNmoNyI/AAAAAAAAImg/-6qe2HkCclgVo3bs3wfJth0bPgwKQpb0QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6054.JPG)
Manticores...
Arent lions dangerous enough?
Some rogue god had to give it wings and a giant scorpion tail stinger just to mess with folks.
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/war-beasts-of-lothlorien-forest.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/war-beasts-of-lothlorien-forest.html)
-
Great looking beasties!! Made me remember I really want a Jabberwocky myself since forever. I'm curious to the upcoming battles.
Oh and I do totally understand you're selling of the non-Oldhammer minis. Just makes me a lil sad as some of them played there parts pretty well in this project & I think I would actually want to adopt some of them if it were not for the shipping costs :D
-
Nice painting! I like the gaze on the basilisk - reminds me a little of the hypnotoad.
-
Mister Frau Blucher,
Ha!
What you got there some kind of Mesmo-Frog?
Behold, the Hypnotoad!
All glory to the Hypnotoad... o_o
LordOdo,
Yeah, thats the ticket!
I dont just sell figures, I run a miniatures adoption agency!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht.html)
Oldhammer LOTR - Dwarf Quest 3 Battle Report Part 1
Oldhammer Skirmish Battle Report Part 1
Welcome to the long belated Dwarf Quest 3, an Oldhammer skirmish battle report.
When last we left you, 3 teams of Dwarf adventurers teamed up with Gondorian Wizards to teleport to 3 islands located to the west of Middle Earth.
This is the tale of team 3 led by Balin and Bugman, mighty heroes of Dwarvenkind.
We take you now to the action as our doughty adventurers materialize in a bright flash of light to find themselves on a somber rocky island...
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvANv_TJv0/W-zNU_KtjiI/AAAAAAAAIq0/wwViq6keNasebR4JMd6wDT9e3NiLZ3z6ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6090.JPG)
Left to Right: Foaming Mad Furrikson, Balin, Napper, the Wizard Otto, Lobelia the Hobbit, Pickles the Master Mapper, Master Brewer Joseph Bugman, and Guts the Adventurer
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZAVnIjcvSl8/W-zNbqys_GI/AAAAAAAAIq8/luBfIzQd6DcrhJejdgdLcGfSbEyr9jVBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6091.JPG)
Left to Right: Pickles, Master Brewer Joseph Bugman, and Guts the Adventurer
Bugman: My psychiatrist tells me I should have a more positive outlook on life! This place must be important! I can feel it.
Pickles: (squints at his map) I think.... this might be Valinor! The Blessed Isle! OR... it could also be the... errr... the Valley of Ultimate Darkness? Now it says... we are in Hobb's End!
Bugman: What is wrong with your map?
Pickles: Ever since those Wizards came to Moria my map has been acting wierd. Then again there must be spotty reception out here in the middle of nowhere. My map is only showing 1 bar!
Guts: I dont think this is the Blessed Isle, where are the Valar - powerful majestic angelic beings? And all the haughty hoity-toity Elves? I got a baaaad feeling about this...
Bugman: Did George Lucas write your dialogue?
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGneh4WS7LM/W-zNaMOT3qI/AAAAAAAAIq4/WaH8JadunfAW8KdfxTqnCmvP0qwn2obIACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6092.JPG)
Left to Right: Wizard Otto, Lobelia the Hobbit
Lobelia: So let me get this straight... you are the only one with the gizmo that can send us back to Moria?
Otto: Yes, this Portkey is our only escape, and Im the only one who can use it.
Lobelia: Guard the wizard at all costs!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcyTIFTT2iY/W-zNfopJv9I/AAAAAAAAIrA/TA5uX8ZNrAYzBcxuvPyCwmF5QSQYs1JvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG)
Left to Right: Foaming Mad Furrikson, Balin, Napper
Balin: Something whispers to me... there are fell voices in the air. Be on guard...
Chaos Dwarves: Yes, milord...
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U7lEyCcgw8o/W-zNoSoAAfI/AAAAAAAAIrE/w1ilXINGx3UN8DXOHVR9XmId004r8blaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG)
A tall slender woman appears before our heroes
Bugman: Ahh, hello Lady of this lovely land!
The Pale Lady: Welcome adventurers, you have journeyed far and are weary. Follow me to your destiny...
Bugman: (to his fellow Dwarves) See, what did I tell you negative nellies!
Pickles: (scratches his chin and whispers) ...the Isle of Mirdorog-Naht. Thats where we are! I dont like the sound of this place at all...
Bugman: Nonsense, look we have a guide to escort us to our destiny!
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht.html)
-
Oooh never expected that... Proves to be an interesting battle. Not sure though what I hope to be the outcome; not sure I want Morgoth to be freed...
I may start re-reading the whole story from the beginning. Just because it is so great and we've seen so many characters/locations/plot-twists... It all bundled together would make a great book or something! I would certainly buy a copy lol
-
LordOdo,
Yeah, buddy. On one hand I want Morgoth out, because I want to show off the rare Citadel figure Im using for him!
I looked into printing the blog into a book once and it was expensive.
As for the upcoming battle...
I will be working on getting part 2 up later today.
Writing is such a chore!
But the battle was... well, I wont spoiler it.
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht_15.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht_15.html)
Battle for the Door Of Night AAR
The thrilling conclusion to this Oldhammer Skirmish Battle Report
Combat begins with the fate of Middle Earth at stake.
The forces of Evil have set in motion their plans within plans to get Morgoth out of prison!
They must defeat Balin and use him to open the Door Of Night.
We take you now to the action...
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip0e-qPfXr8/W-0Faos4XDI/AAAAAAAAIu0/v2Gd7FXYW1oIJusf8gvQd4QkF63eSS-VgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6131.JPG)
With a bestial roar, the minotaur known as Ox-Roar the Chaos Champion of Ultimate Slaughter charges into the Dwarves.
In savage melee, the Dwarves prove their mettle.
Bugman has 3 wounds, 3 attacks and an Axe of Cleaving +1 Str and Fury +1A
His Beer Tankard regains a lost wound per turn to either Bugman or a friend in contact.
The Dwarves wisely decide to keep him in the center to tank those enemy attacks!
Balin also has 3 wounds, but has 4 attacks.
Mad Furrikson has Frenzy which gives him an extra attack but also means he has no choice but to charge enemies within charge range.
Napper Grundin has extra point of Toughness.
Guts has 2 wounds and 2 attacks.
The fight with the Minotaur is a back and forth, with the Minotaur wounding a Dwarf, and Bugmans Beer Tankard healing the wound!
In one exchange the Minotaur causes 2 wounds! So 1 wound breaks through the Beer Aura and hurts Balin.
As the fight progresses, the Minotaur is slowly bled to death.
But at the last, the Minotaur causes 3 wounds before it collapses in a bloody furry heap.
Bugman is wounded, and the Minotaurs last attack... slays poor Napper Grundin!
Balin, grits his teeth as one of his companions from the 1st expedition to Moria falls.
Oh pot bellied Napper, we shall avenge you!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqmR2alqr7Y/W-0FfB2eRAI/AAAAAAAAIvA/MI6vCf9zSaQp-ceA3BXRTxAMirOiwcHvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6132.JPG)
Meanwhile, King Al-Pharazon and the Melniboneans charge into the Chaos Thugs.
Al-Pharazon is a beast! A savage whirlwind of death.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwGF_O-RJHY/W-0FW7-DbHI/AAAAAAAAIvA/cgIgyl5Pu1QyzWp4wyIFmf4YYgOvPe8PgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6133.JPG)
The Chaos Thugs are unfazed and run screaming and leaping over rocks and try to attack the Numenorean King from the flanks.
The Melniboneans rush in to defend Al-Pharazon!
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n8fBUg16AH0/W-0FjU-gIYI/AAAAAAAAIvI/iUMFj04FL1QxXbuTII6XQJJ4oN2AfTMYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6135.JPG)
Finally, Al-Pharazon has pushed his way towards the Nurgle Champion of Nurgle!
Nurgle's blessing has made the Champion an extra tough nut to crack.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdouhMI09Pk/W-0FoMtvJMI/AAAAAAAAIvI/rXvGI8WwA1w4RLQ7kzhK83dvx06V7c2kgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6137.JPG)
The Dwarves begin their ascent!
Climbing is an initiative test +2 where ladders are present, so of course they use the ladders!
Falling is d3 hits at Str equal to height of all in inches. So lets avoid any unnecessary scrapes and ouchies, shall we?
Lobelia must suppress an urge to use her broom and dust off the ladders!
Lobelia: I dont think anyone has tidied up this place in centuries!
Pickles: Im getting readings from in front and behind! Look im telling you, there's things moving and it aint us! Tracker is off the scale, Theyre all around us!
Bugman: Well you aint reading it right! How long until we can expect a rescue?
Guts: 17 days? I dont want to rain on your parade, but we aint gonna last 17 hours! Why dont you put her in charge!
Lobelia: Why dont we build a campfire and sing a couple of songs, huh? Why don't we try that?
Guts: In space, no one can hear you scream!
Bugman: Alright, marines! I know we are all in strung out shape but... stay frosty! We cant afford to let one of those bastards in here!
Dwarves: Hoo Ahh!
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht_15.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2018/11/dwarf-quest-3-island-of-mirdorog-naht_15.html)
-
Such a loss :(
-
:'( That adventure was striaght up awesome. Nicely done!
-
Commander Carnage,
Thanks buddy!
LordOdo,
Aye, friend...
Spears were indeed shaken, shields went a'splintered, it was a sword-day... a red day.
It was also the day that Beer went warm and flat. :(
-
Having followed this thread from the beginning, this was a high-stakes fight. Sorry to see the casualties, but liked the great heroism.
I definitely want to see Balin cut off Grima's head and punt it across Khazad-dûm.
-
I'm quite desperate for an update.. Will there be one soon?
-
My friends,
For those who have asked if this blog has ended...
If I could, I would've let this game go on forever.
But alas, indeed it has run its course.
Here is the final entry written, much like the Book of Mazarbul that the Fellowship discovered in Moria.
Sorry this wont be of much interest unless you enjoyed the fluff that came with this blog's battle reports.
Below are the notes of the campaign battle scenarios that I wrote up and of how I think the story of Balin and friends should have ended in this game campaign story's timeline.
I suffered a stroke earlier this year but still have enough wits to write this bon voyage to the Moria Reclamation Blog, thank Iluvatar for that, well these 2 paragraphs at least.
My eyes dimmed before that, so my hobby days are long past done.
Sorry that we never gamed them out properly and no pictures accompany this post.
Ok how bout one last pic, for old times sake.
But my mind is still good if my jokes arent (were they ever?).
Gather round, young padawans
Let me tell you of the time when legends still walked upon Middle Earth...
See the rest of the post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2020/04/final-entry.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2020/04/final-entry.html)
-
Wow, Mar,
I feel the sadness of the elves as they left Middle Earth.
Won't get maudlin, just to say I really loved the stuff you did. So sorry to hear about the stroke, and the eyes going.
Your posts have inspired my own Greywater Chronicles here and on my blog.
So many great moments:
Crom down to one hit point;
Arwen showing up in the nick of time;
Pickles and Balin;
The "ogre" undead beholder;
The Halloween kids;
The big battle outside Bree (or maybe it was somewhere else);
So many more. I'll reread your blog from the beginning to go through it all again.
So many Tolkienesque things to say, but in honor of your genre-mashing, I'll go with:
Excelsior!
-
As I just posted on the blog Thank you
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to read and in some part share in your gaming.
Also I am going to be finding myself doing a lot of blog reading, to recap on all your exploits.
-
It is sad to see such a WONDERFULLY imaginative work end. You have been an inspiration to my own final project. Be as well & as happy as you can, my friend.
-
So sorry to read about that.
You're and will be an inspiration for every curious gamer that find your blog and this astonishing journey of yours between fantasy worlds.
Thank you, thank you so much, Mar.
Regards.
-
Very sorry to hear that. I've been rereading your marvellous thread and enjoying your beautifully painted miniatures.
Best wishes.
-
Very sorry to hear about your stroke, I wish you all the best in your recovery.
I loved following your blog, thank you for the vicarious entertainment.
-
I feel so sorry this wonderful thread/ your blog has ended, and the reason why makes it even more sad. I hope you do well.
I thought your history of the reclamation of Moria/all of Middle Earth, the Old World, Westeros etc. was the greatest crossover of all time.
I have always dreamed of doing a project inspired by yours (the crossovers, the quotes, the different rulesets, the broad range of returning characters), but I thought I would be copying a lot.
Maybe, now your adventure has come to an end, I may look into it again, but I will first reread your epos at least a few times! :)
-
Like many here, Mar was an inspiration for me. I've posted a bit about our interactions together on my own blog here: https://miniaturescrum.blogspot.com/2020/04/tribute-to-mentor-mar-rosquites.html (https://miniaturescrum.blogspot.com/2020/04/tribute-to-mentor-mar-rosquites.html)
Godspeed to you, Mar. You're one of a kind, and as others here note, a guiding light to many of us.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--eThzXbAgVE/Xqmr-fIaBHI/AAAAAAAAJCc/iZaXhln1o3EMIly-YIm5c-3a-tzYVCGEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_2122.JPG)
These are the first miniatures Mar painted for me back in 2016.
-
Hello all, Mar here. Just wanted to post an update about me and my return to hobby things.
2020 was a bad year for me. I lost my sight and couldnt focus my eyes for months, was bed ridden and couldnt walk either. And I also had a hard time speakingl. But miraculously my sight returned somewhat and now I can walk without a walker and I think I can speak clearly. For the past few weeks Ive moved from California to Florida and now I live in Virginia. I live close to Joe P (AKA Bibliophile on LeadAdventureForum). So I have a new gaming buddy. And will hopefully join him and his gaming group and their game convention. Im grateful for being alive and functioning, but sadly The Moria Reclamation Project is still not going to be resurrected, since all my minis and terrain for it were sold last year. Im going to be a commission painter / ebay seller once again, since I cant work anywhere else for a living. I will be starting a new project here, though I dont know if if will be a new post because it could be middle earth related somewhat. I was thinking about MUSKETS IN MORDOR as the title. Or it could be a new blog about sci fi/ fantasy in the black powder era - BARSOOMIAN CITY STATES (warfare on Burrough's pre apocalypse still lush world of Mars). I just wanted to drop in and say hello again to everyone. Especially in my favorite forum. (waves to the LAF) Oh and I have figures kitbashed and primed but not yet painted. Pics coming soon.
From my blog: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/raise-dead-spell-succeeds-or-how-i.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/raise-dead-spell-succeeds-or-how-i.html)
-
Simply, welcome back.
Its glorious your able to return to doing something you enjoy, and more so that we can again share in some of your imagination, I certainly welcome whatever your next project will be.
May you continue to move from strength to greater strength, and you and your new gaming buddies revel in it.
Its a shame oldhammer in Moria is finished - maybe, but, you know, of the two things - no more of that, or no more of you?
I think your many friends will have already told you the second being around is better - and as such - we can all imagine what happens next for Moria Oldhammer, whilst we cannot imagine what your going to do next.
I for one, look forward to finding out.
-
Thank you Tactal. I always considered the Moria project to literally be my very own "last hurrah" project.
But I got a new lease on life and so new plan, so that is a good thing.
I got two choices for a new project as I see it.
I always talked about campaigning in an imaginary world of my own making.
Something serious and original is what I would really like to do.
No more parody mish mashing.
But then again, Ive long planned a Barsoomian-like campaign in the light hearted vein of The Moria Reclamation Project.
I was just talking with Joe P about how John Carter's initials are J.C. and how he might be one of Moorcock's eternal champions.
And he was also planning a Barsoom campaign before I got here.
So maybe I cant avoid the mish mash. John Carter, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dune... So much source material ripe for the "parody-ing"
Its in my blood stream.
Or its fate.
Its all connected...
-
Great to hear you are on the road to recovery and returning to the hobby! I for one am looking forward to seeing your new projects develop.
-
Glad you are recovering and looking forward to seeing this develop.
-
Splendid news, I'm glad you got another chance to do something you're passionate about.
-
Hey, Mar!
So glad you're doing better, and great to hear from you.
I love both of your Mordor and Barsoom ideas, but it would also be cool to see where your unfettered imagination leads, as well. I check option D: All Of The Above! lol
I live in VA, as well, in the Hampton Roads area.
-
Very happy to hear the great news!
I'll be looking forward to seeing your new project.
-
@ everyone, thanks you all and welcome again to this travesty of Middle Earth.
@ Mister Frau Blucher, Hi there fellow Virginian! I am in northern virginia - Falls Church.
If you do something well, do it better and do it often.
So... I just cant leave fantasy in Middle Earth like this. Whew. But the focus of this blog will change. The Moria Reclamation Project is now Mordorheim.
So we move the timeline forwards to the future of Middle Earth, where its no longer so much in the Middle. Late Earth doesnt have the same ring as Middle Earth. Maybe Mid To Late Middle Earth.
Oh lets just say its now either the Fourth or Fifth Age and the forces of Evil were defeated and the Dwarves eventually reclaimed their great kingdom. To recap, gone were both Sauron and his master Morgoth. And the forces of the Dwarves had to battle a coalition of both Men and Elves. Again. Yup, sounds like the Hobbit but even more death and sorrow and yes... inevitable impending doom.
Why? Because the Dwarves distilled the power of the One Ring into the form of Bugmans Beer. Thats right! The most powerful magic item reduced to a formula for an ice cold refreshing beverage. So of course the allied powers were concerned. On top of which the Dwarf Hero Balin and his mighty paladins were discovered to have become Chaos Dwarves.
To prevent total war, Balin and most Dwarvenkind elected to walk into the Void where both Sauron and Morgoth were cast.
Many years pass in peace, most of Middle Earth forgets the events of the past.
Enter Mordorheim... Its Mordor... Its Mordheim.
Small bands of adventurers face new horrors in a slew of new wargame rules loosely providing a new story for this blog!
And here is our first protagonist....
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAqA2TI6MA4/YQDVPy3W1hI/AAAAAAAAJcI/FBUicRlv-p8_oAq3fJYu5hMlEk2C2D9hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_7985.JPG)
Meet the orphan witch known as Istriya. They call her the Witch of Pinnath Gelin. She studied at the Academy of Unseen Arts in Greendale. Her best friend forever was Sabrina Spellman, whose aunt had an uncanny likeness to Eowyn. Ahem - Miranda Otto. (See everything is indeed connected! Im not seeing conspiracies everywhere, really im not.)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYC-Or4pLII/YQDVLdcrfXI/AAAAAAAAJcA/kOHJugM9cbABdukKejyMO7siDdlw1B4jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_7986.JPG)
She wears a flowery hat made of Black Lotus Giganticus. Apparently its a very rare Alpha card for MTG whatever that means. And she has a flowery dress to match. And a flowery spellbook. Her cousin is said to be the Knight of Flowers. Istriya is apparently a Tyrell.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PFO3nEKEt78/YQDVNkmZKgI/AAAAAAAAJcE/uDOSYpIEByEZIG9yZmaagMgqygi8kPrBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_7987.JPG)
But she has left Pinnath Gelin, her hillside homeland in South Gondor, to search for adventure and gold.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GD7HaPEI8lE/YQDVWXfUEjI/AAAAAAAAJcQ/qLmegHFf8GkEwKk4vKB7kHU93yOIY3qzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_7989.JPG)
What is that ethereal tentacly thing that has materialized behind her?
I don't know anymore
Are the neighbors watching me?
(Who's watching?)
Well, is the mailman watching me?
(Tell me who's watching?)
And I don't feel safe anymore, oh, what a mess
I wonder who's watching me now (who?), the IRS?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOZl9QloGmk/YQDVY6lYQXI/AAAAAAAAJcU/f56Z6NvgdmkPszTNL7F8oEHPWDUGrUADwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7990.JPG)
For the rest of this post go to my blog here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/mordorheim-is-here.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/mordorheim-is-here.html)
-
Hey buddies,
This coming weekend a battle report is coming to the blog!
Its going to be a small game or three using Sellswords and Spellslingers. And perhaps a game of Nightwatch by Patrick Todoroff. I havent played these games before but Ive read Sellswords. I do like the premise of Nightwatch, just not sure about the actual rules system itself. But yes to small warbands of heroes fighting against the fiendish creatures inhabiting the dark corners of the world.
Here is another hero for our Mordorheim blog setting...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iyzoL1xRrfM/YQGhAtvZk3I/AAAAAAAAJdE/6yhea3XZhRw2vQjBr2ua76R0TDqk5UAbACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_7991.JPG)
Meet Aly, an elf ranger.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duLlP1Y_l5o/YQGhEnWS5SI/AAAAAAAAJdM/Ag2piELUlpsApgmxvWz8br5VxYOwrKdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG)
Aly is distantly related to the Record of Lodoss Elf known as Deedlit. Hence why her outfit is the same colors as Deedlit's. And there is no fan service allowed here on this blog! *sarcasm*
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cuu_5a5EVJQ/YQGhCBvBIKI/AAAAAAAAJdI/kfF4UJs5oocz9nqsOOM7bZos6rntlMC7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7993.JPG)
Aly spent many years in Mordor and found a larval stage Screamer on the beaches around the Sea on Nurn. She raised the Chaos tadpole to adulthood and named it Cosmo. It followed her on her many adventures in Mordor for the next several centuries. Centuries, you ask? Elves live a long time, as well as Chaos spawn creatures like Cosmo. They were instrumental in bringing peace to the Dark Lands, yet again. Their adventures were written in a book called "The Chronicles of Nurn-ia"
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtId7_LOt48/YQGhHAwRGBI/AAAAAAAAJdQ/kml0qCdMpXccC4EwtmLnbqtLq_DK3V0RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG)
But tragedy struck when Cosmo was lost chasing after a Wainrider. Aly hopes to find her lost pet someday. In the meantime she has joined a mercenary troupe travelling across the lands of Middle Earth. Putting up "lost pet" posters everywhere in her spare time.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RPr99d44fJ0/YQGhJyIatsI/AAAAAAAAJdU/oAKRxIo2dL8LvdJCfz3htgQsTyDTOQtRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG)
Aly: Halt, Witch! Have you seen a Screamer of Tzeentch chasing a speeding Wainrider?
Istriya: Is this a riddle of some sort? I would need more clues...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nXhNwubF-jo/YQGhMPqG2eI/AAAAAAAAJdY/U40ICo8sTmwPZKCxoZqS6YUdZyWUVAnkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7997.JPG)
Strange Apparition: Take heed, daughters of Middle Earth. I have news for the She-Elf known as Aly... One, your full name is Aly Greenleaf. Two, your ancestor was King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Three, he become a pawn of Thanos, but was blasted to bits by an Infinity Stone. Four, he left you Mirkwood Forest...
Istriya: I know how this ends, Aly.. Five and Six, Mirkwood is mortgaged and now you must must pay Gringotts or lose your forest home as well as lose your soul.
Strange Apparition: *nods*
Aly: All I really want to know is... where could I find my missing pet, Cosmo.
Strange Apparition: *slaps her forehead*
So Aly is a descendant of the Greenleaf family of Mirkwood. Yes that means Legolas is one of her ancestors as well as his dad - The Elven King Thranduil. So Thranduil became a pawn of Thanos and was overthrown by a Mirkwood Were-Raccoon and a Shambling Mound. But that is a story best told elsewhere. Or Nowhere. Errr, I mean Knowhere.
Cheers, Mar
Taken from: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/more-mordorheim-characters-aly.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/more-mordorheim-characters-aly.html)
-
great stuff - love it.
-
I remember Kyra! She was a banshee. Told Sleepy he would save all of the dwarves! I wish that tale had been told!
Great painting on her face!
Glad to see things tie back into your previous work.
-
On top form sir!
Looking forward to more :D
-
@ Frau Blucher Thats her indeed. But since I no longer have the mini for Sleepy, that tale might only be told in passing. How did the lesser Ring that he had in his keeping help the Dwarves? That tale... will have to be revealed in time.... *insert maniacal laugh*
And the roster of painted figures for the blog goes on! I wish I had some terrain or a mat to give the pics a bit more color. In time...
For now, let's say that the world is slowly returning from a Limbo state. A new slate. Kind of like the mist in Dark Souls.
And here in this post we have yet another strong female hero. A strange coincidence? Or has something happened in Middle Earth while we were away? Yes, this strange world lives on while we arent looking. We must decipher the mysteries of this place as we go along. In the previous world our focus was on the Dwarves and their journeys to reclaim their homeland. So in this new world we are finding a pattern emerging. Where are the men? Maybe the constant state of warfare has decimated the male population. It was called the War of the Ring afterall... Perhaps its climate change? Hormones? Saruman and his constant genetic meddling with his Uruk Hai has released magical pollution into the world. Or maybe its evolution itself twisting the lifeforms into something different. Afterall, in nearby Barsoom, the Warhoons have evolved to all come from communal eggs. Who knows? And we hear that Barsoom isnt so far from Mordor. Just a bit of a jog to the east. Maybe thats why the Easterlings keep coming our way. They were all being pushed our west by the Barsoomians. More mysteries for us to discover...
For now, lets bring our focus back to our latest female protagonist...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOYVi7wSFdI/YQMWckWd6xI/AAAAAAAAJds/vr7YuHcbR9A4hhbTXW8GZomHE8rxe_OKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG)
Meet Zorelle. From her hair you can tell right away shes a Targaryen. Somone should bring her a dragon egg and see if it hatches around her.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pauliofatKY/YQMWiBoYfII/AAAAAAAAJd0/MLqQMILsU7ggsEj1qDY4VHweraiMCpBNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7999.JPG)
On her hip she carries a phial of some sort. It glows lightly at night especially when the stars shine. Or when someone whispers "Luthien Tinuviel..." It was a family hairloom. When she was young she heard that the phial might have been made in some ancient land called krypton.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OagQEsXYO8s/YQMWfOUmrRI/AAAAAAAAJdw/97Q3xhtD8mgxq0H11Uh2jNyjbk07E4qGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8000.JPG)
Her childhood nickname was Kara. Yup, Kara. Kara Zorelle.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZ8Lg5giLHs/YQMWkh8C4eI/AAAAAAAAJd4/QF2fxuaNC8gXDdln9NwYN6VwnH0DkKULACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG)
She also carries an obsidian blade - The Black Sword of Erlech. Forged by ancient magicks from the Stone of Erlech. Many tales surround its properties that Zorelle knows nothing about. Yet.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPWFuTANSNM/YQMWnRObVsI/AAAAAAAAJd8/W-5YB6tYTRc5VYLIl78704wSj9YSiZpnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8003.JPG)
Some one is coming! Zorelle has highly trained senses. She makes a good tracker. Or a "Strider" as trackers are known to be called in the common tongue.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwjjKCd80q8/YQMWp93oRRI/AAAAAAAAJeA/URS9r_lEt7ICcIjYiHQqq0OM-V21Cy3SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8004.JPG)
Oh, its just Aly and a strangely dressed Witch of some sort.
Aly: Hey boss! I bring a friend and new recruit for our mercenary guild. And I havent found my lost pet yet. I ran out of "lost pet" posters when I ran into her. I need to print more copies.
Zorelle: Hail and well met Aly! And to you stranger! I think I saw a Staples back there on Ithilien Avenue. Or it might have been an Office Depot. At any rate, its next to the Starbucks. This neighborhood sure has changed since I saw it last.
Istriya: I would like to join your gang. Err. Group. I need to make money quick. How do we do that?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_gjdim6lus/YQMWshyT9yI/AAAAAAAAJeI/r2j1DqwNsWoayrMEB20JrpQp8toFKehWACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8005.JPG)
Strange Apparition: I bring tidings to the Lady Elessar known as Zorelle of Minas Tirith. One, you are the One that has been prophesied about. The One who will bring peace to both Middle Earth and Barsoom. Two, your parents are just your foster parents - they only found you as a baby when your "ship" crashed on their farm. Three, your real parents come from Barsoom. Four, your last living relative has passed away in Barsoom and left you Castle Solitude near the City of Zodanga.
Istriya and Aly: And Five & Six, you now owe your soul and everlasting mortgage to the Bank of Gringotts. Yeah we get it! This bit is getting old.
Strange Apparition: Hey, its my day job. I am the Ghost of Mortgage Past, afterall. Dont shoot the messenger. You think I like bringing dark tidings to people day in and day out?
Zorelle: I can see now why we all need to go questing for gold.
~~~~~~~
A bit of social commentary seems to have crept into our imaginary world. Pardon me. But its true! The Illuminati controls everyone! In case you hadnt heard the Illuminati is made up of Doctor Strange (who isnt a doctor at all, but a secret Istari wizard and a famous detective in his spare time), Iron Man (of House Stark), and Professor X (leader of the Dagorlad Marsh Mutants). Some real smart think tanks there.
So, Zorelle is a Kryptonian, Targaryen, Dunedain-ian, and Barsoomian messiah of some sort or another. Make sense since she seems to be the leader of our little group. And she carries a lot of heirloom level items and weapons. Is that the Phial of Galadriel? And is that sword... Stormbringer? So add Melnibonean to that long list of genealogies.
Our blog fluff is getting quite convoluted. If I make a mistake Im sure someone will point it out to me.
Cheers, Mar
From my blog here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-roster-of-painted-figures-for-blog.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-roster-of-painted-figures-for-blog.html)
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/mad-alice-and-gates-of-mordorheim.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/mad-alice-and-gates-of-mordorheim.html)
Mad Alice and the Gates of Mordorheim
I havent yet run a game for Mordorheim but I know what rules to use thanks to my first game with Mr Joe P. and his friends Steve and Peter. Im talking of course about Sellswords and Spellslingers. Joe ran a Conan scenario based on those rules that was very thematic and immersive. As Im writing this very blog post, I get an email that Joe has blogged about that Conan game on his blog: https://miniaturescrum.blogspot.com/2021/08/co-operative-conan-with-sellswords.html
What fortuitous timing! And it was my pleasure to game with them. A great game and I regret losing both Valeria and the pet dog we found. But what a hero dog he was, biting a sabretooth tiger in its rear end and distracting it for our heroes to do their hero-ing.
Im also working on a variant of those rules because of that Conan game.
Im going to call it Sellswords & Shoggoths. Or perhaps Shoggoths & Starspawn?
Either way its going to be Mordorheim on this blog. Any game I play on this blog going forwards that is skirmish based IS Mordorheim. I know it should be Mordheim rules I should run. But Im totally sold on Sellswords. I lost my PC due to a crash about 2 years ago and I didnt back it up for years. So I lost alot of rules and on top of which I sold all my physical rulebooks and most minis as well. But I did buy sellswords on RPGnow or drivethru, so I could dl it again! I also have Nightwatch rules which I might incorporate parts of into my frankenstein rules set. They still need work.
In the meantime lets introduce the last member of our burgeoning adventuring mercenary party - The Sisters of Merciful Fate! Thats right, on their off time in the pub they play as a all-girl goth/metal band.
Ladies and gentlemen, on stage we have the drummer of the Sisters of Merciful Fate.... Mad Alice!!!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mebpnv56jPs/YRRBkah7nyI/AAAAAAAAJgw/_LofJ4LkrsoFeaK7dMfqrGUskNTiQYnrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8087.JPG)
Mad Alice is also known as the Mad Mistress of Laketown. Yes the place that Smaug burned down in the late troubles before the big troubles. Its not like she owns the town though, she just comes from there. But who knows, that age was so long ago that its not far fetched that Alice might be a descendant of Bard the Bowman, the Dragon Slayer.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1wBcgWuGc8/YRRBhj0DhhI/AAAAAAAAJgs/gWjwLp-_5kQpj25wKTuwvG166BOTnp6YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8088.JPG)
With her trusty lantern, Alice has explored the Tulgey Wood and the Rabbit-hole south east of Laketown. Some say her adventures were wonderful. You could even say it was a virtual "wonderland". She has faced down Jub Jub birds and Bandersnatches. She has talked to the talking animals in the rightly named Village of Talking Animals. And tripped the light fantastic in the Fungal Forest with the friendly Mushroom-Men. She even had a Cheshire Cat as a companion, until it met a terrible accident by a land-sled pulled by rabbits! Oh that dastardly Radagast and his drunk driving antics! But who can blame him, Bugmans Brew at happy hour?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIuU9cIBJQI/YRRBnOTAZdI/AAAAAAAAJg0/dw03yZ8q2GYNex6TH97tPQ_2juJZiFBmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8089.JPG)
Speaking of which... Alice carries a keg of some sloshy liquid at her back. Radagast gave it to her as recompense for the tragic accident. She has never taken a sip of it, in memory of the Cheshire Cat. So broken-hearted was Alice that she swore never to drink from it or to ever love another pet again. Those things die, they do! Some one approaches! An elf! To arms... Fear fire foe! Oh its just...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCQMd1Cqi0A/YRRBp2VCf2I/AAAAAAAAJg4/428joIVEU_QA9ry_5e9G65KP1L6FjpPigCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8090.JPG)
Alice: Aly, its just you. For a second I thought you were a Jub Jub bird.
Aly: Oooh, I like Jub Jub Birds. I hear they make great p... oh sorry Alice I almost said the "P" word (editor: pets)
Alice: Speaking of the "P" word... I found your p... Cosmo. He is being held captive in Mordorheim not far from here by a snakey witch of some sort.
Aly: We must save him before he is sacrificed to the Elder Gods, or the Chaos Gods, or worse... the God of Hunger... supper!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vW4JD1qxdZI/YRRBs--t12I/AAAAAAAAJg8/mkciWBanLMMEOzmFD4zKztal3ydL52z6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8091.JPG)
Zorelle: Istriya this is Alice, our scout explorer and official lantern bearer. Alice meet Istriya, our latest mercenary.
Istriya: Hello! Oh... I sense magic on you. That Keg of ale... has a ancient spell cast upon it!
Alice: My keg of Ruin.... its nothing.
Istriya: It has a Greater Spell of Holding. It holds a far greater volume than can be guessed at by looking at it. And something else... something powerful and ancient...
Alice: Radagast says it once belonged to someone called Buggyman or something. An ancient brewer of some sort. I swore to never drink from it in memory of my lost p...
Istriya: Bugman! He is a famous Dwarf Hero! And that might be the famous lost "Keg Of Bugman". Its said to contain the last remaining Brew of Power. It has the distilled essence of The One Ring of He Who Will Not Be Named.
Alice: Valdemort?
Istriya: NO the other Dark Lord...
Alice: Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith?
Istriya: (facepalms) NO. Sauron! The Dark Lord - Sauron of Mordor!
Alice: Shhhh! Not when we are so close to Mordor.... we are in its shadow. The Ephel Duath! And the place where we must go to save Aly's p... Cosmo.
Istriya: One does not simply walk into Mordor. The very air you breathe...
Aly: Oh, its fine! the Weiland-Yutani Corporation installed a atmosphere processing unit on LV 246.
Zorelle: With a loan from the Tyrell Corporation, I might add.
Istriya: There were colonists on LV-246! Families... Burke... and you signed the papers!~
All: Who is Burke?
Istriya: The guy from Mad About You...
All: Ohhhh...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUCKS71bEcc/YRRBvkNpRWI/AAAAAAAAJhA/sSakZyEC7q4UoMgl-zBMQanr3vkvKtLcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8092.JPG)
Aly: You again!
Strange Apparition: Yeah you know the deal. Lady Alice, you now own Laketown, its monthly, and...
All: ?
Kyra the Strange Apparition of Ost-In-Edhil: Can I join your mercenary troop? Im tired of being the bearer of bad news. I need a career change!
Zorelle: Sure, we could use a Banshee where we are going! Now only if we could get a whole shipful of undead spirits who swore an oath to the Black Stone of Erlech...
All: If only....
Kyra of Ost-In-Edhil: Well maybe next adventure. I first have to give my 2 week notice to Gringotts. Those gobbos are real sticklers for paperwork and doing things by the book.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ECVzhpLZh8/YRRByuVQpWI/AAAAAAAAJhI/XjfGgjDcOIs9xlIAcibVYFA9g9wuq5u_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8093.JPG)
So off they go adventuring...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YkChUb1GYJQ/YRRB1QTLFmI/AAAAAAAAJhQ/PtnjnnMVFGwvKLHkNVwIra0j3tKr3H0QQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8094.JPG)
They reach a crossroads.
Istriya: Alice, bring your light over here, there is writing on the statue.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar6RZ0QnPSI/YRRB3meVtkI/AAAAAAAAJhY/hG2cfgji0JYly4veYKcNcHS2DXNt5cCKACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8095.JPG)
Istriya: Abandon hope all ye who enter here...
Alice: What that last bit written there?
Istriya: Take a penny, leave a penny...
Alice: And over there?
Istriya: Samwise was here... Pippin was mission quest thing here too!
Alice: Damn graffitti hooligans!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fhbm2bZ0j0w/YRRB62t9WEI/AAAAAAAAJhc/O5PmZKmNF2UDZt7Q909JzkbF3GEEIdpbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8096.JPG)
So our four ladies stand before the Gates of Mordorheim, feeling the uncertain coldness of unease chilling their very bones.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smrhth2xqVE/YRRB9VKYWpI/AAAAAAAAJhg/qTM4__GtCvE0XYuH8BvfRdKeBJFjrhQ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8097.JPG)
Alice: I think its time to break open this keg and have a swill or two of this brew.
All: Zyor Round!!!
~~~~~~~
Alice carries the last Bugmans Brew in Middle Earth. Word has it that it is distilled and bottled from the freshest water on any side of the Misty Mountains. From the very wellsprings of Fangorn Forest. Careful girls, the waters of Treebeard's Ent-Draught might make you gain in inch or 3 in height! Ask those pesky Hobbits! (Good excuse for the scale creep of these Kingdom Death minis!)
Also note my new game mat from DeepCut Studios. Its pretty fab, if you like need haunted desolate landscapes. And of course the famous GW Garden Of Morr terrain. (I dont recall their new fangled Age of Sigmar name). Oh and my handmade custom foamboard that I painted. Yeah, its not that great. I made it really fast for this post. I will make a better one for the next post which I hope will be a battle report. Oh actually, I might post my latest work on Shoggoths & Star-Spawn.
So there is the intro to Mordorheim... cheers ladies,
Mar
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/mad-alice-and-gates-of-mordorheim.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/mad-alice-and-gates-of-mordorheim.html)
-
lol
really like your photos too - very effective in meshing with the written narrative.
-
@Bloggard, Ah thanks buddy! having a matt, some terrain, and a background really helps. Better than the plain white of the last few posts, eh?
As for the narrative, the first few of the new posts felt a little stilted but its starting to shape up nicely now.
Like an olde time engine, it just needed to idle for a bit to warm up.
The cogs are now running and we are ready to take the jalopy around the block.
🚗🌫️🌫️🌫️🌫️
-
Yeah, things are starting to fall into place, Mar-Style! lol
It'll be cool if Kyra joins our band of heroines!
-
@ Mr Frau Blucher, Kyra is the first of many other characters from the blog's past that will show up and play important roles in this new era. Im still figuring out how to bring back Pickles, Sleepy, or maybe even Baron Hawk. Or at least have flashbacks of them to fill out the missing years.
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/mordorheim-rules-unit-stats-converting.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/mordorheim-rules-unit-stats-converting.html)
Mordorheim Rules & Unit Stats (Converting WHFB Stats)
Here are the Mordorheim custom rules set for this blog. And yes, you may have noticed that Ive updated the blog's top banner graphic.
To make games easier for me, I have simplified the Warhammer/Mordheim rules and stats. They are still I Go You Go, which is what I like. No charts "to-hit" or "to-wound" need to be used anymore, all info will be on the unit stats. I like d6's so that is the only die needed to play.
Combat: Attacker rolls Melee "To-Wound"(or Range if available), defender rolls To-Save. Only attacker may atttack during his/her turn.
Attacks stat is the number of dice rolled in Melee combat. Ranged attacks are not modifed by Attacks stat and are usually just 1 attack unless noted otherwise.
Health stat is the number of wounds a unit can take before being knocked out of the battle.
Leadership is now for overcoming fear or stun checks which cause inaction for a turn. Fear or stun checks are caused by special abilities as noted on unit abilities.
Charge: During movement phase, may move at double speed to base contact with enemy.
Magic: Each spell can only be cast successfully once per battle. Only 1 spell can be attempted each turn. A failed spell can be tried again in upcoming turns until it is successfully cast.
Turn Sequence: Move/Charge, Missile Fire/Cast Magic, Melee Combat
------------
To convert Warhammer stats to Mordorheim stats:
1) change Weapon Skill to Melee: WS of 3 = 4+, less than WS 3 = 5+, more than WS 3 = 3+
2) change Ballistic Skill to Range Attack: BS of 3 = 4+, less than BS 3 = 5+, more than BS 3 = 3+
3) change Toughness to Save: T of 4 = 6+ Save, T of 6 or more = 5+ Save, Light armor = a further -1 to Save, Heavy armor = further -2 to Save, Shield = further -1 to Save. Maximum stat of 3+ Save.
4) Change Leadership (old) to Leadership (new): LD of 7 = 4+, more than 7 = 3+, Initiative of 4 or more is a further -1 to Leadership.
And here are the new stats for our heroes (heroines):
------------
Zorelle, Lady Elessar of Minas Tirith
Move 4" Melee 3+ Attacks 3 Health 5 Save 4+ Leadership 2+
Phial of Galadriel: enemy ranged attacks are at -1 to hit
Sword of Erlech: vampiric blade heals Zorelle +1 wound per successful enemy wound
Lightning Reflexes: already added to Save stat
---
Mad Alice, Mistress of LakeTown
Move 4" Melee 3+ Attacks 2 Health 4 Save 0 Leadership 3+
Rage: Double Attacks on turn in which Alice charges
Beer Keg: Heal up to 3 wounds per game for Alice or friend in contact
---
Aly Greenleaf, Elf Ranger of Mirkwood
Move 5" Melee 3+ Range 3+ Attacks 2 Health 3 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
Bow of Loren: Range attacks are 3 shots per turn
Blessed by the Goddess Isha: can reroll any 1 die roll per battle
Scout: May move up to 5" before battle begins
Waywatcher Reflexes: already added to Save stat
---
Istriya, Witch of Pinnath Gelin
Move 4" Melee 5+ Attacks 1 Health 3 Save 0 Leadership 3+
Regrowth Spell: Casting 2+, heal d3 wounds on self or friend up to 12"
Spectral Skull Spell: Casting 2+, 18" range to target in LOS and all enemy models in 6" of target, must roll leadership or lose actions next turn
Chain Lightning Spell: Casting 3+, 18" range to target model in LOS and 2 other models within 12" of target, causes 2 wounds to each model
Shield of Thorns Spell: Casting 4+, Remains in play, on self or friend within 12", each enemy who comes into contact with target suffer a wound on a 4+
The Crows Feast Spell: Casting 4+, 24" range to target model (no LOS necessary) and 2 other models within 12" of target, causes 1 wound to each model
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_7YSS_SqWM/YSAOP3FutsI/AAAAAAAAJjU/ynCsbFvea2cDaPuQPpYggsqlfv3_K7icQCLcBGAsYHQ/s627/mordorheim%2Bblog%2B1.jpg)
So I will have a small solo game this weekend with these rules.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from full blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/first-battle-of-mordorheim-battle-report.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/first-battle-of-mordorheim-battle-report.html)
First Battle of Mordorheim - AAR Battle Report
"The unpayable debt that I owe to C.S. Lewis was not 'influence' as it is ordinarily understood but sheer encouragement" - Tolkien
I didnt plan to interweave Alice in Wonderland into Middle Earth. And I had forgotten that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were friends. Both were professors at Oxford and had a literary club that met in a pub called the Eagle and the Child. Their club name? The Inklings, of course. Its interesting to think that even when I dont mean for there to be a connection on my blog, there is one. What other authors were buddies in real life that I could use in Mordorheim? Robert Howard and H.P. Lovecraft were friends, or penpals at least. So yes, on this blog, Alice will be clothes-lining Eowyn in the squared circle while Conan is suplexing Cthulhu on his tentacled head.
Onwards to a battle report! Havent done this in a long while and it happens to be a solo game. I dont have young cousins to draft into my wargames here on the east coast. And while this game should have been done with solo and /or co-op rules, I got lazy. Its so much easier to use rules I know. Plus I made them even easier (see last blog post).
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFhKNImBGaw/YSJw_XB-jnI/AAAAAAAAJjk/V7DK-KpBY2EO3CMNtUk2OvQ9XuyI4fduQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8109.JPG)
Seth: Jacob, you're going to keep going down this road until you get to DiGallo. When you get to DiGallo, you're going to turn this big bastard left, and go a couple of miles until you see a bar called "The Titty Twister". And to my understanding, you cannot miss it.
Jacob: Then?
Seth: And then you stop, because that's where were going.
Alice: Im telling you they were right here. A snakey lookin' lady and her groupies. And they had Cosmo in a cage.
Aly tries to suppress a sniffle and fails.
Istriya offers a shoulder for support as Aly over the top dramatically bursts into tears.
Zorelle uses her ranger tracking skills and follows the trail of snake slithers, while Alice lights the way.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxyHjA3Rr9U/YSJxCByEtEI/AAAAAAAAJjo/Qwic0ezQpXA4SRndFSOYO9yfsqmHp1QVACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8110.JPG)
They come upon a dryad and a treekin and ask them if they've seen a bunch of snakewomen with a hostage in tow.
Zorelle: Hello there treefolk! Have you seen any snakewomen around here? They have taken our friend prisoner.
Truffles the Treekin Elder: These snakewomen are known as Melusai and their leader is a Medusa. And they are our most hated enemies. They burned our orchard!
Blossom the Dryad: Wicked leafbiters and rootnibblers all of them. Just to keep warm at night they made a bonfire of our home. They had roasted marshmallows over the chopped remains of our kin!
Zorelle: I propose an alliance. We destroy these Melusai and rescue our friend. And we make sure they never harm another orchard again!
The Treefolk nod.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xiDnynt7GLs/YSJw980E76I/AAAAAAAAJjg/roICr6pwvY460MEqFBw_YuMPmXsiBm8JACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8111.JPG)
Istriya: Hi there dryad. I have many dryad friends where I come from in Pinnath Gelin. I like the color of your leaves.
Blossom: Its always cherry blossom season for me, hence my name. And my owl friend up on my top branch is Archimedes. He belongs to some wizard that went north to fight in the War for Breeland and the Shire a long long time ago. He never came back so I kept him. They say he went into the future.
Istriya: A wizard's owl familiar? Pleased to meet you Archimedes. *owl hoots a reply*
Blossom: He says that if you cast spells in his vicinity you will have a higher chance of success. I know a few spells of my own. Like Tree Singing. And The Hidden Path.
Istriya: Sylvaneth spells! I'd love to learn those someday.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL9d5hR_V8A/YSJxEtFyd0I/AAAAAAAAJjs/qmyEmoqvf3QM2aa7EDUV9nhV8OH-RxagACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8112.JPG)
Zorelle: So the enemy is right up this road you say? I guess we should make a plan of attack then. Any ideas?
Aly: Yeah, win. And get my pet back.
Truffles the Treekin Elder: The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness.
Zorelle: Thats nice and inspirational. But I dont know how that helps us in our current predicament?
Truffles: Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul.
Aly: I second that plan!
Zorelle: *facepalms*
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgQ_gZ2cRlA/YSJxHfmmc-I/AAAAAAAAJjw/YDazYqHHvY8qoZBMGmepAvLB73dVhnnOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8113.JPG)
The medusa known as Santanica Pandemonium and her Melusai bodyguard are indeed up the road.
"I've had it with these mothafuckin' snakes, on this mothafuckin' plane" - S. Jackson
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K91QhHBPJww/YSJxKfAWGCI/AAAAAAAAJj0/yvItfCQABW4TJi40w33G8Xf4TY3CXkyhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8114.JPG)
Unbeknownst to everyone involved, a horde of Flesheaters are approaching. And like all of their kind, the Flesheaters are delusional. Left to Right: Ser Imrahil VI the Strigoi (Imrahil the 6th of his name, the Lord of Dol Amroth and warden of the Bay of Belfalas) and Ser Selmy Barristan and their ghoul troops.
Dol Amroth was razed to the ground by a Southron army and their sorcerors unleashed a virus that turned the inhabitants of Dol Amroth into Flesheaters who believe they are still the same noble knights of South Gondor. They believe the Melusai are damsels in distress and will save them from the heroes who they see as evil monsters.
Ser Imrahil VI: Ser Selmy, a battle is near. I feel it in my bones. Will you fight beside me one last time?
Ser Selmy: As you wish my lord.
Imrahil: We should not underestimate these invading monsters. I feel our fate is nigh and our destiny... is to die saving the helpless and protecting the weak. Still we must be brave and just.
Ser Selmy: Mi'lord, I am a knight, I shall die a knight. Even now, I feel I could cut through our foes like carving a cake. And may it be a double chocolate pudding cream cake at that.
Ser Imrahil: Well said, old friend. well said. Guards, knights, squires... prepare for battle! and pudding cake?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIEkR2RX5vc/YSJxO-Z2szI/AAAAAAAAJj8/3S0b1Qgi2DEHnZBKOF9yTHiNE8PxhpnZACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8115.JPG)
Overview of the gameboard.
The marker token on NE corner shows which crypt holds a caged Cosmo . A PC in base contact with said crypt can free Cosmo. There is also a treasure chest full of precious gems and a mysterious book on the grave under the token.
On turn 4 = Ser Selmy and 3 ghouls arrive. Roll d6, 1-3 NE corner 4-6 SW corner
On turn 5 = Ser Imrahil and 3 ghouls arrive. Roll d6, 1-3 NE corner 4-6 SW corner
On turn 6 = Kyra arrives
And Variable Turn Length rules apply after turn 7
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx3NIUnn06Y/YSJxS9flsiI/AAAAAAAAJkE/4Ntw0YC5C5E3YqQuIB24AvLohmy7YYBXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8116.JPG)
Medusa and 5 Melusai setup in 12" from NE corner.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gDtbndGSgtA/YSJxWLG549I/AAAAAAAAJkM/B1-Hna5NmFcQoABgUXRrUP7XppfXq2QUACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8117.JPG)
The 4 heroes, Truffles the Treekin, and Blossom the Dryad setup in SE corner.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbfCoBDNS5k/YSJxaNeUWqI/AAAAAAAAJkU/XXHWvA9w-3wyZI6JC-k2aa60ChigQWaWACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8118.JPG)
Aly, Truffles, and Alice head north.
Truffles the Treekin: Winter is coming!
Alice: We need to stay frosty people
Aly: I will sing you the song of my people
"Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best
And
Always look on the bright side of life
Always look on the light side of life
If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle, that's the thing
And
Always look on the bright side of life
(Come on)
Always look on the right side of life"
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kph8K-XIrxY/YSJxc50ySQI/AAAAAAAAJkY/04qCnYgYn2s42uRPwqJd3vMOSKydhvXfACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8119.JPG)
Zorelle, Istriya, Blossom (and Archimedes!) take the southern route
The southern route is blocked by two Melusai!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zTQ-gsIoFE/YSJxo4RLuyI/AAAAAAAAJks/MhZDllTM8OctPWh7UteQNM9g008B48fnACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8123.JPG)
Blossom the Dryad attempts to cast The Hidden Path spell on Zorelle. Good idea to protect her from the Melusai arrows. All Blossom has to roll is 2 or better, she rolls a 1. Fail! Zorelle says "no worries" and takes out her Phial of Galadriel.
Istriya attempts to cast a Chain Lightning spell and also fails. Istriya looks at Archimdes who shrugs his shoulders.
Zorelle hold up her phial and the Melusai are blinded, the Melusai let loose with arrows. One misses, but one hits Zorelle who fails an armor save and takes a wound.
Zorelle charges in and only manages to wound one of the Melusai. the Melusai strikes back and Zorelle is wounded again!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoXnjrAEGpE/YSJxrI3UmWI/AAAAAAAAJkw/I8gZefA15B0cByBxHLHSSPChFiohmq_cACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8124.JPG)
Aly peers through the rusty gate in the wall and sees the 3 Melusai waiting for them.
Aly says they made a mistake "If its a gunfight they want, well ok then! btw thanks for the cover..." and fires at them thru the gate. 2 hits and a Melusai fails her saves. So one snake lady goes down. The Melusai return fire, one arrow gets through the gate but Ally dodges it. Then the Medusa moves up and stares at Aly. Aly fails her LD test and will be paralyzed next turn!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfqBV-w6xXQ/YSJxxbwovdI/AAAAAAAAJlA/kFhq43aKQKUJKmbY-TQHCbpbqAI8gSnTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8126.JPG)
Blossom: *senses danger approaching* Be on guard friends, the presence of evil wilts my leaves
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U19yj34t_Js/YSJxzRLwNNI/AAAAAAAAJlE/5avLRa7fEWAH6vIZsd7GwCMsf74qmTvcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8127.JPG)
A Strigoi and 3 ghouls arrive closeby
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-AvFqv1uzw/YSJx2i7zhWI/AAAAAAAAJlI/WFpzi5I8vlc013L82kORnrqXjqBRa9VUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8128.JPG)
Blossom the dryad charges in to help Zorelle while Istriya stays closeby to benefit from Archimedes bonus "To-Cast " ability. Istriya casts chain lightning on the incoming flesheaters. The lighting strikes and kills 2 ghouls and wounds the Strigoi Ser Selmy. The strigoi survives the spell but is down to his last wound. Zorelle feels her sword hunger for enemy blood. She hits twice but the Melusai makes both saving throws! Zorelle could've used the healing from the Sword of Erlech.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7aw8SKaPH1Q/YSJx50HCHYI/AAAAAAAAJlQ/Qowf0XkN7hcFbuL1dco_rnK2d5FJkDkhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8129.JPG)
Truffles charges the 2 Melusai archers and slaughters both! Truffles smash! As Aly is frozen in place, Alice decides to charge thru the gate... into combat with the Medusa! Her charge triggers her rage ability and she rolls 4 attacks of which 2 hit the Medusa causing 2 wounds. But the Medusa still has another 4 health!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KISA5-xqXe4/YSJx8oKi0fI/AAAAAAAAJlU/8yzQ1ok-5nY2K8JMRrWb6vzSXqpxPGliQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8130.JPG)
Selmy the Strigoi flies up in the air and charges down on Istriya and wounds her. Blossom takes a wound from a Melusai.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuWIpSiO_Mc/YSJx_PhfxdI/AAAAAAAAJlY/wfDpcukKLmktE3w0cUpUtXnNeKiXCvF9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8131.JPG)
The Medusa wounds Alice with 2 wounds which leaves Alice with 2 wounds left. Then the Medusa turns her gaze and attempts to petrify the approaching Treekin but fails.
Imrahil and 3 ghouls arrive on the NE corner
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSOls5iqlIs/YSJyKXi34pI/AAAAAAAAJlw/MlxA91ELM2gHilBXnYU3H06XEgrDPhMBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8134.JPG)
Zorelle slays a Melusai and her sword drinks deep and restores 1 wound to Zorelle. Istriya attmpts to cast The Crows Feast spell, but fails.
In melee Istriya has to roll a 5+ and succeeds! The Strigoi falls over and is knocked out of the battle!
(Sorry the pic for the following portion was not taken - editor)
Meanwhile in the north, Alice drinks from her beer keg and heals 2 wounds. Since she is already in contact she doesnt get double attack bonus from her rage. So she only rolls 2 dice which fail to hit the Medusa. Truffles charges in to help Alice and scores 3 hits on the Medusa, who makes all 3 of her save throws!
Aly decides to go thru the gate but instead of attacking the Medusa she maneuvers into LOS of the approaching flesheaters, turns around and fire arrows into them. Aly takes down 2 ghouls. The surviving ghoul shambles forwards as Imrahil swoops down and charges Aly and causes 1 wound on the elf. Medusa contrates her attacks on Alice and causes 3 wounds! Alice is down to 1 health. Alice has survived (barely) and she still has 1 gulp left in her beerkeg to heal 1 wound.
The surviving Melusai knocks out Blossom from the game. A ghoul charges Istriya and wounds her. istriya is down to 1 wound.
And things are down to the wire, both Istriya and Alice are down to 1 health. Aly is down to 2 health.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frlOOH1diBs/YSJyRoLHV_I/AAAAAAAAJmA/tERC9PYi4bceBmcAL7aaqlrFVYrrNVtwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8136.JPG)
Zorelle: Kyra? Show yourself. Ohh she is here all right, she wont show herself. Tell the dragon to weave a mist to hide us.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYjGGd9ktvE/YSJyU0iBpnI/AAAAAAAAJmE/y6iEHfW3JnAuFWuW0CgHwA72XkZ7mNsawCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8137.JPG)
Kyra: I have walked my way since the beginning of time. It is mine to know which and when. Actually there was traffic on Ithilien Avenue, better late than never though, eh?
Kyra charges the Melusai who cowers in fear from a failed LD test and should lose her next turn but wont live to as Kyra strikes her down in melee combat. Kyra then unleashes her banshee cry and slays the ghoul facing Istriya. The battle in the south is won!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O65DAE54UVM/YSJyburZ1OI/AAAAAAAAJmM/zpdbJOozvRogkw6ss_7nF_2qtK10CCE0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8139.JPG)
Meanwhile in the north, Alice and Truffles team up and hit the Medusa and take her out of the battle. Aly gets lucky and manages to cause 1 wound on Imrahil. She is great for ranged combat but in melee? She needs some help!
The last ghoul charges Alice and knocks her out of the battle!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pY8JrraHFSY/YSJyk9cc6wI/AAAAAAAAJmg/nmNEk9qHmhMiYmUUoPm0zjZlPBgSPwb8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8142.JPG)
Istriya heads north and finds a gap between a crypt and a wall then casts a Regrowth spell which heals Aly back to full health.
Kyra comes to the rescue and scream kills the last ghoul. Trufffles wounds Imrahil which leaves the Strigoi down to its last wound. Aly has 2 attacks in melee. One fails and the last attack of the game is rolled... it is a success! Now for Imrahil's Save throw... it fails and the heroes have won the game with a decisive win with all villains slain.
Seth : [talking about the Titty Twister] You've never been here before?
Carlos : No. I drove by it a couple of times. It's a rowdy place, it's out in the middle of nowhere, there'd be no cops and it's open from dusk till dawn. And didn't you say you wanted to meet in the morning? Here we are.
Seth : Well since you just picked this place out of a hat, my brother is dead, that girl's entire fucking family is dead!
Carlos : What, were they psychos? Or...
Seth : Do they look like psychos? Is that what they look like? They were vampires! Psychos do not explode when sunlight hits them, I don't give a fuck how crazy they are!"
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eajUCvoVEJ4/YSJyp7a8qYI/AAAAAAAAJms/eHNsj-wUgsgGlyBsp0bVuGIUno_EQSKLACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8144.JPG)
Aly gets to the crypt where her pet is imprisoned
And out flies Cosmo the Screamer of Tzeentch.
Aly: Cosmo! *hugs Cosmo*
Cosmo: *telepathically* Master!
A girl and her dog (a floaty fanged many-eyed daemon dog)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izeoIFTY2bY/YSJywZ1REgI/AAAAAAAAJm0/_G-qv7zx4PID1NrJr-iEwhum14mcQkfxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8146.JPG)
Istriya and Truffles gather up the fallen and wounded for a makeshift on-site medical facility
Istriya helps Alice drink some of her Bugmans Beer which heals her back up, while Truffles spreads some healing spores on Blossom.
Truffles the Treekin Elder: Blossom, I must return to Fangorn and collect more seeds to plant a new orchard.
Blossom the Dryad: I think I will stay with these new friends and help them, if they will have me. Maybe along the way I will find Archimedes masters' fate.
Zorelle: You are most welcome to travel with us We could use the extra help.
Istriya: Yay! We can trade magic spells too!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6IGqQEG_Qk/YSJyywX5WXI/AAAAAAAAJm8/E4Io04DjYv0X_7DKcDB2LyChMxWSCaBZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8147.JPG)
Zorelle goes and opens the treasure chest and discovers it has gems and a strange book.
Istriya: Hey, that book was a Necronomicon. When you removed the book from the cradle, did you speak the words?
Zorelle: Yeah, basically.
Istriya: Did you speak the exact words?
Zorelle: Look, maybe I didn't say every tiny syllable, no. But basically I said them, yeah.
Upon seeing Aly cup a handful of precious gems saying "Oooo shiny!", Blossom the dryad gives a handful to Istriya: "I wish they were acorns..." (Ronnie B's version was better than the original. Also, Rest in Peace Fez Whately. Radio legend. Ron and Fez, Noon to 3. Nuff said.)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6_Womhqrls/YSJy1yTwMDI/AAAAAAAAJnE/Kf2KjPhR5REDsSOLT0F3DTEVjINBsE6fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8148.JPG)
Aly atop her beloved Screamer of Tzeentch.
Beware future foes. This duo is fast and a tad shooty.
------------
So Zorelle now has the Necronomicon in her possession, but did she say "klaatu verata necktie?"
Istriya has made a Dryad friend with an Owl familiar nested in her branches.
And that owl is Merlin's familiar. Did he ever make it to the White Towers after the Shire campaign was lost? What was so important about the White Towers anyway?
I dont know about you all, but I really like the Flesheaters fluff even if it is Age of Sigmar. Flesheaters are the most noble unwitting tragic villains ever. Ser Selmy deserves a better death. And he will have many more noble deaths on this blog.
Kyra is a beast in combat, isnt she? But she was lucky in this battle report. She is a heavy hitter and the girls will need that in the battles to come.
As for battles to come, Ive heard rumors that we may be headed north again. To some place described as "the long dark road" or "older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places"
Enough teases... till next time, buddies.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Great stuff! Warms my heart to see Aly back with her cute little Cosmo!
-
@Mister Frau Blucher, Yeah, who would have thought screamers of tzeentch would make good pets?
From blog post here:https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/sisters-of-sigmar-order-of-shai-hulud.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/08/sisters-of-sigmar-order-of-shai-hulud.html)
Sisters Of Sigmar (Order of Shai-Hulud)
I had a brain lapse last blog post, and got those two gentlemens names mixed up - CS Lewis and Lewis Carrol. But in my defense, I did intend to mashup the two worlds of Narnia and Wonderland. I was just waiting for the right time. But here is the jist of my C.S. Lewis Carrol Theory...
CS Lewis and Lewis Carrol are the same person called... C.S. Lewis Carrol.
Both Narnia and Wonderland have evil queens, talking animals (Aslan, Mr Beaver, White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat) and little heroines who find a hidden fantasy world (Alice enters through a rabbithole, and Lucy enters through a wardrobe). Lewis Carrol died the same year that C. S. Lewis was born. Both were Anglicans. Both were Irish. Both were Oxfordians and both have memorials in Westminster Abbey. I rest my case. There is some conspiracy here that is Lovecraftian in nature. The man to investigate would be Mr Roger Green who was the founder of the Lewis Carrol Society, became an acquiantance of Lewis' nieces and edited Lewis' diary. Mr Green was also an Inkling, a friend to CS Lewis and wrote a biographies of both CS Lewis and Lewis Carrol. With that said, some of those named anthropomorphic animals will be appearing in the near future.
Anyway back to the latest heroines...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NHxXyuy5rx0/YSVGS8IZfII/AAAAAAAAJng/01Pm7ZaMVckQmdh9mONZPW2A4R-srrKKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8149.JPG)
Left to Right: Sister Trinity, Sister Pomona
These two ladies are Sisters of Sigmar (order of Shai-Hulud) based out of Minas Tirith. Sister Trinity is the elder Honored Matre and has been trained in the mystic arts of Prana-Bindu, which gives her superspeed, agility, and martial strength.
Sister Pomona is Sister Trinity's padawan learner. Pomona is a prodigy who has an innate ability to bond with all manner of beasts. When Pomona was a child, her entire village was destroyed by a giant sandworm. The great beast spared Pomona who rode it like the Sandriders of the Easterling lands of Arrakis. The Worm took her to Minas Tirith where the Sisters of Sigmar took the young girl in. It must be Sigmar's will, the people said. And so Pomona was given as an apprentice to Jedi Matre Trinity, whose job it is train Pomona in the ways of the Force.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-01HSBano-2Q/YSVGXusNjeI/AAAAAAAAJno/Pt_whpA3VUk73QYt8-uyTns3pVzsN_OXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8150.JPG)
Pomona: Whoa. Deja vu.
Trinity What did you just say?
Pomona: Nothing. Just had a little deja vu.
Trinity: What did you see?
Pomona: A gryph-hound went past us, and then another that looked just like it.
Trinity: How much like it? Was it the same gryph-hound.
Pomona: It might have been. What is it?
Trinity: A deja vu is usually a glitch in the Moria Reclamation Project. It happens when they change something.
Pomona: Lets follow that gryph-hound!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_lNwkof7xY/YSVGVWw5LdI/AAAAAAAAJnk/H8kpZYKTDnAmjdyU8p4mRzmesHXvYjPTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8152.JPG)
The girls find the gryph-hound and a strange looking token.
Pomona: This gryph-hound is a hunting hound. And it has found something. *scritches the gryph-hound's neck*
Gryph-Hound: Kweh?
Pomona: This is a domesticated hound. Wild ones say "Wark".
Trinity: Lets see what this little guy found. *Inspects the Token* Hmmm... its a book of some sort. Its written in Khazdul the language of the Dwarves. It says "The Book of Pickles".
Pomona: Wow. The Dwarves really must have liked pickles to write a whole book about them.
Trinity: No. This Pickles seems to be the name of some Dwarf. See here it says "... this is the record of the last days of Moria after the Sundering and the coming of The Things That Are Worse Than Balrog." We must take this back to our Convent in Minas Tirith. There are other sisters there who can translate this better than I can.
Pomona: We should keep the gryph-hound?
Trinity: Dont you have enough pets?
Pomona: *pouts*
Trinity: Fine. But you better feed it and clean up after it.
Pomona: Great! I shall call you Rhombus!
Rhombus the gryph-hound: Kweh!
-------
What secrets does the Book of Pickles contain? There must be some hint about what happened to the Dwarves.
Will the Sisters be sent to investigate the long dark of Moria? What could be worse than a Balrog?
And how will the adventures of Zorelle, Aly, Alice, and Istriya be connected with Trinity and Pomona (And Rhombus!)
But most importantly... will Rhombus and Cosmo get along?
Til next time...
Cheers,
Mar
-
From post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/tom-meier-darksword-minis-new-fantasy.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/tom-meier-darksword-minis-new-fantasy.html)
In this post we have a bunch of newly painted figures sculpted by Tom Meier from Darksword Miniatures. Tom has been a long time favorite sculptor of mine from his days at Ral Partha. I painted lots of those minis in junior high. "Behold Ral Partha Minis! Cast when birds and beasts and flower were One with Man, and death was but a dream!" Righto Merlin, you tell em. So anyways, now Im on a mission to collect all of Tom's minis from Darksword. They are truly a prize worthy of Mordor.
So, onwards to some background fluff and some pics!
All across Middle Earth dire portents abound!
The Free Peoples of Middle Earth are stirring from a long period of peace to find that evil may be lurking where they least expect it... err. maybe where it always tends to come from. Some places are just chock full of the dark side of the Force!
Gondor (and Rohan) is under ominous and unknown threats from Moria and/or Mordor. Anybody out there know whats going on?
Rivendell cordially invites a delegation from your people to join the Free Peoples in a democratic council to decide the future of Middle Earth. Please RSVP to reserve a chair at our table ASAP. Sincerly Yours, Elerina the Half Elven, Lord of the Last Homely House East of the Sea
Hobbits volunteer to explore Moria! Here ye, hear ye! The Shire has answered the call to investigate the omens that portend a new apocalypse looming over Middle Earth. Or maybe they just want to find the long lost Book of Bugman's Beer Crafting. Also, do any of the Dwarf colonists still exist in the Dwarrowdelf? Remember when we traded Shire pipeweed for good Dwarven beer? Hobbits sure do miss their larger, fatter, mountain dwelling cousins.
~~~
And so one fine summer day, the Council of Elerina in Rivendell awaited the delegates from other friendly nations. Gondor had spared no expense and had sent their ambassadors via giant eagle priority Uber-Lyft (Lift... because eagles got wings, get it?). With them they had sent the recently acquired Book of Pickles for translation. Rohan came by horse of course, of course. A young Ent of Fangorn Forest came on his own two feet, or roots it seems (stems, if one were a plantling and an Ent). But none of them could reveal the Books secrets by any language or combination of magic words. It was simply a blank book with blank pages except for its cover that read "The Book of Pickles" in the Khazalid Dwarfish language. Many a magic incantation or secret masonic call was given:
"Annon edhellen, edro hi ammen!/Fennas nogothrim, lasto beth lammen!"
"ade due damballa give me the power" "Abra Abra Cadabra... I wanna reach out and grab ya"
"by the power of greyskull" "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
"to infinity and beyond" "beetlejuice beetlejuice beetlejuice"
But the Book remained blank.
Finally a shy Hobbit from the Shire came forward. Hobbits are a naturally unassuming people and Tuddle was only forced to come because he drew the shortest straw when the summons came from Rivendell to send a representative. Tuddle spoke with a voice that was too high and too trembly, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good" and the book came to life and its pages were magically filled with writings and maps. Most curious was the front inside cover that folded out as a map with a blinking spot where the delegation was taking place - it was the legendary Marauder's Map that was in Pickles keeping. "Lucky guess?", said Tuddle.
A new fellowship was then chosen to plumb the depths of Moria to seek any dwarfs still living there and to uncover any clue as to the new phantom menace that threatens middle earth.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiYNDB9f9q8/YV3meH4sukI/AAAAAAAAJos/RLNI1nbeC9AjhIazhMUz3pYRJ1Ooi4-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8153.JPG)
Left to Right: Mortimer the Brown, Istari Wizard and Shrub Beard, Entling Adventurer
Mortimer the Brown, nodded and waved his hand and a massive firework display in the shape of an Owlbear shot up into the sky to show not only his support but also of the Istari Wizards who wander Middle Earth. It was at his insistence that this council be formed here in Rivendell.
Shrub Beard, an Ent, perhaps cut from Treebeard's line, made a deep rumbling Hhrrmmmphthhh sound to signal his wish to join. But was he a true Ent or more of a Shambling Mound really?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3B8S8nDpkDs/YV3mjrSiGgI/AAAAAAAAJo0/JGuf5ApRuW8hHuvJZrmLMfwVfKK8gKXRACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8156.JPG)
Left to Right: Lady Elerina, Half Elven Sorceress of Rivendell and Anais, Half Elven Fighter
Lady Elerina, the half elven lord of Rivendell had chosen to go herself. She was considered to both wise and powerful in magic. And unlike her predecessor - Elrond long ago, this time she would personally join this new fellowship. Headstrong she was, and none of her council could dissuade her.
Anais, her personal bodyguard and dutiful handmaiden had insisted to also come to watch over her lady. While slight in build, she was as deadly in combat as any Elven lord in the court. Plus she was handy at making tea for her Lady.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgE0YlJX8Ms/YV3mgm-pYoI/AAAAAAAAJow/GQGM3H1hgPwktkBK8T8GXEVGzWGJP96FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8158.JPG)
Left to Right: Tuddle, Hobbit Burglar (in training) and Poppy, Hobbit Herbologist
Tuddle, for his ingenuity would represent the Shire. Perhaps he could be useful in solving the many mysteries of Moria.
Poppy, a Hobbit that had actually volunteered to be part of the Shire's effort in the upcoming adventure. Not only was she skilled in the ways of herbology, she was too brave to be a respectable Hobbit. Even as a child, many in her family had said she was dropped off by Took-ish gypsies as a baby.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f6Yeoe6eM_k/YV3mmPwXIRI/AAAAAAAAJo4/lY9PlweF31s7r6D_6W_u5EIG6cmrI-kZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8160.JPG)
Left to Right: Cosette, Rohan Paladin and Kipper, Squire
To represent Rohan, the paladin Cosette proclaimed, "By my life or death I can help you, I will."
And at her side, Cosette's Squire, Kipper also stepped forwards.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6mnP8rhs5s/YV3mom9YqwI/AAAAAAAAJo8/_U8cUNqsvFMmVZttq6K9Y7or7aFxiUC3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8161.JPG)
Left to Right: Baron Orson, Lord of Lebennin and Haystacks, Fighter from Ringlo Vale
Then the delegates of Gondor came forward to complete the circle. First came Baron Orson, who some said was a shrewd but wise Lord of the Outlands. Others would replace the word shrewd with "opportunistic". But they would do so only in whispers, for the Lord of Lebennin was also a vindictive sort of man.
Finally the friendly warrior Haystacks of Ringlo Vale gave everyone a wide grin and a wink to balance the seriousness of Baron Orson.
And immediately everyone looked to the others around them and were happy that such a fine, wise, and goodly companionship had formed. So Elerina gave her approval with a nod and raised a cup of mead and made a toast, "To the Fellowship of the... Book?" Doesnt have quite the same"ring" to it, does it? Oh yeah, "ring"... get it? *drum roll... Bah Dum Tss*
~~~~~~~
So there's the fluff.
Next post we will see stats for these new fellows and the scenario details for their first adventure.
So yeah, pre-game details are coming up in a day or two.
Then a battle report either this weekend or next. Maybe both?
Next post: The Battle of Bugman's Tomb!
Cheers,
Mar
-
As always utterly wonderful stuff comes out of your head, mashing up so many things from so many other places its boggling to keep up at time s with the references!
Great, and the more the merrier, keep it up!
-
@Tactalvanic
As always utterly wonderful stuff comes out of your head, mashing up so many things from so many other places its boggling to keep up at time s with the references!
Great, and the more the merrier, keep it up!
What some call wonderful, others would call frivolous. o_o
But thanks, buddy!
I dont know how long I can keep these story threads straight myself.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras.html)
The Battle Of Redhorn Pass (Caradhras) Part 1
So the day of battle arrived when Mr Joe P left his native lands of Springs O'Silver (a subdivision in the Marienburgher province of Marienland) and travelled some 15 miles as the crow flies, as Gandalf would say. Perhaps more, Mr Grey Wizard sir. One thing the wiz is right about, is that the board is set and the pieces are moving... right here in my basement room. Battle is upon us here, once again on the Moria Reclamation blog.
Mr Joe P will be in command of the forces of Good - the New Fellowship (boo, hiss!) and I would command the forces of Evil - Bull Ogres, Ghosty Chainrasps, some Crypt Terrors aka Nosferatus in bestial form, and possibly an old adversary or two from days of yore on this blog's list of known villains.
So the only update/change to the pre-game summary (see last post) is:
As the PCs start the game, Tuddles reads from the Book of Pickles. It says, "The Statue of Bugman's Tomb holds the updated passcode for entering Moria. Respect the honored fallen and touch nothing but the statue."
And that last bit is... "vital" to this scenario (perhaps not to space travel... Spice is. And maybe a Bill Shatner overcome with emotion. No, you say... not really? The man needed a hug after going up in a rocket, man... he's burning up his fuse out there alone,.Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids, In fact it's cold as hell, And there's no one there to raise them, If you did)
Oh and a new rule that should come in useful.
Addendum: -1 to Leadership rolls for each adjacent enemy when trying to step out of close combat (base to base contact with enemy). Or in D&D terms, its the Oldhammer version of the 5' step back rule, but here you can move a full distance if you succeed that roll.
Enough with my frivolous banter and let's onwards to the Battle Report...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gq3E6DvCHiI/YW3ZfdiguZI/AAAAAAAAJs8/6Wpbocjfm6UMrLag-bfvbxUr7mSrYGl0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8185.JPG)
So the Fellowship splits up in 2 mobs, one with (left to right) Lady Elerina, Haystacks, Tuddle, Baron Orson, and Shrub Beard.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4fuBQGa2RM/YW3ZdU_3ziI/AAAAAAAAJs4/kU1VHLfkBZYRi6FIHpM6nse92uzEcHI8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8186.JPG)
And the other mob with (left to right) Kipper the Squire , Poppy, Paladin Cosette, Mortimer the Brown, and Anais.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-vqRr0mVMw/YW3ZiGJN7qI/AAAAAAAAJtA/08F1mEOqIEs746hmHWGJZDMO4jSx2oegACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8187.JPG)
Baron Orson: Will somebody get this walking topiary out of my way!
Shrub Beard: Hoooommmmm Mrglmrglmrglmrglmrgl
Mortimer the Brown: Shrub Beard says you remind him of a Murloc. Oh and you should let the Shambling Mound win... they've been known to rip people's arms out of their socket.
Baron Orson: Dont you mean Mynocks? Murlocs are a different IP altogether.
Mortimer: No. the mrglmrglmrglmrglmrgl sound is definitely Murloc-ian. Murloc-ese? Murloc-speak.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DdWlEVQznQE/YW3ZkJdKyvI/AAAAAAAAJtE/Mnyz_9k_7DY_7n0E6YncQrSxYIgboytXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8188.JPG)
Lady Elerina: Lead the way, Hobbit!
Haystacks: Preferably the way with the least amount of things we have to fight... I really dont like killing things.
Tuddle: Um... Ok. I will do my best?
Lady Elerina: That is a sign, young Hobbit, of a very dangerous warrior. Those blessed with martial abilities never feel the need to use them... or prove them. I will watch over your career with great interest, warrior.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLJcyDph_Es/YW3Zm4uMwdI/AAAAAAAAJtI/A9oibBlCoOkpW-Gopo2IDR7o40CRp1EXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8189.JPG)
Mortimer the Brown: Im glad you are with us, Lady Anais.
Anais: Just call me Anais, Im no Lady. Im a bodyguard to a Lady, though.
Mortimer the Brown: Well Im glad you are guarding our bodies, then.
Anais: Was that some kind of sexist joke, you dirty old wizard?
Mortimer the Brown: Oh my word. No! No. I only meant to lighten the mood... Um...
Anais: Mood? What kind of "mood" do you want me to be in?>
Mortimer: Oh Valar help me. I only meant...
Anais: Relax, boomer. See... I can joke too when Im not lopping goblin heads off for fun.
Mortimer: *wipes his forehead with his sleeve* Oh... ha. ha. hahaha... good one.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3YNUBdGlUU/YW3ZpOr2_lI/AAAAAAAAJtM/BWKc3Cyg9xonO23o8ZmhlWRO82S855RcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8190.JPG)
Kipper: So, I dont think Ive ever met a Hobbit Herbologist before. I have great reverence for medics. Especially when heading into battle. My mother always said to make friends with those who can name healing herbs as their friends.
Poppy: Oh. Im not a people doctor. I usually treat farm animals back in the Shire. But people... animals... whats the difference? Amirite?
Cosette: I knew I should have taken some elective classes in "healing hands" in Paladin School.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LypL3G4rV14/YW3ZsvEbN9I/AAAAAAAAJtQ/_DKRKQ9uw1gBjUS2Nsl-1CPcua1_1M2OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8191.JPG)
And so one group passes by a mausoleum (and the DM makes those in range roll LD tests)
Cosette and Poppy see something shiny. Something glittering in the darkness of the mausoleum.
Poppy: I cant quite make out what that is...
Cosette: Its the briefcase in Pulp Fiction! Its a McGuffin of some sort... I think I remember someone saying he stuck this uncomfortable hunk of metal up his... Oh wait, no that was Punchy's watch. Lets get closer and take a look.
Mortimer: Wait, this smells of a trapish nature. Watch out for big rolling rocks that might chase and crush us! If only we had better eyesight somehow.
Anais: Uh... Im elvish? *points to her eyes* Infravision, yo... Anyways, there is a treasure chest in there. A shiny gold treasure chest. If the chest is made of gold, what do you think is inside it? Most be a Dwarf thing of some value.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLR_pSSC_HA/YW3ZvR_MpYI/AAAAAAAAJtU/DkVDOKVFM3EM1a14i2sTS2-cDuibg-53gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8192.JPG)
The other team comes upon a similar mausoleum as well...
Shrub Beard: Hoooomph tinktinktink... tink.
Baron Orson: Thats exactly what I was thinking also, Tree. I think Im getting your language slowly. Lets loot this thing already!
Tuddles: Wait! NO! dont touch it. Remember the book said "Respect the Dead. Touch nothing but the Statue!" This is that part in Aladdin where those thieves touched the gold in the Cave of Wonders and bad things happened!
Elerina: I better use my Mind-Speak spell and tell the Wizard's team to not touch anything!
So with that done... the Fellowship move on. And start hearing faint whispery voices and one low grumbling voice. And so they creep ahead and...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aD0NKpX6m8/YW3Zx52qoMI/AAAAAAAAJtc/fKj2X60V5HYwgpUAPJ8SKjAQpu3XOTEigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8193.JPG)
They overhear an Ogre speaking to 2 Chainsrasp Nighthaunts. The PCs see them, but the monsters dont see them back, yet.
Ogre: Now remembers... da Boss says to snatch da hobbits and theys book.
Chainrasp Ghost #1: Wwwhaaat abouttttt theeeeee othersssss...?
Ogre: Smash dem up really good and turns dem into fine powder to put into soup. Heh heh. Humie soup... Yum fer us. *looks at his ghosty companions* Well fer me. I aint had proper meat in days.
Ghost #2: *raises hand* Escuse meeeee, misterrrrrr Ogrrrrrrrre. Butttt loooook thereeee.... Iiiiii spyyyyyy withhhhhh myyyyy litttllllleeee undeadddddd eyeeee socketttt...
Before the Ghost can finish his witty remark (for a ghost that is) suddenly...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XuadciBso78/YW3Z1ZOeqwI/AAAAAAAAJtg/EYJixscH0dQiNNOGLfl_Kdrx1RmQiitfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8194.JPG)
Shrub Beard comes barreling in and hammers his branchy fists into the Ogre. And right beside him the fighter from Ringlo Vale - Haystacks swings his sword into the Chainrasps, tearing them apart like paper... smoke-like paper.... burnt paper - that is turning into smoke... (oh you get my point)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpjGLiWqHv0/YW3Z3V97kOI/AAAAAAAAJtk/3Yswe1AejQo4Dbgno3bW0CCgG9dC7T3EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8195.JPG)
The other team runs into Ogre trouble as well!
Anais: Everyone get behind me~! I am a bodyguard afterall! Carry on the mission without me!
Kipper: Im from Rohan... we leave no one behind! Or in front... you are walking point for us. And Im a caddy... errrr... I mean squire! We help heroes and all that.Which sword do you need? A five Iron? Wait, no... this beastie is a big 'un! you need a composite, something with titanium... I'll be right back, Cosette has just the sword needed to beat this thing.
Anais: I got my Rivendell Needle right here. *draws her sword*
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rweLjZhT7So/YW3Z61S1FtI/AAAAAAAAJts/GnsHLBjTXlYhso-os_vT06AJdUvmr0ZMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8196.JPG)
Mortimer and Poppy make it to the target Statue.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddAXvh1UZVI/YW3Z9tXjoxI/AAAAAAAAJtw/rs7d-KycuzEC_i0IKBbcb1ky_Pjm3BvwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8197.JPG)
Poppy: Oh man... I feel bad leaving Anais like that. That Ogre looks like trouble.
Mortimer: Well, Kipper and Cosette are with her. Im sure they will be ok. Lets wait here for the other team to arrive then some of us will head back to help.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4yI8ZWvxvVQ/YW3aA0VRTfI/AAAAAAAAJt4/ulVdZJf2OBgVFWy4qluCc__Sh3KFKFiZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8198.JPG)
Meanwhile, looks like they arent alright afterall like Mortimer said...
Cosette: Where did all these ghosts come from?
Kipper: These things are fast. I need to get back to Anais!
At that moment, a loud thunderous sound is heard. As if the very fabric of space and time were being rent asunder! Some thing or things are clawing their way into our dimension.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DW2NQMw_tDc/YW3aENgy2sI/AAAAAAAAJt8/x1kpJVjkH18QIzBFsFWLOs29FFMjDA-8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8199.JPG)
A giant portal, some would call it a Dimension Door, others would call it a Baleful Realmgate, opens up and out pour five beings from the Plane of Elemental Fire!
And then a Voice booms out saying: Heroes, we have seen you! We have watched you! For a Thousand years we have watched you! Who among you still fears death? Who will not face emptiness? You have chosen to honor the dead and so... the Azer Fyreslayers will join your side in battle!
Poppy: Fire Elementals! The Dwarves must have hired them to protect the tombs here. They arent evil they are contractually obligated to perform a task by their employers. Good thing we didnt pilfer those mausoleums. I'd hate to have those things chasing us.
Mortimer the Brown: *surprised look at Poppy* Im glad they are on our side too. But, how does a Hobbit know about Fire Elementals and their ways?
Poppy: When I was younger, me and the braver boys from Brandyhall and Crickhollow would go tomb-raiding into the Barrow Downs and bypass Wight security systems all the time. The Dwarf hackers were called "Legion of Khazad-Doom", and the Stygian hackers were "Legion of Thulsa-Doom", and the Latverian hackers? Yup "Legion of Doctor Doom"
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7UtZVUvvbQ/YW3aILqGY0I/AAAAAAAAJuA/U3Le0w0EnyEmLo_sxynCvZ3vSedIDchFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8200.JPG)
2 Azer Fyreslayers head south towards another Ogre and some ghosts.
They let loose with throwing axes and close into close combat like Tilean legionnaires of old.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wu8dTU-NSM8/YW3aLckTFKI/AAAAAAAAJuE/V3DyWABLjPwWpuk_IAvh4aFxHKMlk7kbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8201.JPG)
And 3 other Azers head West to fight against a Crypt Terror. As is usual with these denizens of the Flesh-Eater Courts, this Crypt Terror lives in a delusion of his former life as a knight of the realm before his current cursed undead state - when his name was once Sir Selmy the Bold, captain of the Kingsguard.
Sir Selmy the Bold: Defilers! I will smite thee if you layest a hand on these honorable townspeople. *sees the Azers strike down a chainrasp* Have at thee, villainous monsters!
But all the Azers hear is this...
Selmy the Crypt Terror: Rarrrrgh! Gooooorrrrrrrrrrr! Aaaaaannnnnguhhhh.... Yarrrgh!
Azer: I wonder if this beast has a language? Or is it just making gutteral noises?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiiTUJC9uuM/YW3aPcgzBTI/AAAAAAAAJuM/hdV1OGuo9YsAlwWLDD28qw0xVgLQU372gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8202.JPG)
Finally the other team arrives at the Statue.
Haystacks: Well here we are Hobbit! I hope you can figure out what we are doing here.
Tuddle: I think I have to find something on this Statue... maybe a secret lever or something...
Poppy: You can do it Tuddle! You are the smartest Hobbit in the Shire!
Mortimer: Ok you guys, we got to go help Anais and the Rohan folk. Baron... will you stay here with Tuddle? And guard him with your life?
Baron Orson: Huh? Oh... yeah sure thing.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZlJCpsGybk/YW3aS271LSI/AAAAAAAAJuU/b3Z8LL4aZpIVY_uLc9_EyECmr3cYMm1DgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8203.JPG)
As the others leave...
Baron Orson: So do your thing, Hobbit. *wonders what treasures were in those mausoleums*
Tuddle: Hmmm...yeah, ok. I think I should pull the statue's finger. That always works, right?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T9jOyHpbpA8/YW3aVn8xHoI/AAAAAAAAJuY/QFAE_G4Fvdwb0uh8SQknrJGYj0kFw6AlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG)
And as Mortimer arrives to help Anais, he looks around to find no one else with her. Or with him!
Mortimer the Brown: Lady... ermmmm I mean Miss Anais! Im here for you! I mean to help you beat it. By it.. I mean the Ogre *gets ready to be roasted by Anais yet again*
Anais: About time! That Rohan squire took a hit from the Ogre and I havent seen him since. I could use some help!
Mortimer: How about some magical help... in the form of a wash cycle *casts a Rain spell, which causes a little cloud to form over the Ogre's head - raining down on it and making it harder to hit Anais* and now a little drying heat? *casts Piercing Bolt that zaps the Ogre with a Bolt that well.... Pierces it? The laundry is.... done!
The Ogre is stunned and Anais finishes it with a stab. The monster goes down.
Anais: Not bad for a wizard... a little wordy... but not too shabby. *looks around for Kipper* I hope that squire is ok... and my Lady Elerina, too!
~~~~~
So there is part 1 of this battle report.
Is Kipper the Squire ok? And Lady Elerina? Will Tuddle solve the puzzle of the Statue? Will the Baron watch over Tuddle or look to find something worthy (translation: selfishly profitable)? And will Mortimer the Brown fire off anymore terrible quips? Seriously did he just use a laundry quip?
Tune in tomorrow for the second part.
Cheers,
Mar
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras.html)
-
Great stuff, Mar! As usual, a few references went over my head, but I'll figure it all out...
Setting my alarm clock for tomorrow, sharp!
-
What a delight to drop by and see that you've beaten the odds and returned to this glorious hobby! Just wonderful news...every day is a gift! :)
-
Thanks buddies...
@Mister Frau Blucher, Ha! Sorry if Im making this seem like work. lol But feel free to ask if you need help with any of those dastardly references. Also, yup! Like we discussed on your own blog, I have indeed been reading more about Braunstein-ian games with Mr Arneson. Thanks for that bit of hobby history that I was always fuzzy on. I need to see if there is anything in Braunstein games that might help out in my own campaign here.
@PatrickWR, Hiya buddy. Yes, everyday is indeed a gift. I always knew that phrase, but never really understood it... as I do now.
And Im trying to figure how I know your name/ handle. I dont think you were just a reader of my blog. Im tempted to say you were someone I commision painted for? Pardon me, if I cant recall properly. My brain doesnt function like it should.
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras_19.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras_19.html)
The Battle Of Redhorn Pass (Caradhras) Part 2
When last we left you...
The Fellowship made some friends from south of the border. Further than that. Much, much further...
Its pretty hot, like tropical in the elemental heat sense. Azers from the Elemental Plane of Fire are now allies with the Fellowship and are staving off attacks from Ogres, Crypt Terrors, and an onslaught of Chainrasps. So thats one side of the board under control.
On the other board half...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iO7TZPBaXSg/YW4kHxX33TI/AAAAAAAAJuo/xSTg0Ejg4WQmsrI26KAuN6MwmfmHB8fJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8205.JPG)
Poppy: Now you hold still Mr Kipper, sir. First, a splash of fermented Elderberry Juice - sans a 2nd taunting. Then a poultice made of Kelpie strands. And finally, a wrap of Willowbottom Banana Leaf... and voila good as new!
Kipper the Squire: Good enough to battle? Well, I smell good enough to eat... dont tell the Ogres that though. Thanks Poppy you're a lifesaver! Now to head back to Anais...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYL-nbIAxSk/YW4kKVkutkI/AAAAAAAAJus/yWd1WiqaYB8i-yLiwkuABz5CMuV2Trx_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8206.JPG)
Poppy: Oh... uhh. Dont look now, Mr Squire. But I got a feeling we are being watched...
Kipper the Squire: If we turn around slowly, we wont get scared... *turns around slowly*
Chainrasps: Booooooo....weee willll eeeeeaattt yourrrrr soulllllll....
Poppy: I dont think the slow thing worked... *shrill scream*
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlpx3q4AOto/YW4kNqenn7I/AAAAAAAAJuw/0Ts87eWFrrIaoGBDXo1IINpoN7oGIITVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8207.JPG)
Nearby... another battle scene.
Lady Elerina: Begone foul spirits! The power of Tinuviel compels you! The power of Tinuviel compels you!
Haystacks: Why are you all alone Mi'lady? Where is your bodyguard? Where are the Rohirrim?
Lady Elerina: Everyone is fighting somewhere... just not here. The Paladin was here with me, but she has gone to help the Azers!
Haystacks: Well Im here. And I will make sure that no harm befalls you.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3SfcYkdc2kc/YW4kQ-7bk_I/AAAAAAAAJu0/Qo4cKR2kmI0EPjf-SVrwvOiy83eQnQfTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8208.JPG)
And indeed the Paladin Cosette came to the Azers' aid right on time.
Cosette: Oh no! one of your friends has died!
Azer Chief: Azers never die, we are merely banished from this dimension for a set number of months as mandated by the Dimensional Port Authority.
Banished Azer: Hasta la vista... if you need me I'll be in the Plane of Elemental Fire! Come with me if you want to live... somewhere tropical! *He gives a thumbs up as he is slowly engulfed in lava from the other dimension*
Azer Chief: Oh and Bob! Tell my wife I wont be home for a bit. There's a fair spot of work to be done on this side.
Bob the Banished Azer: *faintly from the other dimension* I will, buddy... Adios... amigos!
With her banner fluttering above the din of battle, Cosette sings a little ditty to bolster the spirits of the remaining Azers...
There is a castle on a cloud,
I like to go there in my sleep,
Aren't any floors for me to sweep,
Not in my castle on a cloud
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Rz15PzIMi0/YW4kUeWWH6I/AAAAAAAAJu4/bIEzZFg8p9I0CGxdKc9PYsWnstLQMz9EACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8209.JPG)
And even with the Ogre gone, the waves of undead still keep coming...
Mortimer the Brown: Hold the line! The best we can do is keep the enemy at bay and buy Tuddle more time to get the job done.
Kipper the Squire: Aye. Once more into the breach!
Anais: For Imladris! For the Lady of Rivendell!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dn0-CC5CZZs/YW4kYCBSu1I/AAAAAAAAJu8/tl1jgCWt6mwhR3KgZGVogXo3jvHhNAgKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8210.JPG)
Meanwhile, a new terror approaches the other team. And this new terror is actually an old one... in a new form. How far you have fallen... Murkillor. Once an important Wraith General during the 3rd Age, he has been constantly changing form every time he fails in his duty to the Dark Powers. See this post to refresh your memory: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-4th-weekend-part-3-army-of-darkness.html Now he has been reduced to a Grimghast Reaper. Yet his spirit is undaunted and with him, another Ogre charges into battle with Shrub Beard.
Murkillor: I live.... again.....
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOb1Jmjrz8Y/YW4kbbgifZI/AAAAAAAAJvA/0LlAT97tkB4oPyK7dMY2JK09zDnHj8yiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8211.JPG)
The chase is on... Tuddle finds the Clue! He and Poppy make a run for it with the Baron leading the way. But Shrub Beard remains behind to fend off or slow down the enemy.
Poppy: We cant leave Mister Shrub behind! He is all by himself!
Baron Orson: C'mon Hobbits, we are leaving! Hurry up, Poppy... or you're going to end up a permanent resident!
Poppy: Typical...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONCIQDzIJ9s/YW4keakGlNI/AAAAAAAAJvI/OkDr1NrjkS4HcLXllLIh3hQYRam0Mp4nACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8212.JPG)
But Hobbit legs can only go so fast. And Poppy does fall behind... and as Shrub Beard backs up, he is unaware that Poppy is right there...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oqR10KSe_qc/YW4khObkT9I/AAAAAAAAJvQ/su0dQ1jxBBM4fwFHv6x98ZTSe_qeMTzsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8213.JPG)
And the Ogre thumps her once on the head with his club and thats all it takes to knock her out!
Shrub Beard blames himself for Poppy's death and he lets out a deep roar in Entish anguish. Battle is joined anew between beastly monster and plant-ish fury!
No one hurts his friends. No one! So consumed with vengeance is the Ent that he fails to realize that Murkillor is missing.... Where could he have gone off to?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LjMmfl9h3s/YW4kj06N1II/AAAAAAAAJvY/sBx7gxRxA_wP9_Ity5l6eCjDFiUcXUIkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8214.JPG)
And of course, like any smart villain, Murkillor goes after the Victory Conditions. He must take the Hobbit and that Book! And Murkillor succeeds in wounding the Hobbit. Tuddle is near death. Will anyone be able to save him?
Baron Orson: Faster. Must. Save. Myself. The Fellowship is done...
Tuddle: Noooo... must go on... Get up Tuddle. Get up... Now!
Tuddle makes his LD test and escapes base to base contact and runs for it. No thanks to Baron Orson!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaKHkCoUbAw/YW4km-ez5VI/AAAAAAAAJvc/EOBycrHGwQUO40VFDWll6zn4ezxG2RJhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8215.JPG)
Meanwhile... the combined efforts of Cosette and the Azers bring down the Crypt Horror, with thoughts of a heroic death, the Flesh-Eater dies again. But is death ever a permanent death for Sir Selmy the Crypt Horror?
Azer Chief: Human lady fights well! And sings! Come visit our homeworld and have a pina colada with us!
Cosette: That sounds wonderful, but right now my friends need our help. This way, friend Azers...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVg6clMWvBE/YW4kp--Rg2I/AAAAAAAAJvg/hqPYd4uaegkvm7PxlSjGdjKmJR6WqNOOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8216.JPG)
With Tuddle out of the way. Azers jump on Murkillor and Lady Elerina comes from behind to help.
Lady Elerina: Your name is known to me, Murkillor. We have heard of you at whiles. You troubled Middle Earth during the War of the Ring and we thought you were destroyed. May you rest again in peace and trouble us no more for another Age.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk-n64zthOk/YW4ks4IThlI/AAAAAAAAJvk/Ekyj6n1lPMk6PrDk1f4PAAwrCHKUMhl8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG)
And so, with Murkillor banished, all the other forces of evil retreated.
A new alliance was formed with Men, Elves, and Azers!
But what of the Hobbits?
Kipper the Squire learns of Poppy's fall and searches frantically for her.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9ZvHW9JgzE/YW4kvPIn88I/AAAAAAAAJvo/_FA9yAFI8CUhswwvABVwDMHrHtWJVqtdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8218.JPG)
Tuddle: What was this all for, Mortimer? This lousy clue isnt worth the loss of Poppy.
Mortimer: Maybe not. But even so, what does the clue say?
Tuddle: ---
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7FbS6CpNVE/YW4kx6q9XxI/AAAAAAAAJvs/5MnX-_sEdPsRsDWL2ujFi-rCVkdyqs3RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8219.JPG)
Squire Kipper takes some of Poppy's remaining herbs and puts them into her mouth. Then he grabs her jaw and makes her chew them down. And...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OP2hBjmTkHw/YW4k0m3I1kI/AAAAAAAAJv0/NB9TbOgjdvocfo8OLRdpkPecd9pny-KgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8220.JPG)
Poppy: Woah, did you just resurrect me with my own herbs?
Kipper: Yeah, I guess I did. Maybe Im going to learn herbology now...
Cosette: Physician, heal thyself... Glad your back, Hobbit.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGKLj1HcnOs/YW4k30UlDUI/AAAAAAAAJv8/oARLYqjK_d018mNrL6Ir7qlTp3wlpKARgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8221.JPG)
Anais: I should have been guarding my Lady. Ive been remiss!
Lady Elerina: Nonsense! You did the important thing and held the frontline for the Fellowship. Anyway, I had help from Sir Haystacks. Rivendell owes you a blood debt.
Haystacks: I am no "Sir" mi'lady. I am not a knight, just a fighting man of my country.
Lady Elerina: You do your country great honor...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUtmhP17rro/YW4k7kLWwUI/AAAAAAAAJwE/NslNeh1crTsm2Hr2WTpRcJIWku4VluZ-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8222.JPG)
She nods and then commands Haystacks to kneel before her.
Lady Elerina: I might be half-elven... but I am also half-human. And by the Conventions of the Great Alliance, I have the right to bestow honor to whomsoever I choose in Middle Earth. In the name of Sigmar, Asuryan, and all the hosts of the Valar, I give you the right to bear arms and the power to mete justice! Be brave, be just, and defend the innocent.
Haystacks: I pledge all that I still own. Muscle, bone, blood... and the heart that pumps it.
Lady Elerina: Arise, Sir Haystacks of Ringlo Vale, a Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHkzi9HJzCc/YW4k-UZSAKI/AAAAAAAAJwI/zt6GOx7lcXoJZgLWt-Fo1RP6mwY2VBaUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8223.JPG)
Mortimer the Brown and Lady Elerina: Hail, Azer from the Fiery Dimensions!
Azer Chief: Greetings, Wizard and Lady... *bows low*
Lady Elerina: Pardon me, Lord Azer, but do you know what has become of the Dwarves of Moria? Do any still live under the mountains?
Azer Chief: We do know that many Dwarf Kings and brave warriors went willingly into exile into the Void with Balin and Thorin at the end of the 3rd Age. And that they left a Dwarven presence here. But what became of that colony? No one has heard from them for many a year. And our own Teleport/Gate powers will not reach under mountain or into the Void. They did pre-pay us in full to watch over the Dwarven Tombs here in Redhorn Pass, but even so... we would also like to know what became of them. Afterall, we are distant relatives of the Duardin of Middle Earth. Even if we are from another dimension.
Lady Elerina: If you wish, you may join us in our quest to enter Moria and seek any signs of the colony there. Perhaps in some rooms and tunnels there may yet be survivors in Khazad-Dum. We seek to find your kin, if they yet live. Will you help us? *the Azer nods affirmatively* Good and splendid! And Mortimer... what was the business with the Statue?
Mortimer the Brown: So the Clue that was found at the Statue was a post-it note that reads "Gooble, gobble, one of us."
Lady Elerina: I wonder what it means
Mortimer the Brown: Not sure, but I believe its from a black and white movie before my time. And I dont have Turner Movie Channel at home. But it is the password to enter Moria! Now all we have to do... is wait for night to fall and find the doors that glow in starlight and moonlight..."
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnZHPQNGMis/YW4lBLGzFtI/AAAAAAAAJwM/SzR-ce-iYyMUA1MdLd-e1B4qfdGyBrHHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8223j.JPG)
And finally we have a pic of the warmaster general who commanded the outstanding victory for the Forces of Good and Order. He knows the answer to "what is good in life?" And just like the new pass to enter Moria, the same goes to Mr Joe P. "Gooble, gobble, one of us, one of us..." Mr Joe P is officially in the Moria Reclamation Blog now... by order of the Grand Poobah of The Barazinbar Lodge, Dimril Stair Chapter 777 *waves hands with masonic Crip/Blood/Triad handsigns*
And the dice gods were mostly there for him this game. I thought this scenario was going to be a Total Party Kill, but only one Azer fell and he didnt really die - just got deported . And Poppy, but she didnt die either. At the end of the game, I let him roll a d6 and on a 4+, Poppy wasnt dead just knocked unconscious. So.. this was a Total Party Victory! How many of those do we see on this blog. Especially on this blog, where doom resides around every corner... no, thats not it. I forgot the leitmotif of my own blog. Oh its: Certain Doom And Most Probable Woe. Might have to change that with the way things are shaping up around here. Maybe its Certain Dum (as in Khazad-Dum) and Most Probable Whoa...
But this victory wasnt all about luck and good die rolls... It was good old fashioned strategy and paying attention to the clues. Joe didnt fall for the temptation of looting the mausoleums. And there were some tasty magic items to be looted! One was a Runefang weapon that negates enemy Saves. And the other was a Scepter of Inferno Wall that could lay down a wall of fire that lasts for a game. Ah, but the friendship of new allies is worth more than mere treasure.
And while Haystacks was knighted by Lady Elerina. I cant help but feel Kipper the Squire needed a promotion too.
So what happens next? Well before we enter Moria, there are even more new figures to showcase.
Next post will have some sculpts from Paul Hicks and Boris Woloszyn.
Cheers,
Mar
PS... What songs were played during this game session? Mostly some fine instrumental tunes from The Dungeon Synth Archive on Youtubes. But when battle action picked up, I switched the jukebox over to some modern prog with... Scale The Summit & Animals as Leaders. After the game, some "Faith Healer" from the Sensational Alex Harvey Band was played in honor of Poppy.
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras_19.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-battle-of-redhorn-pass-caradhras_19.html)
-
Nice :)
That brightened up my night shift tea-break !
Look forward to your next post as always
-
@Tactalvanic,
Ah, thats on my resume somewhere... tea break entertainer. Thank you, thank you... Im here all week. For my next act, we got spinning plates on sticks while... hula hooping!
-
No, that wasn't a tear in my eye as Haystacks became Sir Haystacks...just some floating cat litter dust...
A Freaks movie reference, eh? Pulling out all the stops!
Glad to see Poppy pull through. And really cool to see Murkillor pop up again...hopefully we won't have to wait until the Third Age of your blog to see him in action once more!
Thanks for the heads up on the music you played...I'll check it out!
Reagrding the Braunstein, there is still a small community dedicated to playing those games. I think the nominal leader is Jeff Berry, who played with M.A.R. Barker of Empire of the Petal Throne fame, as well as with Arneson and Gygax. He runs a blog that has a lot of his gaming and crafting projects. I'll track it down and post a link here or on your blog.
Man...I just realized Professor Barker's initials spell out your name...the coincidences around Moria Reclamation are seeping out into reality...
-
@Mister Frau Blucher,
I getcha , buddy. Maybe I didnt shed a tear writing that part of Haystacks knighthood, but I did get some feels.
Lol, I just had a thought. Maybe for men... the ceremony of being knighted is similar to the ritual of marriage for women.
In one you live for others in a general sense, and in the other you live for just for that one other person.
I guess thats the difference between men and women...? Women cry in marriages, but men cry in military ceremonies.
I get that part in Saving Private Ryan where the old Ryan cried when he saw all those graves in the Normandy Cemetery.
Even before that movie, I was on family vacation in Europe and had a lump in my throat when I saw that Memorial.
Oh, just recently I welled up in tears a couple months ago when I visited the WW2 memorial in DC across from the Lincoln Memorial.
On the Pacific side, they had the engraving for the Philippines and specifically for Bataan where my grandfather fought alongside the US.
Yup, I had the sniffles, might have been the high pollen count though...
I think Lucas was on to something with the Jedi philosophy about love.
Jedi are encouraged to love all life, but attachment to one leads ultimately to the dark side!
Lol, not sure if thats my take on romantic love.
Oh wait, that was also Lancelots take too in Excalibur! Guenevere asked him if he had a lady and he said he was devoted to the quest.
Ultimately, Lancelot was a fallen Jedi, the Anakin Skywalker of the Round Table. Liam Neeson aka Gawain was right! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-fa9awvFBY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-fa9awvFBY)
Oh damn, I should have saved all that for the blog fluff...
And Im rambling again...
Oh and I like MAR Barker and Tekumel. I also like Johnny Marr guitarist for the Smiths, Morrissey not so much, but Marr and that bassist were the bomb - specifically louder than the bomb. ;p Oof a terrible Smiths album reference.
Need to save these for the fluff...
-
Since you live in Virginia, now, maybe some day you can check out the D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Took my breath away when I went 10 years ago or so.
-
@Mister Frau Blucher,
I will check that out, if I ever venture out that way.
And I forget that your are a fellow Virginian, if you ever come up to NoVa, you are welcome to have a game with me in my humble abode.
Perhaps we could do a cross-over event where your Greywater Chronicles personalities are teleported for a one-shot adventure in my Moria campaign.
Kinda like an Avengers level event, but in fantasy wargame form.
I'd have to think of a good scenario for that.
Let me know, eh?
Cheers,
Mar
-
Hey, Mar,
My sincere thanks at for the invitation. I would absolutely love for that to happen. I'll be tied down here until the holidays are over, but possibly after that at some point?
And wow, that would be a hell of a scenario with some of the GC guys showing up in Moria - business as usual for your world, though, eh? lol It would be tough to decide which of my cast of thousands would make the cut...maybe a mix of good and bad guys...now my imagination is working again...that would be epic...
-
@Mister Frau Blucher,
Sure thing, buddy. Like all good adventures, Im sure our mashup would start in a tavern. Perhaps a notice board in said tavern? A help wanted sign - travel paid for, even cross dimensionally.
-
The Rogues of Rhun - Westfalia Minis
Greetings to another introduction post!
Here we have a new team of adventurers called - The Rogues of Rhun!
They are all figures from Westfalia Miniatures - Paul Hicks, Matthew Bickley, and Boris Woloszyn.
Paul Hicks is a giant in the historical wargame world and needs no introduction. Matthew Bickley is of Reaper and Otherworld fame. Boris is a newer sculptor I knew nothing about, and I must say I am now a big fan.
In time, I want to collect everything from Darksword, Westfalia, Freebooter and Black Scorpion. Among other things of course, but those are the companies I want to concentrate on.
On to the new figures...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lMIz2yEU8n0/YX8pYH3oE5I/AAAAAAAAJxg/YQr1lQqyNXIZCzINhQXVDjXw9cm4zq2NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8233.JPG)
Zoltar the Enchanter, Xanthia and her familiar Buttons
Zoltar the Enchanter
Zoltar once granted a boy's wish to be a grownup. That boy later grew up overnight in NYC, then fought a jungle war alongside Lieutenant Dan, then fought a bocage war trying to save Private Ryan, fought another jungle war on an island against a volcano, befriended a soccer ball on that island, and finally lived in exile in a NYC airport. Zoltar, seeing the mayhem caused by unregulated magic for profit, sought to make amends and live a life worth living. So he broke out of that coin operated machine and became an enchanter upon a Quest to a northern cave, the cave of Caerbannog, wherein, carved in mystic ruins upon the living rock... make plain the last resting place of the most Holy Grail. And Death did await them all with nasty, big, pointy teeth!
"Zoltar speaks." "I wish I were big" "Your wish is granted"
Xanthia, Witch of Gospodar
Xanthia was once a Gospodar Ice Witch, but now lives a more reasonable life in warmer climes with her pet cat, Buttons - who is draped around her shoulders. She accompanies Zoltar on his Quest.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEd-VIDeodg/YX8pWpX0ASI/AAAAAAAAJxc/BzmNbVkuugQl6kMQeUvkgWNFV9lxrWmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8235.JPG)
Solaire and Rattlebones
Solaire is a Templar Knight of the Order of the Blazing Sun. The Order worships the goddess Myrmidia - the Goddess of War. Where Sigmar was a mortal who became a God, Myrmidia was a Goddess who took mortal form to fight Chaos. Solaire took on a quest in the realm of Lordran where he encountered many "dark souls" in the hope of inspiring them to find hope in the power of the sun and Myrmidia.
Solaire: Praise the Sun!
Rattlebones is a Wildling Warrior who knows the ways of the North. He became a leader of the Wildlings under the King Beyond The Wall. After hearing a Northerner Witch named Zanthia speak of Zoltar's Quest, Rattlebones has joined their Quest for the Holy Grail. Rattlebones hopes that this magical artifact can transform the North into a tropical paradise.
Rattlebones: You know nothing, Jon Snow.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cQGaHezI5w/YX8paVEikWI/AAAAAAAAJxk/rU0E5LXWpHIEVHiPm_OC4-hWPIqvYrRAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG)
Bortai and Kano
Bortai - Ungol Archer
She is prophecied to be the mother of many Khans. And like all of her kind - she knows what is best in life. Trained to be a hunter archer since her youth, she is unparalleled in the arts of the bow. And while most Ungols are on horseback, Bortai deigns to go on foot to accompany her Questing companions into murky dungeons.
Kano - Warrior
Kano is another quintessential northern warrior. But not much is known about him, except that Frazetta painted him when he wasnt painting Conan. So Kano had to think of some way to distinguish himself from the barbarian - he does not fear magic.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3c8-ipxoEHM/YX8pdrWUXrI/AAAAAAAAJxo/2Tp_wU41nDYSZnGvQWU-dBoz_XXKEl-eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG)
Stroika and Alpha
Stroika - Kislev Warrior
Stroika is a member of the KGB - the Kislev Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti (aka the committee for Kislevite security). She was a pivotal part of the Satchel List Debacle where Stroika covertly played the part of a triple agent. In the effort to extricate the agent called Spyglass for Albion, she not only eliminated agent Percival but also agent Bremovych (all with stylish 80s new wave music to boot). Stroika was working for the Lustrians all along! Stoika was recently on vacation with a Slann Mage somewhere South of the Temple City of Hexoatl. But she has joined Zoltar's Quest out of purely altruistic reasons. Or has she?
Alpha - bounty hunter
Alpha Fett is one of the most feared bounty hunters in this sector. Originally hired to capture the Tomb Raider known as Solo Jones and his Kislev Bear co-pilot companion Chewy the Circus Bear, Alpha has changed his life by becoming a foster father to a Baby Yoda. But the Dead-Eye Knights have kidnapped the little green creature and plan to brainwash him into their Cult. Alpha has joined forces with Zoltar who has the mystical powers to discover the kidnappers whereabouts. Of course, Zoltar demands payment first - Alpha must help the new adventuring party with their Grail Quest.
~~~~~~~
So where will this new team of adventurers be exploring? Rhun is the lands leading to the East. It might be nice to go deep into Easterling lands, or further into Essos (Braavos, Old Valyria, Astapor, Qarth) or east of the Old World (Cathay, Ind, Nippon)
But first I think they must complete their initial fluff. They are on a Quest. And if they cant find the Holy Grail, will another Magical Cup of some sort satisfy them? The Goblet of Fire perhaps? A Tri-Wizard tournament sounds like a good scenario! Or... most probably, the Tankard of Bugman! Surely if the Holy Grail cannot be found, then perhaps this Dwarven relic can restore both leaf and flower. And Tavern and Pub!
Solaire: We must find what was lost. Where do we find it?
Zoltar: Search the land, the labyrinths of the forests, to the edge of... within.
Solaire: Where do we look for it?
Zoltar: Portents, signs... follow.
Solaire: I will ride forth in the name of this Quest. We will find this Grail or die!
Cheers,
Mar
From post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-rogues-of-rhun-westfalia-minis.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-rogues-of-rhun-westfalia-minis.html)
-
Those are some really nice sculpts! I love the color palette you've chosen for these guys.
I'll definitely be interested to seeing if the Grail is in Moria!
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-tale-of-goldberry-and-fate-of.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-tale-of-goldberry-and-fate-of.html)
The Tale of Goldberry and the Fate of Nimrodel
Ok, the magic word of the day is "river". Everytime you hear (read) the word "river" take a swig of your favorite Dwarven beverage - Bugman's Brew.
Today on the blog we have a painted mini - Goldberry on her horse. But first a little info about a Wood Elf maiden named Nimrodel...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7zDODkQFQ3c/YYwWKjyv6LI/AAAAAAAAJzM/mqx7tqp-iSg7vubzszlw-jm7-HA8HLRyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8250.JPG)
Nimrodel lived alone by her favorite river in Lothlorien. She was there long before the High Elves came from beyond the Sea. When they came, she tolerated them and allowed them to build a kingdom in the forest next to her river. The newly crowned King of Lorien was a hoity toity High Elf called Amroth and he fell in love with her. But after the Dwarves woke up a Balrog in nearby Moria, Nimrodel was afraid and left Lothlorien and headed south. King Amroth followed her and the two agreed to meet in Belfalas where they would cross the Sea to Valinor. There in the Undying Lands, Amroth promised Nimrodel that she would be safe from the upcoming wars. But she got lost on the way and was delayed. Amroth could not wait for her and told the ship to sail off, thinking Nimrodel had stood him up. But then he thought he saw her and leapt into the sea to swim back to the shore. Now listen up kids, always wait for the vehicle to come to a full and complete stop. And never jump into the ocean with your armor on, even if it is made of some "light as a feather" fancy-schmancy elven metal. So yeah, King Amroth drowned and they named the area around there after him - Dol Amroth. So where was Nimrodel? On the way to Belfalas, she had come to a river in the White Mountains that reminded her of her lovely river back home in Lorien. She sat by that river, listening to its soothing ASMR murmering and... fell asleep. When Nimrodel finally woke up, she hurried to Belfalas, where some locals told her of Amroth's fate. And Nimrodel was never heard of again. Did she go back to Lothorien? They did name her beloved river after her - Nimrodel River. Or did she stay in Belfalas? Many years later, Legolas remarked that the Prince of Dol Amroth had Elven blood in him. Or did Nimrodel go even further north to forget her sorrows?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sGWVr26Gpsk/YYwWOH27N2I/AAAAAAAAJzQ/rhCaChR9erIMmQROXRQj5xY3RGH4gBaKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8251.JPG)
She did love rivers. And who else in Middle Earth really loves rivers, lakes, ponds, and watery places of that nature you ask? Goldberry loves rivers! She had a house in the Old Forest by the River Withywindle. Actually it was Tom Bombadil who called her the "River-woman's daughter" because that is where he first saw her - in the river. Probably twirling water lillies and then taking river-naps. And remember, when Frodo and the Hobbits met Tom Bombadil he was picking river lillies for Goldberry. Some say she was a water spirit or a Naiad, or perhaps even one of the Maia like Olorin (Gandalf, for you non Maiar knowing rubes out there).
So did our forgetful Nimrodel finally forget the Amroth tragedy and end up falling in love and marrying Tom Bombadil? I mean Tom is constantly picking water lillies for her (and he doesnt jump off ships). One last thing - there is an isle in the Old Forest near the Withywindle river called Elvet-Isle that is infested with swans. Guess another place that has lots of swans? Dol Amroth! Centuries later the men of Dol Amroth had distinctive swan-wings on their helmets. Oh... one more last thing, between Dol Amroth and the Old Forest is another swan filled area... Swanfleet (Nin-In Eiph) Swans love lakes and rivers. Nimrodel/Goldberry left a trail of swans everywhere she went. Again, here is my thesis - Goldberry/Nimrodel is a "swan polluting" elf and has been raising swans as invasive species all over Middle Earth. Thats my story and Im sticking to it.
Oh Goldberry's horse is named... River.
Of course.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QeaOeXo3DgY/YYwWHNfTQoI/AAAAAAAAJzI/0Ppsj5RdRg8G5PVaXO34-jhV-31IDcAIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8258.JPG)
Zoltar: Greetings mysteriously clad lady! We are adventurers looking for a quest. Perchance do you have one at hand?
Goldberry: Funny you should ask. I have several fetch quests. *Adventureres grumble and groan amonngst themselves* Oh and a new one just popped up on my phone... its a town defense quest! It says here... Town of East Bight... payment upon completion... blah blah blah... help defend our town from the invading hordes of chaos and you can shop for supplies here. We also have Laketown Beer on tap.
Zoltar: Well a "Seven Samurai" scenario beats those "Fetch Quests" anyday. Sign us up! And bonus! We are on a fact finding mission. Fact... the beer must flow!
Cheers,
Mar
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-scenario.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-scenario.html)
TOWN DEFENSE OF EAST BIGHT - SCENARIO SUMMARY AND UNIT STATS
I hope to play a solo game tomorrow for the scenario - Town Defense of East Bight.
Here is the scenario summary and the hero/villain stats.
And Im hoping to have a written draft of my retro Oldhammer inspired rules before the year's end. I was thinking of calling it:
1) Dwarven Beer, Goblin Pretzels ( Beer & Pretzels, of course)
Or
2) Hammer of Thee Old Gods (Thee, as written in Billy Childish punk cult fashion)
And yes it will be free. Though a kickstarter printed hardcopy with commissioned old school artwork would be just loveliness. The bullet points of these rules are basically what has been played here on this blog in the last few years.
Namely:
- A wargame skirmish retro rules set that fills that spot between rpg and miniatures wargame.
- A streamlined lite rules set that requires no charts or cards and features an IGoYouGo turn sequence.
- A dozen minis or so per side and a 22' x 30" table size.
- Games should last an hour or two at most.
- Miniatures agnostic, but 80s old lead (Ral Partha, Grenadier, Heritage) should be applauded!
- As 1st edition Warhammer is dedicated to Donald Featherstone, these rules are dedicated to the 1st edition Warhammer white box which embraced the bullet points of these rules. As Featherstone once said, and I will probably butcher it, but something along the lines of - rules should not be pseudo-science but a pastime. In that spirit these rules are forged - in the fires of it! That british sense of humour, that was forgotten by the modern corporate GW. And when exactly did that sell out take place - Im tempted to say 4th edition was the decline and fall (though I might even say 3rd was the beginning of the bloat much like AD&D was to OD&D) And the point would be to make scenarios that take the spirit of old modules and movies for a simple and fun game... at least in my humble opinion. Your miles may vary (and that's ok too!)
TOWN DEFENSE OF EAST BIGHT
Scenario Summary
The town of East Bight is populated by Hobbits. The brave PCs have taken on this quest to save them from the invading Chaos forces who have come to sacrifice the Hobbits to their dark gods. The Hobbits will supply a small militia force and have prepared traps to help the town defense. Not only is Goldberry Nimrodel a quest giver NPC, she is an active participant and will lend her considerable powers to help in the battle! The fountain has been filled with all the beer in town. Defend the Beer!
Pre-Game Setup
A Fountain is placed by the defender 6" from their short edge in the center. Place a Town Gate ruin 12" from enemy edge in center. Players alternate placing 2 ruins each but only the defender can place ruins with a 2nd level. Climbing to a 2nd level requires a model's full move if adjacent to terrain piece. As long as a Defender model is on the Town Gate a Hobbit catapult will fire once each turn.
Hobbit Hotpot: To-Hit 4+, Rend, Damage 1, Splash will also hit other models in 3" of target
The defenders may place 3 Trap Tokens anywhere on the board to represent trapped areas. Any enemy that approaches within 6" of it must test LD to spot any traps. A failed test means the target springs a trap! Trap:1 damage, To-Save as normal. Once 3 traps are sprung (3 LD tests are taken) the Trap Token is removed from the board. Friendly models do not have to test for traps.
Starting Deployment
The town is defended by the 8 PCs and 4 Hobbit militia.
Defenders can deploy anywhere.
The Forces of Chaos are comprised of 9 Daemonettes, 6 Blightkings, and 1 Tzaangor Shaman and are deployed touching the opposite board edge.
Reinforcements
There are no reinforcements.
Victory Conditions
The town fountain is filled with beer and serves as a refreshing rally point. The side that holds the Beer Fountain Objective at the end of 8 turns wins the game. To capture an Objective Point you must have more models closer to the objective than the enemy.
Music to be Played
Widek - Auror Borealis
Russian Folk & Slavic Music - Fantasy & World Music by the Liechters
Crowbar - Time Heals Nothing
~~~
HERO STATS
Zoltar the Enchanter: Move 4 Health 3 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Vorpal Rabbit, Spell: To-Cast 5+, Target in 18" in LOS suffers d3 wounds. If a 6 was rolled, than target suffers 6 wounds!
- Fireball, Spell: To-Cast 4+, Target in 24" in LOS suffers 1 wound from a Fire Attack.
Xanthia: Move 4 Health 2 Save 6+ Leadership 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Bad Luck, Spell: To-Cast 5+, Remains in play for one target at a time. Target in 24" must reroll any one successful die roll per turn that Xanthia chooses.
- Ice Blast, Spell: To-Cast 4+, Target in LOS in 18" must test LD or lose 1 wound and be frozen on next turn (no move or action)
Sir Solaire: Move 4 Health 5 Save 4+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 3, Rend, Damage 1
- Praise the Sun, Ability: Once per game, Solaire can ignite his sword for 1 turn. All his attacks are Fire Attacks that cause 2 Damage.
Rattlebones: Move 4 Health 4 Save 4+ Leadership 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 2, Rend, Damage 2
Bortai: Move 4 Health 2 Save 6+ Leadership 4+
- Range, 18": To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Scout: Before Game starts, Bortai can move 8"
Kano: Move 4 Health 4 Save 5+ Leadership 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 3, Damage 1
Stroika: Move 4 Health 3 Save 4+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 4, Damage 1
- Infiltrate: Stroika can deploy anywhere on board, but at least 12" from an enemy.
Alpha: Move 4 Health 4 Save 4+ Leadership 3+
- Range, 12": To-Hit 3+, Attacks 1, Rend, Damage 1, Move or Fire
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 3, Damage 1
- Disintegrate Bolt: Once per game, Alpha may use this ammo on a range attack which causes an extra +2 Damage.
- Grappling Hook: Once per game, Alpha may use this to increase Move to 8" even up vertically to a higher floor.
Hobbit Militia: Move 4 Health 1 Save 6+ Leadership 5+
- Range, 12": To-Hit 5+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Melee: To-Hit 5+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
Goldberry Nimrodel: Move 8" Health 6 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee, River's Hooves: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
- Strengthen Resolve, Ability: All friendly units in 12" of Nimrodel may reroll a failed LD test using Goldberry's LD.
- Otherworldly Radiance, Ability: Goldberry causes Fear
- Kindle Hearts, Spell: To-Cast 5+, Heal up to 3 Wounds on target unit.
- Banish, Spell: To-Cast 3+, one enemy unit must move its Move Stat directly away from Goldberry.
VILLAIN STATS
Blightking: Move 4" Health 4 Save 4+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 3, Damage 1
- Cloud of Flies, Ability: Any model in contact with Blightking suffers a -1 To-Hit in combat or when testing LD.
Daemonette: Move 6" Health 1 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Rend, Damage 1
Tzaangor Shaman: Move 6" Health 6 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
- Glean Magic, Spell: To-Cast 4+, An enemy wizard in LOS in 18", Shaman may now use any one spell target has in future turns.
- Boon of Tzeentch, Spell: To-Cast 4+, Remains in play and cast on self, all friendly models in 6" of Shaman may reroll failed range or melee attacks.
- Flickering Fire, Spell: To-Cast 4+, Target in LOS in 24" suffers 1 wound from a fire attack.
-
Hey, Mar,
Rules sound pretty cool! You've spent a lot of time developing them, be interesting to see how they've shaped up.
Looking forward to the Eight Samurai!
-
From full blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-battle.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-battle.html)
Town Defense of East Bight - Battle Report Part 1
Last Minute Amendments And Clarifications
8 Game Turns might be excessive for such a small board, so let's drop it down to 6 Turns.
Goldberry's Banish Spell has a 12" range and needs LOS.
Her Kindle Hearts Spell also has a 12" range.
The Chaos forces also have 5 Tzaangor beastmen with bows.
Tzaangor with Bow: Move 6" Health 4 Save 5+ LD 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 5+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Bow, Range 18": To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
Attacking Buildings
An attacking model may move unto the 2nd floor of a building if at the start of its movement it is already in contact with the building. However, if there is no room for the model to be placed on the 2nd floor, it must remain on the ground floor. Adjustments must be made to accomodate the attacker to fit on the 2nd floor as best as possible to ensure "good form".
If an attacker on the ground floor is in base contact with a building with a 2nd floor he may make upward melee attacks with a defending model in it at -1 To-Hit. The defending model attacks as normal to the lower model without penalty.
Ranged attacks that target defending units on a 2nd floor are made at -1 To-Hit. Ranged defenders may fire without penalty to units below that are not in cover.
~~~
So the Battle of East Bight is upon us.
Why did Hobbits decide to build a town on old ruins - some ancient Easterling settlement of some sort. Probably Wainriders. This ruin is close to Dol Goldur and Mordor and was once a forested area and part of Rhovanion Forest (Mirkwood) until the settlers started the deforestation of the area. Perhaps it was rampaging Orcs who ended their civilization. Or perhaps the environmentally minded Elves of Mirkwood. Or those Rohirrim who once lived in the northern banks of the Anduin, before they were gifted lands to the east of Gondor. Whoever ended the civilization here, it was long ago. But in the recent events of the last age where Sauron and his master Morgoth were defeated, and the recapture of Moria by the Dwarves and their eventual disappearance (again), Hobbits have flourished and pushed their colonies and borders ever further into the political voids left by the races of Middle Earth. Those simple minded Hobbits thought that Middle Earth was theirs for the taking and the forces of Orcs, Trolls, Wraiths, and Corrupted Men were gone forever. Then the Chaos Gods began encroaching from the edges of the Known World. And their first push from the East fell right on this fledgling Hobbit town - East Bight! The Hobbit citizens were evacuated into the (Not So) Brown Lands, for the Entwives had returned and turned that area into a garden again. And the Hobbit refugees were welcomed by the Dryads and Tree-Kin there. But a dedicated few remained - the Hobbit Scout Militia. The Hobbits pooled their money together and searched for heroes to help defend their town from the coming of Chaos.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BoBeJJ6ZNA/YZwPXC6_W7I/AAAAAAAAJz4/ZUgY9bY-B-A6E6ovAEksPT6yy5U6CGs6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8259.JPG)
The Hobbit Militia (Left to Right)
Scoutmaster Jumbo and 3 scouts - Bingo, Bobo, and Bumbo
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2TeK5hbvkI/YZwPbKm_5fI/AAAAAAAAJz8/xfhN8-nS1b8mCzdYoDaS5Cb1KCDL4I4vACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8263.JPG)
Goldberry Nimrodel is here to defend the Fountain.
Bumbo the Hobbit: Excuse me, Lady Goldberry, but are you sure these "heroes" are good enough to defend our town? I hear they are simple mercenaries for hire and not proper heroes.
Goldberry: They might not be the heroes you deserve, but they are the ones you need. *Bumbo gives her a meh face* OK... fine. And also, they are the only ones who answered your Craigslist ad.
Bumbo: That info doesnt inspire me. -_-
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkwAxdYicxk/YZwPdTBo8HI/AAAAAAAAJ0A/Oj_LInfcjrclZtdvFSlvAQj1mOXQS2oFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8265.JPG)
Upperfloor, above the City Gate... Bortai, Bingo the Hobbit, Alpha, Scoutmaster Jumbo
Scoutmaster Jumbo: We have a ruined gate but no walls, we need to have some words with our City Planning Commissioner. And these windows are too high for a Hobbit defender. This is supposed to be a Hobbit sized town!
Alpha: Should I get you a crate for you to stand on?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEeiRfuzGn8/YZwPy4skTeI/AAAAAAAAJ0k/nmFj0Tj3Gj8SzLKSB82K1lXtG6adbx19gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8271.JPG)
An over the City Gate view... facing East.
Scoutmaster Jumbo: Oh... those are Blightkings of Nurgle! And Tzeetchian Beastmen! And Daemonettes of Slaanesh! They just ran through our advance guards earlier this morning!
Alpha: Steady boys... The army doesnt like more than one defeat per day. Looks bad in the newspapers and upsets civilians at their breakfast.
Scoutmaster Jumbo: They literally ate our Hobbit scouts for second breakfast! I should think a little panic is in good order.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xxng51kOwv4/YZwQDuFhRaI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/_Ytw7nGN8Q4vepK9fhktjNEKSa5mW-eTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8276.JPG)
Another overview of the table before the battle starts.
And the battle begins with... Scoutmaster Jumbo sending up a signal for the offboard Hobbit Hotpot Artillery to begin firing.
Scoutmaster Jumbo: Redleg, Redleg, Ripper Bravo Two actual. Fire mission. Grid 6-4-9-4-0-2. Direction 6-1-0-. Adjust fire, over.
And the first salvo of Hobbit hot soup aims for the Nurgle Chaos warrior center - it goes awry and misses.
Alpha uses his one Disintegration Shot ammo and fires at a Nurgle Blightking. It hits! But even with Rend, it fails to breach the Chaos armor.
Bortai and Scoutmaster Jumbo hit, but also cannot penetrate their armor.
The Hobbit Bingo finds his mark and it scores a wound on a Blightking! Figures... if anything hits at all, its a simple Hobbit bow that does. Still the Nurgle warrior laughs - its down to 3 Health... Still first blood for the Shire!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFQgfVMnDGc/YZwQNHaHL6I/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/x22yz4RN6d4Xxupt7ni3WbXQAkPARL3MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8279.JPG)
The Daemonettes move up to a northeast building. Will they move forward and attack Zoltar's building, the Beer Fountain, or the City Gate?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suQG5SPpvIU/YZwQUt_zXvI/AAAAAAAAJ1Y/NUerQ3Y9VHcWb4eltrHRF1e4fTancxlTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8281.JPG)
The Beastmen let loose a volley of arrows and one finds its mark and kills poor Bingo the Hobbit. At least he wounded a Nurgle Blightking before he died.
Bortai: Sleep well under Shire hill, little Hobbit. Yours was an honorable death.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOE1WdpAsLU/YZwQf6XcPoI/AAAAAAAAJ1s/j7mlAM8dcIUt5hl5QRtxw7K3XRoo6GHNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8284.JPG)
The Nurgle Warriors are just 1 inch shy from the City Gate. Looks like there will be more fire poured upon them before the Gate is sieged.
The Hobbit Hotpot Artillery strike hits true and causes 3 wounds on the Chaos warrior center. One Blightking is brought down!
Bortai misses, Alpha hits and scores a wound and so does Scoutmaster Jumbo! 2 more wounds on the Chaos warriors. That brings a chaos warrior down to 1 health.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sgPte-Mx4k/YZwQmkT8pII/AAAAAAAAJ14/S4RIwnK9Aq4MDYiT6xYWmYcJIPTcP48YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG)
The Daemonettes attack in a flurry of claws! Bortai and Scoutmaster Jumbo are slain! Alpha is wounded and down to 2 Health and is the last remaining PC atop the City Gate! The Daemonettes are terrifyingly vicious and the Nurgle Warriors watch the slaughter with disapointment. Leave something for us to kill, they say with pox infested lips.
~~~
The battle continues in Part 2 coming soon...
-
From full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-battle_23.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-battle_23.html)
Town Defense of East Bight - Battle Report Part 2
The conclusion to the Battle of East Bight...
With Daemonettes and the Nurgle Blightkings making their way into the City Gate, Alpha must decide about using his grappling hook and getting out of there or to stay against all odds and call in one more Hobbit Artillery strike. And unlike his usual mercenary outlook on life... for once, he surprises himself and the rest of the team and chooses to do something different ... he makes a heroic last stand. Today we see the birth of a hero in the making. But will it also be the first and last day for our new hero?
Alpha: Here I remain! Go tell to Sparta, thou who passest by, that here, obedient to her laws, we lie.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y8-QevebXUw/YZzi652G9KI/AAAAAAAAJ2I/9bYPTREAgYQXUmVP3v5CH93fRvvp6rdaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG)
Alpha decides to stand at the top of the northern building edge and engages the 3 Daemonettes trying to come up. He salutes the mindless demonic furies and strikes 2 of them down!
Alpha: And... stay out! *gets on the Hobbit field radio handset* Redleg, Redleg, Ripper Bravo Two actual. Be advised we got chaos daemons in the wire. For the record its my call. Dump everything you got on my pos. I say again, expend all remaining in my perimeter. Its a lovely effing war. Bravo Six out.
Redleg Artillery Station: Copy that Alpha... artillery is away... Danger close. May the Force be with you!
Solaire: We should sally forth and help Alpha and make a heroic last stand at the City Gate!
Goldberry: Not yet. You wont make it there in time anyway. Hold your ground, brave knight. Alpha's fate is in the hands of the dice gods now. The fight will be coming to us soon enough. This Beer Fountain must prevail at all costs or all is lost.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUXP2JZn4Lg/YZzi9j9BdqI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/YbNj6_oo_Qgs9SpO7vbxp22z5PGdjmLiACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8289.JPG)
Stroika sizes up the situation at hand. The Tzaangors can withstand alot of punishment with 4 wounds a piece, but they are ranged based and will most likely stay at distance and snipe them.
Stroika emerges out of the southwest building and makes a seemingly suicidal charge into the Tzaangors. From above, Xanthia watches the Kislevite's conviction. Sigmar help her.
Stroika: For Kislev! Ice for the Ice Gods!
Xanthia: C'mon, Hobbit Bobo! Let's give Stroika some fire support!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7v2LkCdkBZs/YZzjLDNU18I/AAAAAAAAJ2c/gJI4_C3B1UgYjCaf_I5YQXG9P3FZoVQmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG)
Chaos surges forwards! One daemonette and 2 Nurgle Warriors attack Alpha who defends the City Gate.
The Daemonette hits Alpha with a Rending hit, but Alpha's armor saves him from damage. But the 2 Chaos Warriors strike Alpha with 4 hits. But with no Rend, 2 hits are saved and 2 hits wound Alpha - leaving the heroic merc with one last remaining wound! He has survived this turn, but will he survive 3 more Turns?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDL6oB6rXOE/YZzjRqbaZFI/AAAAAAAAJ2s/W1mE-zvaqnccXZegzE9ix4IwcCbY2APegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG)
The Tzaangor Shaman casts Glean Magic on Xanthia and succeeds. Xanthia forces a reroll with the Bad Luck spell on the Shaman. But the Shammy succeeds again! So he is able to use Xanthia's Ice Blast Spell starting next turn.
A Tzaangor arrow misses Xanthia, but another slays poor Bobo the Hobbit. Only one Hobbit remains - Bumbo who is with Zoltar in the northwest building.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppx2jxCpvDQ/YZzjX0fHHYI/AAAAAAAAJ28/a75RQo7rIdo9GuhPLWkL3UKeH5Gu3JO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8296.JPG)
Alpha grapple hooks down from the Gate and attacks one of the Nurgle Warriors below him. He may survive this battle yet!
And while the enemy on the vacant upper floor look around...
Zoltar goes for a Hail Mary and casts Vorpal Bunny... and succeeds! One of the Nurgle Warriors on top the Town Gate is struck for an amazing 6 wounds! A Critical Hit and the summoned Vorpal Bunny leaps and tears off a Blightking's head clean off with its sharp pointy teeth! Just look at the bones~! This couldnt have gone any better or at least more cinematic than if it was planned.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKNbQZR-Uao/YZzjam3LxaI/AAAAAAAAJ3A/GLk3WSlAETMT96BvZ1zl6Ddf7kYwGHOqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG)
With Alpha on the ground level, the Beer Fountain defenders are in range to help this time.
Goldberry: Now! Charge forth brave warriors!
Solaire charges the Nurgle warrior that Alpha is attacking from behind. And Rattlebones charges the other Blightking that is already down to 2 wounds.
Goldberry has a decision to make. Try to cast that 5+ Kindle Hearts Spell to heal Alpha. Or the easier Banish 3+ Spell to drive off 1 attacker? She goes for the easier Spell and Banish succeeds. But on which one? If she targets one of the ground warriors they will simply charge back into combat on their turn. So either the Daemonette or the Nurgle Warrior on the 2nd floor of the City Gate will be driven back and wont make it into combat this turn at least. But which one? The Daemonette has Rend and 2 attacks. Or the Nurgle Warrior with 3 attacks but no Rend. She Banishes the Daemonette.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0CrQ-k5Foc/YZzjt-L4lWI/AAAAAAAAJ3o/X3sDgbwSZ6MycaKm50TYdTO18ImU24iIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8304.JPG)
The Tzaangors remember the game Victory Conditions and decide to rush Goldberry and the Beer Fountain, hoping to hold it to win the game. One is still at a full 4 Health, the others are at 2 and 3 Health. And the Shaman is still at 6 health! And he has the stolen Ice Blast Spell from Xanthia. But he is still under Bad Luck.
The Tzaangors blast Goldberry with arrows and spells. The Tzaangor Shaman casts Ice Blast on Goldberry, but fails the reroll due to Bad Luck. # Tzaangors fire arrows at Goldberry. 2 hit and get through her Save. Goldberry takes 2 wounds and is down to 4 Health.
Goldberry also knows the victory conditions and attempts to block the Tzaangors from getting closer to the Fountain. If they charge her, she causes Fear and they must test their LD. Seeing what Goldberry is doing, Zoltar bades Bumbo the Hobbit to help form a chain around the Fountain.
Zoltar: Dont worry, young Hobbit. We can be heroes... just for one day.
Bumbo: What, me worry?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5olo3e-t_A/YZzj09ggkEI/AAAAAAAAJ30/2bnT3CHSVjInW8F4orNydyPYatO_xd0xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8306.JPG)
Kano kills another Daemonette, leaving him free to help out in the center, or to go to the Fountain.
Solaire is able to hit twice and both get through the Blightkings armor, slaying it. Rattlebones is able to hit his enemy and gets through its armor with Rend and is able to cause 2 damage with his 1 hit which kills the Nurgle Warrior. Rattlebones might only have 2 attacks but when he hits... he hits with high damage!
And Stroika is hit by the Tzaangor facing her. She fails her Save and is slain!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G9lHVwZt_6k/YZzj65OSyEI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/4iMnKQICpd0-YO5fBnWSj-yqNOxJRU2qACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8308.JPG)
The Tzaangor Shaman casts Flickering Fire and succeeds. Then succeeds again despite Bad Luck, which causes another wound on Goldberry. A Tzaangor archer also succeeds in causing a wound on Goldberry and she is now down to 2 Health!
And in the last turn, with no hope of winning, the Forces of Chaos can only hope to slay as many heroes as possible - out of spite. But the heroes slay the last Daemonette and another Tzaangor. The Tzaangor Shaman attempts to charge Goldberry but fails its LD test! So he instead casts his Fire Spell again and succeeds twice! Goldberry is down to 1 Health! The Forces of Chaos may not win but they might slay Goldberry! One Tzaangor archer misses, the other... also misses! Oh wait there is a 3rd archer. The one who killed Stroika makes the final To-Hit roll of the game. Will it hit Goldberry? The Tzaangor rolls a 1! Goldberry breathes a sigh of relief and the game is over and won. But at what cost?
Because the Heroes won, any fallen PCs get to roll a 3+ to survive.
Stroika survives. As does Bortai and the Hobbits Bingo and Bobo. But the Scoutmaster himself, Jumbo is slain. Rest in peace, Hobbit. May winged Sprites carry you to Hobbit Heaven where Hotpot Soup and Meat Pies await you!
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PV-EaK5_jbk/YZzj977WHjI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/KLMoz6dBbaYTW0qdJyd_NtyDg2Q06sY5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8309.JPG)
Group photo of the valiant defenders of East Bight.
Goldberry: Well done, heroes. By protecting others, you have saved yourselves! If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself. The Hobbits of East Bight have prepared a feast of Meat Pies and Laketown Beer.
Bumbo: Miss Goldberry! Im sorry to say this is no time for celebration! The Hobbit refugee camp in the Brown Lands has been pillaged and burned! Vengeful Snake-Women have defeated and slain the Dryad and Hobbit defenders! They have taken Hobbit and Tree-kin hostages, who are being held in a slave labor camp!
Alpha Fett: Lady Goldberry, I think I speak for the others when I say "Im ready for another mission"
Goldberry: Very well, you men (and women) have an "uncommon valor"... a bond and loyalty only shared by those who have faced death in battle, together. I will recreate a mock prison camp that we can practice our rescue mission on.
~~~
So these are actual in game shots, this time around. I usually recreate the battle afterwards with better shots and a better script. I didnt spend too much time on this AAR, and Im sure it shows. Sorry for the wound dice in the pics and some of the pics may not match the words at the time they were taken and vice versa.
At any rate, another battle where the Hero side won a Decisive Victory. Except for Scoutmaster Jumbo's sacrifice. Maybe im getting soft in my old age. Im just not designing scenarios with much chance for a TPK anymore. Im sure I will over compensate and get all our heroes killed at some point in the near future. OR perhaps, our heroes, are really that... Heroes. The Force was with them (or the Dice Gods). I like Alpha's character arc. Im pulling for him in the future battles to come on this blog. Just like the other teams, I got my favorites - Haystacks (oh sorry "Sir" Haystacks) and Istriya the Witch. And Aly the Elf! But now that Ive named them, they are sure to meet some grisly and terrible fate... never get too attached to anything in a game, kids. Especially pets! Those things die, they do! Its a wargamer rule, as old as time... paint something nice and its the first thing to die in a game!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Your painting is superlative. Just beautiful
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-lamentations-of-istriya.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-lamentations-of-istriya.html)
The Lamentations of Istriya
Why is Istriya lamenting? Well, she is the orphan witch of Pinnath Gelin.
Havent really dug into her backstory much beyond that.
But she does wear Dr Marten boots with their trademark yellow laces. Pretty cool, right?
And, she now has a Dryad follower and an Owl familiar. She should be thankful for that.
Shes got a band of like minded mercenary friends. So, why so sad, Istriya?
Must be the atmospheric ambient, light goth music that is titled "The Lamentations of Istriya" attached to her pic below... problem solved.
But really I intend to put Istriya into an RPG adventure inspired by Lamentations of the Flame Princess, at least sometime in the near-ish future.
So Istriya isnt really Lamenting, just about to go RPG Lamenting...
~~~
So we have some artsy music and an artsy pic in this post.
I tried to experiment using low light photography. But I really know nothing about the finer points of it. Probably should try reading up or watching some photography "how-to's".
And I coupled the pic with an original music score made with Bandlab's Cakewalk. Which was once Sonar? I dont know, I was always more of a Reason user from Propellerhead.
So the pic and the music video follows...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCgQkdLs0Fg/YaKkfFjY3iI/AAAAAAAAJ4o/jHtSPJeFWfcvk9BiBf0JScU3QU0kdhcYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8318.JPG)
And the music vid...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq0ZJse6sHs&t=162s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq0ZJse6sHs&t=162s)
-
Love the battle! Alpha is pretty much a badass, nice to see the heroic turn. Definitely looking forward to the Uncommon Valor scenario. Who will play Sailor's part? Will Gene (Stealer) Hackman show up?
Nice pic and atmospheric music for Istryia! Curious what she and the other gals have been up to!
-
@ Metternich Thank you, good sir. Superlative is a good word. Maybe too good for my paintwork. Ive always been partial to "just good enough". :p
@ Mister Frau Blucher, I suppose Rattlebones will be dancing without a shirt and showing his potbelly. But he will still wear his skullmask. In my mind's eye, its hilarious. Gene-stealer Hackman is a good one. You get it. Oh, also Istriya and company are up next for a battle or two. Will all 3 current adventuring parties ever have an MCU style crossover event? I can only hope so, but whoever survives will.
Oh and a bonus pic of the Istriya photoshoot...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrw47YksOls/YagkiuOxBMI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/LPrwy4X0EowUwQ3ppXJvbp7b_6b86cVnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG)
Cheers,
Mar
-
I can’t stop looking at all the cavern terrain tiles photos. Incredible detail on those pieces. Thanks for posting them.
Dan
PS. This is the other terrain option I’ve been considering, with the cavern features as scatter pieces:
https://ludstuff.blogspot.com/search?q=Mammoth+cave
-
@ Cacique Caribe.
They are great. I love Dwarven Forge and miss having them. Perhaps one day, when the finances allow. I can have them again. And yes Ive seen those pic with the cavern blog and drooled over them.
-
From blog post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/champions-in-nameless-city.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/champions-in-nameless-city.html)
Champions in the Nameless City
So the low-light artsy pic and music compositions continue. This time a little background fluff accompanies them as well. I forgot to mention that the last music composition name of "Lamentations of Istriya" was written long before the Istriya miniature was painted. So in fact Istriya the miniature was named after a piece of music I had composed at the start of the year. Although music is a rough term for a piece of ambient sound texture. This next fragment of sound was unnamed, so its now called "Champions of the Nameless City". Whereas, the Istriya sound is wistful, reflective and somber... this Champions sound is more action oriented, perhaps frantic (and claustrophobic?). Also i guess this is a prequel story of sorts. We learn that Haystacks of the "new Fellowship" and Bortai of the "Rogues of Rhun" were once adventuring companions of an ill-fated expedition in the vast eastern lands of our campaign world.
So, onwards to pics, fluff, and the music vid at the end...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-txmDZATG78Y/YalgzQUByvI/AAAAAAAAJ5w/FzxyzV9FP606wtKX2ZxvVK8jVXwMeXhoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8382.JPG)
In the days before Sir Haystacks of Ringlo Vale was knighted, he traveled far into the East past the lands of Rhun with an adventuring party looking for treasures. He befriended a fellow adventurer called Bortai the Archer. Together they explored the nameless deserts, where an old hermit told them that these Jundland Wastes were not to be traveled lightly. But they heeded him not. Until at last, they came upon the Nameless City. A fabled and infamous place that no man had stumbled upon since the days of Abdul Alhazalred the Mad Arab. One by one, the adventuring party were taken by the horrors that dwelt in that city of the damned. Taken and infected, until new horrors sprouted from the bodies of their friends. And it was there that Haystacks and Bortai came to know the true meaning of despair and of the madness that lies in the dark corners of the earth. Best to leave these mindless gibbering nightmares slumbering in the forgotten decay of ancient ruins...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YBwg67AmTeE/Yalg44BYJZI/AAAAAAAAJ50/r3K7hQsaZ0M43SmB1_WjYL7yuR8yaXUCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG)
Haystacks: Those others are still alive. Their signs are real low, but they aint dead.
Bortai: You cant help them. Right now they are being cocooned just like the others. Haystacks, Im not going to wind up like those others. You'll take care of it wont you, if it comes to that.
Haystacks: If it comes to that, I'll do us both. Let's see that it doesnt.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuzPryx6Pi4/Yalg_sz3bxI/AAAAAAAAJ54/y8DhK0lJemUyTOL5ccZDoYoG14PPTYmYgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8390.JPG)
Bortai: They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but we cannot hold them. We cannot get out. They are coming...
~~~~~
The music vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2-pE68tNsw&t=1s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2-pE68tNsw&t=1s)
-
Love the low light shots. Tremendously moody. Nice music video.
The Lovecraftian menaces in the background are cool...hope we see them in action at some point! Nice to see the shared background of the characters from different groups, too. Maybe they can all meet in the Nameless City, eh?
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/mythos-nightmare-creatures-and-hobbit.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/mythos-nightmare-creatures-and-hobbit.html)
Mythos Nightmare Creatures... and a Hobbit
"That is not dead which can eternal lie, And with strange aeons even death may die." - HPL
The last post we teased a few tentacled beasties, namely an Aboleth and some Yog-Noths. So I might as well reveal the rest of them. Step right up, folks! We got some Mythos creatures of different sizes and shapes. And for scale, we have a tiny Hobbit to stand bravely next to each type.
Take it away, Rod Serling!
Narrator: Meet Tuddle, a wholly unremarkable Hobbit, who had planned to live an unremarkable life in an unremarkable hole in a hill. But one night, as he was reading his book by the campfire, he drifted off to sleep. And not just any sleep. What you are about to see here is a Hobbit's journey through space and time, a journey not only of sight and sound, but of mind and mindflayers, a journey to another dimension of nightmare imaginations. That's a signpost up ahead, Tuddle - you've just crossed over... into the Mythos Zone! Dun-dun dun!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh82W9h1UvVxIb_3jAyj4yMrLX76q6IM6CDrNOMGojA9-htbW8DR6oGoDLpTFbyvQgkDNjn5LyEzHK8ujrgg1XuGBOUhsL7O9e7Q6zNyykOV1x8iNLQumMx4pV9ZmI-edc77cSQIOZDuCW3BTVG5rYlW8K5bDNhmJoaUXRpOQmI79gx0ERutyXGJb9R=s1600)
Tuddle: Oh sweet baby Valar! Is that Non-Euclidean geometry in the architecture behind me? Where am I? Dont you just hate it when bad things happen to good Hobbits?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj3vjfoanT32HeWTjqv_jkjZJErMavksoQeBWdMnnd5Gh056IQYZxk95Ts8U7fkWsKMMDfWgTDH3d6qucsaOF7YaTAahxtc2XhG9K0Moe5txtO1gE8lZZ5AFB3MC5jTGL3sAEJO8ZqgJchzooRDBz8VIkqZl8FAzLjNZ0qDHhxWEQ2tN8c0rbnJ82S=s1600)
A flock of Night Gaunts descend from out or nowhere.
Tuddle: *flips through the book* There's got to be something in this book to get me out of this pickle! (Book of Pickles, I get it. - editor) Some... magic words to speak? An incantation... um, sure why not?
The Night Gaunts wish they could make a sound - but they stand there silent and unmoving. They have no mouth and they must chitter!
Tuddle: Ah! How bout... Goblin King, Goblin King... wherever you may be, take this child of mine far away from me!
And Tuddle is whisked away from the Night Gaunts, and thankfully not by the codpiece wearing Thin White Duke.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBnCQMMBNhpxk6vOQB-7EOo_gbycItbnc7icH2Oyfu7JvmnfAuxAxGIPrKJjOCV61HMXFV07fRCXSL02QPyn4bD3RQaquwjB3FyVKJ7DHGBp0TupaFJjWHJmdF2Pivn_z4b_01zzYOmAVDDBFBUFBaVJsV9ksKkiiX0bwsyncZlLp7HPxEFEhbLOzL=s1600)
The Hobbit finds himself at the center of a gaggle of Gugs! A cacaphonous crescendo of roaring Gugs!
Tuddle: What now?! Why so loud, beasties? Ugh! Gug saliva! Any dungeon's natural solvent. Ive been slimed. Oh could that be the magic words to get me away from here? Let's try it... Who you gonna call... Ghostbusters!
Narrator: Hey! We are going to have to pay Huey Lewis royalties for that!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLuFwdgJTmt2KgQ5O0RDe0eBymfmhCvwwlWxNaLBhn02-QL7wvx8ehgPlh7u5swnfGuTiaSAfflf6Xra2O9s1MoV_5ujkzQd8xSicBeWA_1kkH9d-g5w6q6CYcse8DN6roMn8M1P0lchJsQtRNOXOYwvzO2YF7waiwjzj1HPWY6PNY5Ukawr_-eOE9=s1600)
Out of the pan into the Starspawn of Cthulhu fire!
Its a Star Spawn! A Baby Cthulhu! It might be cute be it does bite! Charlie bit me! That really hurt Charlie....
And beside it... thats no Deep One, oh no! Thats an Avatar of Dagon! Quick call Arnold, Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlin! They know how to deal with this fish!
Tuddle: You're gonna be o-kay... say it with me. Say the words. *nothing happens* Maybe its this one... Toby? Toby Wong. Toby Wong? Toby Wong. Toby Chung? Fucking Charlie Chan.
And before the watery Ryleh dwelling creatures can feast on Hobbit flesh, Tuddle is once again saved in the nick of time!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7TOCRhIa5oGwdzQAsRvm8cM8iHh2KEaswKNFVSt-G1Fgbap3kgY3f4A2OqzyWXf7e3wu_1T9oDpm_03fWsaRBGyyV7E7qCxb6qPVlhi5n_geWoGesCVcXlHExoBQuaC4ArFJU277qCo54ZRKdk1-6O40bbWzWRxzDmFuefLmxqSzJJLTHyMt-EPuJ=s1600)
Things just keep getting worse! Its a Shoggoth and a Moon Beast! The Shoggoth sends ripples of madness and incalculable terror, while the Moon Beast sends telepathic commands of Enslave Mind.
Tuddle: Toto, Ive got a feeling were not in Kansas anymore. There's no place like home.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgPyyabIFrrclTKxpWs63E-HO47dY4dFfzu4ny84JMqxNoBa3e94g49ANoEpfromhdpOCT7b93MBU4DdYOkEVCfzEFa5-JzKvXy3749LBhsqGiYJjuUjT8faYKUuUI4jFFBm8nTmkLfT7h7Mge9cv4Hf4tG702f2AscnfUJT8K8LL5-6PJCJyos4hE=s1600)
Its a Dark Young of Shub-Niggurath, the Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young!
Tuddle: Excuse me, Mr Dark Young, sir... would you be interested if I read you a book so you can go night-night? Ok? Lets see here... And the wild things roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEits7J8oozB-inZq2iR-Y9UfJAiRaeO-aetqM5k4DgKEOuMnflWD1ssIlIJ_foO6UqynXYYOIvXwh7NEZ1Bu2ptVjcZSDQHMQRbKD_sa681lH3I7dhQtMB18mXo_aojsT-jabu3ZslFOOYwvAQcFL5gNwAV1T6iMdH3nkC8Z3X37Nhakk1vDbq6EUG_=s1600)
And finally, Tuddle came face to face with Nyarlathotep the Crawling Chaos. And Tuddle actually felt that his face might melt with utter fear. And where Nyarlathotep went, rest vanished, for the small hours were rent with the screams of nightmare
Tuddle: Private Snowball, you're fired. Private Joker you're promoted to squad leader. Disappear, scumbag! *to self* Remember, this was all just a bad dream, fat boy!
```````
So Tuddle returns to the land of the waking. Surrounded by his fellow adventuring heroes, he feels safe again.
Dreams make good stories, but everything important happens when we’re awake. - D. Idaho
Except for the fact that Tuddle's dreams were indeed real. And soon he and his heroic friends will discover that there is an abyss of agonizing cosmic horrors being summoned in their near future - stark, hideous and maddening. Right here on this blog, stay tuned to... the Mythos Zone!
Cheers,
Mar
P.S.
While taking these pics, I played Chopin's Posthumous Opus 69 Nr 1 in the background on repeat. Yes, the Midi Soundblaster version from Alone in the Dark! Which you can find on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh6uTSzhw6Y
-
Taken from post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/battle-of-hollin-gate-scenario-and-pre.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/battle-of-hollin-gate-scenario-and-pre.html)
Battle of Hollin Gate - Scenario and Pre-Game Fluff
Pre Battle Fluff
As our new Fellowship gets closer to the west gate of Moria, Tuddle the Hobbit finds a new page in the Book of Pickles. "This is a warning and a plea to all heroes of Middle Earth. Do not enter Moria. It has now become a portal to the Mythos Zone - the darkest of all dimensions. Save yourselves and save your world. Stop those who would open the west Gate of Hollin, the upper Gate of Zirak-Zigil, and the east Gate of Dimrill Dale. The Mythos Gods are clever and they may find other ways and locations to creep into this world. Find them, stop them and their cultists! Look to your allies for support! The wisdom of the Wizards, the discipline of the Elves, the strength of Men, and the humble bravery of the Hobbits. We bequeath our heirlooms to our smaller cousins - the Hobbits. The map in this book will guide you to quest locations. This map can also help you to find Dwarf artifacts of power that will help guide you in the coming darkness. Farewell, dear Hobbits! And if you should ever reach the places where I or my Dwarf brethren lay in their eternal resting places... raise a full glass and then turn down an empty glass! Good luck and 'Zyor Round! These are the final words of Pickle the Dwarf..."
With this great and grim Dwarven commission to all heroes everywhere, we begin the next stage of investigating and stopping the Mythos cults around Middle Earth. As the PCs arrive at Hollin Gate, they see a ritual taking place by a Medusa and her Melusai guard. And a pack of ravenous Ghouls. They have opened Hollin Gate with dark magics! They must be stopped at all costs!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0pzoNLcWOvzMdAU-z0j_wmdIHQ0P_y4-1e6qQlDHoQhLaofR-De9TnsjdiSpaJuI1VJfJuBoGRoyIq46cTon2YWi_iXS_ZGbXK3NZWOuOXHhu1AgF8qqWkm1CnREyq1b8Tv0f51LKPMCO6KENoAj-Pd9wggwfwF1U33a_MmY9Xi6pbo15NPkxFBvD=s1600)
Mortimer the Brown: Azer Chief, you and your fellows dont have to stay here with us. This isnt your world, its ours to defend.
Rupert the Azer Chief consults with his Azer Fyreslayers and comes to a decision...
Rupert the Azer Chief: Heroes, we Azers know of these Mythos creatures and their Dark Dimension. They are also our greatest enemy in our world. We are duty bound to fight them. Looks like they have probably slain our Dwarf cousins in this dimension... but we will avenge them! Our people were never numerous and the sun is setting for our kind - there are few of us left. But I will call the AFCL (Azer Fyreslayer Council of Lodges) to send all available Azers here!
Poppy: Hey, Tuddle, do you think its too late for help to arrive? I wish we could call on our Shire Hobbit Militia! Im sure my Gammy would bring the Tuckborough Cook Brigade and their trademark frying pan weapons.
Tuddle: By the time they get here, Im thinking this will all be over... one way or the other. And considering with what is coming our way... and Ive seen these Mythos creatures, I dont know if our Hobbit friends can do all that much to help.
A short time later, the Dimension Door opens... and Azers step through.
Rupert the Azer Chief: The Force be with you, Bob! Welcome back! Great Eye of Providence, you have mustered our entire order! And I see you now have a sharp pointy spear.
Bob: Mahabone, Chief! Here are all the remaining Jedi, I mean Azers. The Azer Temple is at your command.
Rupert the Azer Chief: Last charge of the Azers...
Bob: I guess this world is as good a place as any to make a last stand. Is the word given?
Rupert the Azer Chief: The word is given.
Lady Elerina of Rivendell: *turns to the assembled Fellowship and their Azer allies* Light of the Valar be upon us all! The darkest of hours is here and fell deeds are at hand! Songs of our glorious triumph or doom will be made by our actions today. Remember, what we do in life... echoes in eternity. Prepare for the battle of your lives!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQw9VRoZifcskPdMPGU5LIyfXLQT9KnZ3VdVQR47A-ALuNVSH58rYHWRRqIQw7N7dy7aHwBUFqnvjwEw_cZ2EuwmlXufHHqQqBjUuqJlcj_juBzIxZtDQd-dPhYp49tXBz_QkpuZlt4sFkpNophi2dkImu4hL4s26_AXXQYkHzPfdyo-9EQs3-bsaq=s1600)
Tuddle: *to Poppy* Good speech, eh?
Poppy: Aye, reminds me of my Gammy's speeches. Every autumn we had to fend off those varmint foxes from eating our chickens. Oh those were simpler days. Huh... I actually wish I could see the Shire a last time. What do you wish for Tuddle?
Tuddle: The same. I wish I could have an evening brew beside by my fireplace and look at my garden one last time. I bet the Bugleweeds are in bloom by now!
Poppy: If wishes were Chocobos, we would have an army of my Gammy's chickens!
Here follows the Game Scenario Sheet for this battle...
THE BATTLE OF HOLLIN GATE
Scenario Summary
The Gate can only be opened for a short period of time every night. The Medusa has used her powers to open them already. The Fellowship must defeat the Medusa and her Cult and all Mythos creatures that come through. The Fellowship and their Azer allies must save Middle Earth from an extra dimensional tentacle filled invasion!
Starting Deployment
Use a 44x30 board with the north edge at a 30" end. Place a Gate in the center of the north edge. The Medusa is in a summoning circle or building 22" in the center from the north edge. Place 5 Melusai with Bows up to 3" from Medusa. Place 5 Melusai with Spears up to 9" from Medusa. Place 9 Ghouls up to 12" from Medusa.
The Fellowship start within 3" of south edge. Rupert the Azer Chief, Bob the Azer and 10 Azers can deploy with a teleport gate anywhere on the board, but not within 12" of an enemy.
Reinforcements
On the turn they arrive, reinforcements are placed in base contact with Gate and may not move or do any action until their next turn.
On Turn 1 - 3 Night Gaunts arrive.
on Turn 2 - Dagon and Moonbeast arrive.
on Turn 3 - 3 Gugs arrive.
on Turn 4 - Starspawn and Dark Young arrive.
Victory Conditions
There is no Turn Limit. Game ends when one side is completely eliminated or Routed. Hero side will not Rout.
The Fellowship must slay enemies. Slaying the Medusa will cause all Melusai and to Rout. Mythos creatures fight to the death and never Rout.
And here follows the unit stats for heroes and villains...
HERO STATS
Lady Elerina, Lord of Rivendell Move 5 Health 4 Save 4+ Leadership 2+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Fury of the Forest, Spell: To-Cast 4+, enemy model in LOS in 18" suffers 2 wounds.
- The Twillight Host, Spell: To-Cast 5+, friendly unit in 18" causes Fear.
Anais, Bodyguard of Rivendell Move 5 Health 3 Save 4+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
Tuddle, Hobbit Burglar Move 4 Health 2 Save 5+ Leadership 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 5+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
Poppy, Hobbit Herbologist Move 4 Health 2 Save 5+ Leadership 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 5+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Herbalist: Use herbs on self or friend in contact to heal 3 wounds per game.
Mortimer the Brown, Istari Wizard Move 4 Health 3 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+. Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Rain, Spell: To Cast 2+, one enemy in 36" has a -1 To-Hit to its cast/range/melee rolls.
- Illumination, Spell: May stack twice on a model, To-Cast 5+, one model in 12" gains +1 melee attack.
- Piercing Bolts, Spell: To-Cast 4+, one enemy in 24" takes d3 Rend -1 wounds.
Shrub Beard, Entling Mound Move 5 Health 6 Save 4+ Leadership 4+
- Melee, Branch Fists: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 3, Rend -1, Damage 1
- A Bight Of Terrors, Ability: Shrub Beard causes Fear.
Cosette, Rohan Paladin Move 4 Health 3 Save 4+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
- Banner of Valor. Item: Self and friends in 12" may reroll a failed LD test.
Kipper, Rohan Squire Move 4 Health 2 Save 6+ Leadership 5+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
Baron Orson, Gondor Lord Move 4 Health 3 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee, Poisoned Blade: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Damage 2
Sir Haystacks, Ringlo Vale Knight Move 4 Health 4 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 3, Damage 1
Azer Move 4 Health 3 Save 4+ Leadership 2+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Rend -1, Damage 1
- Range, 6": To Hit 5+ Attacks 1, Rend -1, Damage 1
Rupert the Azer Chief has same stats as Azer but also:
- Volcano's Call, Prayer: Once per game, place a token. All enemies within 6" of that point suffer 1 wound at start of Hero Turn (Saves can be used). Lasts for the rest of the game.
Bob the Azer has same stats as Azer but also:
- Wyrmslayer Javelins, Range 12": To-Hit 4+ Attacks 1, Rend, Damage d3
CULTISTS OF THE MIDNIGHT FANG
Medusa Queen: Move 5" Health 6 Save 5+ Leadership 3+
- Turn To Stone, Ability: One target in 10" and LOS must test Ld at -1 for be paralyzed for 1 Turn.
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 4, Damage 1
Melusai with Bow: Move 5" Health 2 Save 5+ Leadership 4+
- Bow, Range 18": To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
Melusai with Spear: Move 5" Health 2 Save 4+ Leadership 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
Ghoul: Move 6", Health 1, Save 6+, LD 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 5+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
THE MYTHOS
Dagon, Avatar of: Move 5", Health 3, Save 5+, LD 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 2, Damage 1
- Psychic Drown, Ability: All enemies in 12" must test LD or lose 1 Wound and lose 1 Turn
- Fear, Ability: All enemies must pass a LD test to Charge
Dark Young: Move 3", Health 7, Save 4+, LD 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 5, Rend, Damage 2
- Terror, Ability: All enemies must pass a LD test -2 to Charge or begin a Melee Attack.
Gug: Move 5", Health 4, Save 4+, LD 4+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 3, Rend, Damage 2
- Fear, Ability: All enemies must pass a LD test to Charge
Moonbeast: Move 3", Health 6, Save 5+, LD 2+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 4, Rend, Damage 2
- Telepathic Cloak, Ability: All Ranged Attacks suffer -1 To-Hit against Moonbeast.
- Psionic Blast, Ability: Two targets in LOS and in 18" must test LD at -1 or suffer 1 wound.
- Enslave, Ability: One Target in 18" must test LD at -1 or be controlled by Moonbeast for its next Turn.
- Fear, Ability: All enemies must pass a LD test to Charge
Nightgaunt: Move 7", Health 2, Save 3+, LD 5+
- Melee: To-Hit 4+, Attacks 1, Damage 1
- Fear, Ability: All enemies must pass a LD test to Charge
- Fly, Ability: Nighthaunt may fly over terrain when moving and may escape base contact with enemies without having to roll LD test.
Starspawn: Move 6", Health 5, Save 4+, LD 3+
- Melee: To-Hit 3+, Attacks 3, Rend, Damage 2
- Send Waking Dreams, Ability: One target in 24" must test LD at -2. If failed roll a d6: 1-2 Cause Madness (Lose next Turn), 3-4 Self Mutilate (Lose d3 Health), 5-6 Dominate Mind (be controlled by Starspawn for its next Turn)
- Fear, Ability: All enemies must pass a LD test to Charge
~~~~~~~
Well there is the pre-game, Again, Im hoping this isnt a TPK, but everytime I write a scenario I think that it will be. But this time, look at the stats on those Lovecraftian beasties, and now maybe it will be curtains for the heroes... Im afraid the odds are stacked against them this time. Sure they got a dozen Fire Dwarfs, but that Moonbeast and Dark Young are just plain nasty. Well, we will see, wont we? Our heroes will really have to earn it this time. See you all on the other side of the game! I think this quote sums up my feelings for this upcoming battle...
"You can edit this one from the inside, looking out. It's funny, isn't it? For years, I thought I was making all this up. But they were telling me what to write...giving me the power to make it all real. And now it is... All those horrible, slimy things...trying to get back in? They're all true. Come. See the instrument of their homecoming." - Sutter Cane
Cheers,
Mar
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/brillig-on-grimdarksouls-eve.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/brillig-on-grimdarksouls-eve.html)
Brillig On A GrimDarkSouls Eve
Seasons Greetings from the GrimDark~! I got another low light pic and music comp for your perusal. This piece of ambient music was called Apparitions of Ionielle and was probably made this time last year. Yeah I was going for a theme thing with Lamentations of Itriya.
Its that time when I guess I must get preachy about my hobby manifesto. Dont worry, it dont happen often. But here goes...
Here on this blog, we know what grimdark is really about - so grim, so dark as to become elevated to the point of absurd. Just like any Monty Python/Gilliam movie. The end of Time Bandits for instance... the kids parents explode from the essence of pure undiluted evil in their toaster oven! Warhammer was that too in the 80s. Well maybe the exploding evil part too, but... At any rate, Id like to think I am the firekeeper at the bonfire of absurdity. yes that is a Dark Souls reference, which might not intentionally be quirky fun. But really you must have a sense of humour to play a game where you are constantly looking at a screen that says "YOU HAVE DIED." Embrace the horror. And that is our manifesto here... beautiful mad absurdity. And that brings us to our present post...
The Red Queen has sent the Black Knight to capture Mad Alice. Her sentence is death by torture... or rather tart-ture.
`No, no!' said the Queen. `Sentence first--verdict afterwards.'
`Stuff and nonsense!' said Alice loudly. `The idea of having the sentence first!'
`Hold your tongue!' said the Queen, turning purple.
`I won't!' said Alice.
`Off with her head!' the Queen shouted at the top of her voice. Nobody moved.
`Who cares for you?' said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by this time.) `You're nothing but a pack of cards!'
Music video on youtube follows...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fpYtgJhR5E (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fpYtgJhR5E)
-
A lovely reexamination of the manifesto! Absurdity needs to be embraced.
-
Taken from post here:https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/hobbit-holiday-shrubbery.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/12/hobbit-holiday-shrubbery.html)
Im on a roll with the ambient music vids. So I might as well capitalize on it. Make the most of the time you got, or so they say. So here is another pic and music vid. This time not an exercise in low light photography, but bright, joyous, happy light! Its the Hobbit Holiday Special. Wherein the Hobbits share some good holiday cheer even in the face of probable upcoming catastrophy of Cthulhic proportions.
The piece of music was called Celestial Processions and I dont know why. Im sure it meant something at the time after I composed it. Its light and airy and got a little jazzy horn thrown in there. Im sure its the Rohan Hornburg horn section. At any rate, the name and the sound textures fit perfectly with the pic. And yes, its cheesy but I added some 3d snowflake effects. Shoot me, Im feeling nostalgic for some good simple cheer, so I made a Hobbit snow globe.
Oh and that little shrub is from my Dwarven Forge Wildlands kickstarter starting to trickle in. This one was a small box with the Forest Master Stretch Goals. I got the Heart of the Wild. Which is all 3 biomes - forest, mountain and swamp. How could I afford that? I cant really, but its a long story. So I will be showing off the new terrain as they come in. In the meantime, enjoy the music vid and dont forget the pic and fluff that follows below, where Poppy has a gift to share!
Tuddle and Poppy gather around their little Hobbit Holiday Shrub, as snowflakes bring cheer to the halflings.
"Even small things can make a big difference" - Lady G.
(and no, G doesnt stand for Gaga!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxplTwZ9HZI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxplTwZ9HZI)
Poppy: Here is my gift to everyone...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrBUmcdftiVm7JuT18Nwsw9KbR_70Azzxx6nWX4uT2k-KwaOeyZHoqQ0iT_OI5oxNrRcFedRpqbu9vChmvUCkY9_Cc05dJgO_a5DHZPvtjMHZF257w0Jh8-yU287teqB_y24H3KPi6t-BUYKFx48KLkomR5HLcrnUEcYH5gFPMVNa3IJyCSGTofV4P=s1600)
Poppy: Ta Da!
Tuddle: Its two sticks in the ground and a piece of string. What is it?
Poppy: Something my Gammy taught me when i was little... or littler - on how to catch coneys. Or bunnies as the big folk call em.
Tuddle: Oh I hope we catch some soon then, Im hungry. They are good eating with taters. Or po-ta-toes as the big folk call em.
Anais: Good one, She-Hobbit. You got mad trap-making skills. Should come in handy in our next mission. Might trap coneys sure, but Im hoping it might trap something bigger. Like Mythos monsters big. Well, one can only hope.
-
Taken form post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/01/another-day-another-corpse.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/01/another-day-another-corpse.html)
Night Haunt & Night Gaunt
Another day, another corpse...
Or
Rest in pieces...
Or
I am death, who want some?
Lady Olynder of the Night Haunt meets a Night Gaunt on a dark and stormy night. Do they find true "Love-craft"? Looks like the Veiled Lady used her kindle app and now has her torch... kindling.
Yuck... I hear you young folks say.
Cmon, even the "Dead Can Dance"...
Got another composition for your consideration. Not ambient this time, this ones got a beat. I suppose this is underground old school 90s trip-hop. If i were cooler and younger, this would at least be Chillwave.or Lo-Fi Hiphop. And if could making those skipping 2-step beats, I would have loved to to do a Chillstep. But what the hey, Im tired nowadays, and Im done trying to stay relevant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzvYV77tEMg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzvYV77tEMg)
-
Wowww! Great to read how you got completely back in action, Mar! The Moria reclamation project has always been one of my favourite campaigns in this hobby. It was great to catch up!
And Im hoping to have a written draft of my retro Oldhammer inspired rules before the year's end.
And yes it will be free. Though a kickstarter printed hardcopy with commissioned old school artwork would be just loveliness.
Maybe I can help you with this, if you'd like..?
-
Oh, hi there LordOdo. (^_^)/
Indeed I am back in action. Had a few setbacks recently, but otherwise Im back to Reclaiming Moria. Again.
As for writing out my custom oldhammer rules... Im having difficulty doing that. I can explain it to someone before a game. And I did with Mr Bibliophile and he picked it up very quickly even though he isnt a warhammer player per se.
But writing it out, Im getting writers block. Maybe its because it isnt really mine? Its just streamlined warhammer rules.
Firstly, I dont know if the world needs it.
Secondly, I dont want to get sued by GW.
Though you should be able to figure it all out on my blog. There was a post earlier this year that had guidelines for converting WHFB stats to my custom stats.
But if you want to get a copy of what I got, I can send it to you for your own personal use. Shoot me an email at mar.rosquites@gmail.com
P.S. edit: Now that Im thinking about it, I guess I do need someone to help write it out properly, to just preserve it for posterity's sake. So I am up for anyone wanting to help collaborate on this. So yeah, help me out buddy if you want. My mind isnt what it used to be.
Cheers,
Mar
-
I'll see what I can do! I meant mostly that I ciuld maybe help with the old school artwork, but as I'm interested in the rules myself as well, I'll see what I can make out of your guidelines and write it all out (maybe including some old school art).
I'll send you an email!
-
https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/02/hammer-of-thee-olde-gods-rules-update.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/02/hammer-of-thee-olde-gods-rules-update.html)
Hammer Of Thee Olde Gods - Rules update
If things have slowed down on the blog, its because Ive been working. On what you ask?
Work continues on writing my rules set - Hammer of Thee Olde Gods. Ive finished the core rules, the monsters, and Im now working on the campaigns. And when that is all done, I will have to playtest and polish them up a bit. But there will be 25 scenarios in total which chronicle the fluff of this very blog.
Thanks goes to LordOdo from Lead Adventure Forum who helped encourage me to continue writing the rules. And he has provided some old school art to help out. And what better encouragement can I ask for than some nice little illustrations.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3VRTMuQwMttAkndkYuiNsKamIhg8JzAe5i440IcRgSFjICHjanCBYR5LzgI4SbxfgGNfCPozQRiotL5ngldM0Nhd9l4RRDAvAaCgyVrZm8bRLWVJeh6LwehuCKyE7f52qwUF8fLYCKV9KJlitcRskaOmpyY1fKbUNe8oWzs3_1h0hAZ6KkbqOQnwM=s1600)
Love that Gobbo with the flower pot helmet and the knight with moon iconography. Or it he a magic user? Not sure. You know what... he can be whatever you want him to be. Thats the beauty of him! Oh, he has a tabard with diamond symbols. Ok, from this point on, to me, he is the Sir Luna, Knight of Diamonds. and the goblin is Flowerpot the Gobbo.
Im sure Ive shared this before, but here is the introduction (manifesto) to the rules.
THE BASICS
Hammer Of Thee Olde Gods is a simple set of rules for fantasy miniature wargaming. It is a scenario driven ruleset for a dwarf beer and goblin pretzels experience that has a minimum of fuss and fiddliness. During play, it contains no charts, no cards, only uses d6 dice, uses an "I-Go-You-Go" turn system, and a roster page of unit stats per player. The game is skirmish based and can be played on any living room table. The focus of the rules is on mighty heroes defeating hordes of monsters. The game can be played Co-op, Solo, or PVP. Scenarios are one shot games. Or they can be linked together to form a campaign where the results of a previous battle can affect a future one. An adventuring party consists of 4 heroes with each hero having 4 followers each. Warriors and Thieves get 1 ability and 1 piece of equipment each. Magic Users get 2 spells - the first one is random, the 2nd is players choice. There are four Wizard Schools, each with their own set of unique spells. Clerics get to build up to 2 shrines (out of 6 types) per game. Shrines have an area of effect that lasts the whole scenario. Morale rules are always different and are provided per scenario. Pre-measuring is allowed. Charges dont do double movement and dont have to go in a straight line. Figures do stop movement once they are in base contact with an enemy figure. There is no bonus to flanking or rear attacks. The basics of a players turn is to move all their figures, fire all their ranged weapons or cast spells, and finally attack in melee with all their figures. Play then passes to the opposing player.
The default campaign setting included in these rules are about the reclamation of the Mines of Kazamordia. This ancient dwarven realm is a menacing and haunted ruins. Once, it was a glorious underground city where flowed the trade routes of not only precious metals and gems... but beer! The mountain distilleries were crafted with such precision as to not be replicated any place else. But with the release of the demon lord from his prison, the realm was lost for millenia and the dwarven race became a scattered and forlorn people without proper home and beercraft. But nothing is lost forever. A new generation of heroes gather to test their mettle against the forces of darkness. Will they reclaim Kazamordia for glory and riches? Or like so many other heroes before, become mere food delivery for the monsters under the mountain?
~~~
There is a very probable chance this will be published by a good friend. I was just going to release it for free. Its a work of love for me afterall. Perhaps the free version will have a little bit of art. But the published one, will have lots more.
Cheers,
Mar
-
From https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/02/dwarven-forge-wildlands-forest-and.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/02/dwarven-forge-wildlands-forest-and.html)
Dwarven Forge Wildlands - Forest and Mountains
Just received 2 boxes yesterday filled with terrain goods . I am very happy as usual with Dwarven Forge. Took some quick pics. So expect to see these in future battle reports on this blog.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit0MrV55AUF8aWLirM5xOXHokYns1-250K39HAMxlcWHDCIaZnjkPw8_KWGmMSnTv5_vbE0j46-aaE07e-0HE_JpUWBTnCKYrrPpCSYDVAD8PUd5EgpeaZuwOVD37G-1rMg_z-nAv2I2gvl1RsBe_HrPxIJrt5XMqcaJXec9LaZubjtM3gvYrrVIRv=s1600)
Exploring a Planar beacon.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdfUHgff8PzsxS0lR2UQs-xYkJWeCzW44DDb3to7jngHTULIVF3RBWjcVPNADqPO8hTyrd4HpVKoeVzsGIZF3lyJ9DDaYQ3a7mD_YrfYZSLEeKA-vKUve8r-YkjU0H9zb80eBFRMdx6YrGtuBj2IzPubd_lg5rWU9Dsoff7ya57Hu4Aggo_IjqU4r2=s1600)
A nice cool spring of water in an enchanting wood.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjb4B_y47FKApVGfKelyo9tZ7deoFcDaAmqFeCaY_FCsfsJtT2HRCLr99lQ99jHzYEowOiNyikQU7KTIUu2jxZOT1LHHlZ7l56uNPTWfID3mk61BOEjAmKOa4iFBgKUpp2mZ9ec7YHMBu4OvaBzJL6quczm5e1OCdsbc3YLcpgn2TDQG_2vi-GtNspi=s1600)
There is magical power here at this Mana node.
Cheers,
Mar
-
So great to see the story coming with the new rules will be accompanied by dwarvenforge terrain, just like how this thread started out before!
-
Taken from https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-beer-cart-returns.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-beer-cart-returns.html)
The Beer Cart Returns
This post is a return to form. Good form, that is. The end is the beginning is the end. Welcome back, Beer Cart!
One fine day as the start of Spring approached, a rumbling sound was heard along the old canyon path. A pony was seen pulling... a converted Mine Cart... that had a Keg atop it!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz1f36FgSwSk1DgKH-zEmIFWTKytTQj3lUU42KasRHc17UIiuwHH8eQ8yA8g74-0Sp4FwOfJTAzcmA5P7lqPzwEksSZr5LNiCxcpJ08pPvQHdQ7UfBTZhyyIvDw_QpVE5-QcSUR_mS1fQZudewaXlz3V6jlizgx7hLW0Y-HP4kuZO9qOzHjQXqc10W=s1600)
Unknown Peasant: The Beer Cart is back! Have the Dwarves finally returned? This moment is so beautiful, I might never be the same again!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicLxypsZawPRWRuN6fPC0dJe7d1v_d-ZYZ95DanlnO59VrzMw-LnWYx-rVojocdufdH8LEBr22DC0nyAsQztJUc1uyh3F6cAwX8GXki4B5X9fLrYTYta9P6HdNBC2T7oLWpE3AvinaMNPmglMROkAZNue37Ez_m0236mYfF8IzTDAA4BCevEE94Uhd=s1600)
Around the pony's neck is a name tag: Butters the Pony. He has been wandering around Middle Earth for ages, without an owner. This was Bugmans Backup Beer Cart. There were tales of sightings but civilized folks assumed this was an old wives tale similar to The Flying Dutchman err... I mean The Flying Marienburgher.. When the Dwarves of Moria disappeared long ago, many assumed the Beer Carts were lost as well. What adventures did Butters have and how did he survive in the wildlands for so long? Crom only knows. The blessings of the Valar must be upon this creature. But being a wild pony has left him hungry, cranky, mean and weak. But not weak enough to stop pulling his Beer Cart. Butters seems to know how important the Keg is.
~~~
And this is the Dwarf Mining Cart that came in the "Battle for Skull Pass" Warhammer 7th edition box set. I added a Wizkids Beer Keg to the cart and it fit in perfectly without any modifications. It was meant to be.
Are the rumors of the return of the Dwarves true? If it happens, it will be a glorious day indeed. Stay tuned, true believers. I ordered for the table *Dont Stop Believing starts playing*
Oh and work continues on my home made rules set. Im halfway through the campaign scenarios that come with it. Of course when thats done, I will have to playtest them. So the Beercart will come in handy when that time comes. Here is another image done by LordOdo of Lead Adventure Forum...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5wtEFrYC3NG9RcDnnbCBPKjE-D2BLMLr6R954BxnxIuigrEHPe7W03IQ0WyYKqFeEzrcjsxZJ8Vd_7FRDl2gQJ9zxABwz16Q28DjRy8qVYRP0SIyRcN45baaRnun0lrujRTRWzo7tbuxcXjov2k0NjHfwnsZ3JNFEX3UW4lRe9CjW4k3lNbxD-IKJ=s1600)
He has some artwork for new and old characters from the blog...
(Left to Right): Flowerpot, Sir Luna Nocturne, Sleepy, Timmy the timid Troll, Otto the Necromancer, Demon Lord Balrodius, Bolo the Orc, Clumper the Minotaur
Cheers, Mar
-
Taken from: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/03/azrogorgon-and-friends.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/03/azrogorgon-and-friends.html)
Here is a nice little warband of villains. They are Reaper minis and are mostly sculpted by Bob Olley. The Graveknight (Deathknight) is I think a Tim Prow figure. I absolutely adore Bob Olley sculpts whether they are 80s Oldhammer minis and even to Reaper minis. And same goes for Tim Prow! Which reminds me I need to get some Diehard minis for this blog. I plan to add Diehard minis and Knightmare minis to my collection of Darksword, Westfalia, and Reaper minis. Oh and there is only a small catalog for Monkstone minis but I think I need everything there. Lastly, I had my last installment of Dwarven Forge Wildlands - Heart of the Swamp. And that completes my 3 biomes of Forest, Mountain, and Swamp.
Anyway, on to some the pics!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqorw76azUpGBX1MRntxU7txwK-j_JUR825d-xb-XDDGdjC2W9MuGEOV6srBtKS7TfCKhXDGkN9qLpggJrcRou1gtXvZ1wmuK3S24uQBGUWZ1S9mpgPbH1l5CKm7FzVlGyNje8Rl9_L0DL1R4uB_iABfZARRabRgFBn3BzJBmhl_w_uptM7wpA0xsW/s1600/IMG_8492.JPG)
Here is Azrogorgon, Demon Lord of Beasts. He has two colorful monkey heads that always talk to each other, which means Azro is never lonely - he can always find someone to argue with! In his sparetime, he is the sports commentator for the Infernal League of Blood Bowl in East Mordor.
Monkey Head #1: I picked up this shiv.
Monkey Head #2: With your bare hands? Oh... I mean tentacle.
Monkey Head #1: I did.
Monkey Head #2: From where?
Monkey Head #1: It was on the floor back there in the dark.
Monkey Head #2: Are you shiving me?
Monkey Head #1: Huh?
Monkey Head #2: You took a shiv in the dark?
Monkey Head #1: I did.
Monkey Head #2: Oh for shiv's sake. Where the shiv is it?
Monkey Head #1: Hmmm, I lost my shiv.
Monkey Head #2: How many times have you lost your shiv? Your shiv's all over the place.
Monkey Head #1: Meh, I couldnt give two shivs.
Monkey Head #2: -.-
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8lNigiM3drYhUBPr9N2T5cOjQtwZUowBDG6Nskgi4GwRJRgsu5wA7nsTmyu_ufmYMGn6RSN40ytLUfEaR6Cun_yKDlTPyNR8332T5cUWGoZuZVTaASGsKIXvqXOtxXFXmvuxuDJ4j4xLXrewUocBujJzZF59GYCl3xQJ6pvLMfb860zAnLUQQckA/s1600/IMG_8497.JPG)
And here is Toby the Necromancer and Vorlock the Death Knight.
Toby the Necromancer: Look over there. Is that Azrogorgon? He said we should meet here in the Dead Marshes.
Vorlock the Death Knight: No, I think thats Balrodius his brother - the Demon Lord of Destruction. Who happens to be on his way to Moria... again. I thought we "bad guys" were supposed to be on the down low. I mean Mordor is already on probation.
Toby the Necromancer: Too late, I heard Gondor has already put us on double secret probation!
Vorlock the Death Knight: Double secret probation, sir?
Toby the Necromancer: There is a litle known codicil in the White Tower constitution which gives the head wizard unlimited power to preserve order in times of emergency.
Vorlock the Death Knight: You mean Minas Tirith will put their foot down?
Toby the Necromancer: Yup, I heard that foot will either be the Fellowship Reborn, or the Rogues of Rhun, or the Sisters of Mercyful Fate. Though I hear they got a new team - the Guardians of Gondor. I mean how many adventuring teams do you really need, amirite? Ay any rate, as soon as the unseen chronicler of this blog figures it all out, Im sure we will get the memo.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1muJXZb5TlO_ihdc_idFcuNzm5FhOoBYt0GOJJkcQolgR461xqhWO4lyogN-oLmulj6u3k1kWyH5jTifY8sCa8ZeRVxhj0tzYAVHAdvVYu-2aJ0ztbAOcQmntatXiZ1Ev6NmBXWDRcMqzowQCrg5eLO4868l_agYDRbixLp3veuBMT4IY8I4rcXd/s1600/IMG_8501.JPG)
Here we have Vourgha the Night Ogre and Phanto the Planar Psionic Monk. Vourgha is a rare blue Ogre. They were magically bred and engineered by the Night Hags of Carn Dum. Phanto come from the Astral Sea and is from the race known as the Gith who were also enslaved by the Mind Flayers. After millenia of slavery, some Gith rebelled and gained Psionic powers and renamed themselves from Gith to Sith.
Phanto the Planar Psionic Monk: At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi! At last we will have our revenge!
Vourgha the Night Ogre: Gruuuu....?
Phanto the Planar Psionic Monk: Sure thing buddy, I think there is time to grab some burgers before the meet with Azrogorgon.
Vourgha the Night Ogre: Garrrr!!!
Phanto the Planar Psionic Monk: (pats the Night Ogre on his shoulder) Anytime, buddy!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUb-0ZbXyAtLOn0gsCc4C7lY38LuRnw31CjktuHzLCLmghFKVE1zJ_SRFmTi_0pMwV2-kTdiZ-Ua6wDIIBf5Hra-91tFecV_ZmhuI2S_dOwJcfXdKqdnuaj9a_irjLyJBjUEaVUlRqNFtflhxtjtfx6ehbSfADNqOyMQpaRHPFF9ApHJPId5HLExv/s1600/IMG_8502.JPG)
And here we have the group shot of our little band of banditos.
Azrogorgon, Head #1: For Narnia!
Azrogorgon, Head #2: Unleash the Kraken!
Toby the Necromancer: You're a demogorgon, sir.
Vorlock the Death Knight: Yeah! Look out Middle Earth, we are going to crush some skulls!
Phanto the Planar Psionic Monk: Crushing skulls is insignificant next to the power of the Force.
Vourgha the Night Ogre: Gruuuu....?
---
Good beans. The next hero team has been teased by Toby the Necromancer. The Guardians of Gondor. Yup another party of heroes in the getting crowded space in our mishmash campaign world. But they will be necessary, I guarantee. The next few battle reports are potential total party kills. Or so I keep thinking...
Cheers,
Mar
-
What a horror is that monkey-faced octopus! :o
Is Azrogorgon the same guy as Asmogorgon?
-
A classic D&D style Demogorgon! What a thing of beauty and what a great job you've done, giving it the mandrill-style blue & red nose.
-
So who sells those stone harpies (seated winged female figures)? Thanks.
Dan
-
Hiya Buddies...
@Lord Odo, Yeah I made a typo, but I think Azrogorgon sounds better anyway. So thats his new name! What do you think? Oh and I like "monkey-faced octopus". I need to use that somewhere on the blog.
@Cubs, Thanks, buddy! And yes, its hard to believe that Mandrills are real life animals and not made up. All primates amuse me, but mandrills take the cake. They are pretty cool beasties.
@Cacique Caribe, Had to look back and see if I had harpies on the blog. But yes, I suppose they could be harpies. I got them in the latest Dwarven Forge offering. Comes with the Mountain wildlands biome. I was thinking that in my campaign, they will be like "The Watchers of Cirith Ungol". Mordor home security motion detectors. Im sure their eyes light up and then they emit a shrieking sound.
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-guardians-of-gondor-more-darksword.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-guardians-of-gondor-more-darksword.html)
The Guardians of Gondor - More Darksword Minis by Tom Meier!
Here is yet another hero party, preparing to go gallivanting in our version of Middle Earth. They are Tom Meier sculpts from Darksword Miniatures - wonderful characterful sculpts, as usual from Darksword and Mr Meier. As far as the blog fluff goes, they are a new party of adventurers called The Guardians of Gondor. And no, there is no talking tree or rodent or green people here (though in our campaign world; Ents are talking trees, Skaven are talking rodents, and Orcs and Gobbos and Squigs evolved from alien spores from outer space). Being a new team they are still practicing delving in a low-level area to hone their underground dungeoneering skills. Oh, and look at my new backdrop that I made for cavern areas. I think it goes well with my Dwarven Forge mountain terrain.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRujHlwXnM5RcTfkLtyNZYoRmf3YHwxw5BZAk6rtZRDHVjTAxx7kbiFJLUMDn6G5-I72ent1gjrzCp9LKw2bPsyNqekZErRKIzARxOly54-ZX9Fy-Ea6GkdsbgeAvjnZ-jf2BkWn35LLvNUOGeQNcJ-u3CbTWqPg9MYAxBcXydYhXcIzmJ63Ipo_0/s1600/IMG_8507.JPG)
Here is Adeline the torch bearer, Prince Arioch of the Grey Haven Sea Elves, and Mordecai the butler (and on his base is Trinny the familiar!)
Adeline: I think we might have made a wrong turn.
Prince Arioch: *brushing dirt from his cape* We did. As soon as we entered this dismal cave. Elves do not appreciate having to walk under the earth.
Mordecai: Dont worry there, Prince Arioch. We are almost at the exit of these Caves of Aglarond. Master Balthazar assures me that this is good training for our newly formed team. It will prepare us for our future adventures in Moria, Gundabad, or Cirith Ungol.
Trinny: Mieh! Eyeh. Waaaeh. Mie gie gie mie blup blup, weh. worgah, mieh!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMtVypCTDD-z46lU4rj2bMTeNFeis42KPywhaFhocQRa-BNKcZ3gT5UO2guqFE9HujbD8TTh5pDa2It0iPVG1oxf29iBCw9f6gCIMvgwZx1erb3ZiUbdZDO5jj3dQA6EV0Cy8t6Lt6INJ-KvW4qswPgxkfhxKXV0O9_Ad5LJBzatyE3zArRkt_7S7/s1600/IMG_8510.JPG)
Here is Lenore the Valkyrie, Karnov the Barbarian, and Malekith the Dark Paladin.
Lenore the Valkyrie: This is such a trash mob low-level dungeon. Its beneath us to be here.
Karnov the Barbarian: I agree. Nothing worthy to behead here, but I hear we might be relocating soon. Somewhere dangerous and dark. I also hear there are older and fouler things than Orcs, in the deep places of the world.
Malekith: They shall all drown in lakes of blood! Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark. Now they learn why they fear the night.
Lenore the Valkyrie: *whispering to Karnov* Poor Malekith... He isnt all up there, is he? His parents were murdered by Orcs. Now he has made himself vengeance personified.
Malekith: *monologue to future Orc adversaries* You think darkness is your ally. You've merely adapted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it. I didn't see the light until I was a man and by then it was only blinding.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium77oIs3x6Jzjfq1KM1PgwqsPZ0zQ40rfMkBTkG0hkJst-hB4OEUMWUdiTTPvvSk5QkHXFFc7PiCcvlyXKRKMV-kFLwKV3AGaa5G9dGRSClyk1_RUU7-L5e0eevw4ctmhYq1pG8AvfyB1L2-Fli0skWH5SCPwWRcGqdl95EOq7ujgoEEIUNGOIIXp/s1600/IMG_8516.JPG)
Here is McGirk the sellsword, and Balthazar the blue wizard.
McGirk: Sir, I think we got lost in our own practice dungeon! We have to camp here for a bit and rest. Hopefully some of the other members of the team find us.
Balthazar the Blue: Hey kid, you sleep up there in the ruin. Im getting old, fixing to die at any time. If I kick off in the middle of the night... youre on your own.
McGirk: -.-
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPiS_fBwUfF1__enxIchlxnXquu-p2LXfzAeiFDoz40swb9aM_X6bzitVKv0JxjP-AvfMTJwRZ0jl22_Tr7NhVHeg1-mkdvIoRQ-2oyxqDhJQ0txK12ITi9T8BY8aXwFahK86qSpsSU676J6y9ASnF47kV1BPgmVnyY4cofz4O9oD8239nSGlhOzn/s1600/IMG_8517.JPG)
Balthazar and his butler Mordecai. (And his familiar Trinny!)
Balthazar the Blue: Ahh... Mordecai! And Trinny! Ive been waiting for you to find us. It was a test to see if your dungeon navigation skills are up to snuff.
Mordecai: Very good, sir. I think the team is as ready as they are going to get. Has the White Tower given any hint about where our first quest will take us?
Balthazar the Blue: There is alot of chatter. Cultists in Eryn Vorn, unruly Trolls in Rhudaur, White Walkers at Craster's Keep. Oh there is a real exotic quest in Hippopotamia.
Mordecai: Did you say Mesopotamia?
Balthazar the Blue: No, Hippo. Hippopotamia. Land of the Hippo-men. Its 800 miles north by southeast.
Mordecai: How do we get there?
Balthazar the Blue: Well, first you gotta...
"Ride ride ride ride
Ride the tiger
down the river
Euphrates
Dead sea make it float
One sip from the salty wine
Dead sea make you choke
Ride ride ride ride
Ride the tiger"
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2neEkzCI9BlnJOe-iOuGobq4arenvDb6CoK3eJr0frB1_NnInBuVeBL3upRuWXA-h3bEI6B3WruDXPNoPGbQ37JGLm-Y0l8jiPvcFh8d5MLvthUhfX3ptCKJJ1Flk-WLacfgwXvDThUJkZqf4PnuMhZM6p45WmZFhMgT4ps6W7uVo4a-yw5BVNW61/s1600/IMG_8518.JPG)
Closeup of Trinny the dire penguin familiar!
For Trinny audio sounds go here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su-N1O6Nijw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su-N1O6Nijw)
~~~
Ahh, a nice Pixies reference on the blog. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy. And yes, Hippopotamia is going to be a destination here on the blog! Silliness, you say? For shame, sirs and madames! Hippos are nothing to be laughed/sneeezed at.
So, there you have it. New meat to go through the meat grinder. And yes I expect there will be blood this weekend. One of two, or perhaps both battle reports will decide the futures of Istriya and friends. But also Tuddles and Shrub Beard and friends. Carnage and mayhem battle reports are coming in the next couple of days! Its like D-Day for this blog. I will see you on the beach!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-battle-of-noctzehrerberg-abbey-part.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-battle-of-noctzehrerberg-abbey-part.html)
The Battle Of Noctzehrerberg Abbey Part 1
At long last, the post is here where we continue the adventures of Istriya, Aly, Alice, and Zorelle. And of course, Cosmo the Screamer of Tzeentch and Blossom the Dryad. But also Sister Trinity and Pomona. Mr Joe P. is the hero player for this game while I play the monsters in this wargame-RPG-lite hybrid scenario.
Without further ado, lets get right to the story.
In a forest in the province of Sylvania, a band of mercenaries (mercenarettes? female adventurers for hire) await the delegates from the White Tower...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pAeVEEtuScZFdBU9jTGWD8bKANc1pMO34cMerzilz3OVIjLFyiCW7FdaTlHVgcqYIDQ9i2ZY1dP8m9F6tdNqXW_MBVyBSIiYeKM1kSbfVJCFEDBA4FJ0qyUHfDKXbu30JQ47giCqBSa0YrZU9_YgfxIkpF08ZLiC0i9MdLDT32kIhPsuvbgMKHbj/s1600/IMG_8539.JPG)
Left to Right: Aly the Elf, Istriya the Witch, Zorelle of Minas Tirith, and Mad Alice of Lake Town.
Istriya: Where did Kyra say she was going to vacation?
Zorelle: Well, she did say that after working long hours at Gringotts for decades she needed to chill someplace that served pina coladas.
Istriya: There is a Rainforest Smoothie Joint in East Osgiliath thats pretty good. But the view isnt all that good, I mean Minas Ithil is right across the river.
Zorelle: No, I think Kyra wants an exotic view to go with her drink. I believe she said she wanted to see the Bay of Belfalas. Its swan season. Anyway, we are on are own for this mission. Aly are you still moping back there?
Istriya: Yup. She is pining over her lost pet Cosmo, again. This time he ran after a speeding jackalope. They were last seen heading north along the Anduin.
Aly: *sighs* Its not supposed to be this way. I raised Cosmo since he was a tadpole.
Zorelle: Hey. Shake it off. Rub some dirt on it. We're all in strung out shape, but stay frosty. I want this thing to go smooth and by the numbers! These Sisters of Sigmar that are coming will be accompanying us on for quest.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1zmKSR3Gq84MIhLJ8FMCYKWwGkLQmHV0SmTS8ipQ20ScwB1VuxzF2N2Cdz7NbvJnbfP0rvAbs7TziD7AU9oZWxKHMwWpiiOGcKb7H3OVKUZ_cLm_1_nrx2wjnQpZM3TSjg40oAsKoyN23PAujaPFGWapVmwqnsvHdrpu3bqR-e79H_mXIJ1kc-UY/s1600/IMG_8545.JPG)
Left to Right: Istriya, Alice, Sister Trinity
Sister Trinity: Good Morr to you. (Editor: Morr = god of death, also worshipped in the Empire)
Alice: *raises hand* Is this going to be a stand-up fight or a bughunt?
Sister Trinity: All we know is there is still no contact with the first team that was sent to investigate, and that a xenomorph may be involved.
Istriya: Its a bughunt. I hope. I got some spells for an Ankheg Motel. They check in, but they dont check out!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDSBNZrmFTbOpy71mXdwLDHPpg3nBk_xKPFdPvvOeC12YkDNrNBOG20Knt2_lt0UQVCX_tgOqxDNRI9aABjU5imjUgelLskwQSSmBPKGdeZi0Jl8DSSgrg4mQ9jh35nrZtnbsblJc4JYNT2jmIxK0nWtaomnidOytVnhUVNy8rkE_3G9Q4uMxK-9F/s1600/IMG_8546.JPG)
Sister Pomona: *notices the moody she-elf* Whats up, buddy?
Aly: I have no purpose. Im just a pet owner. The world is full of pet owners.
Sister Pomona: If you love someone, set them free. A wise Harkonnen said that once.
And off go our heroes. As the heroes reach the village nearest to the Abbey, they find the villagers hesitant to talk about the cursed Abbey which they claim has been a place of evil where cultists gather and perform dark rituals. Sister Trinity think the villagers themselves are possibly the cultists and tells the heroes not to trust them and to stay alert. None of the villagers will guide them to the site but they point the heroes in the direction of the ruins of the Abbey.
Again to recap, here is the Scenario Summary:
Summary
Recently a Gondorian special task force was sent to the ruins of the Abbey of Noctzehrerberg in the province of Sylvania. They have gone missing and havent been heard from for over a month. That team was sent to investigate disturbing rumors of cult activity in that area. The heroes are now tasked to discover the fate of the missing team. The Sisters of Sigmar send Sister Trinity and her apprentice Pomona to accompany the heroes. As the heroes reach the village nearest to the Abbey, they find the villagers hesitant to talk about the cursed Abbey which they claim has been a place of evil where cultists gather and perform dark rituals. Sister Trinity think the villagers themselves are the cultists and tells the heroes not to trust them. They find a hermit who lives at the edge of the village who points the heroes in the direction of the ruins of the Abbey.
Board Setup
Table size is 22" x 30". Place an altar touching a 22" edge at its center. Place a menhir (standing stone) in the center of the game board. Place a treasure chest 8" away from the altar in the direction of the menhir. Around the board are some 6" clusters of terrain - ruins, trees, and rocks. Each player takes turns placing down 1 such area each. No cluster of terrain can be in 2" of other terrain.
Deployment
The heroes (4 heroes and Blossom the Dryad) and the 2 Sisters of Sigmar deploy on the 22" edge furthest away from the altar. Nothing else is on the board at the start of the game.
Reinforcements
See DM Only info.
Special Rules
See DM Only info.
Victory Conditions
See DM Only info.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqUElm7M1GF4EI5WSxm4QNp7kftUddJ8mbdejb5fi7y3rGso4I5mhp7MaZQpHt5ln1SD9TknFnWd7UxZmkpcP9UE27XokTf7iN_UE_Pc6QuUAok_5xULqhrY6L2UV73wMpm2eAmXJihyzjvdTrzuu5eMuNFHchz_0Gde60xhNbzg8AmvmKSIHs_V_/s1600/IMG_8548.JPG)
The girls have divided into two teams. Aly, Zorelle, and Alice take the southern route to the abbey. Aly is on point. She takes the high ground are surveys the area ahead.
Zorelle: Alice, do you think those villagers are part of this cult? Maybe they have something to do with the missing Gondorian Team.
Mad Alice: I dont know, but the Abbey of Noctzehrerberg is just up ahead.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuidOCqQu4NktKjkLTA5_Znwf-WEcHhpXjfq4oVTvJH3yBBdX-Lb5ckJIOWy9EtnmmLN1VK4C6sye76y-nnDuesZ_Dp9KRvKX7sR4BBzFhN7uQQbVK01U4-IM0-a-ta5xHo0hLUbQjfYIoyOFDSlvs_SF69c6t0OiwxHVH2auWu7ZcVTixSGZQlF0f/s1600/IMG_8550.JPG)
Istriya's team reaches the menhir (standing stone). It is covered in a language that none of the heroes or Sisters of Sigmar can understand. Istriya can search the stone further. She does and it springs some sort of magical trap that sends a shimmer of energy up into the air with a hum.
Istriya: Oh for shame!
Sister Pomona: I wonder what that did?
(Editor: The hero player was asked if they wanted to search the location further. And the trap was sprung. A silent alarm was set off and now d6 Ghosts will appear from a random direction every turn.)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkUbDD99lNrNXfJIMKrVFa9uFi0-IeXtTkXY0VDWps5Ztb4xtBKdp0GBPyoCqs7NgF2khGeSZ01eIsIS3DtwU_mQLUUNXZuPYImQWJ4OutDKzKyWLp88MIdusVeUNNXL_cEw8Fe8w18XSfOe8qLr4dHvQzR19u9qNUrFgtWX3T6GXljCA1Jaql1OxA/s1600/IMG_8552.JPG)
Sister Trinity and Pomona next come upon a treasure chest. Inside the treasure chest is a book entitled "The Cold Ruinous Murder Of E.R.". Sister Trinity is the only one present who can translate the ancient language the book is written in. The book is a series of incantations. If Sister Trinity can study the book for 6 turns without being interrupted she can nullify the powerful magic that surrounds the area.
Pomona decides she will search the treasure chest further. A poison trap is sprung. Pomona is poisoned!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCwG5J-pNt6pdj-k4BIqlSJFsp7C8i0NUd5wwDLhqF_5X7cOOvkUrq47CIGwXHMLwAWVrlczi5BmdqJLCkoGW1onV3yGJaGIDOmfoA6lHkh-oot3peIPbldu6K0vnL1uJnpdhuco5zqFIPr3FUo2kVxMTSK_z-Hn8DDBdjrkwC6oK9QUz7wvLDTdo/s1600/IMG_8553.JPG)
Meanwhile, Zorelle, Aly and Alice get to the standing stone.
Alice: Boss, we're not alone. *points at Ghosts* They are here.
Zorelle: Those things are fast. And ethereal. Terrain doesnt slow them down. Lets hold them off and buy time for Istriya to figure things out at the Abbey.~
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qS2axZrvFFlkR4zGV_2yzfYtVgOFRg8wm4FeOo9-za4KK0yetm6v0qvZiw0B9qfy4KTM6cOa5iat3WbDqaldArmtAzv9olBaQzs0FafOIpkGVIJOLImvnnCOskH5JtvJTvNRGsc9XkXvbeCJJAAio8grADQbynU5EFPzdYnvnKwl7Y7o19N6IqTx/s1600/IMG_8554.JPG)
Istriya and Blossom head into the ruins of the Abbey. Sister Trinity and Pomona follow. Pomona feels feverish.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3EDWHSWHJRQQ2-dM_D1uX7n5uPeQI9TUWKvRBWqO5GFKyWnu-AnC8ED1rDy6DceUyht6iJ2hsohfUJRBkcrDeEWji_0-QGybzVUrekm3G5JiQqBnCPTan2e0EIJ6w2pEzP0TuFTIJ3ACIonXG3UzBmXX5LRZjfrOIvzXF2QbFnADRTVRnQ6uPavB/s1600/IMG_8556.JPG)
Istriya gets to the upper level of the Abbey.
Istriya: This is a good spot to defend. *sees graffiti on the wall* It says "Frank was here..." I wonder if Frank was part of the missing team?
Blossom the Dryad: We are so high. I think I can see my house from here!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvcdjzk7JHe65--isznPwkf6WpGHw9w8itPU_LT7cCotIgdQqeJn5ZaxLPJuQ5_A-nEv5rTSgHDyPcleWE10RFdnbApnqURosa8nrH7mBd9QbXLvmSPVtNMCNTuEinslqjkcQcyXyIXTRAZPveg6wurOM0RtC9RnnOXar52nKqKFNuDpIx8vgisag/s1600/IMG_8558.JPG)
Pomona collapses from the poison and is knocked out of the game. Trinity heads upstairs so she can begin studying the book.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOTIcVLb9ixZdgRV2Hq-_Qhy3RlpJuk7hEeWlcNpCtW0irIW4AHU2LfwsuqWH4YhTaflDGx1zJ-OrQvPD8nQerxw0tVkbVMpgTpUKZNwfwTyT5uhHgjcn4Qg4jD2FW5iTapG23OVbocG8zGZPOcSE5FHL7Jiognx3ITQWhqSWHrFqyhOCMbEf8okf/s1600/IMG_8562.JPG)
Ghosts attack the the Abbey! Istriya is wounded, but she fires back with a bolt of Lightning. And Blossom uses herself as a focal point to summon the Fury of the Forest which batters a Ghost off the wall.
Istriya: You Ghosts think you can come into Frank's place?
Blossom: This is Frank's place. Stay out of Frank's place. Dont ever come into Frank's place again!
Next post: Part 2 of the Battle of Noctzehrerberg Abbey.
-
Taken from the posts here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-battle-of-noctzehrerberg-abbey-part_4.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-battle-of-noctzehrerberg-abbey-part_4.html)
And here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-battle-of-noctzehrerberg-abbey-part_27.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-battle-of-noctzehrerberg-abbey-part_27.html)
For the conclusion to the Battle of Noctzehrerberg see the two posts above.
Here are teaser pics of the action...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6P2dgbp8do3Sorn7bvh-kcUGbkiMLgMxqYtX3zzbKeT69icC7uCtPCyd3jNb3H_usvtble8SwLdCI1MaeMQqFe-AESewrl5SnZMk9Wyz0rJnjxs4hbZkybCLL054B1GD7c01djgQ7Sq4r8dDgDYZcxrFuNCrKK_H1im86kL1OVG81IoIYSWaCbDe5/s1600/IMG_8567.JPG)
The Defense of the Abbey
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9ws4XRqr0doywN_o84VLHUNEXWXZIdVoL4TTojFQ6COjZJA4Ckt0BAyPb12E-0STuefig3pqTVvWrdDgCQyuBAyi7ApKjXPBz5rfogNIlhoIjPJHnpd_U74kgSlmQqJJhcer1fugyuXRxYL68A2nkApG9PqorAoHscVOL11x9S-JwDEbsdFX4zZj/s1600/IMG_8568.JPG)
The Army of Darkness
~~~
In the next couple of days I will play another solo game with Tuddles and Poppy and the rest of the Fellowship.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Great game! Didn't see that twist with Trinity coming at all!
Those new backdrops are reallly good, very atmospheric :)
-
@LordOdo, Neither did Mr Bibliophile who played the game. But he did good. None of the main characters died.
Taken from: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/inter-team-socializing-new-backdrops.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/inter-team-socializing-new-backdrops.html)
Inter-Team Socializing & New Backdrops for Photoshoots
Got some new backdrops that are printed and stretched over a canvas frame. I thought I would take a few test pics to try them out. And put out a little more character fluff for the blog.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_BRdojvp_HYn8bni1G6o3KEgVvmWq1SQub893wvKu5Nh5N9kVMmHFsNbXXvX8S_fMxJu1rKN6TLy7kKyzCD9Gdx0Hb_NgBjqtVGLGFS8CYa3Pp96WzPWZBfbEm5XOeD1QX9g5UKgSKP25A0G15g6xpmli0jbfAticyz2uJm8S94IDY19owUdH1TK/s1600/IMG_8593.JPG)
Left to Right: Mortimer the Brown, Balthazar the Blue
A meeting of Istari Wizards. They are old chums from Hogwarts days, and now they lead adventuring teams into high conflict zones around Middle Earth. Mortimer is from the Fellowship Reborn. Balthazar is from the Guardians of Gondor.
Mortimer the Brown: Hail, Mortimer...
Balthazar the Blue: Actually, I thought it would be partly cloudy with a chance of an afternoon drizzle, myself. But what do I know. I failed my meteorologicomancy classes, back in the day, if you remember.
Mortimer the Brown: *looks unfazed* Hello, Mortimer. Have you assembled your new team? I heard you conscripted Malekith the Anti-Paladin. Is that wise?
Balthazar the Blue: Oh we just finished dungeon training. They will be adequate for low to mid level jobs, I think. And the Anti-Pally is no problem. I got Karnov the Barbarian to keep him in check.
Mortimer the Brown: Karnov? Of the line of Canor the Barbarous? Thats good. How did you manage to get him to join up?
Balthazar the Blue: I got a valkyrie from Rohan on the team. Thats how. How goes it with your team? Next gig is up in Moria, eh? That place is a meatgrinder...
Mortimer the Brown: I got a bad feeling about this one, all right. I mean, I got a bad feeling. I dont think Im gonna make it out of there. I was just telling Poppy the other day who found a strange shiv on the ground... Y'all take a good look at this shiv. Remember what it looks like. You fudge up in a firefight... and I goddamn guarantee you a trip out of the bush - in a body bag!
Balthazar the Blue: Everybody got to die sometime, Red. I got no fight with any man who does what he's told, but when he don't, the machine breaks down. And when the machine breaks down, we break down.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yNzZpQwaDoUsb39TlJHSohP0EmyNrcO36QaFqT0hwSmJ6fTlc9XxQlqvFiRThZcSji--q72wCrHzZgKzXfg-MHKAhMARMAcoa4hWDlx6HmZhoeBqwWzD1NtzEIwPRVO63T74E3up_gy2lHbRmJcVBtSKaKY9H7GA2w1m6Dl_vjlT5wBSjZLlnV2v/s1600/IMG_8592.JPG)
Left to Right: Kipper the Squire, Malekith the Anti-Paladin, Sir Solaire Knight of the Blazing Sun
Three strangers from three teams. Kipper is from the Fellowship Reborn. Malekith is from the Guardians of Gondor. And Solaire is from the Rogues of Rhun.
Kipper the Squire: *looks nervously at the Anti-Paladin* Hi... um, my name is Kipper. These inter-team meetups are pretty cool eh?
Malekith the Anti-Paladin: Oh, you look nervous. Is it the scars? Wanna know how I got 'em? So, I stick a razor in my mouth and do this... to myself. And you know what? I can't stand the sight of me! Now I see the funny side. Now, I'm always smiling!
Sir Solaire Knight of the Blazing Sun: Huh. I feel like the Sun is always smiling when it shines in the sky. So happy and warming. Gosh darn it, I'll just come right out and say it... Praise the Sun!
~~~
So those are the test pics and I think they look good.
-
Taken from post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/beastmen-from-knightmare-miniatures.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/beastmen-from-knightmare-miniatures.html)
Beastmen from Knightmare Miniatures
Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms. - George Elliot
Are you gonna bark all day, little doggie, or are you gonna bite? - Mr Blonde
Oh, give me land, lots of land under starry skies above,
Don't fence me in.
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love,
Don't fence me in.
Let me be by myself in the evenin' breeze,
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees,
Send me off forever but I ask you please,
Don't fence me in.
~~~
On this post we got some Beastmen from Knightmare Miniatures, a company from Spain that produces some fine retro inspired miniatures with that 80s aesthetic that should please any Oldhammer fan. Unto some pics and some fluff...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq5EhcjGiuXyFSTw9lwEoYCCD9vVivRzy2e7XMH8inB7qMidoieL5WnU79XEPmoqHSmIUuMx5pO5aLcQnJbW3vuflitwZzHPjIe_yznd1oeeqfY3N1y_tztItK3c1l9M_fkxzRGDoJ9WTuWXH5QAvfrsftHDQlOIREelJUlr0WlT5K0v6tiZLUlLd/s1600/IMG_8599.JPG)
Here is the group shot of our band of savage beasties! Despite their claws, fangs and tails... they are cute arent they? All they really want is a good belly rub, a scritch behind the ear, and a little boop to the snoot.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGHqwj-tl3VJeal5q7c7f4XUKpgABvPKNuQiko7ShTpf8WJoFpsiUCYdd9Ucnl9dz-t7iwCLj_DVMDatnHXuBVysV9iEhr6bSEsYl7YMM1iX5TOK4Hjq2Noy6pgXp5IrwFIU75NHQA4FUjXNL3hphnDjE5X0bObs9nFFL6W59qx_xZUl1T33DB9BC/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG)
Left to Right: Bazza, Dr. Morostro, Sleeslak
Bazza is a batman, but not "the" Batman.. Dr Morostro is the Law Say-er of the warband and was once human but used alchemical potions to turn himself into a beastman to be with the animals whose rights he championed all his life. Sleeslak would in time, become the ancestor of a race of reptillians in a land of the lost.
Dr. Morostro: Not to go on all-Fours; that is the Law. Are we not Men?
Sleeslak: Marshall, Will, and Holly
On a routine expedition
Met the greatest earthquake ever known.
High on the rapids
It struck their tiny raft.
And plunged them down a thousand feet below.
To the Land of the Lost.
Dr. Morostro: Am I a doctor? Im more of a vet.
Bazza: Ping, ping, ping... ping.
Sleeslak: Buddy, your sonar is sounding.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-vuwH3V1cD3IZDjn20NH0QCGkDyNRhqBu6qw_yAMYHRH94aFKApqIUjBIDbdAxoXBE-YGO762zdDAuR9b9fWeaYm8-APr7WoJQ8LdQsG-8GdclhaW8pAMPXzAdXl8eC_sZF5a7iHd9dhV6p38NdG9LIw-ujZJAqhIKhffbEe-3Fh0klOXf_HEmHM/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG)
Left to Right: Jamper, Hondo, Codo
Jamper is a spiderman, but not "the" Spider-Man. Hondo the Hound is the right-hand man errr. I mean hound of Dr Morostro. Codo is a croco-gator.
Codo: Every other day I got a gator on my lawn
Well you dropped your groceries in the kitchen sink
Went to work and made the bathroom stink, come on, come on
Every other day I got a gator on my lawn
Hondo: Instinct and reason... what is reason to a dog? To hunt. To kill. To run with the pack. Awwwoooo....
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKtPJoj8rOitcnNfA9JljpeP9TLKI4joC5Rph9rcQypA3NtbDFrtMYJ7NJHMRDZgj5d0LXPfIzg_OgBLlu_BIQ8gSku9QWxzWRUtli1ObFjcdBvnM560fVrmxrxB0aDkyNK4TREJ2YIYIOiFYbfMD0PXQ-gyYrLyc3DXX8tOjuG1F3hKjiP_S1j99/s1600/IMG_8607.JPG)
Left to Right: Walro, Simi, Drax
Walro: Sitting on a corn flake, waiting for the van to come. Corporation t-shirt, stupid bloody Tuesday. Man you've been a naughty boy, you let your face grow long. I am the egg man, They are the egg men. I am the Walrus. Goo goo g'joob!
Simi: I think I'm so educated and I'm so civilized
'Cause I'm a strict vegetarian
But with the over-population and inflation and starvation
And the crazy politicians
I don't feel safe in this world no more
I don't want to die in a nuclear war
I want to sail away to a distant shore and make like an apeman
I'm an apeman, I'm an ape, apeman, oh I'm an apeman
I'm a King Kong man, I'm a voodoo man, oh I'm an apeman
'Cause compared to the sun that sits in the sky
Compared to the clouds as they roll by
Compared to the bugs and the spiders and flies I am an apeman
Drax: Are we in a musical? Why are we all singing?
Simi: Tell me, humans. Why you make the pain, if we are your children.
~~~
So there is another villain warband for our heroes to fight. But I dont know... I almost dont want them to fight our heroes now. They got good songs... Kinks, Tom Petty, Beatles, and that version of "Dont Fence Me In" will be David Byrne's off of the Red Hot & Blue compilation, thank you very much. And if you dont know it, for shame! Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJV_MOwas7s&list=PLUipMnVM0esidG1EGtFC8anLlPJzlP09m&index=11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJV_MOwas7s&list=PLUipMnVM0esidG1EGtFC8anLlPJzlP09m&index=11)
But seriously, I dont think I can fight them now that I gave them a little fluff. :p
Cheers,
Mar
-
From post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/chaos-warriors-from-knightmare-minis.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/04/chaos-warriors-from-knightmare-minis.html)
Chaos Warriors from Knightmare Minis
Ladies and gentlemen may I present, for your intellectual and philosophical pleasure... Chaos Warriors from Knightmare Miniatures. More fine modern sculpts that have that Oldhammer aesthetic. I like having a Chaos warband that has worshippers across the wide spectrum of the Chaos Pantheon. It brings the chaos to the Chaos part of their name.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTjn_EIBOMQCaqbGI4-6FEVRJNfs65t_Lm3jOIOakG8r58Fuxm6LlSxcbbB5jZOXqyI-5URf2qhdpY13iKLGV3mgWXCUASSui3JOBYe6VFns-KdMoY8p7FGgsQxOTXuZOFLAEGoG9GIbatKmMGEnVxYudUlUMSZ1tLqxE5-xYvlC_55Bg2YN0Ij1I/s4608/IMG_8629.JPG)
For my campaign world, this particular warband is known as the Frostfang Ravagers. To the north of Angmar, beyond the Wall, past Craster's Keep in the Haunted Forest and even beyond the Fist of the First Men... there lies the Frostfang Mountains - home of many warbands of vicious and wicked Chaos Warriors. It is said strange structures rise in the horizon in the Lands of Always Winter. Who knows who built them and to what purpose. Some say the Giants from the skies of Old Night came down inside those things. Who knows? Even the Chaos Warriors do not speak of it! But something stirs in the North and has caused the Chaos Warriors to migrate south. The first to arrive in the lands below the Wall are these Frostfang Ravagers led by Lord Mysterion, Champion of Change. And his second in command - Lord Obsuro, Champion of War. Here they are climbing over the Wall, looking at which lands to pillage and raze in the name of their dark gods.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCF_U4hAD9iCp__Qg6SUO27IYESM-UMq0CB7-4qZLFh0J46-fkfZKemUXlTIdDpV2JMjkGTVlISNDSbSdKKcfUmVHUL2IGgTLzd9ZA4KqIFvozG-S70ZR6vNu6ika_nhNNQlMYZswtNCQYeZxZi6E03QtNgC_qIr2EWNqJOBWe1Uf9S3QuNhQfSRu/s1600/IMG_8630.jpg)
Left to Right: Lord Mysterion and a Chaos Warrior
Lord Mysterion is frightful and beastly in both close combat and in casting spells. His head has mutated into a miniature version of a Dark Young of Shub-Niggurath with eyes in every direction that can fire off spells much like an Eye Beast.
Lord Mysterion: I show up with a face full of tentacles and eyes. And people lose their shit. They think Im invincible. Who wouldnt use that to their advantage?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnsXp2x4FE0We89X3miVLZTNtELLN1oZibwe4QOUs9n7IQy0M1GLdcvS5HaKqdz83Thn9cDn-vvI4fStPnLGKw1mSO_QiW_KFOOQ8XjvmKWaGgT7vyybxK9WWJkzGZqBbG4leoygZUX1LZskLbcL5LqIqNJwr_LGFY6f0Nudc-iXL3bGY2b2j5ndX/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG)
A pair of Chaos Warriors with various mutations: one has grasping tenctacles for an arm that can grab an anemy in place, and the other has a stretchy hand that can poke at an enemy from a distance.
The Gods of Chaos live up to their name. They are fickle and surprisingly chaotic. Those who worship them may become mighty champions with beneficial mutations, or they could become a mewing quivering puddle of gelatinous mass.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN05EbEwYXGdf0CvVpKhOs1HLH8f73xMrcRN_UUjboFamv4nnRi2g0BSjoAcyeh3NY71ZGCtG1u5lHZaqvoxA9USk5iJmRqQKRdFzNOhyS0Ul7Sk57imsUj2HrVwGkt9_A7a_jpqKxy8DV3Z_MiGZkX6PnsyGXLz8AOtDKdLX6ibOxzMpgr1N7ml_E/s1600/IMG_8633.JPG)
Left to Right: Lord Obscuro and a Chaos Warrior with a crab claw mutation.
Lord Obscuro might be second in command, but all the Warriors of the Warband trust him because he is "the man with the plan". If anyone can figure out the enemy weakness, it will be evident to Lord Obscuro - to whom nothing is hidden. He is the super detective of the group. He has the power to nullify an opponent's ability or spell.
Lord Obscuro: Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. It is my business to know what other people don't know.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy3ZKuQU5znYFXNp8I3-pyQ6bMxOng7cWyZypuX5p9Qg55NAuhyGcUnTxdVd62j7rqZS-DrKZ_4NpXIQwJfCr8G75T-RmmnN92r5M6Lmas9ROjF79snz6h1F97pjbi72Yc7tCqXnRq-LRC4C5GS8jrJD1VFP_kqklZE_oZr-Jk1GP7kx9kRj6Wxpj/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG)
These two Chaos Warriors also have benifical mutations. One has a claw that can pierce armor and the other has antler horns that he uses to charge into battle.
~~~
So there we have the reinforcements for the forces of Chaos - with these Warriors and the Beastmen from last post. Im sure they will wreak some havoc in the civilized lands below the Wall.
The next post will have more undead champions from Reaper...
Cheers,
Mar
-
Oooh very Old School looking guys! You seem to have a certain talent for finding the perfect miniatures for your aesthetic!
-
@LordOdo Hmmm, but now that I think about it, I have strayed from the Oldhammer aesthetic since restarting this blog. And Im not sure its a bad thing. I dont know if I have a consistency in my buying habits anymore. Whatever strikes my fancy, I guess. Some Tom Meier heroes from Darksword, some Bob Olley undead from Reaper, some chaos from Knightmare, etc...
Dead Man's Party, Murkillor the Wraith Returns!
Taken from blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/05/dead-mans-party-murkillor-wraith-returns.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/05/dead-mans-party-murkillor-wraith-returns.html)
Murkillor the Wraith is back, baby! And he's got a dead man's party with him. This is how the Undead want to unlive. So this is how they will unlife.
I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go
Walkin' with a dead man over my shoulder
Waiting for an invitation to arrive
Goin' to a party where no one's still alive
Don't run away, it's only me
Don't be afraid of what you can't see
I was struck by lighting, walkin' down the street
I was hit by something last night in my sleep
It's a dead man's party, who could ask for more
Everybody's comin', leave your body at the door
Leave your body and soul at the door
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbjHZdeW830pptqF9QVZECyyh5aP79_w4lkPzfBtRV7oVXblaP7b_eDI3ebcOVniUxp-1L1U6NudBp8ZczzGq9iDXwzm3C8zFyIJUMhKRC9D5dMU06v8oFZb_wBvg-Oks-Ed-Ls3udtJkD76_ERNwv5Nt2r2GR_ytizb1OoE8TI8s_kimruk1wm8w/s1600/IMG_8657.JPG)
Well I live with snakes and lizards
And other things that go bump in the night
'Cause to me everyday is Halloween
I have given up hiding and started to fight
Oh, why can't I live a life for me?
Why should I take the abuse that's served?
Why can't they see they're just like me?
It's the same, it's the same in the whole wide world
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobsEUKG0gGP3I6eR9XXUz--KiJ6b75TsfYzuU9bNOL_lWEDBNvrVhkdtdKVP3ACXVxOLH4LlWs4itv2maXxKCtK-Ssp6zP0rxmyGuT9g4eWQPXhceBa7zHkt2-E6XrE34T5AQs3UR9ASv6eXknnWP9VidKHq01I1a3-jCPj4pp9FcLZN-5UETkzrP/s1600/IMG_8659.JPG)
Left to Right: Nyxa the Basilisk, Murkillor the Wraith
Murkillor has been reborn into his former... form. No longer is he that ghastly plastic Night Haunt mini, he is once again a metal mini from the ever-enduring and readily-reliable Reaper Miniatures. I think this is the 3rd time Ive owned this figure over the years. I always thought it was a Bob Olley sculpt, but he is actually a Bob Ridolfi figure. And next to Murkillor is Nyxa - a beauty of a basilisk. This basilisk IS an Olley sculpt.
Murkillor: I told you I would be back. You cant keep a good wraith down.
Nyxa the Basilisk: Grrrr...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTfkZoqU6OUUNmQLcTE1c3C01J5wkprqOlF5tRHPK2lpvczs1hUbbs0JH3zqBCXyVS9Afdlk-IGYmc4TOjtRgKl3_GzTcSfNvRGthUXD0RlXhWvIgw1ANFLfzeLdRL-54wGAjcZ2_bUMkPJ7EynNZxqWpPgZIf86MAZzZ544XJzTvC8PknBp8rLVm/s1600/IMG_8661.JPG)
Left to Right: Calibog the Marsh Troll, Korbar the Liche
Calibog is a Marsh Troll and feeds on marsh fish. He likes his sushi fresh - raw and wriggling. Korbar the Liche is the right hand counsellor of Murkillor and helps to supply his armies with more undead troops by raising the dead wherever they go. Korbar loves it when they pass a cemetery. Mmmm, fresh victims for the ever growing army of the undead.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiu0_x1lcTmvv_0qHkzp7uTTsivF27wK0GbiM7PiJq4zb0Z-804Z3fHzBQ2mjQ2-xB5iCCQvCKsDkG2si755pFSoimCtX6EOl0kpabY8YR6jC_kx363T88HIEwYSI4zabU5-NL-4RDUYjehcKldpoLNMAnqHK1wnx6XuLeCGm8YIhHO9boj3o9OnC/s1600/IMG_8663.JPG)
And here is a trio of Barrow Wights ready to haunt your neighborhood moor.
Wights may not be Wraith level threats. If Wraiths are generals, then Wights are more like lieutenants in the army of the undead.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiCxgLe7uuERjk4TmwAscmyuNR9XI__cqm0CCaOarTunsdZXce6MfxHKoUJG2X9GyOTkvw5fMfXLyqudxKPSznUU7m9B0GYp6QyFmV0JXg0XZkdqlBUptXc9pn8RnxSVKq8wwUjQtQEbiHuWbS25ybyyBSX-FIVkBkfQvzfGXGpJV-VkkEqHHBkbD/s1600/IMG_8664.JPG)
Left to Right: Vourgha the Night Ogre, Calibog the Marsh Troll
Ogre and Troll buddies. Two pals having a little reunion.
Vourgha the Night Ogre: Gruuuu....
Calibog the Marsh Troll: Garrrr....
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEUhlnL0CCEQUBu2s9KlAtJYL2NBXhftmCDz4twtoX_G_bV-Eis9P8cO8Tn8kQdVvBfW6yGB23T-IM4eQLjItLB3W0ELLoo6H7X8c8F6SNlzsz96dm_sQKvUIIXDHpu3YvulhhClpR7Ovidw_pGIT27xweHsXqqTj9pfTbniOUparsoYXc_RK73GU/s1600/IMG_8666.JPG)
Left to Right: Toby the Necromancer, Korbar the Liche
Toby the Necromancer: So I ask this cultist if he is human, and he shakes his head and says negative Im a meat popsicle.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMHZkSymUsj-C8Tu3Hox2EEm0r39txCZyPlF_NpgNMwt_qadEwSVgPg7LpbktPlLKPeJmv-l-gX59h7puXAa6fvyNs1b7-rvLy1gSAGbUc_vT5bASwpurq4DmWmDROVjrgWuejxBOErP9_Ot9z6_pndNOicIW_9G6OftAl-kU5-G7mdgzDCZe7gJp/s1600/IMG_8670.JPG)
The Wights once had a world tour and passed by Rohan and met the locals. But found them to be less than enthusiastic.
Cosette the Paladin: Begone foul dwimmerlaiks!
Wight: Rohan is a nice place to visit, but I wouldnt want to live here. Or unlive here? You know what I mean!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe-dWkNf8WMn-o_uVqHxzhcsgL28ds40wjBOrBvWoRiir7E2SRpBNCIO65B0xZSx8QaV7oZIhj6EAjqKNH2gkEREPQtflrISh-liJK1bU1F0YiMQI_xehLN6hPoa2DRzM35VJvsYLdDHiNLoC52QTw8QZy4QZxdgX-UuvsLwg7_VurmQPcHgpIvvg/s1600/IMG_8672.JPG)
Left to Right: Nyxa the Basilisk, Shrub Beard, Aly Greenleaf
A few years ago, Aly and Shrub Beard were traveling together in Rhun and came upon a basilisk...
Aly: Oh! Look Shrub Beard, its a basilisk! Hello sweetie! And what a nice lovely purple hue you got there!
Nyxa the Basilisk: Garrr....
Aly: Oh, and what a lovely row of sharp poisonous spikes you have across your back!
Nyxa the Basilisk: Garrr....
Shrub Beard: AhhhhhHooooommmmmRooooTuuuuuumm...(Entish to English translation: Aly, whatever you do, dont look into its eyes...)
Aly: _____
Shrub Beard: *sighs*
Nyxa the Basilisk: Hyuk, hyuk, hyuk...
~
So there is the latest installment of figures from Reaper. They are oldies but goodies. And its nice to have them back in my growing collection... again. Im busy commission painting at the moment. But on my spare time, I will work up some energy and have a battle report soon-ish.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/house-of-red-dragons-far-easterling.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/house-of-red-dragons-far-easterling.html)
House of Red Dragons - Far Easterling Adventurers
Introducing yet another team of heroes to the blog - The House of Red Dragons. While the term Easterling has been used as a catch-all term for all nations beyond Mordor, these heroes are not Near Easterlings, but Far Easterlings! We know about the Wainriders, the Balchoth, and the warriors of Khand. But here we have distinguished characters from Cathay and Nippon. And they bring some exotic pets with them!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtr5FY8IIqf_gftecmuwEh6dzcLX8XBAFl-N7lhVEkN-kP2MBHCK2bwgvOoLejySR5C4TBvLvm81N706u9qVeBPHXNGJfeCufQCzU64TbpFMbjlbOAEk97JrD92A9HKqeoIHlXD8y1y8gBAFjZzphdpOJiwPO1UCV06l5SqYo3zUNIWoExac8IqOv/s1600/IMG_8730.JPG)
The House of Red Dragons is a delegation of Far Easterlings who have been sent on a diplomatic mission to make peace with the West in a post-Sauron world.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cny6BjgnwRz7_KVqqoxtbKXXcyIjsQRATsBBt53QWXr3wfO_HcK7SRASSUaxdTqx-FVBQ6-bbqDwNmg53YkNmWHAcgC_nev5ObDBZe2s_Ixl8MUSD-v6om-5TSUTD81HbvO6qsxiqwdUOqAsoEodI0-sFHcfkm0CcYurRZ7crqVD72GJK7tLw8An/s1600/IMG_8732.JPG)
Left to Right: Lady Snow Blossom, Iron Dragon, Priest Asura
Lady Snow Blossom spent much of her early life training to wreak vengeance on those who wronged her family. Now that the venging is done and over, she seeks to spread goodness and peace in the world... even if she has to split some heads open to do it!
"When I arrive at my destination, I am gonna kill Bill." - Lady Snow Blossom
Iron Dragon is the leader of the group. He has become a folk hero, stealing dumplings and pork buns from villainous crime bosses to give to the less fortunate. The Emperor of Cathay has recognized Iron Dragon's deeds and given him the task of diplomacy with Gondor and Rohan. Iron Dragon will help bring peace to the human nations of Middle Earth. And at the same time, expand and promote his new pork bun and dumpling restaurant chain!
"Someday westerners will be able to buy Cathay food in Minas Tirith and in the Jade City easterlings will have hamburgers!" - Iron Dragon
Priest Asura used to hunt the renegade known as the Baby Cart Assassin. But he learned that Assassin and Son would never give up the sight of death. Now, Asura has also chosen to defy the Shogun. Then he realized this was the english dub version and the Shogun wasnt even the Shogun at all. Talk about lost in translation!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy2MzONELM_cWU_WokZlBrEe5_7DSh0JGiOS2WZcmoe8ftFu5oRUbFylZifpsP-PljjGlre9NV2VNZtZJUD-utG5XAECLHifFG8SDh8e9k7ZKcfTF6U4TuaPhvhR4plGDF2eLnEuIE4BFx6cpCO9vpQKImPtj1--4OnNj0aHz8hWnZkFb-uoQf0Uh/s1600/IMG_8733.JPG)
Left to Right: Kyubee the Kirin, Hachi the Foo Dog
So Kirins are the eastern equivalent of Unicorns? Though they might just be magical giraffes. One thing Unicorns and giraffes dont have is the Kirin's ability to incinerate things they dislike. Which makes the Kirin spicy hotness a level five star rating@!
Foo Dogs are also known as Temple Dogs or Guardian Dogs. Some are made of stone and others are made of metal. Their fierce countenance belies their happy nature. They are dogs after all! Taking a walk on a nice sunny day, playing fetch with the monks, and guarding the local temple from Displacer Cats - thats a Foo Dogs life.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzQ3uJaiA3m5rqH6uVsHlzv2qnVINaqP3x4l1GcMAgl6UWfC4jN5n8VH2IcQ2v4Rfn3aQSQHo1kuPsy4vG9-3I39zUkktF9SYs6ZP__l1SP-XIBq70HBsx6p8SqYgfTLHuGHzVvYuli0-aAn7i5vtuorc4Tlh-RyGN0-w2pgi_s_Iq6oWdqveL9qA/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG)
Lady Snow Blossom rescued Kyubee from a pack of Dracolisks and the two have been inseparable since. Lady Snow has never asked about Kyubee's past, but knows that Kyubee once trained girls to become magical girls for the purpose of hunting witches. Something about entropy? These plots become too convoluted for one to follow, eh?
Lady Snow Blossom: Kyubee... you arent hiding some nefarious plot from me, are you?
Kyubee: neigh....
Lady Snow Blossom: Not sure if that was a negative or just a neigh... -.-
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52ULu7vllkd0ch2xRinM0AlpzaygTxCJS8bfJ_wUjHgfrPv1prHnhNm_IHm_6wiURO043fyXjZXNR3ddjaibZ1xAGQCCBFPqxJAWjHzigoT6WLJAKe9-hGv_WW0jaI1LvfTsktEf23p895J-hiPWSFMGvU9isAkXUGFlaHqy89c4jsrr8l0_RyYU8/s1600/IMG_8736.JPG)
Hachi the Foo Dog: *playful growl*
Iron Dragon: Hachi! I am busy trying to write my speech for our meeting with the Gondor and Rohan governments. Youre a Temple Dog, go play fetch with Priest Asura!
Hachi the Foo Dog: *whine*
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJyqdqXvaKjv-wj3t8ejcfdTRvqK3fCvB_ks7pVEUtDM5LWP4YJK5koKa4XT5MGB5yV5vX0y_okN-nalcmcFQZr7eu9ORcPbLqGg8lvNXAqzt8r4FsZ_WT-Bduxsp-lx09WZVi46HZPdRSWl7oo-myr2hasaTC13vdAZ-6q83Xy4vfSHUMLy3hzdz/s1600/IMG_8737.JPG)
Priest Asura is practicing the ancient art of making a Healing Shrine.
~~~
Will the House of Red Dragons be successful in their diplomatic mission? Stay tuned!
So there are the new additions to the blog. They are from Zenit miniatures out of Spain. They are 28mm realistic proportions. Which means they fit in perfectly with Perry miniatures, LOTR SBG, & Darksword. So all my human figures will have to fit in with that group. But monsters can be from any company I like.
Next post we got Bugbears to show off!
Cheers,
Mar
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/bugbears-dont-wear-pants.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/bugbears-dont-wear-pants.html)
Bugbears Dont Wear Pants should be the name of a punk/bardcore/dungeon-synth band. :p
Dogs and cats are cute in sweaters, but inwardly they hate your human-centric foibles. But seriously, Bugbears dont like pants. Need proof? Feast your eyes on these pics, if you dare. Warning NSFW!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nJZH3HeKo_-njXybNUSxQ7fT72BB6VB1a8jjTEt2Y-zJQ6yADvuMLbsM-oJhe-WBVi8rZsHECuotPWvz3hwe94wPUixz3WXOa2FHKzMzUpfC1qBdGje58jB8HlmMhZ6lcFupNJuXK3zToMEOiHpxbX_JQc-HF6TU53IjhXMqSKuRMZv4byhYqzp1/s1600/IMG_8738.jpg)
Bugbears are just big hairy goblins that like to bushwhack their victims.
A pack of stampeding Bugbears without pants is a sight to behold!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAew_uzoThVFOvXCoLdTTWg4ifq3k0AvVmGCHPO6mDiZq6HWNvU5peLsXcqeIndzAEdVrsE2KDhjQT_bEbGDCYepTlGgw99vrAz5xIlkkZOYhLw8nRYEgHQhm_LrwUGf_OMh8KXmnFkK5n7r0S9PMFJTFHsVB22NqhbUV6Z79boXHJkHcxjDAemVii/s1600/IMG_8739.JPG)
Bugbear 1: Want to play?
Bugbear 2: Play what?
Bugbear 1: Play with deez nuts!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPrHZRheccwiEn7eNbQ-Sj_fZa-l1EofbvW-bPrxHAiHwmnTMll3Ngw6GPpinRuPpy2mqv2b6z5P00YXNDOM5-7gOHZ0RNAIR3kFX_krR30s-WYvWlndo3ZHAttmPsasmZu_jqbMdnUxaKw2Cepts3IUr3nLozwIfsolS1Zgzv-SLE5nt3WJTQAgOW/s1600/IMG_8740.JPG)
Bugbear 1: Yesterday I sat on my testicles by accident.
Bugbear 2: That must have hurt.
Bugbear 1: Yeah it was nuts.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7ck_V0A5SMdv1-CHPWWmIqqj6GLWe4WDOxGaFx947KO3tXx2ViT80mEmvGrlSOUBpcQSV15-7b2Zieg-McRM8J4D_gdg_Tkm-MMNUscdvatBUV8KvaeV8nK8g5J6cR6g65MlIhg2P9MNK5cilGWmWgCJlOx9kWIkZwwMIDeAio0QSd6jJXh_V-B6/s1600/IMG_8741.JPG)
#BugbearBigSaggyBalls
#BugbearGreatHairySack
Who knew Bugbears had social media?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZupgoBhgqeVSePFJojJ53DD-joCeT1tkPaBJUWttzGbtfd7ad89Y6kYm8130KDWYVZ61zWBJTLA_qS-qQ6DqxrE4DhMEDpRjCom0N7QbVvTnyupq4wUL5v5QYKCE4aeOknFoWgZJtis-kzYKTV54B4Z5KDaSHlroXwfL4n1F17SCROPBqV4Jxv3o/s1600/IMG_8742.JPG)
Ok enough nutsacks. We return you to your dreary normal human existence. With pants. For some, perhaps, that train has sailed and the world will forever have been changed for you. My condolences.
"This is Jack Burton in the Pork Chop Express and Im talkin to whoever's listening out there. Im a reasonable guy but Ive just experienced some unreasonable things."
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-battle-of-rhun-wald.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-battle-of-rhun-wald.html)
The Battle of Rhun Wald
Welcome to the battle report of Rhun Wald.
The ambassador/heroes from Cathay and Nippon have just passed the Sea of Rhun and entered the boundaries of the West. The settlements along the Rhun seem to be filled with settlers from Gondor, Rohan, Esgaroth-ians aka Lake-Towners, and even Hobbits! Gentrification has really been driving up rent in this area! Starbucks and Peets on the shore front high-streets of the Sea of Rhun, who'd've thunk? The heroes wonder where the old school Easterlings - the Balchoth, Wainriders, and warriors of Khand are these days. They see a knight of Gondor who seems to have been expecting them...
They are greeted by Sir Fenring, of House Fenring, a vassal House serving under House Corrino. Fenring fills in current events about the Near Easterlings. This time of year, the warriors of Khand are off campaigning with the Hyrkanians in Astapor and Qarth. The Balchoth struck oil in their desert lands and have built the tallest wizarding tower in all of Middle Earth. Wainriders have gone into business with the East Rhovanion Trading Company, running caravans from the Grey Havens to their HQ at the Carrock and all the way to Old Valyria.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7nEHGn4yndWCgyenPmo-y8uwcawzRq0mmrhj6Vgye6KnbfRVHCH1-veJRWDNAYM2OoZhNzv-xpVV9Pvh9vmp_SYiVF8cE8b7wTBsTUZJKxfMhSmI4TyObZVCCuey6yFifzpehGhmqhnsFRNz-vYvtdYDwm5yyAhwspn4YukJ2-6UIwC-1RLRqn2o/s1600/IMG_8743.JPG)
Left to Right: Priest Asura, Lady Snow Blossom, Iron Dragon, Sir Fenring of Minas Tirith
Sir Fenring: Welcome, my Lords and Lady of the East. I have been tasked by the White Tower to bring you to Minas Tirith. At my command we have foot knights from Gondor and archers from Rohan to ensure our safe travels.
Iron Dragon: *bows* Many thanks, we are honored.
Priest Asura: We pray for a peaceful passage.
Lady Blossom: Peaceful? No thank you. An entertaining little battle would be nice. Nothing but sacred rivers, hidden libraries, ancient museums, and no offense Priest Asura... holy temples. Its been a long boring trip.
Priest Asura: *gasp*
Lady Blossom: I don't know why you always have to be judging me, because I only believe in science!
Priest Asura: *places a bowl of holy water in front of Lady Blossom and dunks her face into it*
Sir Fenring: You may get your wish, my Lady. We are close to Mordor and dark powers have risen once again within its borders. We must be on guard.
Iron Dragon: May sleeping Ogres slumber on our journey. Lead on, Sir Knight.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67i5u5vD1dBz25ey3zCFbL9iUhNU6alRYV2MiaAj-xXbNKfSSjZfXVjp-LgcDTcr9ocP74n2hhX9DO8b1cl2Z5O5LuK7AEktOMJL9a-8ZM-4aEwt7HdG2aFwD8_YexAzGZLb2EUZAZanb8U8fcRIMQd_5wIzLqDbUL4Rogv6uEo6f5YS79QKVdivS/s1600/IMG_8744.JPG)
Knight of Gondor: Hey there, buddy. Whose a good boy? You are. You are....
Archer of Rohan: These are weird creatures. And Ive seen Oliphants before.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMKj6B_qtWmexzEuBgIX0u-z9vSIXwpAgcfJ4EeKe6pN1tbJ2QizJ1SmQ30ZlTGsyBwYwV2utnkstXNGuIk6eKJqU_LiXlyD1vx9n8PXYba5Tys5WsW_uLBSBWAZeImCVxccB7hW6xZzAdER0bqJskmofI-PG7eGC13amfqA7EFpI81MEhyvYEftT/s1600/IMG_8745.JPG)
The Western entourage is made up of plastic Perry Twins 100YW miniatures.
Sir Fenring: Hold! Did you hear that? I smell a trap. Form square!
~~~
THE BATTLE OF RHUN WALD
Summary
The House of Red Dragons is a delegation of Easterlings who have been sent on a diplomatic mission to make peace with the West in a post-Sauron world. The delegation is met with an allied western force of Gondor foot knights & Rohan archers led by Sir Fenring. As they pass a wooded area near the Sea of Rhun, they are ambushed by forces from Mordor. The villains have been ordered to stop any alliance between East and West.
Board Setup
Table size is 22" x 30". The hero player must place an 8" circular hill within 12" of the center of the board. Then the monster player can place two 6" clusters of terrain - trees, rocks. Each cluster of terrain must be at least 4" away from any other piece of terrain.
Deployment
The hero player chooses which long edge to deploy from. All figures must be within 3" of the long edge and not closer than 8" from the shorter edges. The hero player deploys first with the 5 eastern delegates, Sir Fenring (on horseback), 10 human knights & 10 human archers. Once deployed, the monster player deploys half his force on the opposite 30" edge. The other half may be deployed along either of the 22" edges. The monster forces are Murkillor the Wraith, Calibog the Troll, Nyxa the Basilisk, 3 Wights and 10 Bugbears.
Victory Conditions
- The Villains immediately win if Iron Monkey, Lady Snowblood, and Asura the Priest are all slain or rout off board.
- The Heroes immediately win if Murkillor, Calibog, and Nyxa are slain or rout off board.
- At the game's end (6 turns with variable end turn rolls thereafter), the side that caused the most damage to the oppossing 3 main named heroes/villains wins.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOV6aH0DZF7sCNNAMScU_1AFCzBf3cJ7u745P2dpBaZIEZvFXAA-EKPae1dlV1YofHJrR5DJi6tkkhiCqC6ZO4T3OOaSNMVIB02sBJr8ovjcWcuhZjpgdZxZyNewMCgXoBFJoxPcqhR_9pkp-kG1H91EToVwbib_tNgcc2-xYmu04GOsjxTENTx-sI/s4608/IMG_8746.JPG)
The left formation.
Sir Fenring: Something stirs beyond the hill, I think.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDe5OJEIXt_8qzM4CJyi5MbrDRt_yIR3M2_axIVeBTkiOFszj-hOh05lzTjkmMmbkm7S5TOa6WDT6fFBXbTtA0O12n8EqzXLqGxuHT9v3f3UHz_9OsHAX49c6NNV0tYPsOVIhjef6TMwi3B5IRVcX7ylhEfrB_Q1JfEQrIaTYFV7ubyUvrzi6Xa2e2/s1600/IMG_8747.JPG)
The right formation.
Iron Dragon: Yes, beyond the hill are powerful enemies. But nearer at hand is the closer danger.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRC2xe8BXtsSYSbBFwVkyUbqvAPmE-k7hCKlW6Dzjf_zLq-UbaPP1evYwt7hW4sUo43e88Ups0iUP6geZ9ZjJNnCpVTbdllexMAUeYwdxhw8oA8z3m1mA0zKMma2oh7FGxQ3SvJhJrUrc29NcKzWl3uRVV4E7rYni1VVJFa_PSm2Xj854nhXp8H78/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG)
From the left side, a Wight and Bugbears seemingly spring from out of nowhere.
Not only do those Bugbears appear on the flanks, but they gain an extra move even before the game starts because of their Bushwhacker ability.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNjDJNgpYoUeP7RwCVX56aWzOgewKigP5IOL18FvShyfDm9gwbi6DEg7R0jMjplRpjn5PTufI4ZCBPgHJzFMQp8UvYihKiZ6dsi3tY2K3szPG4a3cQGtpk6NZ0Ib-Yk8cKCgP0AbqNdZ2A0UrY50YmeRMfPJthloaxHiEgdziWuOEm_x_YGPfnL8j/s1600/IMG_8749.JPG)
Then on the right, another Wight and more Bugbears! Its a trap!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RMO-tw9NBUhi4owL1zG3E30bCz9opO3_NNXnLYXr4WpiQpQ34wAuPE1H0OiwtHB2aPHQ61COdkjVdQQcwMIn6knBEChhhYGVDIlZ7hvMoJiTLo7rh71vFVrOMQkj7vX6c23tSN0UhX6BDSuu1NbH2nf0VK49U6IalspI_IpIut28zCvsk82g36W4/s1600/IMG_8750.JPG)
And behind the hill, the main force of the enemy. Another Wight but even worse... a Wraith! And not just any wraith... its Murkillor! Wights in my game cause Fear, but also can Curse an enemy which gives them a -1 to its rolls to hit, to save, and to cast. But Wraiths have direct damage spells like Siphon which causes damage but also heals its caster. Wraiths can also cast Sleep. Wraiths are also deadlier in close combat and have Armor Piercing.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrtRL1b3RMs60n7rO2OIt7PZoXKtWz_Q5p_WrJZLoJFZxMe-3I5vcWnIyMa4OWqy1FBpggYbdDKmy2lq8LHLlUcAWHL2ukMuRFu_t9iENBJM9zoDEbiCL6LjK_QRUldY4vpI0LzEst02lHcHxL0_MbqIvKi8QLJTzu0o0aRaxk41wi7vn74mxTnKm/s1600/IMG_8751.JPG)
Murkillor the Wraith: Now we will show these Far Easterlings that no one quits the Mordor party!
Nyxa the Basilisk: Rahr...
Calibog the Marsh Troll: Garrr...
Murkillor: Feeding time is here, my pretties!
~~~
For the rest of the battle see here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-battle-of-rhun-wald.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-battle-of-rhun-wald.html)
Cheers,
Mar
-
Great battle and nice to see the recent additions (and the new team!) in battle right away!
Poor Murkillor though, I hope he will see some kind of victory soon, as he is pretty much the mascotte of your world(s) now!
-
@Lord Odo, Murkillor will have his day in the sun. Or moon. Speaking of new worlds. I have a new blog project here - Interitus. https://interitus-dii-inferi.blogspot.com/ (https://interitus-dii-inferi.blogspot.com/) Hope you like that one too! Its darker and less humorous. Oh and on this blog, we will be seeing the big battle of Moria with Tuddle and Mortimer and those Cthulhic nasties coming in a week or so. That promises to be a death filled event.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/07/turnips-hobbit-witch-hagglethorne-house.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/07/turnips-hobbit-witch-hagglethorne-house.html)
Turnips the Hobbit Witch & Hagglethorne House
In this post, we have a Hagglethorn House, a Hobbit Witch in a flying caldron with an "aviation goggle wearing" pig, and some Hobbit Militia with slings. Things you do dont see everyday...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR89bic8amouahdXf--zUXEjk7l9sjgysUr7Eihck0WkklqXr5qmeCPm9iX4H9WEhgZfW_kyid-btkMdrsHV79ChpO0w483SrdVsF7kFjslowR2xdiNHQYwoMjxbFasmNSLO-cI4C9EeiZ3pgFizxQ2wMofnvLh8eUvJim7UktnWSKp0GBiQEKByNd/s1600/IMG_8825.JPG)
The Brownlands should be called the Greenlands now due to its flowering under the green and caring thumbs of both Entwives and Hobbits. They haved lived in peace, harmony, and safety.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGF0-_frh4tZp5ElA7mFJRrefzf-lOsH19MWXMbIqt-ONzifMIjDxzi2cyrS-rp580vANLAmFUDFlwlGyAsJJ7L89ND2CI3y0hsZm75iVOqA73SPwQGMGY1WucFV5OwnKKZ0Y7A1WDQV4X7NFfmd7I1k-ntU7UNTFfc_JXCqAEduKUTBbUzWb52bbo/s1600/IMG_8826.JPG)
Turnips the Hobbit Witch and Gus the Pig familiar
Turnips is a Hobbit Witch and the guardian of the Brownlands which has become a Hobbit and Dryad-Entwife settlement. The twin villages of the area are Bougainvillea (an Entwife farm/garden) and Knackerton (a Hobbit pipeweed dispenary/outpost).
Turnips and her pet pig Gus usually ride around in a magically levitating cauldron. When not being used as a vehicle, the cauldron serves double duty for brewing potions then making dinner (usually Hassenpfeffer stew with taters).
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZE217nDXn3FY_I3AUgNYyLVFHDPTpMpYjWF35hkzH0mSgty5RRmw7jI_kdeRcBBRXYvEW--Rz7XJiZkQGS0V8kOZwUeOXvKNu5b7K9q7p0SOSGzo7X9WfIsfd0ENPS-uWwxntwTGDPGBxWUZHlfPk7iYrcFB9OOyJhRsbraCgE5_I2JR7oVBfX9cx/s1600/IMG_8827.JPG)
Hobbit Scout: Fear! Fire! Foe!
Turnips the Witch: What is it now? Let me guess. Wild pigs in the Gaffer's garden? Or the Entwives need rain on Tuesday again?
Hobbit Scout: No, Miss Turnips. Orcs! They're on their way here! And lots of them! They have overrun Bougainvillea. The Dryads have been taked captive!
Turnips the Witch: Sound the townhall bell! Call the militia to arms! Barricade the streets with pipeweed barrels. *looks at her pet pig* Cmon Gus, we need to send owls and ravens to Minas Tirith and East Bight. That is, if they survived the Chaos incursion there (see Battle of East Bight: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-battle.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2021/11/town-defense-of-east-bight-battle.html)).
Hobbit Scout: There is like an 8% chance, that the defenders of East Bight survived.
Turnips the Witch: 8? Who taught you math!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9Zo47jFjRbyUgLWxb7qpOMmeb81Ee5VA4f6j0Mqfm4t5Jz9hXHjmKEF6RqfunYuepx3-ZrV4FOCcTUgFK_2wM4JLPxuenWI5FUNuMgbEC9e5uVbsvT1SESzFFTqxIsORbWpW5a1YSynKin2NK1e17FPYRIwmiMawZ1mhjS-BZV59yZK5wcXupE0a/s1600/IMG_8828.JPG)
The Hobbit Militia of the Brownlands are rangers, hunters, skirmishers and mushroom foragers without peer. They carry slings and turn any rocks in the area into missile weapons. These miniatures are plastic figures from Wargames Atlantic.
*clamor of bell and sounding of horns*
Hobbit Militia: Yavanna defend our homes! O mighty Valar save us from our enemies!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xFaiYducSuRhydsWfrk6_MO5hS9804wIlvIkzNrD0MEXcCSo0Hts2olJUNaYL68FxYYyoZXXotqsJ4Jf1a3NDLm-26BwIgCr_nLiljnN6yNUBSaUfgqQTs3H01C-4oD791iJ5t0AKesKS0q8UC-Fp6LP6VMNg9ZUkguPtuJZ6Pei8g7GeWutaBbU/s1600/IMG_8833.JPG)
The Hagglethorne house is sculpted by a guy who works for WETA Workshop - the company who made the props for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXOSMe8DkfWQxK7c_4cVBWYuJ4hAD-XOd69BPYROdt4psh_sBM-48WhnUgWDMLc-1V394SEfMBAIcyJfXHdB7mxOBot_asDJvHeORZCooJB7AhPrXmml_Na3bPrq2ZSemTeeTuEzij2bbeGOT9rvIAHxu_n2_x0Xa_ttfr3tFZvRSpCf-Q2H5btWv/s1600/IMG_8834.JPG)
I think their architecture here looks like it also fits in the world of Labyrinth or a pre-Skeksis Dark Crystal (like a Pod people tavern?)
~~~
Is everyone hurt? Is anyone okay?
If you read the East Bight AAR and the ending fluff, then you already know what happened to Witch Turnips, the Hobbit Militia, and the Entwives. They were defeated and put into prison camps. But fear not! Or I dunno, maybe be a little fearful for them. So, the defenders of East Bight hired a mercenary band known as the Rogues of Rhun and were victorious over the Chaos warriors. And they are on their way to liberate Witch Turnips and the rest of the prison camp-ers! The Battle of the Brownlands Prison Camp Battle Report is coming soon-ish. (well after the Moria Hollin-Gate Cthulhic Adventure which btw is sure to end in some tragic doom and certain woe!)
Cheers,
Mar
-
Great thread, nice to see such a variety of nice miniatures.
-
I read the East Bight AAR and the ending fluff, and there it says the hobbit and dryads were overrun by Snakewomen...
However, the Brownlands are attacked by orcs this time.. Will there be an alliance of doom heading towards the Brownlands? :o :o
-
@Belgian, Thanks buddy!
@LordOdo, Oh you eagle-eyed reader! You got me there. Well, I think you're right. It was indeed an orc force led by some medusas. But who knows who will be guarding the prison camp now? Could be orcs, snakes, or.... hippos? ;p just kidding! But someday, hippo-men will make their debut on the blog.
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/07/cabin-in-woods-of-evil-dead.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/07/cabin-in-woods-of-evil-dead.html)
Cabin In The Woods Of The Evil Dead
This is Professor Raymond Knowby, Department of Ancient History, log entry number two. I believe I have made a significant find in the Castle of Candar. Having journeyed there with my wife Henrietta, my daughter Annie and Associate Professor Ed Getly. It was in the rear chamber of the castle that we stumbled upon something remarkable.
Morturom Demonto, the "Book of the Dead". My wife and I brought the book to this cabin where I could study it undisturbed. It was here that I began the translations. The book speaks of a spiritual presence. A thing of evil that roams the forests and the dark bowers of man's domain. It is through the recitation of the book's passages that this dark spirit is given license to possess the living. Included here are the phonetic pronunciations of those passages. "Cunda astratta montose eargrets gutt nos veratoos canda amantos canda".
~
Take a vacation. Get away from it all. Turn off the noggin and get some grogging they said.
Who doesnt love a creepy old cabin in the haunted desolate woods? They were wrong. Dead wrong. Never sleep in a cursed cabin down by the river. Or forest.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8TgaYdOS8KViP_1SyMCPJl4R9N9xDNBl40KRRgPpmLZRMPUWXSW-VwEHyrlkxBZCe5-3qpnFLp9L1Ca_vGUYa-7tXaoVnjUzDqSH2W7uULmxjnwPlIdt0-F8iaed6pl5xD7Cjkxh2XXBSVpafaXS9AAlpNGI9FccqfdeByyRHrn1Km-JYEb85KNz/s1600/IMG_8897.JPG)
The travel agent who booked you this spot was probably a Dead-ite. Or of Candarian descent!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl0RDGRawrpvMRThgditbWF75qT0nbUbpbZIIiV_9EJr_8A2NBd9rsZeKA3WcwJiiDDvSaC1L2btEG1sR4XcibPKHaV7dX-9s_wx-pRzz_D0OUBxLCczXTRh9u_LBr5RwFR-yWY3JpaUK_6igLA0GNEhBr-e7Xezl05hpa7n6E75h3vNnoZ94rBiN/s1600/IMG_8898%20(2).JPG)
Whatever you do, do not turn on the audio reel recorder where the old professor is reading passages from the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis - The Book of the Dead. Oh you already did?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxgXIMR4mKKbr_RkGDUOawPp7aKxHP1bGiB0h2kipdF_51SMPljhOFroileH-KVOsaY5C2fBmNN25J4oLHfpnajiHNdzWyCPgFkZItYjlaCZbs5i1Hto-WC53SxugupntgWygx_c6ySeGw-D8ugGKynk7cdoZFaEg1QtAFJA5-or27ZOdDrfcECmn2/s1600/IMG_8899.JPG)
Well, I guess you might as well listen to the rest of it...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6o-fBtmrIuzmWpxvvPPzbPe49q0LltmtWR3YwetrCqvYfTCpWN9B2xbkRh4bGcCN9Yl7WGvRGHf1MPsRJPaKqk-PTIWKWct6nCz-vgFyi7uXssQRtDDkcmYWVgL2KvoZ18EBW2lBbwbsYiFGfkq_vIINFKWCUHu7pwracjY5I0ITgamDE7iHyq45x/s1600/IMG_8900.JPG)
It's only been a few hours since I've translated and spoken aloud the first of the demon resurrection passages from the Book of the Dead. And now I fear that my wife has become host to a Candarian Demon. May God forgive me for what I have unleashed unto this earth. Last night Henrietta tried to... kill me.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeyyS2mmEH2G78tYU9ZOt1kOmtSRX52PiGk_75heVGETSpgQDuUJO92EwoAhXpVRHl7tIJOW7qUgbf1SCbdduOSu5DKfMUnHtUWMZ6JkYlx7YFVB8r_zoEwKZ7ND6VovcBtT3Vqh2KSiCWUP-G4is1izgMjYGX0VqxfkiV9TadKJqpzyQBlkH3ywT/s1600/IMG_8901.JPG)
It's now October 1st, 4:33 PM. Henrietta is dead. I could not bring myself to dismember her corpse. But I dragged her down the steps... and I buried her. I buried her in the cellar. God help me, I buried her in the earthen floor of the fruit cellar.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGoAdRt5-y_9UF5Rm3FyW4xP9a08tKH5NTTOU8a73mw_GEaSTnYxYRf3RQoaP-TdpOnQ_RX8sg1jTlVrG2QAshgVWKZUl0szo5Ne5SkgW2KfY17khE_z9Zuu9ADsn1dF5qgG-WXA_px0v9vAboSgNc2JCgQoISz8m8K5-xALoJBHykAG0JYd42HzF/s1600/IMG_8903.JPG)
Left to Right: Prince Arioch, Balthazar the Blue, Adeline
Some unfortunate adventurers have stumbled upon the cabin in the woods.
Prince Arioch: I told you we should have made a left at Albuquerque!
Balthazar the Blue: Well being as there's no other place around this place, I reckon this must be the place. Where is the rest of our adventuring party?
Adeline: They are still back at our last campsite... re-speccing their talent trees again. *sigh*
Balthazar the Blue: Ah, well... anyway lets inspect the area. Let's split up and scout the area. I get a feeling there are important clues to be found in this place!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbx_-F9t4EPboXCawOZl8jxhB24O11dmA6GG2qQZ__IEIoBznEf9ck2y2t0zBJqXU3QaEfVzw_ouRDcldI3GbOMD26Zwdy-7gpajIFtaWnwHDe2nAInJomHlY2v3a9FOqQEI1KgqMq6ZU9fBYYy-2mEf5aWlNfPZz752F_6vz5Zz_d0ozR_kBsoUN/s1600/IMG_8904.JPG)
Balthazar finds a clue all right. Or rather a riddle. What's full of tentacles and hungry maws. Its a Dark Young of Shub-Niggurath!
Potent Potables, Colors That End In "urple", An Album Cover. Sean Connery its still your board.
Balthazar the Blue: I'll take An Album Cover for 5,000
(bonus points to the readers who indeed know the answer to "colors that end in 'urple")
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3QJq1wob1vp1F9LCbTkkeF7kpmYTQHJWJ1PFO1BHhb2mIvPUSTyQs5mGPk-3tcTNUhgWmhr2TSMwBLDKELOLsKa4ggGGQzv6s6r41hKXnFi7vEN3rHvOpq_41km-KRQgmVUD6L9ZZgTJIxXrnZyf60x-Zg3pi1SbQXokqDIubGqw9AHugtoIRRKJ/s1600/IMG_8906.JPG)
Adeline: I remember this game! I need to find two mirrors and put them on the statues, right?
(extra bonus points to the readers who know the name of this old PC game that Adeline is referencing)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp60PAfHzBXxjSUvMqZMqKC-On7lUB3APwpZEMFEx1oHda9LhoehbfJQfa-xWWf2E3TlL_meB0SG3_zek0_sLW__VpgamxdB5Ujhm70RC7KV2_rnxuFs5a_1gRD343qrS-1DmhM6M9hrKgFAMP8R-A_S-I4wd4MwjFGNm3iu17VdUkySeTT8d1ohn/s1600/IMG_8907.JPG)
Prince Arioch: Ermahgerd berber Herperpertermerse!
(extra special bonus points to the reader who knew the pics that accompany this old meme. Before you googled it!)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWywLsQUy7LKHuaaBMHkxYI7QfwZaAClAFKNUvSIchP3BE58-yLA6iWl7qX616KNvs-zasYIlcG35PGMUQFBGXy2KnOc_vl69LDCtn7DYdtNA-HKO7G4UzGRGuXRGPrrQ-OyZU31P5kOn3QG0GXOg08D-yC-_SoqaWAatPDgj_TYbAJSlpVEbESpAi/s1600/IMG_8909.JPG)
Balthazar the Blue: Ok, we need a plan. Let me think... whats a good strategy?
Prince Arioch: I got one. If I have to die, Im gonna die last!
Adeline: He's not talking to you hammerhead.
Balthazar the Blue: We need time area. Backstage good. We do it! Razzle Dazzle!
Adeline: -.-
~~~
Oh, I forgot to mention the cabin is from Printable Scenery printablescenery.com
Oh, and did you notice my new forest background? Its pretty spot on, for the cabin's background, if I say so myself!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Very nice Mar!
-
See full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-battle-of-hollin-gate-part-1.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-battle-of-hollin-gate-part-1.html)
The Battle of Hollin Gate, Part 1
Welcome to the battle report for Hollin Gate. Wherein our heroes have taken upon themselves the task of saving Middle Earth from an otherworldly invasion - this time from within Moria itself! The ancient dwarven kingdom has become a portal into the "Upside Down" dimension. A dark place where certain doom and probable woe is certain to befall our heroes. And this time the Dark Powers may get away with it with no meddling kids on BMX bikes to stand in their way.
Summary
The Fellowship must defeat the Chaos Warriors, Beastmen and the Mythos creatures that were summoned from the gate. Tuddle the Hobbit reads a passage from the Book of Pickles that the Gate of Hollin was built by the dwarves with two special pillars on either side of it, that when destroyed will bring down the mountainside to bury and block the gate in time of war. The Fellowship and their Azer allies must destroy the pillars and save Middle Earth from an extra-dimensional tentacle filled invasion! Tuddle also finds that his lucky charm - Clam Shell of the Grey Havens is making a curious sound when held up to his ear... like soothing distant waves of happier times. Poppy says: Cthulhic-creatures are arriving from the dark beyond, Tuddle! This is no time for calm introspection!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH_P2kIzjoXQ0jKtbB5zS7cVNrCij3w_-cGH7GVIYhM1PF_9enmLcB-BMgFaU43E4ujdkx5ZYcJmjlBefsqpLzD9Uhvq-P-q_OyyHtyqhOuLXB7n-MdOAl7IvfkTEuXlR8XEpZP5yAxbjeTMovXIdYglIc0CW0ExK2JE52ZIVax01Of1x4WE5h3Dp/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG)
Left to Right: Lord Mysterion, Lord Obscuro
Voice from beyond the Dark Door: Whom do you serve?
Lord Mysterion:*bows low* I live for Chaos!~
Lord Obscuro: *kneels* What is thy bidding, my master?
Voice from beyond the Dark Door: Bring me forth into your world, that I may tip the scales of balance in favor of glorious Chaos.
Lord Mysterion: What of the reports of the rebel fleet massing near Sollust?
Voice from beyond the Dark Door: It is of no concern. Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Tuddle will be one of us. Your work here is finished, my friends. Go out to the command ship and await my orders.
Both Chaos Lords: Thy will be done, master...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzgS6ANtYQxVstLtnfdQuAbxpycunQis-XwHvfFM5hC5as2bJivXvY-LbsIqkLaRImILXfG0eBwlJHnOm6sobo5V0-_Tx6A8-GOV3tHgW7iTMdLHjE7ViOzI6r24MIdMJjN9o8CQDoX-XJR63QzSSA2cGP6I4feQRZv_ROb7r7kn0j5kmjNEctmt5/s1600/IMG_8945.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjicjhjO2BfITmHgsF4HOFAyyhPO6XUBujDFFuNNIm51zzGOX1ZrBIlaZqOKuPi-IgsofpwnzAmvBizHeoEiu7JXMvcnf5-U5KcWcuIWSZ6jAwUUwlYDUMSPMhVvM2BaaMtqBLvcVGADXNQbxKjp6TkH913VsDjv_Zfyech6zcAWBZcqWYW6RKcW5/s1600/IMG_8952.JPG)
For the full story with all its glory and tragedy, see the blog with all 3 parts: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-battle-of-hollin-gate-part-1.html
Cheers,
Mar
-
Ouch, that was quite a defeat, and I don't think we have ever seen that much hero casualties before on your blog.
Still, seeing that there are certain ancient elves still in ME, I don't think the evil guys have won yet.
-
@LordOdo, Moria was indeed a meatgrinder like Balthazar said it would be. And yes, there are indeed a few elderly Eldar around that will head south to stretch their legs. Im sure Goldberry will be pleased to have more company with beings her own age.
-
Taken from https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-woses-and-dreamquest-for-unknown.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/09/the-woses-and-dreamquest-for-unknown.html)
The Woses and the Dreamquest for Unknown Kadath
The Awakening Dream-Time of the Woses
OR
The Dreamquest for Unknown Kadath
OR
The Valar Must Be Crazy
Hiya buddies! I'd been busy for a month or so with commission paintwork. This time for a museum! Well pardon me, Mr fancy-pants. But if you are ever in the neighborhood of Cheyenne Wyoming, drop by the Museum at the Bighorns and the Rosebud Diorama has figures painted by your buddy pal Mars Minis. Im happy to leave behind some legacy in this world, some mark on the cave wall that says "I was once here!"
I didnt plan this post's content to coincide with Amazon's Rings of Power. Im just doing my own thing, like as I always have. What does this blog and Mr Bezos' billion dollar project have in common - making our own versions of Middle Earth, of course. Well, I have been watching the Rings of Power series and here are my thoughts in a nutshell...
Twist #1, Gimli is female! (Female Dwarves do have beards, right? So who can tell?) Twist #2, Gimli is pregnant! Twist #3, Legolas is gay. (OK, we all saw that one coming. Twist #4, Gimli is pregnant with Legolas' child! But seriously, Rings of Power sucks. IMHO. Sorry, but it sucks. And it has nothing to do with "wokeness" or powerful women or the racial equity in every fantasy race and nation (its the sign of our times)... Rings of Power is just plain terrible storytelling. It feels like a bunch of cosplayers improv acting a bad fan-fic story at an open mic night. Amazon goes to prove the old adage - money cant buy everything. But isnt the Moria Reclamation Blog the same thing, I hear you say? Well I suppose I am writing fan-fic of some sort, but really its just words to accompany my gaming. (Thats my excuse anyway.) But also... I KNOW that what Im doing IS a parody. It says so, right on the tin! Look at the side bar, its over there on the left "The Moria Reclamation Project is a narrative wargame campaign set in a wacky Monty Python-esque version of the Mines Of Moria. Its a mishmash of Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, and the Lord of the Rings."
So, TLDR, Amazon could have spent more time on the writing of the script and dialogue. Also, I had a Hobbit herbologist named Poppy before Amazon had their Poppy! I have more emotional investment in not-Conan and his pet dino in Tartakovsky's "Primal" than anyone in Rings of Power. Its animated with no spoken parts! Ok, the black elf in Rings is pretty cool, but they shouldve just made a Drizzt Do'Urden movie instead.
Like I said earlier, Im just doing my own thing, like I always have. Im not making the Woses dark skinned because of wokeness. I do think in actual Tolkien canon, the Woses are probably light skinned westerners of some sort - maybe like Pictish pygmies? But in my imaginary campaign, this particular branch of aboriginal tribal peoples are from the Southlands.
OK, enough with the disclaimers... on with the post!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmH1UPiB2S-z-c_7HHYS1_WmH4ii5iKehhp1slVCtjg5OHhc_zI0coLjFuqteoFUaX7_b1luos1szdooLIJ3byf5tEgY692VV8xfI4VbSQFDOuWUtRke4fx-94oXJsXEZnFXP9uPEEvx-eiTsn2haw0QlTQlLJAXDscdEWzayNVJLsHaCzXs8mFHrt/s1600/IMG_9034.JPG)
The Druedain (not to be confused with Dunedain!), aka the Woses, aka the Pukelmen.
They are tribal peoples who are close to nature and can be found in forests like Druadan Forest at the border of Gondor and Rohan. Or in the Druwaith Iaur near Andrast in Southern Gondor.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLe1FeKy62vMdamkw1dcJV3Ur6_afdxTMi4uQE1YY2DGXucsskGT62vt1YPWcsT4rJaVzHVnbm76s0wAFtLSfMYyGBXbnPLYt8lc2fPTGgGjgblzBVkRjKlUPU8FyRpqhkcoTAsbggT7LRf2vhL3TJZdsBFOf1M_wvRzig6JfnLUh4Iz6-9VcxiaPl/s1600/IMG_9035.JPG)
Now this particular tribe of Woses are darker skinned than the ones in Druadan or Druwaith because they are from Harondor which is north of Umbar and south of Lebenin in Gondor.
Another aside... Baron Orson is the Baron of Lebenin. Another suspected character in our blog who might have come across theWoses.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL06ZtQUqi4YWUzHeECtThwKE2dR3td4q_pR69utu4-KUxPIhiNqy1Qi64KZf4MfwT6wqW1wwJ9wcpZaSHlov6PMV7ogM-Ts-VHC3ajJuvpXJRbPYvZZ6r4YW_FS7t_-LiUgoW8LxIV5wF9sm8WbxyXeex7DPeaqxFriEqr1Maywur8ECNfRQOz5Fb/s1600/IMG_9037.JPG)
Not long ago, a pilot threw out his glass Coke bottle from his propeller plane and it landed in a Wose village. While the natives found many beneficial uses with it, they also found that this modern technology also brought on modern woes - like jealousy over its use. Ultimately leading to it being used as a club when one lady didnt want to share it with another. (The Prime Directive was breached!) Their once happy village was now sullied by the thoughtless littering of civilized man's garbage. Much like the One Ring, the Woses found that power corrupts absolutely and have sent a fellowship of their own on a quest to return this mighty artifact to whence it came. Thus begins the saga of "The Valar Must Be Crazy".
Mi seh one ting Nancy kyaahn understand
One ting Nancy kyaahn understand
Wha mek dem a taak bout mi ambition?
Seh, what makes dem a taak bout mi ambition?
Some a dem a aks mi weh mi get it fram
Some of them ask me where me get it from
A chuu dem nuh know it's fram creation
A chuu dem nuh know it's fram creation
Bam bam, ey, What a bam bam
I never troubled no one
Em see is my ambition
I come fi nice up Jah may can
Ey what a bam bam, said what a bam bam
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPwvIM79QldFEnvdtPSrchSdP_gYabOuTRkIP8glMdVJua0xrkqNxCOwAVURx2BLn2Ee0qVvcYUNW7hGSy8lWOX_m1Fze-qQUXr7DVJouNx1M-Eo5KHMPxdlT82S6MS6lDUKQ0YONsVykikEAJ4SgGCMzn_6v3sB5VoOYNAOpso7nN9CPpuNJHWqC/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG)
A chance meeting on the cultural crossroads... between the Woses on their quest and the easterling delegation known as the House of Red Dragons. (Oh and also I didnt name House of Red Dragons to coincide with House of the Dragon on HBO! Which reminds me... Im loving Elric Melnibone on that show. That helm on Doctor Who #11 is great. Someone just do Moorcock already for Lord Arioch's sake!)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGcRkeb01eb1W6c75hgaDjayEZQ50LTQ7Leczzq9_gdXqQcvcinXG7G39H6RxxgVQDqWWM9LO-gfMPh-uE78TowTcwwjg40L7xmkj_VyDqVk7hw9_aLfRHlm5GG5hTkGZlykLnvrhPaQ-B6MBj2qwYOugtj4P553_znlOgs3L8AQgy4hXCmrYgUAM/s1600/IMG_9040.JPG)
Wose Chief: *complaining in his native language*
Iron Dragon: Not sure what he is saying, but Im thinking it has to do with the Coke bottle in his hand.
Lady Snow Blossom: Maybe he wants to recycle it? Tribal peoples ARE environmentally friendly. Then again, maybe he wants to know where the closest 7-Eleven is to get a refill?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwlPC5P5X4dFP0wMzCypFOovH8ujdxuk_e5aOga_E3aQUFNX8maLGCIfNLqxmu_t2u9wYamHVRLrx_EGanElc7I4NWjLFxubDol_JeTKMrxfd24rNR8Ivjj2BlY6oO3NU23enGASj2E9LuPmSlp8pxzgeZEoUDYoGhDxN_LlCSnGcujmHCYMVbWeB/s1600/IMG_9041.JPG)
The Woses are debating whether Kyubee the Kirin is good for eating.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJ5jKlotEWYfhw624NDBq4pCLLnxdIoIm7UrxGz2zoXFxf8-Qef5YG_HsG3dsGTaaYaG-1pjYOEy5XTy_8HY-aPhUn3gu0mwkT5rdnQMwmdL2N9bCgfEnZBrnenktCzC2CMe4L7w-9bzl0GDFlFCXydN6tCafDynaTFtZiIY-LanHJULO6A2LjRti/s1600/IMG_9042.JPG)
The last surviving Gondor knight escorting the House of Red Dragons and one of the Rohan archers make friends with the Woses. See the Battle of Rhun Wald http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-battle-of-rhun-wald.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-battle-of-rhun-wald.html)
Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was six foot four, and full of muscle
I said, "Hey, do you speak-a my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a Vegemite sandwich
And he said...
~~~
Next post: Orcs!
-
That’s a pretty cool take on representing woses! And an entertaining write-up!
-
@ Pattus Magnus, Thanks buddy!
Oh, I guess I forgot the last part of the post. Fixed. But Ill put it here too... Anyway welcome to my blog's modus operandi... confusion! ;p But yes Nyarlathotep was on the last battle report.
Edit: Totally forgot to circle back to the reference to Lovecraft in the post's title. Prepare to be underwhelmed!
Aboriginal Australians go on Walkabouts aka Vision Quests aka the "Dreaming". I dont know too much about it, but my guess its some kind of spiritual nature/soul quest while living off the land in a migratory fashion? Im thinking a road trip movie but with walking and camping.
Tcho Tcho (Lovecraft's sinister tribal asians) are like Woses but have succumbed to the Mythos dreams (think Burmese Gollum, or try not to!).
Strange Horizons did an article about the connection in Aboriginal Lovecraft here: http://strangehorizons.com/non-fiction/articles/aboriginal-lovecraft/
-
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/09/teal-skinned-orcs.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/09/teal-skinned-orcs.html)
Teal Skinned Orcs
Ive had many Greenskins before. Orcs of many hues and colors from days long past remembering.
But have I had Tealskins? Now Im not so certain, but I do think these are my favorite Orcs Ive painted. Behold! From Mordor comes the Pimps of Gore! They have come to bring a new dawn of savage conquest in the name of Chaotic Evil or Lawful Evil or the less inspiring Neutral Evil!
For those not privy to the D&D alignment reference - Orcs were once Chaotic Evil in Holmes Basic D&D, then changed by Gygax to Lawful Evil. But LE feels more like Hobgoblins who seem more regimented and disciplined. Arent Tolkien Orcs always squabbling amongst themselves? They cleared the path for the Hobbits to escape Cirith Ungol, didnt they? Which I suppose inspired GW to give Warhammer its Animosity Chart/Table.
Though I do suppose Neutral Evil is a better fit for Orcs. But whichever flavor of Evil the Orcs decide to adopt on any given day, there will be a good bashing involved!
Onwards to the pics!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9_s84q-Anuhh7077DK6icfd5cGARYR8j7cgpCh8UDdN93xiyXmrWNQ8NMPpNlaNpJ_7-CvZVauOOlNtkUEQKKIT2rAiTTuR5hx4lPaVkslaG0OPxNkRdLPJD-WLzyARrU-rxtSdlNO9JgV8nyjGVZVbuGul5BuHD6Kb7xebDMRY_AIh_7Rk-p6j1/s1600/IMG_9043.JPG)
These guys are from Dragonbait Miniatures who got them from Dark Fable. Sculpted by the great Orc himself - Kev Adams.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi87R5S8rao4FK1aXCWeMxS_fP9zvkznLUQSSfUDe83-b2MC_AlRAp3di3FXCtI7OM6nGRzCNr67IYHvilqiE_wMqkXch_01zE6fyHR9yTF4saooid20JjQC3qTSiFfWgqkiv6ZTNvAUACIK6xw4SHQb8kmgsyElGSUU2SWdOhVPPqZJCAjRinrx26/s1600/IMG_9045.JPG)
The Animosity roll and its infamous roll of a "1".
Get 'em! Them other greenskins is asking for trouble! Pulling faces, shouting rude insults and hurling dung. They deserve a good bashing!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlRnb-DmilpTQge-XDx-_7QpfA6TK4sQPzlUW_p1IFqeWtSIHypf6it7VdKtx0IlHkFOZCSxiSLAuVUjzO2AHR-eCZ4KIcb6u4Ztqbw8vt9MMyi_w_EEKqwbksc6BvCiMN7m90FoloCBDpf8fWHMNVewr8vu2j9XgYOWHeLEszRC09NbUjhBrwXqAB/s1600/IMG_9046.JPG)
Taken from 2nd edition WHFB:
ORCS
Orcs are powerful warriors, far tougher than any other goblinoid race. They are repulsive monsters who love to inflict pain, cruelty and death on other living creatures. Orcs are always fighting, if they cannot find enemies to fight they will fight each other. All of Orc technology and culture is geared towards conflict. They are dangerous individual foes, but lack the organisation or motivation to present any real long term threat to humanity. Orcs speak the common Goblin tongue, usually about four octaves lower than any Goblin.
Physique.
Orcs are the largest of the goblinoid races, and can often reach almost 7'. They are powerfully built, with crooked legs and a shambling, ape-like gait. Their arms are long, so that their huge hands almost reach to the ground. An Orc's head is far from appealing; their faces are brutal with huge teeth and jaws, their small piggy eyes peer from underneath ugly, overhanging bony ridges. Skin is often greenish, or a dark ali ve brown and is covered in warts, scars, dirt and snot.
World Distribution.
Orcs are most common in the barren Dark Lands, where goblinoids are the dominant species. They live in communities with other goblinoid types, often as leaders or chieftains. A few wandering tribes inhabit the Northern Steppes, whilst there are countless Orcish underground strongholds in the Worlds Edge Mountains and the Mountains of Mourn. Orcs are not common in the lands of Cathay or in the Southlands, where Hobgoblins are more prolific.
Alignment. Evil.
Base Size. 25 x 25mm.
Special Rules. Subject to animosity against other goblinoids. Orcs can act as leaders of other goblinoid regiments.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6bomTb_IkdXON4hoXs6LLzG8h1M3GFcgi91PppZECuWdyaj8zzbtnp2dOY--1HKbBmlEcTyabzDA5mWsA-fujkhS447nPLe03BHNORNNkdBB_8dFxcSOqOLetUdNMhi3jz2DIuWaxsEhyoxuyr8E5AwE1nVCDf55yjgiPyU609_Or4es5RlJOR3Q/s1600/IMG_9047.JPG)
An address to the golden door
I was strumming on a stone again
Pulling teeth from the pimps of gore
When hatched a tragic opera in my mind
And it told of a new design in which every soul is duty bound
To uphold all the statutes of boredom
Therein lies the fatal flaw of the red age
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FqjwouGyW2DgtSHLntxkz7D9YtayPms44HWLcnnHhrJdSDFfrqs-s3eb2wG65WhdK2BW4gkvOZmifQfXMvsFO2GJF-0sZaUnLypZOpc7JJ1EfQutM57pHckcLt25FhTdYhPB61LoK1GDtLc_Gy4oX8GeVi0SBiMEzQkL4MbiJvsnOEiJMwI1tklT/s1600/IMG_9048.JPG)
So we burned all our uniforms
And let nature take its course again
And the big ones just eat all the little ones
That sends us back to the drawing board
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AVK4ichabO6r--m1nEjsbEHOOj0jdHi1aqmovjsWCo5V_qwyvaWP3f-NF7gTh1fXTVKBs38XOwNv6PPeeG6cUKtyVXUxhdfe7fzlreAjS4HprKyvVVLDlPPd-WMEETDFchpOXsZLLoVlDRSWCM71wItjB0exLXWQjjoxRqR0Si3ENrPR82lmGJJw/s1600/IMG_9049.JPG)
We've got rules and maps and guns in our backs
But we still can't just behave ourselves
Even if to save our own lives
So says I
We are a brutal kind, whoa
~~~
Ok, The Shins make it to the blog and its for an Orc post of all things! What has this world come to? Still I defend it. The song is about the cyclical nature of rule. And the brutal nature of man....? Pardon me while I guffaw! Humies got nuffin' on us Orcs!
Nuff said!
Cheers,
Mar
Next post: Quit Monkeying Around!
-
crikey, been missing some entertaining posts here. Love the mash-up overall.
I likes Teal Orcs. and the history lesson. And the bugbears, bits an' all.
Not going to get into your Rings of Power spiel. Doubt I'll watch it, but if it gets up the noses of folks that put Tolkien and 'canon' in the same sentence that's fine by me. Gotta be doing something right ;)
But above all, among your song lyrics you manage to include Men at Work ... priceless. Had just inadvertently listened to that the other day, courtesy of other half's 'now that's what I call music' 80s collection!
oh, and I guess stating the obvious all things considered, but 'Orcs aint got nothing on us humies' would indeed seem reasonable.
** belated edit: I did watch it (just finished the other night). The Rings of Power that is.
On its own terms: absolutely superb.
Couldn't fault the visuals (outstanding), story or acting / pacing.
Ironically, despite all the colour-blind casting, I suspect that ultimately the production isn't going to be able to transcend Tolkien's dodgey world-view. I mean, how could they really. It runs too deep.
-
This thread is a gem I just found.
I love the Mythos stuff and crass bugbears in particular.
-
@ Gallahad, Thanks buddy! If my thread is a gem, I hope its an Arkenstone!
@ Bloggard, Might have to agree with ya that "canonical purists getting their panties in a bunch" just might be the only positive. If only Rings was actually entertaining... I cant even "hate watch" it. My only feeling is indifference. Also, Im proud to say I stand by my 80's song lyrics and might have to up the ante and start using my worst guilty pleasure... 70s yacht rock! :p
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/09/army-of-12-monkeys.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/09/army-of-12-monkeys.html)
Army of the 12 Monkeys
James Cole : I'm here about some monkeys.
Jeffrey Goines : Monkeys?
James Cole : Monkeys. Yes. Twelve of them.
Got this dance that's more than real
Drink Brass Monkey, here's how you feel
You put your left leg down
Your right leg up
Tilt your head back, let's finish the cup
MCA with the bottle, D rocks the can
Ad-Rock gets nice with Charlie Chan
We're offered Moët
We don't mind Chivas
Wherever we go, we bring Monkey with us
The Army of the 12 Monkeys have brachiated their way into this post. Well some of them at least. Have we have had monkeys and apes on this blog before..? Oh yeah, an army of monkeys made their first appearance with the very first episode of the "Tales from the Beer Cart" campaign from way back when. (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/tales-from-beer-cart-part-1-lost-in.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/08/tales-from-beer-cart-part-1-lost-in.html)) Well, here they are again!
Here we come, walkin' down the street
We get the funniest looks from every one we meet
Hey, hey, we're the Monkees and people say we monkey around
But we're too busy singing to put anybody down
What are their objectives? Or do they even have any? (Perhaps they want revenge against Kyra the Banshee for their defeat in Ost-In-Edhil) They have marked their graffiti symbols over mass transit stations from Gondor to Arnor. Nowhere is sacred to these hooligans. The White Tower of Gondor has sent a proclamation "Stop your Monkeying around! Anyone caught vandalizing public property will be sentenced to hard labor in the Gulags of the Ered Lithui or be Suicide Squad-ed into the Moria Reclamation Project!"
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQppo1-AABmErYuA8PSdSv3EY6VG0gO3yVXV3EijUweoeA1LTOsCEy86C1AD0HnSZLfAisxPgY154Z2ciFNpCcrH7yw44Voqbg-ghJlYLznngqCU1sCv99IcGFzXev8GP0Nn6buW_M7zzX9MWENhSsfJQjL7eFpkzGw4q-hMzymG1UORTlyqo46h3l/s1600/IMG_9050.JPG)
These figures are sculpted by Gary Hunt and available through Zombiesmith. The number 12 in the Army of the 12 Monkeys is the number of factions in the army. This first part is called the Mandrill Guard. Guess I have to find 11 other types of primates in 28mm... What have I got myself into?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCZ-Tez6FAdyz49ziqf6Zi5s6zIknRb9wsA1SpdyXedK4MmYYVucQ8ipoqnVsi8pKlV2hHjx5oqbcQKZiXIEsVPtJaDxGUfZaEeL6TeDHiP9seKb_y6i1zzYMiHospguTUuSmdK_VH2zbRvEfrDHFNMiVTzJ6kCzBhaIYE6kFMu3w6HF_yJf3H-gC/s1600/IMG_9051.JPG)
Here is Captain Mongo, the leader of the Mandrill Guard. He rides a pretty cool beastie of some sort. It gallops on all fours, and has some horn tusks.
Captain Mongo: Mongo only pawn in game of life...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd9sg4GuZ_FBUGUuC2L1x_SkJABA4ZWktOo6hqMO2pRrau5c4EmJXXI06_-_dlI_35ZEqH_Np7VFxLquq-Vf6bT54alu9l1kIF8mFegeftXMdQmjBv1iQiBYvU6xwJY5umWsSiNZSiCMmgDbhZ7rY35xV-ob5K6hJHiG_k1NF7O17Eznchsb2ovbm/s1600/IMG_9052.JPG)
The beastie does have muscular arm/legs. So, I guess its a primate. Whatever it is, I will say that like the rest of the 12 Monkeys it will probably have a trait that disregards movements penalties in wooded terrain.
Pathfinder, Trait: This model can move through difficult terrain with no penalties.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJv2_Sauq0NY8c0Pwy2Gquy6wdJuuMwgMSqHnW0obH88CoGMBhN2IOewizWGJ1qvOIvlN3ADJUqxE4flSjiKyLDcJAlgHVFZ7EVvKRNTuhT2646zKf_qHVP9CukT1KcGCLZeYQLC1-IlDgo4fWyF65c-QEkdvTbtjry-Pe5MP5ZZ00PZSYSnXUQc6/s1600/IMG_9054.JPG)
They are beautiful sculpts in my opinion. Very dynamic poses and very artfully done.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmvtK-5UEd6cQA5WlngS6_W_A3vOhLosFzR1rXJw0zTuDOgQRpKhJADKz51qaaFzo9RdalQzq65RiHH8zVnYfuKhgJWfTluwBJQbrt8bco-mggC3o-2UlWQ14S3a4_LiqQujaxcsAWQVyKab0TP76j1Cb8D-71gYamORQWaaepTHjeFRDvqPh0I78/s1600/IMG_9055.JPG)
The Mandrills might be gentle and shy in times of peace but when the warhorns sound... Its on like Donkey Kong!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLZiOb2X7fwQRJbo-d_GrEstNI6diXdDQTQ6uUvl_Jm4K18Mu77ScveGvDAY7-_5ZgeYjd95xzEgFcd1jNuf93QDxOoctkFXcCkW7AQomsvlPCjMJKGDTVGXRkpy7Ncj6_JIUA39-V9OHlE6L7Wd-TooEGXNeSiADIzUCJXVFujzkx2Jn_0aGgkHR/s1600/IMG_9058.JPG)
The Mandrills have made it to their destination.
Captain Mongo bows before Azrogorgon. Mongo looks up at Azro like a Space Marine would look up to a Primarch. With deference and possibly some bromance.
Captain Mongo: Lord Azrogorgon, the Mandrill Guard have arrived and are at your command!
Lord Azrogorgon: My first command is to....
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPlbs_uxp4g25tmvNeo906t1wKDearSfh0CyVW9hNJJ2gp7QaNIw9h5syMsulOGbaR2UqeQ76Jisa4cY2L0X17drZyhyWnblwU7f6D6yjhcsikj4UNBSeY_3s4HcUZGujtAaT5jpc9sHa7BrjCkZPdaoiiZEBiH6E5CN4JDrXa5X-LkYVdbyVrFLd/s1600/IMG_9059.JPG)
Lord Azrogorgon: ...get down with the boogie!
Mandrill Guard: Jungle Boogie!
Lord Azrogorgon: Get down, get down...
Mandrill Guard: Jungle Boogie!
Lord Azrogorgon: Get up with the get down!
~~~
So what primates will show up next? Gorilla Grodd or Mojo Jojo? Mighty Joe Young or Kong? Im voting for Clyde!
Right turn , Clyde.
Real Next Post: Uncommon Valor!
-
Very unique figures. cool
-
Great to see the monkeys making a comeback in Middle Earth!
Reading your (several) remarks on how orks do fight among themselves, I can only prepare for an ork civil war, I'm thinking.. That must end up truly bloody, I figure..
Oh, and I'm very familiar with all references you manage to tie into your epos, But still I never expected The gods must be crazy in this patchwork history.. call me surprised! lol
-
@Lordodo,
Orc civil war, eh? Sure why not!
When it ends, there will be at a summit at the Appomattorcs Court House.
As for my references, I have to hold back and not make them too odd. I try not to use any Herman Hesse novel references. Otherwise Siddharta would have been one of the delegates of the House of Red Dragons. And Goldmund and Narcissus as Priests of Sigmar. Movies... personally I think some "Merchant Ivory" film references would be hilarious, but would anyone else? (Wait Anais the Elf, is Anais Nin, which made me laugh when my buddy thought of Henry and June, Henry was played by Fred Ward. And Anais was played by Bruce Willis' girl in Pulp Fiction thats not a motorcycle, babe, thats a chopper.)
Though I might use a Wuthering Heights scenario. :p
Here is Kyra the Banshee's secret origin story. Lol. Its so silly.
Imagine if you will...
Wuthering Hill, south east of Bree
Sir Heathcliff was once a stable boy who was teased for being a dirty street urchin. So, he went to the the New World and found enough Lustrian treasures to become one of the snobby elite that he once despised.
Katerina the Banshee: A cold wind went across my heart. A feeling of doom. Ive come home, Im so cold. Let me in your window!
Sir Heathcliff: The moors and I will never change. Haunt me, then! Take any form and drive me mad, only do not leave me in the dark where I cannot find you.
Out on the wily, windy moors
We'd roll and fall in green
You had a temper like my jealousy
Too hot, too greedy
How could you leave me
When I needed to possess you?
I hated you, I loved you, too
Bad dreams in the night
They told me I was going to lose the fight
Leave behind my wuthering, wuthering
Wuthering Heights
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy
I've come home, I'm so cold
Let me in your window
Kate Bush is famous again because of Stranger Things. So maybe Wuthering Heights is too?
-
I can totally get behind Kate Bush = Kyra the Banshee, even if it's just because she recorded several songs at De Efteling (a theme park overhere in the Netherlands) around the Haunted house, see video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRgiOclY-H4
-
@LordOdo,
I had seen those versions of the videos for Moving and Wuthering Heights before. I thought they were for her concerts in the UK, didnt know they were a theme park. I watched some other videos of the Efteling park. Im a big fan of Brian Froud and 80s fantasy movies. That place looks like walking into that world. Thanks for that.
-
@ Bloggard, Might have to agree with ya that "canonical purists getting their panties in a bunch" just might be the only positive. If only Rings was actually entertaining... I cant even "hate watch" it. My only feeling is indifference. Also, Im proud to say I stand by my 80's song lyrics and might have to up the ante and start using my worst guilty pleasure... 70s yacht rock! :p
hey Mars - fair enough. I've just edited my original post - having watched it, I found it thoroughly enjoyable and compelling.
-
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-battle-of-knackerton-prison-camp.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-battle-of-knackerton-prison-camp.html)
The Battle of Knackerton Prison Camp, Part 1
Welcome to the Battle of Knackerton Prison Camp AAR!
First post of the new year. And its long overdue. The actual game took place sometime before Christmas and is only now seeing the blog.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIgbz7qBmKaKLu0gXpxwHn-dDXXy4WJtsz6PkU91ThVzjHHO3BgL1Ea0w7YitypehMY3kPJM4u7NTe3J3tP3AIhodF8rAUhPP90tJUjpoOitztj_aH1U1cyQc5MCNhc68z4ZYKcc--v9Km_CJ0LxomwLRJxjcclO1E7Tw8HvLOkxSeJxm2IfEt_g7/s1600/IMG_9106.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZGiBILOM4CEcfav2Ba6iRONZRXoSzoxsO3oSqSq2z2-okqDGvHt1cQP_vsov3MXZz4SF2bJ_MImfO-BhulRjAWwrZ841zTq30FpSe-EZ4kAwwR97EgFwfROxHae5N4pRm6QmuzjqeD-rs_dEQ-oK0xzMxW8FxI6Z95PdmQ8z2kv5rMSLqebGq1by/s1600/IMG_9114.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhS-8HTyZtbzR6SDJ_vSY_0ent0XHigqXLYiXBZlZbRU_W0cmAblq5F-tVc7fam5ocP67TtCpeZIM9iiVBadQs-PmhLC_CDgMTHyIM2mb214zuybe3NwLaueXO_IlyNwxxMII0SXXdD8aKZx455xDLBvc4Ad4pOmE9wGpyHpyyie677t8j69VUD6O/s1600/IMG_9130.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2k0s5vQMoQCdmpyOLM4VeZJq1z8KTQsJCTroHVGcOEhpUlHqHKpv9l5nBWYoCOy9xuTLV-JWzWkvX7E_d4t0fIu2B3VSi9iZOk_cyZjaVis8AYPtZ6uhGYn4zAph-jNIoECRwPyfaq4JdkST47C_HNBC_4IyiwXQbW8szOGJkNAvOTaeru-2PMVe/s1600/IMG_9135.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPpibNP21IMwCLFfiSrYbIedKh_oB9vHrplSpGlxeNknjLgglvwrDYV1-19yfxMTynn9LZIHpVu4y2a7xdyZMv3U07p_22BefIcK_yOvudk0xtjSqMdUlWjud5WntBTpr1QEt48nnhhnZePQpq8E8q0M39FbXvbJ9WYBHUVWtPeBcE1sPyS8fxoMp/s1600/IMG_9139a.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_wet2K47yAourErZjky59VmRRigIcqsvMGB6Tf8VOHt-jBj1juaFv5zhcGwbsxxNjWC1GkCNbdZ-7v09s5zO4ytKDdF35MpDSTEfLBxMOC5iVZRdJmcHthO69CBc5fl4RPfeaoASem7eg7nnhfsmNGxb5JvNynWBUIsS4MMPyr2241CWfqIpHWac/s1600/IMG_9140.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6kfFbNFu-EJW7W9Oxsz6SyOHNoLbhN8lJVTosvnwNj_H5wOSUeC96WBaWSY0Ma2eo7WeGiY9jUYb0Z0v8CxsPWRIUtg9DyYgRkURNLJBOB6ymoKUGw7Nddcv6djvHNX1qvhDIvem6WxMS1GT87lypNc30ztgY9PIfJmmKUxfUgkJwuoX_TEh3b7a/s1600/IMG_9146.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAwXmuTA4-XpaqUnbDN7sH0RGY0Py758K90Qez4xYBBmj_D8HUiF4x03fhSdGQ35R7y3TfiQ6uR8BjgXReNW9OqqM-9sMaV0EjtBGEeqvDJCKa0EVD4Loi2VhcgNKIT1SgwdBIwWmT2gO6FWXHx94jjyNOcSOnQJrzdE_AO2yDvGwL3hT_MKVuZpT/s1600/IMG_9151.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVLZ3Y6zG6dOOFedzIjZLR7y1_WBkpDrjTVN1kUDS-Lzfj58FzrbfXfJM3EuK2ntVwbCvma2JhODUV4Om1MkSFpdu23YnoUxt5H-Ab8XGUx4vffGO62GyYuIhDQVT3lPEklVFo12ShepKAKYZhMIUBNtvpbuO-Zg5rjbF2n-BeIJln4xUmGjBQxZu/s1600/IMG_9153.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1-M7nESZ1GpjTVihDVtlZ3uhM8XRbro8NeAeDC_qDNAKY7HcThPLgRb5i54UMXhpXEhGYnThVKKwtGDOT8Ch5sqhSam29T19vWvIoVLdcqVrtQknLna3d45lqMDBx38pTZBB8oEULdXBEV1L-XAjzu9CzwOtDqsKfK5oHgLX4sch0NyIrB9USDEB/s1600/IMG_9163.JPG)
All 3 parts of the AAR are up on the blog.
Cheers,
Mar
-
That’s a very cool assortment of figures! Very diverse, yet it all looks very ‘right’.
-
@Pattus Magnus,
Well you know what they say about our greatest strength... "diversity of miniatures manufacturers". :)
And as for it looking right, I try to keep all humans at the 28mm "realistic" proportions, so Dark Sword / Perry / Westfalia, etc...
But as for monsters, anything goes that interests me.
@Bloggard,
Glad you enjoyed it, someone should. I'd hate to think they spent all that money for no one to enjoy it.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Zoltar the Enchanter?
Are there some who call him ...
Tim?
-
@ Desert Scribe
Its true that he can summon up fire without flint or tinder and knows much that is hidden.
And indeed he also knows the last words of Ulfin Bedwetre of Rheged! Carved upon the living rock, mind you.
But Tim is actually Zoltar's father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate. Possibly twice removed. Hard to tell with all these "moving backwards in time" wizards.
-
Great story once again!
Sad to see Rattlebones go, but if that means there will be new heroes joining soon, I'm easy to forget!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-battle-of-carn-vorn-part-1.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-battle-of-carn-vorn-part-1.html)
The Battle of Carn Vorn, Part 1
Hiya buddies, here is a battle report that took place earlier this year in February(?). Better late than even later, eh?
With the recent disaster in Moria, the Cthulhic Invasion of Middle Earth had begun. (see Battle of Hollin Gate here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-battle-of-hollin-gate-part-1.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-battle-of-hollin-gate-part-1.html)) Mortimer the Brown's team took a beating and are recuperating and busily preparing the defenses of Rohan. So it is up to his fellow Istari Wizard, Balthazar the Blue to step up and investigate rumors of cultist activity in the forests of Carn Vorn. The last thing the nations of the West need are local sources of belligerents that the tentacled invaders can conscript from. Better to nip these pesky cultists before they become active insurgents...
The White Tower has sent the newest adventuring team to the forest of Carn Vorn in Minhiriath to investigate the disappearance of woodcutters in the area. Is it environmental cultists (terrorists) protesting against Rohan's unsatiated need for more and more natural resources? As the heroes enter the heart of the forest, they realize they are being hunted by forces unknown. Balthazar the Blue, leader of the expedition, decides to create a trap for the "predators". Who is the hunter and who the hunted?
The heroes: "There's something out there and it aint no man. I want a defensive position on this ridge, trapped with everything you got."
The villains: "You too can stop forest genocides!"
All 3 parts of the AAR are up on the blog and here are some pics...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MDEnFMtRtp4NWADzzTVhro1tNk3IKLLidOuMlsufthsjHTWs95yykDDxydAPh7Lv4PNg3mQqvxZjHB83QNlVmBPYvXOw2V0svk0tVGILBkKa2-AlVKB5gXPpd19ixBwpCQFO7Sma0rxG2XFMIWk4V3bKqJhY5LhQQFjeKlJl3ytN8RgM9D0NGjIx/s4608/IMG_9208.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWT96WFJnvaAOEwcATY66RHg4in-lj9EMD3lpDj2sRQxjxW6nlqLvCsOJJ4vvCZWf2ZdTrFV3_OdWFyxnp52DskhISu5IbLqAkYd8cGqwQLpfYzCc0tlcVnokQ-dxpg7JZDakUYJQgS_BGhCo4FWc8_Nev-_HYJ8GFb_CaLoBTF_HyRUvxNyA3gAwu/s4608/IMG_9216.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aDackvdEj4w8Sexbkz-1Lken5CbXGQNUBsE2wx620WkvJRJzOeXvPg0_WZ2yriqcwKMCZWk8oaDuugTjZKn1GKPzFLioyLzBon5nzcQ7uTNobmBuCTmNqP9MacPeB3TTr45-u6Y8wCgXw540qgjUwVI0RY0M40WOxAlhuMGKGBw8SVhL9w4w6rbf/s4608/IMG_9223.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgyKH7mAwqG0cYVXe9Q3ul2v-QfTz3nCR-vCDuT5bpZQGDHids5cgZZifdNtT926-VVPQkeqbLgV6Ycb7V3Nl0yDHkd2z9vxoTRBSppuRsw21jsrfqk39TVSRqNhQkKOx1OgB5BqfQ7pbnrV2kpw8KJBwXQI6dJ7J5_XyEQhb4YRtCUiI-8AP1ftt/s4608/IMG_9228.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAy99g-m4gbqK_vmQuWoygUJ2a75DO5ey56FGvChnegfVkgu0MROyDxe3NG1wW7C299SN03X10UyGwYQMnbdxvb-u9f5dFsou_met9jyzA4yTfzBFojGTpCTRzNjyreP3qzJwrz3NuqVlYcNbJobaBlluhZ-X01AoUb8OhSjiQvfgmQi5-HrTYVV_/s4608/IMG_9229.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6dX1ldrNnpdi_jtAeXVwQBSDKPIcy2UPu28jmdmkez06cfo5cUPVRAaFC9RGvYOq84jPP6VqM1UmHf-s6R3SWbllFx6lGkgW1nksrwb0wy95-oceSYpE72vUOnoKkrbMXrSj6ttkdXtxA2E9DdozLijQ2R0Bo0Lc3cnz7tsClDO2kK26pT9a_oSU/s4608/IMG_9232.JPG)
For all 3 parts of the AAR: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-battle-of-carn-vorn-part-1.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-battle-of-carn-vorn-part-1.html)
-
Seems like it was a great battle!
-
Glad to see more epic action from you, Mar! You've inspired a lot of gamers!
-
From blog post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/06/big-summer-rock-hula-luau-painting.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/06/big-summer-rock-hula-luau-painting.html)
Big Summer Rock-A-Hula-Luau Painting Update Extravaganza
Summertime, and the livin's easy
Months of struggling to get some painting and blogging done has finally reached a breaking point. The past week or two, Ive been painting like there is no tomorrow. And here is a big paint update - of things I painted that wasnt a commission for someone else. More heroes, more villains. Lots of cuddly monsters looking for a good boop to the snoot.
Onwards to the pics...
*See blog for more pics and words and fluff*
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX7gkjKZrIDUF1BP0WinOLTeb70NQALUMTX1GwoVvyrCfuexkXlh-HLdp6srfloZRQXAZalq2eQpjXWirCdBqZBCprthc2DSNjf3K7WDuPkyvHzWOSa9owKzklpCI9CQRACSn7pZ_6Ljw0Hq8CXmafEoa7TrA3HPM0Im4JbhQpk21bk7TjN_KzHCyUbo/s4608/IMG_9276.JPG)
Left to Right: Bulldog the Barbarian, Verbal the Archer
Two new heroes are looking for trouble in Middle Earth. Bulldog is the bruiser and Verbal is the sniper. Villains, beware. Make no mistake. It’s not revenge they're after. It’s a reckoning.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDpxJDXV86XJ2qWgE3lzj7UqeB96atQ7mDCKwBJbJQOcTVc7zhXWxLZ96XobjS2fHMlExxYYrSMUE9xO1uXFhDHuSkw7eFw593MlQ9wZ4qCyyA7WNeoGueqn_wihW3o4owifS211_FISZfLHa2_cl1s7cWll_q9dh6EzqCUgtg3sF-9onOM1Y2aXt9TQ/s4608/IMG_9287.JPG)
Left to Right: Assassin #1, Master Takeshi, Assassin #2
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp2qcKa2ZIAa7jJiXkWwCnC-BJeF-u53FLfGPUnRLNp41Lxr-HBNWj6zdukxsjjUqzo2T6IFIHyyjBuuwEB-3VpAQ5q6u3HHHETVZBEeE-0bfzKECyyMduDrIt2NBnvbMq-QbnlQb-4jvu-iErj-1ijD0SCWAnZl4CPavhCSeHiuRx7FAB_RYpYyG6nw/s4608/IMG_9292.JPG)
I think his Indian name is "Two Swords One Claw". Or it could be his rap name. Wu Tang, dont go against the grain if you cant handle it.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpx7Tj1OarQPUfeJ6WZs-AXGZ8uREj76r_DU25-r3VVqRhTJGpCOMBbAdeIIr5f4aSaNeBZ9AF85uiXcZgA9HRvdDOfLOCLN514sKhSeo6dfH2pZcxJElTPSZBMfwBi9It_k3TXOl1HSsfcSIkzurlwQGcHNgoRQITve1xP_gc6Lu4U4oq3vXrghY7Nw/s4608/IMG_9300.JPG)
The Death Angel is ultra-violence personified.
So let it be written
So let it be done
To kill the first born Pharaoh son
I'm creeping death
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPjFHDHai2tXxkYUs8gfgK_6tVlybGtb_hT6nt-6VkKexx-RxKX5WrBbr-glor2vn6FIOxV9fZ8-u4jjVtMH1FM-VzucJGFx9D371ouSinVNyzZyY6wxww8cu_ShtPrSTajfKCPSzG4aXQ2dh6IHw_4U5VZpWrGdo0DgMbvXyIik3Ese8nTdJYoL2MJQ/s4608/IMG_9305.JPG)
Wyverns are misunderstood creatures they are. People run in fear from them but really all a Wyvern wants is a good belly rub.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcItlZF6FYa5YLQt8Yz6MWN2l_Br8s0Uv0w3SgtQQCmT6puKy2PnfU1_XCSJ7N9sTj6W7qTbwszy1ld2PKhhJvHbXozmbagG5BT0Kv7kXH-1gv-4oWruHouY_bqt-4QuVx3XUlbrAygHP1xnyIQNhoSUVAZCKgO6ZzjAVWb_eLOH0LyMcOg6iCYrkmYI/s4608/IMG_9307.JPG)
And here we have a Nightmare and a Tzeentch-ian Lord of Change.
Yup, its a winged horse thats on fire. And a Skeksis.
When single shines the triple sun, what was sundered and undone, shall be whole, the two made one, by Gelfling hand, or else by none...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc7RqHsNt0bVlv895XKY1409_5IgVKG5yv6GNuDZYL6wKLmExv-Jf7AWIRjv297InlOztvHgmob60CGFyzUutSBqiwA2j2N-aRP1IuLmlKwCyevEeN_qWcSbN0J17vxFjs3_2MAOjpvqH0CB4n0W5NdcE2p0dy4KLB1bEL2IhWsbc2NX905mQ3wJDFaQ/s4608/IMG_9309.JPG)
A Night Hag and a Marilith
Dont tell her shes hideous! Hell hath no fury like a Night Hag scorned. Marilith is a hottie and she knows it. She sure has a lot of flair - bangles and doodads and whatnot.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiruCtiCd772wXFOZcCntwCQjvUmnkD8xg1NySLjuxeD2BSLg24oS7G6Sh5lRFpsoNcNr3ZXZVMqKft5TQsZVjt2znItwfFAgYWjvFnJ-oh2jnLYYMPuS91X0qX_s0IdHHLPaDcslK21db2jA0l50-M3MNzDtmyd2gk_3T1lN0aXN1s2jmTtLA1llSkBY/s4608/IMG_9311.JPG)
A Swamp Dragon and a Manticore.
Manticore extends his paw in friendship but Swamp Dragon leaves him hanging. Thats cold, buddy. Amity means friendship!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmAKegijkvoSn7x0H5TLk4YRnZHbRRIAmmmSaEzDhMeVnmhXobcl09hZbJ_bc3vEn2YKeMrk9o1Xa03egP8z2PhfgDjTxWsBQ0Xs1R-xgUS3kbwB9s-OSogwS2x2NFacF7U-q-7bDQg7bzq3J7T1eFD6hR6LiCFNMMMjQ1Lp1xSJds_ZdOgvSy2yyjGc/s4608/IMG_9312.JPG)
Displacer Cat and a Peryton.
A big cat with tentacles sprouting from its back. And a deer with wings and talons. What strange god or mad wizard created these strange critters? Well, I am happy they exist. Bio-diversity is our greatest strength!
~~~
So there you have it. Lots of new figures to play with. And in a few days another post with.... yet more painted figures! I told you the dam has burst and a deluge of painted goodness is sweeping the blog. And a battle will be played out over the weekend with some earth shaking consequences (Middle Earth shaking, well on my blog at least). Stay tuned, true believers!
Cheers,
Mar
*See blog for more pics and words and fluff*
-
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/muskets-over-moria.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/muskets-over-moria.html)
Muskets Over Moria
Here in the 5th Age of Middle Earth, the old King Elessar (Aragorn) sits unmoving upon his Golden Throne in Minas Tirith. He hasnt spoken or responded for hundreds of years. Some say he is a living corpse-god. His mind, if it still exists, has shattered into a million fragments, some say. The priests proclaim in public that he still lives and is in the deepest of meditation. All of his will - focused on seeking out the Golden Path - the best greatest destiny for men, elves, and hobbits too! In the Chamber of the White Tower, the Illuminati - a council of wizards and generals formulate their plans and keep the Empire of Gondor functioning. It is by their command that heroes and armies are sent on missions around Middle Earth. Today, they have been called into an emergency council meeting. The fires of the Beacon Hills have been lit! Rohan calls for aid! This happened before, in another age, when it was Gondor who lit them to call for Rohan's aid. As they argue about what should be done, a powerful psychic command is heard sponataneously in everyone's mind. Not just in the chamber, but in the entire city! King Elessar sits unmoving upon his throne, but his mind has spoken and it says, "ROHAN CALLS FOR AID... AND GONDOR WILL ANSWER!"
Everywhere in the city, the people cry out, "King Aragorn lives! The King has spoken! We will ride forth in the name of this quest!"
~~~
Rohan is being invaded by Mythos creatures under the command of Nyarlathotep. So the industries of Gondor have been placed on wartime alert and this post shows what reinforcements have been made to the armies of the West...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uGCGdj4dhwDcU-EYvs4FeQIhUPLWdG11am2K5p3ddDRtRT0eJscoTs2PMNOzDFS98ndpacLZQQv5qX4QwUNOintDaMJ2j6gb8G_thd5wdyVnpVDe19HnWRYfJxXQ5jexGvofVyAyzLUq4bxCbSQ_I_jHLsoFyqxRUwrN-oHbpxH3xKf-YwSmCQRvSFc/s4608/IMG_9416.JPG)
The latest technological innovations are ready to be used in warfare. Blackpowder weapons have been manufactured in the forges of Nuln and troopers from Altdorf to Kings Landing, from Baldurs Gate to Belfalas have been trained in their use. Behold, the Imperial Guard Handgunners.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJI4sS7cLaxjudalXEUEI2H_hCRXtRiBW4dBHWMBWVaBdES-rzV0UTgIZO0c3-eZDldCInGFdR7cIwV8DuUiqP_Padd862Kcj2hN0cxg7XfkO9WLROAwFC0PyE06dszjbAg-TE2Rf4FI9n_YdtBKZ3Mce8NPpfXwzzWpWK7Kz6-OwfRm4HTseWlP7bZI/s4608/IMG_9417.JPG)
Their uniforms are stained with the colour of soot and the odour of phosphor. A mysterious fraternity born out of smoke and danger of death.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZcHWlRspxcQYmNItFW0rwe4q9vcnkO3wz6O1c7btQqw-rHh3W14L5zERq2cQlefJjlTVJvYBkhYy4GTz0mYYezSCypg6wlpW_2fX9j0UtzFQJDaZxwvoU3xaRDIWBYE9F7NBiGPeMvycmbTQiLLdkZ9f-4xU5wU1uOJrwWWQAIKZCaZdidi0Rdlm0u8/s4608/IMG_9420.JPG)
And here we have The Imperial Guard Dragoons! Mounted on their steeds (Slaaneshi steeds? Shhh.... dont tell the Inquisitors. These steeds have been broken in and are no longer in the service of those Dark Gods!)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOWVic9bCvgmaUFSIE2tVW7YCQwgJwdwyf0J1mfVMtXIS4UinlBPKOPFwwPmJYdD-xP4Em-KUFheg8zh3WVYE8dHgIwxJo6hKZmmsLZ4VJ_6Xpm8nSnkpXn9wa2JRtc5RcPC2q7304epOgDMQ7oq29h0jw7f_Us3NfyW94SlP8UAGIetvV4Wm-MNgnlo/s4608/IMG_9424.JPG)
Here we have a mounted commander leading his fusiliers with gusto.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXS_-WRTfumtKUP9nP5t39TCy_-5ONjlCXCoWZ5kroPDlx4xzYNACLJRnOfa5mBU2rGkHhWa41eDYo5BkOl5YshLFEnuagTgMSvK5-pMNeDLGepNWV0MIP7TB9v33vR2CfVau5_3b7E-hDX8yKXzvPGoXbo8UogA-KkEL75389eT4Y03Lo-BFLvEWgm4/s4608/IMG_9426.JPG)
And here is another new cavalry type from the city of Dol Amroth in Belfalas.
Are those... meat-eating... uh, meatasauruses? They show extreme intelligence, even problem-solving intelligence. Life always finds a way!
A Raptor Rider. Everything is better with dinos, right? The Valar create dinosaurs. The Valar destroy dinosaurs. The Valar creates man. Man destroys the Valar. Man creates dinosaurs. Dinosaurs eat man. Woman inherits Middle Earth!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitu_gawrQOcRdRhXSxiWzfOundGn8WTY-p1M0kHc-wxXKs-KepSlzEVqya5oqQNaycEn8v4mZisQ2sLDpuoVTgAPragiXoO_SFVYNb_9Bsb9tl8CDUlGk5wSgw7b2FBiZnKa4LEQ4-NXgK_Nxo__Vowf7aP7IRyMvrJ9doSfyLyD-8shiHZZu_2RIICfM/s4608/IMG_9427.JPG)
And here he is leading his troop of spearmen - the Myrmidon Guard of Dol Amroth. Prepare for hedgehog formation! Hoo-ah!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aGjq0d0EKGAip7kvelG4LFGwu1LskixC_-jON2S8BARKUIZMkU6OnXH6dQUnQm9JIi-zkSdLsU-xSdIx_KQHimD3wk43nhFxMWUNEiosvg3I_UbgQEQwkuvdCwmXB1P-hXFLihPwiSsTq7K6PjzrGrTvqisKeZVIeCjXrzeZxQuJhZW4MWZ-MFJdpPE/s4608/IMG_9430.JPG)
So the Age of Pike and Shotte has come to the Moria Reclamation Project.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsZhtK7TrcaKXCb_PBSuLYVWVMhu0cBWPdpS_vPW6-vOqBfmuKY9RNgQgCD1oeypzIy1PVnnHrXKOw0qOnm-mE2ji-wAqTpRoaAIs1y6WOgAdfOsGqQEmJImhCJOCMFOIyoBdHMTCcFK0Hv1NKI6Bmw50OU5bwfnbyij5dnH-Od3N-tA0hug6T5JuzyQ/s4608/IMG_9433.JPG)
And just in time! The forces of Nyarlathotep the Crawling Chaos has spilled into the world from within the depths of Moria. Rohan is bearing the brunt of the invasion so far - its defenses are holding at Isenford for the moment. While Gondor's armies move to help secure Rohan defenses, the White Tower also sees an opportunity for a smaller force to go to Moria itself and cut the head off the tentacle, so to speak!
The astromancers of the White Tower have spotted a strange beacon high atop the peaks of Khazad Dum - at the highest peaks of Zirakzigil. The White Tower has decided to send an expedition to investigate it and determine if it is a threat or perhaps... an opportunity.
This mission promises to be a great first test of Gondor's new forces. A small army is chosen and provisioned. And to lead them...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9debPSBJ-WbYcruYsmoh0BDFIc-yXCrEa-CumCxzl1IuOaAkUmo3eTF1Np8XJcRTWCZ1RwLLrBMtk2Rjf7unMJTeAQ_df3gHXHUHLajKJk19P1874Ulm8Mr6_8AvisOoe4sNAqpI10yb_9NsnOBMLRb0OsirKDo_lS3QKJrVStVZMyGMDeVGbotQz25I/s4608/IMG_9300%20(2).JPG)
Left to Right: Goldberry, Zoltar, Xanthia, Sir Solaire, Bulldog, Kano, Alpha, Verbal, Bortai, Stroika
To lead them, Goldberry and her team has been chosen for this mission...
Goldberry: Ok folks, listen up! We got a mission, and we have 2 new recruits with us...
Bulldog: We are hardly "new guys". Verbal here has killed more men than small pox. And I happen to know the Riddle of Steel...
Zoltar: Sorry buddy, rules are rules. Your still one of the new guys. No one cares about the new guys. The unwritten rule is a new guy's life isn't worth as much 'cause he hasn't put his time in yet.
Goldberry: Anyway, heres new guys and we got a new mission in.... Zirakzigil? Some place in the boonies.
Zoltar: Hmmm, my Middle Earth geography and history is spotty, but isnt this the place where Gandalf killed the Balrog about 2 ages back? Something about smiting his ruin upon the mountain and whatnot? What if the Balrog isnt really dead? Just mostly dead? And if it IS dead, how do we know it will stay dead? Do those things even die?
Goldberry: IF Gandalf killed it properly, then it must be dead. Although... I suppose there must be a reason why the White Tower sent an army with us. Some great and terrible evil awaits us there.
Verbal: I dont want to meet a Balrog sized threat on my first outing with the team. But having an army with us is a little bit comforting, no? *looking around* Do you think we brought enough people?
Cheers,
Mar
For more pics and fluff see full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/muskets-over-moria.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/muskets-over-moria.html)
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-battle-of-zirakzigil-part-1.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-battle-of-zirakzigil-part-1.html)
The Battle of Zirakzigil
All 3 parts of the AAR are up on the blog.
Here are some pics of the action.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXYZ8qRqV0Eb_cmouE7eTC7eqZ0s-4SzEA37CSdWA0x9ndPg6tf0WZUKK8zBDsztWgIdBmTTmmF8fe0nLI_wYgDmxM53WuDwAkxJvvtUdryWvCZeX5Bl0nFJPE0ghf-FFybUG_xdWidTyXOMGKBsk5HtIMzULjvgev9Ksj9B3nWSleTzEWcsQoWML_EQ/s4608/IMG_9305.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtXlxzQ13qwy81PHSoUOqagHl7xspaCE8NhYmZ0VIt3w-7YMOMoEPDOoGPaPchLpqtKEgrEdrq8QhHJq4MrmRFYXXh2mWFm0B6QTqEKle-mSXwmfECAGGZzBmOr5_CdMxsyPyKsesEuYTh9wBzwJ7xUMfQ5BoZhbk47znHgaBD-CkZr60REX4Hu7JBLo/s4608/IMG_9357.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rO6Rvz7OX_GO0GeOWp7HwEaBNP24_HbVvVyZR5P-Kd-gjz9aCQ10sVRqWi-ZsrIWgxBePlDh-4Bx2yh7RsniOe6HL50VYbrIuVK-n_WMDUWSQ0o4vdFuQT1_6VqGT3TSLk417yHCGzNo-REB471SuyzWwF51YxqTdoS2A80DBRtWPl9oNpzhHOodn-Y/s4608/IMG_9358.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC1bv4VrQyKo8AUCrrQNjeqdooBIBosd4wwxMwW7IrWTq0BO_NzIvfI0ZY5JU5ldzDyH9a5CrOOJQ6FqNMqNPvSyoGkR5Zs1tM9JIRT76uT8pJ4APenVILBMmqa3YdyFUodWJvVrBazg016iEic25mcyLaCGdmBcc4kaTIpDP0Swqt0zJ7jbK8-oJ_xw/s4608/IMG_9359.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67eVeozelsoNa7sBfbfYmUVEo0iGX4bG84LczO7PF43XK2WFR_fYplqraWqLQ3zuOvbMJ7yvWAZOS3BAGJgHWM2zp-v7MDRlVWzDWwh2tDmFPEnPhrXLojSf50JqBmkrhY7xIHe5pA_HlNE4Kh2MK7JG3GU0QKE68ZmMWjjTdlYIAyfFk4MbKoNhTin4/s4608/IMG_9363.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWomcLRbW17jts0LqovR9Y0Ku4SBClNE1n_OMmScG1PQe-eNDXwfI07CV_W1plVUvc94N0CrRaH0k07MomgV4GQ12mocqPT3mGeRQgu3hZMI26kJ9LqbVxgPBnMqdQMwVNUnhZNpnXmX020PqsRwUYdm7i0xqgLkCjvUe8FXtTp_RTB20aSIcUpOyDxY/s4608/IMG_9365.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FKayo98bNmpaG1oE7YqmVZ4yInrmDxhRl-s3393Uetgxp_d9CN6_wM2GRVhDzrgG0UST2OoyfO6x9RR8Oi2QRPCY4yBSlpKz-Nz2zPKPtwpb9dz3CtkRYmoLm6j4z8iygiykSb5AZ0xTX5hAd4bhLOvLaQJSp2-oCt6Q_DUYy9kfzNBqtvzHhHwZd5Q/s4608/IMG_9367.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbmopEQvbbCSBs95b4xupSRxW3sGkg4PIw3__ZwNtI7O594pDST9M3wU6AztlqnAUJdjsJchmYYNSRDgmkC5zee9LCJxwr2XN-nU2lLVWtg-nIQCwLZQwvUVpKbAbAMVmhy9jJJEDvrTYJQMMuwMgfiIJk98nC3YEQZJnKKMNsDKxZTKyTbti6vWDxeA/s4608/IMG_9376.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLPA2b-hB1SoBg3rGKo28ybAl0YVEBxEBgZOEZQOfCDRw1DwI6mA01ZyB-Mz8gHjzpmrlpm5dYiF6LuyWaR7GL7Kv9yGd614DQAr3m9G7WBZcgE0Ek7cRQUrl7F2dQmHaYAncFWpJFanq7KRSABsWKT0_f4PRYflkofnQuWySDUk4uW2xp4DIS75m9k8/s4608/IMG_9380.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi2jbmfTGJMzixtFTYjk4R1AthgeLIcAl4yjSMcCkDM2PHkSD7oSDe3BtJ0qRFW8FAKla7VIuagf61yR7MaS_AkgyCEbh2MUjXoTOGDoTAPpIYM-fCUu4jC-jbwhkmDns4g9VeVuE02mzjZo1y6KxoZu-2MuiTth_HMSUh8igLxNwKS1TKK3uyzeqHZU/s4608/IMG_9381.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiq29MsPgo7dD4viPTBjSx8tC2qQ0J8Q4nxguQV85EFfC9_Hft9Swbk_ilyg4KApnCi3VITewlDtUlYP8-If3ptIcEhO0fZa_Hyja6PXiOFZAAFD2vcexRj5tox97PzeJrSKNB72qV3A234T16zIYwWGEohgeEF-MvJ-r6k4pUxbZCdkAD-NAMnWNbdUs/s4608/IMG_9385.JPG)
See the blog for more pics and words.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Butters must have some Secretariat blood coursing through the veins! And perhaps some Liberty Ale mixed in with the Bugman's! Turn around, Bright Eyes! Glad to see the good guys snatch victory from the jaws of a gug!
-
Thanks buddy-pal Frau,
Im not a race horse fan and had to google that, but yes, Butters is indeed the cream of the crop, winner of the cup, and never even spilled a drop!
Also slightly beffuddled how Miss Bonnie Tyler got into my narrative, and somewhat embarrassed. But maybe Butters likes that song. ;P
In real life, I was so certain the game would be a "total" TPK and was ready to embrace certain doom.
But yet again, Mr Joe P. pulls off a nearly flawless victory - only one poor handgunner was lost in the fracas.
Cheers,
Mar
-
Great cliffhanger; as I'm both surprised as thrilled the dwarfs are making a comeback to the story!
And what a batle it was, only one casualty for the good guys o_o
-
@LordOdo, W
Well, here they are making their comeback!
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/hasslefree-dwarves-return.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/hasslefree-dwarves-return.html)
Hasslefree Dwarves Return!
The Dwarves have returned to Middle Earth.
They intend to retake Moria once again against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Since the reboot of this blog, Ive tried to only use minis with the realistic 28mm proportions (Darksword, Perry). I needed Dwarves that would fit in. So, here we have Kev White minis from Hasslefree Miniatures! Oh, actually they have been in this blog before and had a few battles under their belt before they were sold in an earlier purge. So while the models themselves were recently purchased and painted, from a fluff point of view, they have "returned".
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAhMNEWimgaoNx_R3rB7wRHYSxxd2HdTnv8l1H7NoXjf41xQ0tacyiz4Oq0coI00W_h5KOrBOkJdxooaqMJNjAckVTe4t6WEVqKG0osvlBuPKkSr1UQNNC4qatM0wlRv0f1pGedP5XggvXDYBZP9yMrBFZNiwM1Hl1-WyIQNxoN3LkALtIZqFQAn7P5w/s4608/IMG_9454.JPG)
Clan Hasslefree in all their glory!
The old fluff on our blog didnt put names to these Dwarves, so with this post, we will remedy this injustice and name the champions.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6vhO0VQjW6gx6zFU6ZuMJKgiDqbUHUwjNO3lb_C5X7opkyyagVrqjL1tQ3O2jEviKv8LnER-y21J8Ue_EX8m_lKmhPGka2lfEJNojCGzAUucMNR2c0nnhWQh-n4DYw_WEteuwBt_3iOHmfDgKwNFqmETamlZ0klH5T68drMHohqlmyT29dAOmh10B-k/s4608/IMG_9456.JPG)
Left to Right: King Gourd, Balzac the Armorer
King Gourd has a Frostfang. A powerful runesword that negates enemy To-Save. Enemies beware!
A gourd is a pumpkin or a squash. So "out of his gourd" would mean... he's crazy because he misplaced his squash?
Balzac the Armorer: This is the way.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmpqzao_xNDeCOiB8_I8XECUKi278t83fcwH5NnSeskWBbdmZlQq8_SbC7rLjjdyRf_fZ36YC4EwflqX0iv0nFLGNGP76807h3jWstICzFCSJkl9AmXoPeoflDnVN_CBaKkcaf8gJBvsNV9aJ32Gxk5mXVEtMTGQlkIMJllb2XJjz6AgyJd1eWQzYbbQ/s4608/IMG_9458.JPG)
Left ot Right: Strummer the Slayer, Princess Inga, Brock the Brewmaster
Strummer the Slayer got all lost in the supermarket and could no longer shop happily. Princess Inga is the daughter of King Gourd. Brock the Brewmaster swore an Oath of Mug Holding and has been holding that mug for years, even in the midst of battle!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x9X20MCDEDv2DgoPS3gjBxGv3SF8Hg4qkQJbxJRBUyF71OEd7Y1q1VAySwY6ZPHt1z4gt2fsjbdAiqQmwqawsxigMenHAjXB2GMIHI-YJcZ0vBG0P9H9bGRbPZ89YdtW1JxjNFNybvYvqth6UGYPFaUQbHktrmWV2Un_OtOEmHDrYwlWkGGU6LNtHyk/s4608/IMG_9460.JPG)
Left to Right: Lumpy the Librarian, Thimbold the Grey, Phoebe priestess of Valaya
Lumpy carries the history of Clan Hasslefree and has several Books of Grudges. Thimbold is another Grey Wizard in a long line of Grey Wizards. Phoebe is the priestess of Valaya the Dwarven goddess of Protection.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl52AC3Oki7w6Nj5arOUcCwr1QT7e6O3Y7ZmuHzZxQi4ihVe3MVqrI3iVyUWCFua7hkUkxCitZzTOM86HMdHMNPWWrS6dtAAO-EKAxVohc2bNI_Odccv4l4QlbQCCz1jYbWKTR0LkXw6tnckwoVXJdDcWRLtcu6KDTulTCFjUY3Q89i6mbFIuUrkm1kLo/s4608/IMG_9461.JPG)
The royal family. Like father, like daughter, they do love to brandish their weapons up high. And probably reciting an ancient grudge or two.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishP6Jev3lvXol_mukoP-FwmcTtoR6htvXW0SFnX4OJ87wNyg_4NradVTT4269m73IfQLgtPXgN_Lu9bnA0esAUAHfCTgdH8PoHFC-GooiqqDLBlviOegAyWR8MC57FyHw7hl7Jiwvaq6nUh33I7Uuo0UbFFTtIMEEQrPNBJxedF6tUUgxT_OL42-c-Pw/s4608/IMG_9462.JPG)
Brock the Brewmaster is reunited with Butters the Beer Cart Pony. Brock gives Butters a sugarcube for a treat. There, there, now. Good boy, Butters.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-vDju146Y_hchItortwCrcL_l2fHuRQLSxnaA83_iTuxtkkYhg5EbUw2Sg5cMCfKCzpoMoWHhOH9Ux1WAmv27eknQKRAkBuhPCUdDWLW6IHvEFPps3tjMvDHnyWeMF7-hOvxiyG26K-DaEKeZB2utI4uWES4aVXh9hoXHTSrN2HuuTGzyp2hcjhAa4/s4608/IMG_9464.JPG)
For the rest of the post see: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/hasslefree-dwarves-return.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/07/hasslefree-dwarves-return.html)
Cheers,
Mar
-
The dwarves look ace, huzzah for their return.
-
I missed the update to this thread with the Battle of Zirakzigil and I'm just now seeing the Gondorian Imperial Handgunners and Dol Amroth Myrmidon Spearmen... those are lovely concepts and work really well.
Also, the Gug! I'm inspired to get on Etsy and acquire some of those.
-
He's certainly armoured his Balzac! lol
-
@ hubbabubba,
Glad you think the dwarves look good. Huzzah indeed.
@ Plisken,
I normally dont care much for 3d prints (IMHO, most seem to lack a certain je ne sais quoi). But the Epic Miniatures Mythos figures are fantastic. If you like the latest handgunners for the good guys, the next post will have the villains get some tech upgrades as well. Its an arms race in Middle Earth!
@ FramFramson,
I had actually forgot to add some quip about Balzac. So, thank you for that? :p
-
The dwarves are back in town!
Curious to the tech updates too....
-
@ LordOdo,
Be curious no more! Tech update.... commence transmission.
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/haradrim-handgunners.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/haradrim-handgunners.html)
Haradrim Handgunners
At the end of the 3rd Age, Gondor and the West won. The War of the Ring had ended, but a Cold War had begun. The Haradrim retreated back to their own lands, not to be heard from... until now.
The Haradrim have not been idle all this time, they have also completed research on gunpowder upgrades for their troops. So the arms race escalates in Middle Earth.
And while the Easterlings seem to have given up their wars with Gondor (or have they?), the Southrons will not give up their zealous war with the West. So who are the Haradrim? (at least from this blog's point of view)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qDQeV6gzWQWna5D6gqwsZim92OOMtL9AmYFyTbtPuIKEz4umWLBqpYXQ-1qCs50tja_zUQsRtNVgiz5sqglETLoJB_KTtkH3rK0tkqpToj_bjHBlM3MYkoIDZXo7F4caH-PTy8H5qphZyGBobCKCXIyVg0eGlGVOAF2N60bN8Pp7WEDcPP-l9Nib4E0/s1600/IMG_9442.JPG)
A column of smoke by day, a pillar of fire by night.
Desert power!
The Haradrim are desert warriors without peer. They are strong and fierce. They do not give their loyalty easily or quickly.
We Fremen have a saying: "God created Arrakis to train the faithful." One cannot go against the word of God.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1NcEdAmk0XAQIOXInJhYrjXcU7DyiLwz0s8otrC5pEh2qq_hVF2ZmD4aTIxq_YESHCLEx4IGkx4c6g_5RGf-Lcq5Qgv0Z1lLLGr7-yOgYTfpgCl7btz8m7elsmRQJ2jl-hUd9F0WcQPYSp3w3VldfYdkANY3b3FOJQbcmBNk3aAoX1jqzZBv4GP-tD4/s1600/IMG_9443.JPG)
This is a Naib of Sietch Howeitat. A tribal leader riding a Dire Jerboa. The Haradrim name for these Dire Jerboas is Muad Dib. Some madman would later take the name and use it as his own to conquer the galaxy.
Auda abu Tayi: Does Auda abu Tayi serve?
Howeitat tribesmen: NO!
Auda abu Tayi: I carry twenty-three great wounds, all got in battle. Seventy-five men have I killed with my own hands in battle. I scatter, I burn my enemies' tents. I take away their flocks and herds. The Turks pay me a golden treasure, yet I am poor! Because I am a river to my people!
Howeitat tribesmen: *Cheering*
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeDsMWlVx-xjBm9AxzBniaHPADEYStNwN-OoGk0p03SWy6Q9Tyu7UemLSGz5-6HIxXSxIxFt16DN4syAio1j1qF62roo4Fb0isAiOMjq9_l0yo57RvsttrRK17P8aH9FhesvB_YQMk3_YQfydRdzMSy0b2rBJQ6qSsoDcLNtnKb72tipTj36zoTJ8y98/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG)
A Djinn Whisperer wears a yellow turban to signify his status among his people.
Alithea Binnie: If there is fate, who can say? But I tell you this: in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, there are sixty-two streets, and four thousand shops. And in one of those shops, there are three rooms. In the smallest of those rooms, there was a pile of things unsorted, old and new. From the bottom of that pile, I chose a memento. *picks up a flask*
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumzqNOqP6Uaj5Q3jOW7N0Cht_2cHqLBzwDgGR4-dGN7FKfdStBxiXuTQrfCtKoBk8BVuH4bJexBZbm3zCAmL7aG6QsBp_fuynv_vs9uhuIiqEUlRSdKYNtBLis0jLHVk2te_sMzJe4D8Hr7TJYTEeoyemLy4yIrDMXwR4upII_V6OTgBzhpseSwsPtGI/s1600/IMG_9447.JPG)
It's hard in these streets
From Mecca to Jerusalem
All day every day
Toe flex we bout to blow like octane
You know Cannibal Ox got mad slang
Who cares what you're named
They say a man who repeats himself is insane
I mix my saliva with propane
Flame on I spit that hot fire with Dylan
And stay inside the line with crayons
My whole aura is neon, ultra violet
Come out your mouth
I might get ultra violent
Now it's so quiet
You was popping that junk
Now it's so silent
Here's another token
We are the chosen
Wolves in the coven
Blade of the Ronin
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfAqpFrPEOrWCf7yJ0utmy2ZGhV9mfdUBzeiHlzQSKX69Xs1AXlMaK1Go_vQlKgSoVR_DoyZlaYjC7h1SBMn5Te-hnxvIkKrZCGYjiPZFEamy515E4xWuTb-U9J8_x5-JEwEQ_-fuPu68B9DImssjs224pSB8_4vslNMfA1IDeitS7B7sqzTF7oIsI_8/s1600/IMG_9448.JPG)
Gondorian Imperial Guard clash with the Haradrim in the Debatable Lands south of Gondor.
The Southrons fight for tribal rights against the infidel Gondorians who are on a crusade to globalize their consumeristic ideals by infecting all nations with fastfood and starbucks. So the Haradrim have drawn a line in the sand. The big mac stops here...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeu72XbAjO6hAKegc5EoCPDIMNT4KLaUWcqiidItpzl3RCy6IYnjhz6jWf4_b05iVoE2TNL1uBeFiLFLeIp6XQM4o08IbA40jP0WrCQr_AlWsy8I6YqBeoEZpACRr7K9TUqNng2-28dVbqS5kP_bkqG3KM46cE5iJ2OvsnsYRaf1bJbhw_kG06pmL4Ac/s1600/IMG_9450.JPG)
Now the King told the boogie man
You have to let that raga drop
The oil down the desert way
Has been shakin' to the top
The Sheik, he drove his Cadillac
He went a-cruisin' down the ville
The muezzin was a-standin'
On the radiator grille (ow!)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD3h9_uxWHJ7FZQmRXlczpDnMfXuoSV9vlXzafbUjkvNeSafavNWU9pnv2Aet1GD28WDfdZUzSXjlaxZrSVHQI7LXBH0s23Aih2lFwsZQHELddi_iDSuyZiCjnSiaBHywXLFAkaOm-QumkOc1WqMejJ3K9LARM_BRc1WG6KxOR8a9PPEGszJ3aSMCfHE/s1600/IMG_9452.JPG)
The King called up his jet fighters
He said you better earn your pay
Drop your bombs between the Minarets
Down the Casbah way
As soon as the Sharif was chauffeured outta there
The jet pilots tuned to the cockpit radio blare
As soon as the Sharif was outta their hair
The jet pilots wailed
Sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah
Rock the Casbah
Sharif don't like it
Rockin' the Casbah
Rock the Casbah
~~~
These are Haradrim from Near Harad. We still have the Sietches of Far Harad! And more than that... the tribes from the Sub-Saharad regions. So lots more Southrons still to come! More Muad Dib riders and Mumakil. Oh did I say Mumakil?
Cheers,
Mar
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/haradrim-handgunners.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/haradrim-handgunners.html)
-
Liking the paint scheme on the seeker, I had idea while back to mount mount napoleonic cavalry on those for vsf it never got done annd I sold it all off .
-
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/blast-from-10mm-past.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/blast-from-10mm-past.html)
Blast From The 10mm Past!
Hiya buddies,
Just thought I would do a Throwback Thursday on a Wednesday. Im so punkrock! :p
The year was 2014.
Long ago on a blogpost far far away.... the Moria Reclamation Project was in 10mm. And I had forgotten that it was even back then already on a diet of parody and memes, multi-versal IP dimension hopping, over the top dramatic fluff combined with outright silliness. So of course, this blog got to be what it is now.
So yeah, I switched scales to 28mm and deleted the old 10mm posts. I regret that. But some of it still exists on the Specialist Games Forum, a forum which surprisingly still functions today. And before anything happens to it I have dl'ed those pics and some fluff and will post them on this blog... again! Everything returns eventually. Its all a cycle of life. Gaming life. But there are missing things. Like a Mindflayer that I sculpted myself. Like Not-Conan and the Fellowship fighting Orcs and a Dragon. That adventure will have to live on in my imagination now.
Here is the actual forum: https://www.specialist-arms.com/forum/index.php?topic=6878.0
But for safety purposes of this blog, we will duplicate parts of it below...
Look at those tiny dwarfs! And those Total Battles buildings. They were indeed lovely.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,. But I have promises to keep,. And miles to go before I sleep,. And miles to go before I sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~ TIME TRAVEL SOUNDBITE ~~~~~~~~~~
My new and humble LOTR-Warmaster blog
Hi there,
Im Mar, and I just started 10mm with Copplestone, some GW Warmaster, some Pendraken, and just ebayed a BOFA box set (new and still wrapped in plastic!) So Ive started documenting my "adventures in 10mm". I am very happy to have found this place, lots for me to read and catch up on. Im also thankful to have found Copplestone minis whose sculpts drove me to take the plunge back into warmaster.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCemd2wrpkRfzMLHroxDxqHU48GoqVnKLPoEbonaZO1kTsvdVS4pmkyFYvkI21-nMUQ9rkZq_HUXN6MqqBUrqnBP2N1DCWovgfQvdVx28xq_EAOtKOugCNskcrLQ3HBldK-NvgWA0YY8kzFo8SZlGHV_XSnFiHFlODO-XczagtFkFdfLvcagoxOxkTolA/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9io4yOrQBPGimAMO68sGeuYW66-aHLz8oWoBVhjxaalsrcM2GtcBOPohzM3CIiSP5SCk6Z-vGZnU3jAr2k7KsgPfN3o6WkqyB6H3TPkPNRxcmI5VXtKjfTBMNY3LpmZtjUus5ov_FLZXzihaZ7-1CskuxinmkUYXtQl8TS4OdrXyyX3tP71CYKzjOcZg/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfpaDItxbrAAE2Exa4ijdGkXfCPzPtuzU8OMBNikRdaEW1SIZ8RZdfgzplqpDanBQ7fiOYFnnJDjkrKaanpE7BwuJF9omiFpKXWZwkMLzY1TcticnJpwNz2mQn7Auzkeu3esqh7x-EUpDWP9tOUcGnLPstwnNxKDDt77nqbe6Y0Mwh-Ta1Fucazw15EI/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMS8HMjVw91IfN0TBQ6z0B1SAdAuSLA-RRimkxEGV9F5o7ODPi9zwv9AkBTMYVecqCJoXRewdr38Gu_XcRDXSfVj5g9FejKDSMY90sTUU9fOmSJ1w2oPeZayp-0eT9I9gqtdc_FbR9_5RsH4rZeo9hFGV5xaMhMizkaT1PqjIZpjU7cNMmzl8ftVO-rA/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwVOMFXioA1OczVjflqaa9NQX7U5lfyftvB8LvdUtmlzwyeG5UHFNf_I7brtLoQc0aF5mKujDbTQOfCJblvnk3jKb2TRnEPr6muPTrPUr3hKbHkM5ru8KeN2lRMpSbNizEmwYVQaqhvH7MNvx2zAPOLdPGElel_xyQDEjp5eywv8HrOK5m6_FB2NpvcQ/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLx6SobHpvg3xddTJO97OqrPMh6buO8t47yJ8HtlVaTluL3oZvcRMfQvp8QfQNlM0lZ3MWpJi-516TcpCUBZAORiWLDQGtzp3xYA1UVf7R7ihdiJ6gVvs6rf_jMo5sm4cPmIjLQDXqu_nuinC5CUEBiD4iHpCsEt7YbrZ6Y-vr-ztFQ-uOQGaOdBt-qQ/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ9UgXUqJxBsOuGGZ-IJJxY1f1S5F8xZ_gm9C-Cdh_a8mcHnzfb-qbMOsCUWxu-P8Q9pt-eUfgVttXDKM9_7EPqsCncUVvVLVWlI8K5z4GWlkyNLge68aXwdirIEk2E2YMm3AdUtGicMF8Ou4nhpqQgiVEjwdzvIE3lsLSHcOkWGO6unamXg5lEmvyrE/s1600/IMG_0442.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmy1aVvpk1v4QscUmYdV5El7lYy9zC0yl7mUnK0J2WRU9kgcAss3nkSvrw0QuIi0FmDIxzSlWX7rVPOhosV1TkhB-cyvF8NUY1cFfqsIZmVAxtDKIhGmsibgLwJ1L69piABHwgjgYmG45yKiNJ1sks1TQqw-dnJxGkh8hafHE4r9DHiCbCsAVF1G2VO8/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1eHe9WszOEiH63FMSoBWvgzd-O2rhnQKIFhcMUw-R9YvBYpXYyduQpIwrDqod2dhRZWp5MKyOlX8eqXfEP-Hx3MsjkuOvlg9A6S64AwcicaFG_DtiTrPfZ8oHM8ymSGRL1_YIS-x6RnC91mBFVoGFRip7OWOdyrz0oRSHoNEQxtYnioSsNvH9q_hTu4/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoejH8sP3cwQszK9ruM6-rak02oht29znvUjJjE8G5SjfTJ8WRfJ6fjeQ_c9FYu3MLkNhqs27klICgktF4qtDfNJBkV3lUjgQOkCTzF0ZwN3wsq4kc3tlAidicyJSrMFdDRqbiFq1SLiE8uFUiLRNRyaRg1LUki-eYJxS1158dZUkFzrbEQYTo6E61ljY/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG)
~~~~~~~~~~ TIME TRAVEL SOUNDBITE ~~~~~~~~~~
Ok back to the present day!
My sign off used to be Respect, Mar. I think Cheers is friendlier. And there was a plan in motion to have a war between Westeros and the nations of Middle Earth! And yes even back then, I did love putting up book and movie quotes.
So, for oldtimes sake...
Respect,
Mar
See blog for more pics and words: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/blast-from-10mm-past.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/blast-from-10mm-past.html)
-
Very cool - thanks for the repost
I assume you were playing Warmaster looking at the basing? How much further did you get with your Middle Earth battles?
The copplestone Nazgûl on the wing beast figure still looks very limp and sad, even painted up so well. Given how lovely all the other Copplestone LoTR figures are I was never sure what happen to this one.
I’m a bit confused by the appearance of the frog men (I have them in a KoW inspired Trident Realms army) - I’m assuming they’re not for Middle Earth?
-
@ fred,
Warmaster, BOFA, and hail caesar.
The pose of the nazgul on wings is odd is it the rider and/or the beasts's wings? Though I do like the beastie's vulture head/beak.
The Mindflayer and his minions the Quaggoth, Gith, and Frogmen are for D&D, maybe Birthright hybrid game. But I am not a stickler for historical "fantasy fiction" so they do invade Middle Earth because it is their pleasure to do so!
-
Love the 10mm!
Seriously, I had forgotten about the specialist games forum altogether...
-
I think the Nazgûl rider’s mount is just too small and weedy - compared to the Warmaster dragons it’s a bit more like a chicken!
A mind flayer lead army is a cool idea - in our fantasy gaming we do tend to blur the lines between different ‘franchises’ - I think it was the Moria name in the thread that was making me think you were very much middle earth focused. But cool armies are always cool to have, and why can’t they fight against each other!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/tea-in-sahara-with-you-more-painted.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/tea-in-sahara-with-you-more-painted.html)
More painted Haradrim and other oddities.
The Sand People are easily startled, but they'll soon be back, and in greater numbers.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLbdfe5TSIG1z0LYRetZT4B8TluFd69jOG-W-5QqrZhe7A-8am7JdaUO56rOLzRpLlq9BAg0vC1XODaqNfJcjdCoMBRMHIIb52E0inRoO1YmAZh87GisDeBWCSAHL9JwmOhv-_iA8oBpvq4ROMDiGDWAN_xDzUJl3HlpVFWlFkODq1L2FtjTWnocQ92Y/s1600/IMG_9469.JPG)
Tea in the Sahara with you
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-5VXK9zu6dolVAgNMvBgojQogEDfN5fVZ2IMb8BndN5K2fGTnXlnWjNew-3rt3YQEZy-2oNUA7Us5CYw2XXz_BYKI_s7rg0p_-qntA9rxWyo-_NXG-6j6Ff426Hk-QoNZGemyknHU42QnCODy3sSCemBFDQP36p1Z1-dtkyEVbzgVWYi7bTU2TXuyYg/s1600/IMG_9470.JPG)
A Wild Mumak appears! Hi, Im Mumak. Im blocking the path.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oIgj8zGGI7XngsrhX-n6g4D5NaCpzUTJG7-X45w6RLajufZJQKaBD3kAKOEgub5IxgRU6xvwDPhJa_W7ogtjuDh_lobe3safMNNr6aL8PGlnNTNn6cy0YdQyBgRR1N9rCINQFiHzs_1IQk1FwzlzVEO4oHxu42MFLhPsX7GT50TpOUqZ4eAfgFuw74Y/s1600/IMG_9471.JPG)
Oliphants like to trumpet out a thunderous roar before they trample an enemy.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5phv_JLBP2gI-gStO9CS9iFTt6NILD6Z3Nvi-6yofHB4FvvmO27zBtLXJs8wPn4hQGSAXCS2ctn5bddA7SZAOy6CJu0VIBLBr7jIVznX7CYRipz5yMdC51QFH-qUK5fkPk58kDlX3lVPvVS6KLwNgcZCKiFli3HsPDKOcRw30joy8NchnkvqLyq21nU/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG)
Apparently Pokemon trainers and Haradrim have the same response to monsters. Catch them. And then ride them!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3PhaqHFs5zg9Wp1ITEG1CWg7Ktqqu8SAVj0l7ow_xi5SzYUeDM9zq7lIm5IO7KBveYUGvIRjlRfjN_480XvGc8TigfFycnMG9j9gOIKEehzrWV5lz9rgKhH1Whh22BdxnrmZVTTqcK6N4VSP10PL6jeBdD-ZCfm3DZr0EG6uQC8OBmIF0O3H8SBSYD8/s1600/IMG_9474.JPG)
The Naib of Sietch Jacurutu riding his Dire Jerboa and carrying a para-compass in hand. Im sure he has a sand compactor somewhere on him.
(http://The Naib of Sietch Jacurutu riding his Dire Jerboa and carrying a para-compass in hand. Im sure he has a sand compactor somewhere on him.)
Haradrim handgunners from Sietch Jacurutu are also known as Water Stealers.
A man's flesh is his own but his water belongs to the tribe. The Water Stealers also take the water of anyone who trespasses on their lands.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxVGcu18-2w1UFDQvsghfrCHCqrJllOB3fm3vjHutMaA389HGjBfHzf8kkIa-I5Q1r5dj04XesKOH15ZPfwWdGYA4JMo-BpwxtqWRd00JBJhgG4votREzPwqccbi9xilQX3s5ckEMGfz-kOJKiTRiwhU23fhgTBlSP3SSmL5X0hyDjWFvJgOJUsjnj-4/s1600/IMG_9478.JPG)
Here are their allies from Far Harad. The tribesmen of the Sub-Saharid desert.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BqtWk5NRVPrkrQ128QuNDcL4EQJKq-WG5yIgVXDaeTY1-hSCxibE58y-1kOIvO4erv4C7IhMlO01K9G5KBNHI6hjwEi27tHzsjvwNFCCFqBft5uDeHBZ-bUYVLltJWTqy560BaHufx-q8lk_G64th3DhOC-Zon85DJfkK9woIGUUFoxC5oYkY0eQGPY/s1600/IMG_9480.JPG)
Have you seen The Preacher?
I have seen a sandworm.
What about that sandworm?
It gives us the air we breathe.
Then why do we destroy its land?
Because Shai-Hulud orders it.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvpx28dcbwfmnIfZcPXb6pKQM158wj1155h5YffVgoEZnjjT2AkNp0CbRA0NpYVL0XT3l1RNlKz_Ofmj9GyWOnt8sCZUja7D8IaCF4bt8g67jYv7SkFnsmF2o9HXyoNbHNGY0XQZdbSjLPS8x0LWTdiDPYepZUrssLfsAm67Xey_09xE0aRnFak5w21c/s1600/IMG_9483.JPG)
Sure they can ride a fantastical beast from fantasy, but no self respecting desert army can travel without a trustworthy camel or three.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM1jopsmsTUWsR-ejTocPGnO8BeNdV5FRgIEHZavDMIkiGJ-yiKmEsJUwtv3frkVP6U8fSj7vmMVPbfgUkf9Rb8tXB83ah8cVSL37EzXc2g0zSyylz4N4eXHH3_qyU_zpDGxcfltU06YLcn5YfTCUwtWCJjLMotchfDjx-MQEAG9XHqetvkhb3HM-k_I/s1600/IMG_9485.JPG)
We've fought with many men acrost the seas,
An' some of 'em was brave an' some was not:
The Paythan an' the Zulu an' Burmese;
But the Fuzzy was the finest o' the lot.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkJBTEn-ks5b8waRq-Y_5gz2pMnSWiBiPusYIFMnGB2hwMGvCkl9xZIBBvwK4L1JObZsLOI8Vq7DSIPPxkYbfol1itH-qk_JoM0isgnAUO7dd4FbfJKDnUgz633K9ph9FP8ZKKBLpDRi40EDaCAvn_QPTmxxAfL9yy10OxIiSiJSsEv3ucoiz7OGj3dE/s1600/IMG_9487.JPG)
And here's a pic of all my current Haradrim. I think I only need to add some desert themed monsters and its complete. A riddling Sphinx, and a Djinn perhaps? Maybe a Lamassu!
The Caravanserai is ready to cross the desert and invade Gondor!
Think, in this batter'd Caravanserai
Whose Portals are alternate Night and Day,
How Sultan after Sultan with his Pomp
Abode his destined Hour, and went his way.
Cheers,
Mar
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/tea-in-sahara-with-you-more-painted.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/tea-in-sahara-with-you-more-painted.html)
-
The Haradrim numbers are impressive! All the way from Sothoryos; I foresee trouble for Gondor. Mammoths from North of the wall and Mumaks from the south. It would be terrible if the easterlings and dothraki would would join in as well...
(Seriously, with numbers like these I imagine there's a large battle coming. Some sort of siege?)
-
@ LordOdo,
Yeah I guess I am ramping up the size of the games a tiny bit. The next post will have more Gondorians.
Then after that... more Cthulhu minions - foot soldier types. Im thinking Spiders of Leng or Ghouls. Maybe both.
Id love to start a Wildling faction with wooly mammoths. But first Cathay and some Chinese type Dragon riders, some Unsullied, and Dothraki. And like you said, will the Easterlings be friends or foes? The dwarves are brave but too few in number. Gondor is going to need more allies and soon. Some ally from the Empire or Bretonnia, maybe Westeros? I wonder who will answer the call?
-
"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."
-
.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaM1jopsmsTUWsR-ejTocPGnO8BeNdV5FRgIEHZavDMIkiGJ-yiKmEsJUwtv3frkVP6U8fSj7vmMVPbfgUkf9Rb8tXB83ah8cVSL37EzXc2g0zSyylz4N4eXHH3_qyU_zpDGxcfltU06YLcn5YfTCUwtWCJjLMotchfDjx-MQEAG9XHqetvkhb3HM-k_I/s1600/IMG_9485.JPG)
We've fought with many men acrost the seas,
An' some of 'em was brave an' some was not:
The Paythan an' the Zulu an' Burmese;
But the Fuzzy was the finest o' the lot.
Which foot tribesmen are these here? Who makes them?
Thanks
Dan
-
I love the idea of Middle-Earth and gunpowder mixed together! Very good work on those Haradrim by the way.
-
@ LordOdo,
I believe Hogwarts has been woven into the narrative several times before. The Istari, perhaps Merlin from years ago had ties to Hogwarts? I forget my own mish mash imagi-history. Oh, also! The wizard Otto (who was secretly Grima Wormtongue) was a Slitherine wizard in the Dwarf Quest battle reports before the blog "nearly died" a few years back. So maybe I will bring back more Harry Potter-isms into the narrative via the White Tower AKA the CIA of Middle Earth. They are kinda like the Ministry of Magic really. Warhammer Empire Colleges of Magic in Altdorf must be a rival school to Hogwarts. And whatever the name of the magic school in Kingkiller chronicles is called is another. You really should stop encouraging my madness! ;p
@ Cacique Caribe,
The Perry miniatures Mahdist Ansar box set has parts to build Beja Hadendoa (Fuzzy Wuzzies) and/or Kordofan Ansar Tribesmen.
@ Aethelwulf,
My condolences, friend. I feel like patient zero spreading an infectious and dreaded hobby disease. Muskets in Middle Earth is a blight, I tell you! ;p
-
@ LordOdo,
I believe Hogwarts has been woven into the narrative several times before. The Istari, perhaps Merlin from years ago had ties to Hogwarts? I forget my own mish mash imagi-history. Oh, also! The wizard Otto (who was secretly Grima Wormtongue) was a Slitherine wizard in the Dwarf Quest battle reports before the blog "nearly died" a few years back. So maybe I will bring back more Harry Potter-isms into the narrative via the White Tower AKA the CIA of Middle Earth. They are kinda like the Ministry of Magic really. Warhammer Empire Colleges of Magic in Altdorf must be a rival school to Hogwarts. And whatever the name of the magic school in Kingkiller chronicles is called is another. You really should stop encouraging my madness! ;p
...and it gets even more complicated once one realises Griffindor was founded by a distant Lannister cousin named Goderic. But why he chose to use the lion Aslan for his emblem (just like the Pevensies) is not sure..
-
@ Aethelwulf,
My condolences, friend. I feel like patient zero spreading an infectious and dreaded hobby disease. Muskets in Middle Earth is a blight, I tell you! ;p
You've certainly infected me! I'm now casting my dreadful gaze upon my poor innocent unpainted Napoleonic troops! Wondering how they'd look... No, I must resist!
I feel like Gollum arguing with himself lol
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-terrain-is-not-territory-i-want.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-terrain-is-not-territory-i-want.html)
The Terrain Is Not The Territory (I Want)
Quick post for now.
Fuzzy or complex flooring on terrain, especially when layered on top of each other looks awesome but single based figures have difficulty standing on it.
I was going to post pics of my new larger multibases and setup some densely haphazard and diverse layered terrain flooring. Welp, now I think I want to move away from single based skirmish gaming again (sigh). For one thing, larger bases will not tip over on awkwardly angled terrain. And thats the terrain I want now. And for a second thing, I had been thinking that it would be cool to have small specialist teams of 3 to 4 figures per base. So both points can work together AND I will have more amazing gaming layouts.
I have to give this more thought. I think I did do this in the past. So here we go yet again. Big rebasing project may happen? Well here's pics of what Id like my games to look like in the future - proof of concept pics...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsspTPg1KK0-Ep9JlGobV9yVXhRbXykqvCVPGDvcYjDv60LoUDTywvhEq9d2_9-Hq_EpiXPk-mU48hkviQ2lEpUVWwxWkynFnrwQbSO4aVqlZcq3UyO3rljbRKbszXzfg0MKqMc_1bFKOQrVMyhiX_oEVFb_bxPKwf3PnmpW3ZFw3hElGtizANzcdZx8/s1600/IMG_9488.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmaVaZotDaQtlW3xMubGtbp1xQOU0utHxsAOaDr3PXqKP0tpdIE7BlULaZY8DqkxAuxr1KtPbLiE6M78vOa-5kYJjkYy7eOWUmhIzQ-YrGU_zfYTDkd2H63sWX9dJsFZkbrvqANxHYiSt1DfOeWjI1ssyBW1DvEEzPiDgx9bC1iVNcmUzD1U1eayiAuE/s1600/IMG_9490.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM-G1ja9STzuMm3uo1sV9FTVL9CYZL5xY-cbhioYpMyixvJ-d6j4hcN3ZIPj6BrPpbRglKxTgBiukKitTwNLc-dfwjW1CU5MHyiyS3-J8Qo2kBH83q2ScSqjM5-S5RWsNrA0QFTlIXFpU8vmR8gXRtMoau5FeJ-j2H3tfqkD-z2zpTmVdlx7I5gPutBM/s1600/IMG_9491.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku7MxXcW2ZLApKXiz4paSE_muIdA-N6gy5GQQIRayPFnK8MxvW8d_nog7Kr8j4Vf2DjsUb5poZGjUxqoLYTnCTU8wnrEFr2sacAI2vZOO6ot2k8gRSKmIBsOrm6xmc_5KGpqT--83g4RJ1v6Fq2JxjE1-Ye3TVpeRebjQnDrlX1p5g3b3OcMF5IuTNhA/s1600/IMG_9492.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4FloaSZU21iTADvojO35uD3EYNjpll_5rx9y-CtX7tJDz0V3UojMk8UqU_pvSBSeU0vXqp48stxdGQxno8xOpE-zLl412CV9935sJSw9-OpkSY7Tq4uN9Za9f6VS_u6onaz7T8E44GXs0iMTOYXH5pRb0PDplKXafO5Av1mTTYEeGkC-vVPiRJ_LGIM/s1600/IMG_9494.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMG-cAbh881vsB1xuHRFy0KSl8pidbid3iG2F6X63pJmw4_7hgkJXz0qHiakAGUJBf5YEr6XBU6L46AZIOJ6vgMWLWyZt6z1hJwJ22ZFPOSVBsP89gSacYtz1ON4TZPArys3s8YBINwC6Qa2RjxxRLnWdqS-Pqrrw0sFIJywVhDcIFTMZpW9x-NVHR-sM/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnlC4AH5bLmxD0pUO9zOPgEVbOv2rHBRHiWbwtCRjg8irloS6cnkg8a2BErL4jX805TGW8lneOLRwm_vmyIL8UJU6S3LCsBNOSQuaJKH9u1-w36rf2buHbhsPOK0upknnBIVcDThanohPGW7ihL1j1UG5Cv1rpabMLym43ibEUMxn3_w_aa5xEVt-rEY/s1600/IMG_9496.JPG)
-
The terrain (and thus the photos) looks awesome! I completely get why you would want to got that way.
One con would be the loss of indiviuality of all the amazing characters you have created over time. I'm pretty sure you will find a way which fits best with all your ideas, though!
-
@ LordOdo,
I agree that losing total individuality is something to consider. However, I do plan to put some thought about the grouping together of figures to form a base.
So the idea would be to have a lead character supported by her/his closest advisers/ bodyguards/companions/etc... And the rules for that base would reflect the powers, abilities, spells of all the characters on that base.
For example, Lady Elerina would have her bodyguard Anais on her base (I suppose she has recovered from rivendell rehab!) and also prince Arioch of the Grey Havens (from Balthazar's team). And that would be the Elven Aristocrat base.
But I will think about it more. For the time being I will multibase simple henchmen types (archers, hobbit militia, foot knights, etc)
-
Taken from full post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/10/battle-in-debatable-lands-south-of.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/10/battle-in-debatable-lands-south-of.html)
Battle In the Debatable Lands South Of Gondor
So buddy Joe and buddy Steve came by to playtest my new fantasy blackpowder rules set MUSKETS & MAGICK. Ive playtested it a few times already but Im too close to it and was glad to have feedback and see it with fresh eyes and see how others approach the rules. But in a nutshell, Ive tried to keep the simplicity I like and add just enough mechanics to provide choices in command and control. Mix in dueling wizards with secret card draws. And not make this a wargame about simply wiping out the enemy army, but something about wrestling for position on the battlefield - the push and pull of the frontlines.
Anyway heres some pics of the playtest...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN3uy47bH6V51jlS9FyBtRuqpmP6MfDTaE3fzz-N0BC0iCyokWbpJV9NvA-fMXpFoTAQIy1LATWvk1YSDnYvF8CkRzeXJcpRgZqJ4Zi_pN6Vl-haKYxjbjBv1bAX8W1tf-pz_A7Sb3d0xG_VKxr42ccsr5C8ZOd_4lNYPkF0x5jCBwX8q6jP4dtWl3sI/s4608/IMG_9512.jpg)
The Haradrim deploy with a strong center.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38QrLYYqqQOsa6QNtNyT4ygQMcLrqHKCxm4JdsK8KLJ-bR8s8KyoywBkvT9GBuHDCYMkebci9Ytmr-PeaIAm3vLUZi7ZjyHzW5YzatnS8Nku2F1eZg-Siyd3mMs-XprFnnoYP9MFqeg2JyKbnirl21CoNUyt27q2UxgOqNKNgg1MJeJ8GVN2acLo5jBM/s4608/IMG_9515.jpg)
Their Wizard watches atop a ruin.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4ubU7Ihs3Cw4cZzt0LRsBNUS_9v9zFat2NcsCL1ahDVfP8u628cV18MbYdrUk_khu9ufL1UyojB9bSCSd-79Dj4uhds8Zzd1A99Q8EqDFILT7HnjHnC0I3c3hE4bfP6j28uxcvh5LrroET7XPHqtTHBvrafgT7Om06mI6CPCDU693yInrWDAY8nXee8/s1600/IMG_9518.jpg)
The Gondorians approach! The Gondorian Wizard sends a Fireball arching toward the center of the Haradrim defenses. But the Harad Wizard uses a Reflect counter spell to send it back towards the Gondorians and the casting Gondor Wizard uses a Counter spell to nullify it altogether. Ultimately the combined fire of the Haradrim muskets bring the Gondor advance to a grinding halt.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1NHPf6_xjFdJW8VKv20b8lQKIykim7ccqisOoaGnKesBVssG15dczgxZ_5UQYk_a5Nx5Q6J_B9fIgtKPAd5h4VaJKTCws9bS8qzp4UQkgcIb2dAzlvfvqgONTOygGb0tCvzyTKd8E5-YpnXDPy6I15AFOFChDvL9JV73pcf5Gd3-UNbZEvX8mtgDGGY/s1600/IMG_9523.jpg)
On the Harad right flank, the Gondorians take that side's objective. In the center, the Gondorian Wizard casts another Fireball and it is unopposed. It weakens and leaves 2 of the Haradrim Fusiliers shaken.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycX9dXR06we6QLY-CXcXk4L7vHtEAr6pUrpA_RloWP29TRQCTGvZ_ciQKe9ZLTyFBQjHC8fiasFnzCMFCgmdQ89bxSrxP6YQUTVoLrzt_7UdWvUF7_C4vmFMD5vf1MUD2h5RWfZw-aIHrit5uqKnKKbHOtRfD6N8cBWMtg_OoZoiRGBh4yShVMT66B1Y/s1600/IMG_9526.jpg)
On the Harad left flank, the Gondorians find that without a commander nearby to rally their troops from being shaken they can make no advance. So the Gondor commander leaves the center and rushes to support this flank. Gondorian Dragoons charge into close combat after supporting volleys from their fellow Fusiliers.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj259LkOW2NBBZn1IuzBeHkimZASZ8LmpULikFc2ba13A43xyLjWqdPN3kU7f_7KL3Mo4cO_AWJQ1jIEU4ZY_g2VLaoR1bdzeSOvtQzbRC07Q5qtDVkKkYh30KgrsU0yj1Ovc24VbcqGMAKUAs_4L6wPIn6za4xIvs3ha5vqBXHRcgJt1YXnisrxUYtEIg/s1600/IMG_9528.jpg)
The Haradrim Wizard uses Teleport to transport himself and 2 units of Fusiliers unto the center objective. Nearby the Gondor Wizard readies himself for a final showdown. But the Haradrim Wizard decides to leave his units here in the center and Teleports himself again to capture the objective everyone thought was safe in Gondorian hands deep on the right side.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlStGoDJCGBgmmwc6uZ4IEQfGuEVXbbSRIC0HIN1AVlPYMd75LHjCf6ikPCHjaGOhlNeUrMCkdTbMWFVqxOVPbFLme88qGta0qDgtRGqYujX229_qLxsG5r5VK6mL5Efl0_Nwe1IuX344ZLkLxgsx5Cy0YnQrliD8HKvwWn3_3axyvUWuFUUhpAm5IR_8/s1600/IMG_9529.jpg)
With 2 Objectives in Harad hands, all seems lost, but the Gondorian Commander sneaks in and captures the left side objective with help from his Dragoons. But when all the Victory Points were counted up, the Gondorians actually win by a score of 9 to 8! Somehow in the final two turns of the game, the Gondorians managed to eliminate enough enemy units to squeak out a victory.
The Debatable Lands are in Gondorian control... for now at least.
~~~
I can dream up schemes when I'm sitting in my seat
I don't see any flaws 'til I get to my feet
I wish I never woke up this morning
Life was easy when it was boring
I could make a mark, it weren't so dark
I could be replaced by any bright spark
But darkness makes me fumble
For a key to a door that's wide open
Instead of worrying about my clothes
I could be someone that nobody knows
I wish I never woke up this morning
Life was easy when it was boring
~~~
Next post we return to the goings-on over in Tharbad. Something about destroying a bio-weapon facility before their latest research fall into the hands of Nyarlathotep! No fate but what we make. Sarah Connor intends to blow up Cyberdyne Industries!
Cheers,
Mar
-
Ha, great to see you are working on a new set of rules (after HAMMER OF THEE OLDE GODS that is!)
Nice battle and I totally see your new idea of richer terrain. The idea of gunpowder in Middle Earth keeps being intriguing!
-
@ LordOdo,
Hammer Of Thee Olde Gods needs a complete rewrite to be what it actually is now - a simple toolkit to create heroes, villains and scenarios for a story based skirmish set.
Muskets & Magick still needs tweaks and streamlining.
So Im going to keep figures based for Hammer as they are. I love telling stories in my strange Middle Earth atrocity.
And Im going to keep adding multibased figures for Muskets for that game. And it is more of a wargame with nice visuals, but yeah it doesnt really lend itself to storytelling.
So two home-brewed rules for two different types of games in my hobby life.
Oh and Ive already written the basic outline of a 3rd rules set. lol
Soemthing like harry Potter type duels between wizard teams. 3 or 4 wizards per side. Somewhere between Magic Gathering cards and D&D.
Calling it temporarily Warlocks of the Astral Plane.
-
These has been rather lovely read from the first page to the last. And these latest staged scene really look amazing.
-
@Luigi, Thanks for reading buddy.
Warlocks Of The Astral Planes
From post here: http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/warlocks-of-astral-planes.html (http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/warlocks-of-astral-planes.html)
Hiya buddies,
Here we have some pics of some repurposed Heroclix figures that Ive painted up in what I think could be otherworldy Astral-ish colors. So Im going to use them for my version of "superhero" gaming. So are they superheroes or warlocks? Same difference to me. Of course I could use them for other rules as well such as Super Mission Force, Wasteland Warriors, Power Legion or maybe even Savage Worlds. Also, Ive decided to take time to make the bases a bit more different from my usual figures. So I added lots of chopped up plastic sprues and odd bits I found laying about. Im thinking each faction or team will have their own base color scheme to help differentiate the figures during a game.
Onwards to the pics...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4M0zeZtJep16CcqQuQttRLGBGDdGLXeeSKnjubF5_xRXOtq_sySw25sodye9irnxWybD_DdeKIUnxvGMMs43cDGuAdU7SuERfwYVyRsQdN-HG1NKVzl7RY_1M47I_On4v0HupuT5ijd5CIW5UVtqiUThQShgPZ5pbPhM8xGVDWPH9nQ9J5rL4GDefXo/s4608/IMG_9533.JPG)
Left to Right: Eruleth, Infirmox, Korsa
This trio of Warlocks are known as the Cult of Barbaroi - a coven dedicated to mutations and elemental sorcery.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m9KO12HbQ-F5Js6Z2YTzMRqvb1A4HdH1aheLLqQqfzyzjp3GG19KbO7061IxCNHTnAsn5t5-idudZPsv56QztqsASUrjvHYBPz_-TUiUoJPcYrAVwQPvKE4y37KSsIQNaYCUXe6VHFPRhK8ikBwfxWXpXQ_oNItwdLguUArvKhyuD3UFLiaF9KcqC-I/s1600/IMG_9536.JPG)
Infirmox is the team's "Blaster", a ranged specialist with his magical blasts of disease ridden energy. He can also summon creatures to bolster their numbers.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndiGpdWvvAtOjZpGI4-NImq0QVStvbMs3Uw2ZLrrT7HUwlDXWFBRSLAlPWXZefrsEmIDlLpY6VcyuCNepbYb1-qfVtCdTDuq1xuven5nNjc29q7eyorFF548MQsZzgHHs1jUd7Zitic_qadW5nYtfMYV6IzHMfp-annTAZD6_DftPETyGWdXtjITFGX8/s1600/IMG_9538.JPG)
Korsa is the "Speedster" and can maneuver at great speed to confound their foes. She can also create force bubbles of invisible energy that can act as walls to trap, divide or slow the enemy.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHW4qiJch0EcvPd6D9SthKCXmcG_reIY7WvwxAEEhFLoUUZLTrM0T5Yi6YEPsLTEtG1RByUtYDPRXg-cAncCEzuDDpA367OyVCFRBzXrK0Fv-VrTbB_LpLO_0CUTafF-1CyJpQdC5XL-UhvHf5A5O9BVHrSeOn6XImoYNF5oF8d4su1KxPIVdaAupdTqE/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG)
Eruleth is one of the last endangered forest spirits. She has focused her rage into melee based magical attacks. So she is the "Brawler" of the team. Root Nibblers and Leaf Munchers of the world beware!
~~~
So there is the first test figures for a new range for "superhero" gaming. I really enjoyed painting them up... and I painted all 3 in one day. I cant wait to paint up their nemesis. I already got their name too. Its the Cult of Wyrmish.
Cheers,
Mar
-
I wonder where this may go...
-
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/return-to-tharbad-part-1.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/return-to-tharbad-part-1.html)
Return to Tharbad, Part 1
When last we saw Balthazar and his team in the Battle of Carn Vorn, the team discovered that some evil magic was imbueing creatures with the rejuvenation abilities of a Troll. The team lost their scout Adeline but they won the battle. They have been tracing the source of these creatures. The team encounters a caravan of human peasant refugees fleeing the area who tell them of a research facility in Tharbad. The peasants say a Night Hag conducts experiments there and has attracted the eye of Nyarlathotep himself who has sent a Shoggoth to make sure the Hag's R&D continues. Balthazar sends Prince Arioch, McGirk, and Mordecai the Butler to escort the peasants to safety. A group of dwarves from Moria appear and present themselves as allies. King Gourd of the dwarves means to destroy the Shoggoth. So the current mission is set. Destroy the Tharbad Research Facility and then... destroy the Shoggoth! King Gourd also says, the ruins of Tharbad might have mystic items that could help destroy or at least weaken the Shoggoth.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVtnvQG32uG5Oc6-wOj6kAH6Y0PudOYu4EOupDpXnM2B0vzt1frC11nUrzjXvT8l1U8_blaQscuhkmQDeVcATFcTBchKEgzviyM5aqScH9eZF3v76mYpi8KpfhJ_SOwEiCPhGh56Fcp9KbLn5dgy91Zp0aiIwi_EIiTUQN7DgR2S2tWhTa6F7GytTl2E/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG)
Left to Right: Karnov the Barbarian, Lenore the Valkyrie, Balthazar the Blue, Malekith the Anti-Paladin
Balthazar: Alrighty team. We are down a few members from our usual roster but we must destroy the Tharbad Research Facility or Trollish nature will be on the rise.
Lenore: I shudder to think of such a world! Those pesky Valar-damned trolls!
Balthazar: So here's how I feel about what we gonna do here. Either you're in 100% or your out. I dont like to effin dabble. If I go in, I like to go deep under cover. Thats where I go in. Know what Im saying buddies? Im going in like Gandalf did! Full force!
Lenore: Got it boss, full force.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnv0kukST-INPyI1LcpxfhRoCeY1HHcVIOYtiQxIj0EFC0YW-nOFkEiXrVWujS-QS6H6fD-z_YJKVu9gr-87lr3YErFVYtvtK65tlQ5j6fkxSiCf_XPsHXEA8Xb3HunpHyeBOsokgS7N3pwDWpO_5JuZbFNMj6PyHd0QYRfEgVZrjDKt-tNcHyY-C2BzQ/s1600/IMG_9583.JPG)
Left to Right: Dwarf soldiers, King Gound, Priestess Phoebe
King Gourd: Dwarves! We have our 1st assignment since returning to Middle Earth, lets give it our best, eh? Lets show these humies that we dwarves dont mess around.
Dwarves: *cheering* Moria! Beer! Roast meats!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrMF9xogP18DvgZ-0K0Cz3I-qPyOWIGntAhz-IUGX3O94821l_oZOD24ijPQ0V0a9_2KucDDE3940ceVDyHUS918Emu4aWjaH50r8e-NhyphenhyphenrxrtSvolVkSNJffP22JSFkJa5KJTCEGn-ymTsvhyphenhyphen0v7nwdAB4UQHwGNEb4OJwnxe6hrNaOUn6-zsKS9KK4/s1600/IMG_9584.JPG)
On the eastern half of the board, Balthazar and King Gourd and a few dwarves deploy.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYfARKWJ4e7hQnEZ2ga96z9odE3L83iYHA_SDTBnOCkSE4XlBEnpPPp-IXB7yc6lcGfo1-ce_jV2_9Xg33hcwEjQPuI41j7KT61S4QeNlxDX27iSq9x_nqffUqZXqP1nBVxaXALyXtiVF5gnhjqmT1u5N93uOd6HOP3jw5DzfUrtTlNjuWW8ckbxfgzQ/s1600/IMG_9585.JPG)
Closer to the Tharbad Research Facility, Malekith leads a contingent of knights, archers and handgunners.
Malekith: Shoggoths are timid, easily frightened creatures. It's best to greet them with a twitching, thrashing peace dance while wearing a garland of goats entrails.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEaZsSo_A9yjwq1-ZdZ_06m-Q7Sb0NocHhareDENgU4wx8ttOi4BTAFdVrBqTV-2J0ajROVFYBzGH8RiFMLk1oN4MSox1XSCSfdmToQ60vXHMSIRuhIucuZTKkYOGF3BIkEign-1eafx6fAjdf-9mhG2_I17slcuqHkhG-yIaXO_DHjpialte5hP4_tM/s1600/IMG_9586.JPG)
On the western half of the table, Lenore, Karnov, and their henchmen deploy.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiund6p6SQgJPi-SzEfW6TrZWr1jDfm7PAivlFcUCNvwNOWhHvk__ozt6RF3CXg0ywnh7yJIhyphenhyphenXWmzJ1k2XWSEgd3olilAJn1wFmqvah2PYhq90mdBnyh-1fNe4vTiv3dAcKW4XmpTq62N3X4CuLbdTdh_3C7oeFRPAVHDSqpXo_MZAOCV4rwKxqlZ8OLg/s1600/IMG_9587.JPG)
Closer to the Tharbad Research Facility, Priestess Phoebe leads dwarf warriors and some ranged troops.
Priestess Phoebe: Well, the army seem to be in good spirits at least. Valaya preserve us in our hour of need!
~~~
THE BATTLE OF THARBAD PART DEUX
Summary
The Nighthag Esmerelda has been experimenting with imbueing monsters with Trollish Regeneration. She has been using the local monsters of Tharbad for her experiments. She must be stopped before she creates more abominations. Nyarlathotep is interested in supporting the Nighthag's research facility to help him in his Mythos invasion of Middle Earth. A Shoggoth has been sent to Tharbad to protect these bio-weapon factories from any meddlesome humans. Our heroes, Balthazar and friends, have received orders from the White Tower to sabotage the Tharbad facility and slay the Shoggoth. Dwarf allies have arrived on scene to assist!
Board Setup
The table size is 22" x 60" (two mats). Place a ruin in the center to represent the Research Facility. Also place 4 clumps of terrain - trees, rocks, walls, statues. Clumps must have at least 4" of open space around them and at least 2" from a board edge. Also place 4 small ruined buildings or crypts.
Deployment
- Esmerelda the Nighthag Witch and 3 Beastmen are placed in the center Ruin. 6 more Beastmen are placed in two groups within 6" of center ruin. Place 6 Item Counters face down around the board but no closer than 6" to each other or board edge. Monsters are not aware of Heroes. Monsters alerted if in LOS and in 12" of Heroes or already alerted monster.
- All Heroes and allies must deploy within 3" of southern edge.
Reinforcements
- DM Only Info
Special Rules
- The Heroes may search an Item Counter if adjacent to it. On a roll of 4+, they may pick it up. Dwarves get a +1 to the roll. 3 counters are cobwebs (useless), If 3 items are brought together and crafted as an action, a Mythos Bomb-Omb is created that can be activated at any time to cause 6 Wounds on a Shoggoth in LOS. One time use.
- The Research Facility has 10 Health and no Save.
Victory Conditions
- Game ends on Turn 10. Heroes win if the Research Facility is destroyed AND the Shoggoth is slain.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcDx0Banpptc9m5A3pFAEDCTP3durm86BYfutbMwqqWk9BGxlMO0n4NU9TWxsCOChAXVInLQzQYxZwSIdk1y8vp2YoBndp7hCM_YTy_jzANFBWtrJ5xRAWuw5Oo6OAVAZhALp1pXWMQ9bOngRepW0QOunjeAFtDpoNT9fpISxd1QAV_ZNQKwvumC-l44/s1600/IMG_9588.JPG)
The game begins with King Gourd approaching a crypt. He avoids being spotted by some Beastmen, but something stirs in the crypt... something slimy. Its the Avatar of Dagon!
Avatar of Dagon: The Beercart Pony might have escaped my grasp last game and that loss still sticks in my craw... so, I will make these dwarves suffer greatly!
~~~
For the rest of the battle see all 3 parts on the blog here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/return-to-tharbad-part-1.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/return-to-tharbad-part-1.html)
-
Bonus post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/thanksgaming-day.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/thanksgaming-day.html)
Thanksgaming Day
So I spent Thanksgiving with my landlords' grandkids, 6 girls and 2 boys. Left me drained physically, but it was good for my soul. I had some cute little pop dolls that I gave to the girls. Took some pics of them before I gave them out.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4TbG49CD2h6eF9lEYToXontWCK31YHsYoS-4UYdxIhI0SsttAg41UDcAXZ0IfnKgHF3jU9WFPls_hKD8Gt1NIXuGFxsMdPsvS4U_iiMcRioBQPJBAsB_x6gGTPLtF5DZDLUw2vnWiIJIML_w2RyWAcNovFQskXnT3GBVC7r2Nd_LOHYM4jUtvi2YUPo/s1600/01.JPG)
Every girl got 2 dolls each. I think they liked them even if they are creepy cute. Then again, Im sure they are used to creepy cute because Ive been giving them fantasy miniatures for the past 2 years. Sometimes I think the figures in my collection are too scary. There are lots of monsters in my room. But the girls seem to like the monsters. Maybe even sympathize with them like I do. I heard one of the girls say the monsters werent really bad and shouldnt be judged by their fangs and claws. Exactly my thoughts!
~~~
For the rest of the post: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/thanksgaming-day.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/11/thanksgaming-day.html)
-
Wow, the Tharbad battle was cool, but your Thanksgaming day was even more awesome! It is really great you have these kids over to introduce them not only to gaming but also to your magical world! It sounds like they (and you) have had a great day!
-
@LordOdo,
Thanks pal. Im lucky to have some great buddies to play my Moria games with. But yeah, I do feel that gaming with the landlords kids fills a spot in my heart that has been missing for a long time. As a hobby enthusiast and maybe more importantly as a human being, it feels good to uplift the next generation, even in some small way. I hope to see the kids maybe christmas or new years. But I know for sure that they do visit on Lunar New Year or as they call it. Tet. So it will be another "Tet Offensive" when I game with the kids again! :p
-
From full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/12/kobold-army-kennel-of-kobolds.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/12/kobold-army-kennel-of-kobolds.html)
Here is a Kobold Army - A Kennel of Kobolds
Its a canine tsunami! No fire hydrant is safe from them. They will lift a leg and mark their territory. And the pissing will not stop there!
So Kobolds have a greek mythological origin? The Kobaloi. Cool.
I went for a blue color scheme.Why? Apparently the blue mineral Cobalt is named after Kobolds! I guess the Kobolds play tricks with miners and change gold and precious metals into Cobalt for shits and giggles. Dogs might be a man's best friend, but I dont think Dwarves and Kobolds are going to be friends.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7lISoDak8w3O-_iLBwWbBQ4EM4UuD2j7u_HOBrgEpHsu4hr3I4YbMP0kHcO_ALTpyVchvcYLQy2hMKlH_teeCco1PgwGefGlhPbQDW1JL8MxNKBPicon-SvzlCbGWnw-qMoaUg0g1HT2CVSP4yC5UIUy1b4irON-4mlX2vikJE48AmUhNXboTUYF4yk/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG)
The Moon Dog Tribe marches to the sound of barks and howls. Awoooooo! Oh those raucous devil-dogs!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChVEbo8LElDezXqrDM61IH1FrISTCsUNUvEKMI1mTAiNQ7UZ9y9SJXwT318wUn5HuY-7TndGyDrOBH092xMH8rOcuVM23A3jwmjUF4uwE5mm-l7Lt1iD5KUo3HUOO7S2ARuKq_IglOJu2nh1rmP-Gk3yM3Mci72iA31OHFgY6nUyispYN9OHXFAoLlus/s1600/IMG_9629.JPG)
They are led by a Gnoll hero leader, some Kobold leaders, and supported by Kobold Clerics. Kobold Clerics pray to the Great Sky Dog. *points to Crom* Your god lives beneath him!
~~~
For more words and pics see: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/12/kobold-army-kennel-of-kobolds.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/12/kobold-army-kennel-of-kobolds.html)
-
Cobalt, Kobold; it all makes sense now!
I like the idea of canine themed army: I can see the army leaders being named after famous dogs (Pluto, Lassie, Toto, Snoopy)
-
@LordOdo,
Funny you should mention Toto... I was thinking of their song and how it fits the kobolds and more importantly the place where gnolls live - the savannah!
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what's right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what's deep inside
Frightened of this thing that I've become
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
-
Taken from post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/12/hello-kitty-vs-cthulhu-mythos.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2023/12/hello-kitty-vs-cthulhu-mythos.html)
Hello Kitty vs Cthulhu Mythos - Sweetheart Playtime
Oh its going down tomorrow!
Not just another happy holiday, its time again for kids versus Cthulhu! Wherein I am going to once again be invaded by my favorite gaggle of tweens. Thats right, the landlords grandkids are coming for Yuletyde gaming night. And I thought Id take some pics now before the event. I prepared a special game for them, The last time I saw the girls on Thanksgiving, I questioned them about what toys they liked most of all. And the answer was Hello Kitty. So I bought some and yes these are more age appropriate minis for the girls to roleplay with. I hope they like these particular ones.
Hello Cthulhu! Sweetheart playtime!
Enjoy the madness...
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjc9c1vm16_AgmPbEuIYPFL0VmpOsdyk9In86FAXHdXvtg5BWjZXv1mAoXHCpzQhiSTFCM9XC42XYH6BxeNWA9CGpqa19XO7sLGS3wki3W-CbMfjyJEd3SfOivocK4Be2PFrqysB_TfXiDWFwwJb7XB5YH6Lxkh_uuKoY0srUY33LNJxyvPNyNUTeyGbU/s1600/a.JPG)
Wizard Kitty: Ok team, we have to eliminate the Mythos threat in this dungeon to protect the town and get our Quest completed. Somewhere up ahead are nasty slimy tentacle-y monstrosities for us to banish!
Ice Cream Kitty: I will lead the way with the magic of my +1 Vorpal Ice Cream Cone!
Apple Kitty: Oh noes! The Gate is closing behind us all on its own! No one is touching it. It must be automated.
Worried Kitty: Or haunted!
Screeeeeee...... Ka-Chunk! And indeed, the Gate closes behind them.
Our four heroines have entered the dungeon and there is no turning back now!
Wizard Kitty: The way is forwards. Lets split into two teams. That's always a good idea, right?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIr4JZ3EH3ayfuhF_ssQI_JiYg5ENBL13XNnJmI7N4e-c9K9-eWpax7rtm-X98T4WKbGoZMxTWTVLNHVkAwNiMzsZsWombKNxMPwxZuDwuAxOS2o0et281A2yNMXFxTJ8lbeCTCtRJblh4PF3xptvuFmQzlUhr0GraBW55S1Ah0hfRXMqnNWLi70DkYc/s1600/b.JPG)
These two kitties come face to face with Nyarlathotep!
Ice Cream Kitty: Have at thee fiend!
Wizard Kitty: Ok I cast Fireball at the darkness!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMWLTvtKl8lmu_FOxEJ1kGiBkeQMNbFcfdPZXMD_Je_QeEMsRG95d9hkjROhwlfFDOK6EylP7Gno3DE8DtkQNU6FADFFl4JQIfEVQ8p3EKMcQTH-NackSkxMTTWBoyhC4SkopCt1t5hs_a309Py5X47V-qSQZyaKQ03EKZJSXkRvlEG0pz1XdAPdyikY/s1600/c.JPG)
And the other two kitties encounter Shoggoth!
Apple Kitty: This apple is worthless! I wish I had chosen better equipment in the town.
Worried Kitty: I dont even have an item! I knew it. Never split the party!
~~~
So lets see what will happen tomorrow. Will the girls do better than this trial run? Im thinking the girls will try diplomacy with the monsters. Its their way of doing things. To them, monsters are pets in the process of being tamed. :)
Cheers and Happy Holidays to all,
Mar
-
It's so nice you have included several Kitties to your world just because you know the girls love them! Curious to see how they will fare against the Cthulhu Mythos...
-
I think Hello Kitty may actually be one of the elder gods - it pops up everywhere and exerts a malign influence through pop culture… it has even gained a toe-hold in tabletop wargaming!
-
Sorry, couldn't resist.
At least the kitty isn't that creepy this time.
;)
(https://i.postimg.cc/x12dKRqS/DALL-E-2024-01-05-19-01-59-Imagine-a-whimsical-and-cute-scene-where-Hello-Kitties-are-dressed-as-W.png) (https://postimg.cc/mtmR47Qd)
-
@LordOdo,
The kids didnt face any Cthulhus. They saved a dwarf carrying books and scrolls (I forgot his name) from a pack of monkeys. Then helped him to save a princess from a wyvern. They tried to hide in some ruins, but the wyvern spotted them by flying around. But yeah, no Cthulhus showed up.
@Pattus Magnus,
Whats more interesting to me, is that young girls know about Cthulhu and Demogorgon. Thanks to Stranger Things. But who would have thought Demogorgon would enter pop culture. I was surprised when the girls saw a figure on my shelves and correctly identified him as a Demogorgon.
@Arjuna,
This one is more friendly than the ones you posted on my TMP post. Nevermind kids, one or two of those pics gave me the chills! :o But this one is colorful and cute!
-
Taken from full post here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-new-year-new-front.html
A New Year, A New Front
Lancelot: Brave, brave Concorde, you shall not have died in vain!
Concorde: Uh, Im not quite dead, sir.
Lancelot: Well, you shall not have been mortally wounded in vain!
Concorde: I... I think I could... I could pull through, sir.
Lancelot: Oh I see.
Concorde: Actually, I think Im all right to come with you.
Lancelot: No, stay here! I will send help as soon as I have accomplished a daring and heroic rescue in my own particular...
Concorde: Idiom, sir?
Lancelot: Idiom! Farewell sweet Concorde!
Concorde: I'll, umm... I'll just stay here then. Shall I, sir? Yeah.
~~~
Hiya buddies, State of the Union blog address...
Ever since I survived a 2nd aortic dissection in 2022, I became (as the kids say) "based". Dont need, or care what others may think of me or my way of life. Only my own thoughts are important to me now. And so Im living according to the promptings that are dictated to me by my true inner self. And unlike Goethe's lament, I find that living according to those statutes are NOT difficult at all. Simply put... life is far too short for anything other. Do what you feel is good for you and stop living for others.
Does that mean Im narcissistic or amoral or selfish. Well maybe... but, I still live by the "do no wrong" credo and so I neither hurt nor harm anyone and I think Im a positive force and all around good buddy to any and all that cross my path in life. Of course, my life is also only populated by good folks and I am thankful for that. The landlord's grandkids, my gaming pals from Maryland, my doctors and specialists, and the occasional Uber/Lyft driver when I have to go to see said doctors. And I do get to know my drivers and conversate with them and since they are usually ethinically diverse, its good that my forte's are world history and world music. And while I do have interesting talks with them about their perspectives on the world, most talks usually end about their food! I am known for loving World music but Im also a big fan of international ethnic cuisines too. So if I am narcissus, Im a nice one that loves speaking to a diverse cast of peoples.
Note about Narcissus (from the actual mythology), I think he is given a bad rap but I'll save that shpiel for another day (I adore the Narcissus and Echo story/stories).
But anyway, back to me recovering from a 2nd life or death medical moment...
I was like a marine recruit, like Joker in Full Metal Jacket (hopefully not like Pyle), I was born again hard. Or like King in Platoon... if you make it out of here, out of the bush... then everyday for the rest of your life, its all gravy. And everyday is indeed gravy or strawberry milkshakes. (shake pic here.)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfTUiR155n-ym1i87fFNIjnTNEGUh72b0LFWPG28Y_9DN4jpAt62aUBsqy-8oGR8MdsHS7A0qqG6zzoWAp4eEOx2EM28RC1YZvaUWP1DgTcduqDwKV15kbxaOZzxe7fQjBnck0TuXKePXzxtnS2O5YXQXYxuKA5dnV4K7mqVyhhlJ-HPqgkk1E1cdg-w/s1600/IMG_1886.jpg)
Crisis averted!
Here is my pic taken by my pal Joe P. just moments after he had picked me up from the hospital where I had been for two months? And this pic is the perfect summation of my life. Good food with a good pal. Some good conversation and perhaps a good game afterwards. What else is there? What is best in life, Conan? Besides crushing your enemies, seeing them driven before you and hearing the lamentations of their women? A good refreshing beverage dessert! But I do wish for a fast horse, falcon at my wrist, and wind in my hair.
So, what the point of all this? Oh yeah, its been 2 years since that fateful milkshake, and Im still living the best life I can live. I got more gifts for the landlords grandkids for when they will visit on Lunar New Years in a week or two. I got gifts for my pals Steve and Joe for when they next visit me for our next game. I even got a gift for the landlords wife! Oh and for my primary doctor, who not only keeps me alive, but also shares her knowledge of best Korean BBQs in town. I like having the ability to give gifts and now I understand the zen proverb that it is the giver that should be thankful. I have nothing but gravy in my life. How many people get a 2nd or 3rd chance at life?
So here's hoping for yet another productive year for this gaming blog. And while I do try to keep this only about gaming, I cant help if my personal thoughts and life creeps in every now and again. Forgive an old man. Im getting sentimental in my old age.
Anyway, onwards to a small yet entirely appropriate update to the Moria blog...
~~~
The Once and Future King has returned at last from his long vacay in Avalon. And it seems that Camelot is the old name for Rohan?! And where is Merlin? Oh, he has been on this blog before.. in the Shire campaign of years past. Remember, he lives backward in time. But does that mean he wont show up again?
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEyjR7ulKNZl1uYE3XiQqRls58pwgMtX8_vAa021v209CrIp9085UefWfw3aQvGnksGaZJsBLLMCIWTbr5leLm-4RStmjO3m8TiSB8Puam3RzbDqoOSgjGFsjf8uqaE_gx0W0e28U5OBN8qCyhmTZcD1PwWnxu-Wl-IbYcn35Qghc-bhGzFzsmscwsnI/s1600/IMG_9663.JPG)
The thunderous sound of hooves is heard once again in Rohan! Is that Carmina Burana playing in the background? (Oh wait, its Wagner's Parsifal prelude, Carmina is later in the film).
(Black screen)
The land was divided,
without a King.
Out of those lost centuries, rose a legend...
Of the coming of the King...
And the sword of Power.
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyoAoO04bhUdAzYvUoM1UrKJM-AdixQ5uZ3gYSovzn8PxBussHMupXOEzubj4KVCBJ6rdN9t3PVMCJo4s4VvC0DmwfriW0_gp5OeCAmvx9uz_4Ss61x-0gi4_x2Z6KfdAYFKOzCYWf7CKbokDuX5CtQiuZEGIe7N7mnxZeWX9en8atGP0r7wYKm8KEog/s1600/IMG_9659.JPG)
Arthur: Where are you Merlin? Show yourself! Call your dragon to weave a mist to hide us from our enemies!
So, the tide of Mythos streaming into Middle Earth has a new opponent!
Arthur vs Nyarlathotep. Excalibur vs Necronomicon.
Its the Pendragon vs King in Yellow showdown we didnt know we were waiting for!
Ring of Power vs Sword of Power. Last magic item standing!
~~~
Oh and bonus footage!
Another reason for this post. Moria will not be the only subject of this blog.
War is coming.
A war that is both GRIM and DARK. And it is in the FUTURE...
A war of loyalists and traitors. The enemy has come. And it is us!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6udIKUi8pmoaOL3qOvEcesHLThxcP-7NgxEOlFuXVxKarnzLJCFEvF43E_cUsiMo8_Py1A9TiMPJhqgvkoaCuRNgJv2lp4Za8dflVZqvlvcDhYfwnYcPDm3k2cqg81xogrcmj_rb6YmiKljXtLGk_rMwPc479n5hy33j1I1IChqC5uPl2eK2jzh6rmqo/s1600/IMG_9649.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZ9oZ9O5m6i7uPnWgw4AdiQgJNWIXX3Kiiu-1fnzaiWCYhP-Puf6nWt2vfg9a30iO51v79aPSFOMot5_ov_ckhKp48IvUcvAGCMXteAon6T_h5iPFAJnonETHFk4_3j6XXf4epZjwC4pig6IoaWD0LLTDbJdBUD4uka6MqDK9bHq6BXrraKrxwoAWM3c/s1600/IMG_9651.JPG)
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwx4WgWz5xq5Zb3oCFmLFklxRAlz2ZS6CYH_iUIJdHunkvOfRJes4otFOANC0q7a5aaZ48ejbFlPpOL1qGseoRlSoM45RIdnhOabw1VgYnMMdLipb2I847eoS3U4xdnWaRB1TX8f_5xa_ZkYOVT4mSNq3heXT8ttHmbs2wuIrEyHAF8kvo5QMQ2V9M8w/s1600/IMG_9653.JPG)
Cheers,
Mar
-
Tempt not the Valar, You Proud Hobbit!
from here: https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2024/02/tempt-not-valar-you-proud-hobbit.html (https://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2024/02/tempt-not-valar-you-proud-hobbit.html)
I feel thin, sort of stretched. Like too much butter spread over too much bread... Im old young Hobbits!
Small post today. And how ironic that the last post was how I survived 2 Aortic Dissections!
I just got home from the hospital a few hours ago and can add Triple Bypass Buddy and Dialisis Dude to the list! The hits keep coming, but like a determined Balin and company, I cannot be stopped from reclaiming my homeland. To Moria Forever! Lest we forget. All of this on the word of a King, and the word is good.
While I was in the hospital I made a few notes on my phone to remember my time there.
Here they are:
~~~
(while walking with a walker and a nurse and upon hearing the squeaky walker wheel)
Mar: That is the sound of my soul.
(Nurse laughs uncontrollably)
~~~
(another day, another morning, I awake to Turner Classic Movie channel on mute)
Nurse: How are you feeling today?
Mar: Bypass makes me vulnerable. Another thing to protect (pointing to heart), Its like another set of testicles on my chest.
~~~
(Mar plays pretend in his head. Because what else is there to do in the hospital?)
Mar: Going out in the world is dangerous. Here, take this small Heart Pillow! (hugs a little pillow that is given to bypass patients)
(Nurse looks puzzled)
~~~
Wow, this blog is taking root in reality! Am I a player in my own blog now? Where is the beer and roast meats, Gimli? And hand me my axe and torch and lets see what lies in the next chamber buddies!
Maybe Ive always been here? Ive always been the caretaker! (cue song Midnight and the Stars Have You)
And yes, I was a hit with the hospital staff. (the nurses loved me) I will repay their kindnesses. Or I will die trying! I swear it!
Anyway, Back to the post!
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgG15VCaw1r435YSIhlnYcQQmBskk2c6fpjMzMs4puQNUKapDgwIS9Bv3TtkWau7_JEL60YD9lb9azxRgj6rXxNjHVcSBDI2yoNh-EN68wFZYTFcDHpOeKsas7TGUbTPy3BvCG9F9h43DsfT_G_LpI4zYyZmPkKzPzeClfwKkrqxU8aMh28Ys0skWc00/s1600/IMG_9669.JPG)
So I came home to find a package of brown wool felt! They are Safari Brown from Prairie Woolens. I immediately cut a small shape out of them... and voila! A forest base for my widdle trees to live. And the ruined city world is taking shape. Nature is taking back what was abandoned. Is this Moria in the future? It could be.
~~~
Im going to rest for a bit and try to finish more of our buddy Joe Ps commission. But Im happy about a piece of felt. Its the small things in life.
Cheers,
Mar
`
-
Congrats on making it back home. Hopefully for the long term!
-
Welcome back, look forward to the future war in Moria.
Here's to you, new friends and acquaintances and especially those that keep you around for longer to share your time, thought's and battle reports (even a little) with us.
-
@syrinx0 and @Tactalvanic,
Thanks buddies! There is a possible battle coming on Sunday with some of my pals from Maryland. Stay tuned!