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Author Topic: First League: Hohenzollern Guard  (Read 1620 times)

Offline Andy in Germany

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First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« on: May 11, 2018, 03:06:02 PM »
I've finally managed to get myself into gear to make my first League, so here's Captain Erwin von Witzleben and his squad of Hohezollern Guards:











Some background may be needed here; I'll try to keep it short...

After the end of the First World War, Germany experienced a revolution which ended with the noble but fundamentally flawed Imperial constitution of the Weimar Republic bringing the states together.

For the sake of an interesting story, I've assumed that this didn't happen. Instead the squabbling states, of which there were many, split off into a mass of loosely aligned countries with connections through family ties or political expediency. One of these would be the state of Hohenzollern, which no longer exists, but which used to cover a thin strip of a rather hilly bit of south Germany.

Of course Fascism is still a factor and some of these states would lean in a fascist direction, others would be more progressive.  I suspect Hohenzollern would be more rightward leaning, being very conservative and closely linked to the Prussian Dynasties. However, the Hohenzollen Guards (HG) are not to be confused with the Royal Army of Hohenzollern, (RAoH) that erstwhile army of the King: the Guards are a mercenary group, rather like the Swiss Guards, but without the shiny armour. The state is rather embarrassed about them, but can't do without them: the HG is after all one of the main exports of Hohenzollern.

Hohenzollern is a tiny state and any male recruits with the choice would go to the RAoH, so the HG would have a pragmatically open recruiting policy. They hire from the local area wherever they are contracted which makes them a gathering place for all kinds of adventurers. They are also happy to take women disinclined to lead a life as milkmaids, this being the main other profession open to them. Thus the HG, theoretically based in a conservative, monarchical state, are among the more progressive and cosmopolitan forces around.

The HG are known for being scrupulous about contracts and absolutely impossible to bribe, so they would find employment with many of the newly independent city states in Germany and beyond.

This is my way of making sure I can use these figures I've painted in a Pulp scenario. It's a long journey but we made it in the end.

I've finished painting another league. Will post it when I have the cards finished...

« Last Edit: May 12, 2018, 08:19:47 PM by Andy in Germany »

Offline d phipps

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2018, 03:53:23 PM »
Very cool! I like your alternate-history idea. Great looking cards!

I may have missed it, but I looks like you have 2 free slots. Maybe you are getting a Background Perk?

THANKS for playing and sharing Pulp Alley. I hope we get to see more.

Offline Andy in Germany

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #2 on: May 12, 2018, 03:29:19 PM »
Thanks Dave, and you're right: I have two slots free, which I hadn't noticed, thanks for the heads up.

I'll have a look at the extra perks again, as I think that will be the easiest option. I'll have to remember that for my next league as well.

It occurs to me that in the same way I've made my lieutenant a 'follower' to represent someone who is promoted beyond their abilities, I could have an 'in story' leader who is actually classified as an ally or follower, to represent say, a political officer that throws his weight around but is actually dead weight as far as the team is concerned.

This way the rest of the team needs to protect them, which would make it harder to concentrate on achieving their objective. Or is there a reason this doesn't work in the game?
« Last Edit: May 12, 2018, 08:04:53 PM by Andy in Germany »

Offline Doug ex-em4

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2018, 07:22:16 PM »
This is looking good if the engaging back-story is an indication of what’s to come. Looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.

Doug

Offline d phipps

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2018, 01:32:51 AM »
... This way the rest of the team needs to protect them, which would make it harder to concentrate on achieving their objective. Or is there a reason this doesn't work in the game?

Looks like a cool idea. No reason it won't work in Pulp Alley.

In many ways this strays into the realm of "story" - so it is more about how you choose to play your league rather than being forced to play a certain way. It's your story - we just write the rules.  ;)

Offline nandrin

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2018, 07:42:32 AM »
Very nice ideas! Should be fun to play.

Offline Andy in Germany

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2018, 05:34:30 PM »
Thanks for the comments: that's very encouraging...

Looks like a cool idea. No reason it won't work in Pulp Alley.

In many ways this strays into the realm of "story" - so it is more about how you choose to play your league rather than being forced to play a certain way. It's your story - we just write the rules.  ;)

This is exactly why I like Pulp Alley: the action is character based and not tactical. I'm a storyteller rather than a tactician and I like the way the characters are individuals and their characteristics will affect their 'decisions', i.e. how I can play them, rather than trying to think like a general.

This appeals as well because part of my motivation for this is trying to get my boys away from computer games where the 'enemy' is anonymous, not 'a person like us' who happens to be on the other side. I'm hoping that the fact their opponent has a name and characteristics will help them think differently.

Also, small leagues are cheaper than big armies...

Offline Andy in Germany

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2018, 05:56:06 PM »
I forgot another question I wanted to ask...

My next league is "'Colonel' W Oliver and his Royal Navy 'specialists'". Who will turn out not to be the virtuous chaps they may at first appear. the 'Colonel' in particular is a rather shady character. The current plan is to have

Leader:    Lt. William Gunning
Sidekick:  W.O. George Whitehead
Ally:          Seaman Baker
Follower:  Seaman Bryant
Follower:  Seaman Fry
Follower:  The 'Colonel' (who is the in-story leader)

Which I think gives me two spare slots which I can use as a 'Bastion of Science' Perk.

The main (only) thing the Colonel brings apart from pointless orders, is money, which is shown by the Lt. Having the 'Wealthy' ability. I'm thinking that this combined with Bastion of Science will give the League an advantage that will overcome the disadvantage of having lots of followers, but I'm open to suggestions from people with experience.
« Last Edit: May 13, 2018, 05:58:48 PM by Andy in Germany »

Offline d phipps

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #8 on: May 14, 2018, 09:44:38 PM »
I like the idea for this league.

The Colonel will be mostly useless -- quite likely cowering at the back or leading hopelessly suicidal charges. Although he may be KO'd nearly every game, he'll recover in time to be sure to take credit for the victory or place blame on someone else. Fun stuff.

Be sure to check out the rules for Gadgets, which tend to be a bit more "experimental" than normal Gear.


HAVE FUN

Offline Andy in Germany

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Re: First League: Hohenzollern Guard
« Reply #9 on: May 15, 2018, 04:57:02 PM »
Thanks Dave.
I like the idea for this league.

The Colonel will be mostly useless -- quite likely cowering at the back or leading hopelessly suicidal charges. Although he may be KO'd nearly every game, he'll recover in time to be sure to take credit for the victory or place blame on someone else. Fun stuff.


You've got it. Useless but rich, and convinced of his own importance, a dangerous combination.

The 'Colonel' would never be leading a suicidal charge, but he would be most affronted at the idea if him 'cowering' at the back. He will be standing tall and strong (and probably behind a nice thick wall) ordering someone else to make suicidal charges to achieve his gains.

Of course that will mean heavy casualties but the Colonel is ready to make any sacrifice for the glory of King and Empire. After all, that's what the lower orders are for.

That and testing 'Experimental' Gadgets so he can make a profit selling them later...

In short the sort of dastardly cad that my boys will love to hate...

« Last Edit: May 15, 2018, 05:40:03 PM by Andy in Germany »