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Miniatures Adventure => Gothic Horror => Topic started by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 06, 2024, 01:30:38 PM

Title: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 06, 2024, 01:30:38 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX87BDCHjN7LmebOKbJB0WYxJUvnlFHsDjSXWYtlRbu9toSMmBbTF7nAzm9HSe_fIzOJs2lX6qtCneh_hnTCbRMDgOsk9FK1k5bNg8AmM-G5vS8UnDzpdBWmqCpZsK8z0iYAf7wYgJOfIOv_3LbpsNn6FGjMcErFl3PkrfUpiK0b7KDwHyvRnej-noIc/s3366/PXL_20240103_105708568.MP.jpg)

I am working on a new project at the moment, Witching Hour, pitching a handful of flawed and foolhardy monster hunters against the creatures of the night. Designed for co-operative and solo play, the hunters will be controlled by the player/s, while NPC 'innocents' and the antagonististic 'monsters' will be controlled by the game. Firmly set in the 16th and 17th centuries, during the height of the so-called witch craze, the game will have rpg-lite elements in character creation, with characters learning skills of derring-do and revealing dark secrets.

We started playtesting the rules last year, but I have only managed time to start painting up models over the Christmas break. I'll post progress pics in this thread as the collection develops.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRIO9ssXveTMtceTW__dhWkdV-8jyY-a3fllYXBSafWxM-KSCd6_KfmBvGnt1YuS7AdulkuzIXLnzG_cqIGkQuy-HsJEBX2P9nJ0xTNSvL8-iA0hdNkSX5ZVgVZVLlcpxwYB2RVAXzlbmyUFVgmzRnwYA5tRcTOYBwdtvKoiTot6oACXfPivrwOMhMfg/s3090/PXL_20240103_105132047.MP.jpg)
To get started, here are my first two hunters, both from the superb Bloody Miniatures range. There are six archetypes which form the basis of character creation in Witching Hour. I have painted these two in dour black as 'religious', but they could also find work as scholars, soldiers or gentlemen.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxi51q9IrV8_DhPL9S7v_YJJuqPr797O8U-4uHi1SsCyVigHgSpCazNf5KgdqqjaN2pcEbK27kQ5GMsnohLWdQBjkYdhnJaFBOp68709abWFe-IcHbltgzs4EAF69fgLtcjjLopYTCTLmC_bX-CW18e55Ye7CLtJRgvfqyd8u4XdcmOJRUNzi61sLobs/s4624/6.jpg)
I have also completed my first wee coven of witches and their imps. The witches are from Crooked Dice, while the imps are from Foundry.

More pictures and rationale behind decisions can be found on the Witching Hour thread on my blog.
https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/search/label/Devilry%20Afoot (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/search/label/Devilry%20Afoot)
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 06, 2024, 01:32:56 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vpUjiEtRrBXSiPXYhB1l6XdJgqOplZYbAl1JS4oua60sFj2H_t8qq0j-q9o4i-fCE1J-c3sQ1piXuYet6hbEaCtvcSZmkOOvd_GFTOhyphenhyphenXV-lq24FgoYm4KMPE1Av5_3knVf324ugv0OZ-1_12Yp0X8LVdQL8BwoVo63JpOpXf9W44UDx8olVZUqdFIY/s3042/leprechaun%20(1).jpg)

I have also completed this 'pact devil' marker. In Witching Hour, pact devils are capricious creatures eager to strike deals with hunters and lure innocent humans away to the otherworld. A pact devil may be the Devil himself, but is much more likely to be a member of the fairy folk or some petty demon.

I have chosen to model this pact devil as a leprechaun, converting a lovely Reaper Miniatures chap who is sculpted riding a turkey. Instead, this fellow is leaning against a standing stone with a passageway to the otherworld hidden at its base.
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on January 06, 2024, 02:02:04 PM
That's uncanny, I've been working on exactly the same project, and included a 'Deville's Pact' too!  I went for a mix of game styles also, as I came to the conclusion that a straight p v p battle doesn't really reflect the times very well. I read through some really useful books, if you want the references?
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: OSHIROmodels on January 06, 2024, 02:03:11 PM
Lovely work  :)
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: v_lazy_dragon on January 06, 2024, 02:33:27 PM
Cracking work! Looking forward to seeing more
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Cholmondely Percival IV on January 06, 2024, 05:30:56 PM
As I’ve posted on the Pikes, Muskets and Flouncy Shirts board, there’s a set called Witchin’ Hour that’s currently available from Caliver Books, though very little information is given, so I don’t know whether this has any connection to your project.
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Romark on January 06, 2024, 07:11:09 PM
Love those minis and pjs  8)
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Sterling Moose on January 06, 2024, 08:38:49 PM
Love it!  Looking forward to seeing more.
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: MaleGriffin on January 07, 2024, 12:38:42 AM
Gorgeous! Excellent work!
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Peithetairos on January 07, 2024, 12:29:51 PM
Excellent work and very nice conversion with the last one. I especially enjoy the menhir with occult symbols.
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Bloggard on January 07, 2024, 02:06:31 PM
looking forward to the rules - and lovely paint-jobs on the figures.
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Malamute on January 07, 2024, 02:38:36 PM
Great stuff, lovely brushwork :-*
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 07, 2024, 03:55:31 PM
Quote from: Cholmondely Percival IV on January 06, 2024, 05:30:56 PM
As I’ve posted on the Pikes, Muskets and Flouncy Shirts board, there’s a set called Witchin’ Hour that’s currently available from Caliver Books, though very little information is given, so I don’t know whether this has any connection to your project.

Oh dear... that is not one that I had come across, and or course it didn't come up when I searched for other games called 'Witching Hour' because it's not. I suspect that is rather too close though amd I might need to rethink the title of project. Thanks so much for bringing that to my attention!
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 07, 2024, 03:59:25 PM
Quote from: Elk101 on January 06, 2024, 02:02:04 PM
That's uncanny, I've been working on exactly the same project, and included a 'Deville's Pact' too!  I went for a mix of game styles also, as I came to the conclusion that a straight p v p battle doesn't really reflect the times very well. I read through some really useful books, if you want the references?

Thanks Elk, I've been doing a lot of reading historical depositions and articles, as well as bringing previous folklore research to bear, but you can never have enough research materials. If you get a moment, yes I'd love it if you would share any resources.

Incidentally, now that my original branding is in some doubt, can I ask what title you are going with so I don't pick that for mine!  ;D
Title: Re: Witching Hour - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 07, 2024, 04:43:03 PM
Quote from: v_lazy_dragon on January 06, 2024, 02:33:27 PM
Cracking work! Looking forward to seeing more
Quote from: OSHIROmodels on January 06, 2024, 02:03:11 PM
Lovely work  :)
Quote from: Romark on January 06, 2024, 07:11:09 PM
Love those minis and pjs  8)
Quote from: Sterling Moose on January 06, 2024, 08:38:49 PM
Love it!  Looking forward to seeing more.
Quote from: MaleGriffin on January 07, 2024, 12:38:42 AM
Gorgeous! Excellent work!
Quote from: Peithetairos on January 07, 2024, 12:29:51 PM
Excellent work and very nice conversion with the last one. I especially enjoy the menhir with occult symbols.
Quote from: Bloggard on January 07, 2024, 02:06:31 PM
looking forward to the rules - and lovely paint-jobs on the figures.

Thanks for all the encouragement folks!

Given the simmilarity between Witching Hour and the afore mentioned Witchin' Hour, I am switching to Devilry Afoot as my working title...
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 07, 2024, 04:46:17 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY_PvxtcUhVd705Um5I2Gm2zcdb1bTAIeNgZGxCN2TRQSOKk_JL_47-pNi_hVYz58x-utks7Hjm2ItHhYcx_9_7YDOZ9og4kKDFgWjqVxVzLCyfwfmKUzr876twapZktRmfIatk_AqEPus2SmEeiJhjncLfGmdTwsj1tGbN8OVDybK1IauFhirHoCguM/s4536/vampyre.jpg)

Rarely known in Western Europe, whispers from the East, and from the wilds of Ireland, speak of insatiable, sentient revenants who have returned from their graves. The details vary as to the origins of these creatures, but the stories often begin with a despotic ruler making pacts with the Devil to prolong their tyranny. They invariably end with a soulless husk, stalking the night to find succour in the soft flesh and young blood of the innocent.

Vampyres are included in Devilry Afoot because they should be there, rather than because there was any great tradition in 16th-17th century Western Europe. However, they were certainly a feature of Eastern European belief from the late medieval period. The German Nachzehrer (a more static kind of vampiric being who remained in their own grave) where prominant enough to warrent theological texts against them in the late 17th century, and there were vampire panics in Central Europe from the early 18th century. So its not too much of a stretch to imagine a vampyr making his or her way west in the wake of the Wars of Religion.

I struggled to find an aethsthetic I liked for a 28mm 17th century vampyre. They are often overly fantastic or terribly Victorian in appearance. I ended up going for this nosferatu from Reaper Miniatures. He stands slightly taller than my hunters from Bloody Miniatures, so is imposing despire his understated appearance. I also like that he obviously has a soft spot for rats.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: MaleGriffin on January 07, 2024, 08:00:47 PM
I love the vibrancy of the colors of your palettes! Your brushwork brings your figures to life!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Bloggard on January 08, 2024, 06:03:57 PM
cor - another great paint-job (and great figure).

I'd consider 'Deviltry Afoot' - has the archaic resonance, and helps avoid mis-reading as delivery ?!  :D

Everytime I read it I see and hear Peter Cushing  8)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: fred on January 08, 2024, 06:43:58 PM
Great work Nic

Looking forward to see how this game develops.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 08, 2024, 08:34:18 PM
Quote from: MaleGriffin on January 07, 2024, 08:00:47 PM
I love the vibrancy of the colors of your palettes! Your brushwork brings your figures to life!

Thanks. I am starting to veer away from wash-heavy paint jobs. Coming from smaller scales, that used to be my default approach, but now every day is a learning day!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 08, 2024, 08:35:45 PM
Quote from: fred on January 08, 2024, 06:43:58 PM
Great work Nic

Looking forward to see how this game develops.

Quote from: Bloggard on January 08, 2024, 06:03:57 PM
cor - another great paint-job (and great figure).

I'd consider 'Deviltry Afoot' - has the archaic resonance, and helps avoids mis-reading as delivery ?!  :D

Everytime I read it I see and hear Peter Cushing  8)

Thanks gents! To be fair, I first went to Divilry Afoot, but through that might be a bit to Ulster for most people!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 08, 2024, 08:40:58 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDe1biheIo59Ha3jwlzjHAe9TseVRuHFVqIak6lxmqEBg5-uTRwAxJj4OjxliUeXvoZfZvb0yq0KkoKISAd5pMe1kLtGzwf7ONBuifADFptz7_NjnZuXcY_MPUSoLuey83BHxMVFiZjrk4KTpnSRjVQldEqgAeE4P-XXIrp2eeh3by47XYQpJfWnX0Is/s3918/hunters%20(1).jpg)

Here are the latest hunters off the work bench. The three men are all from Bloody Miniatures - the woman is from the Flint and Feather range by Crucible Crush Productions.

As usual, additional pictures and thoughts on my blog: https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/search/label/Devilry%20Afoot (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/search/label/Devilry%20Afoot)

It was a productive Christmas break, but sadly back at work now, so the painting will slow up.  :(

Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Peithetairos on January 08, 2024, 10:18:17 PM
Those look great. As others mentioned great vibrancy to the colours. I also like that Nosferatu style vampire. I think I have that mini too in my pile.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Malamute on January 08, 2024, 10:31:56 PM
Excellent work.  :-*
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: anevilgiraffe on January 09, 2024, 07:55:42 AM
Lovely work, following with interest.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Sunjester on January 09, 2024, 08:35:19 AM
Superb painting jobs, I will follow your project with great interest.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on January 09, 2024, 05:42:15 PM
Lovely paintjobs on those figures!

I'll dig out the references and PM you.

My working title is 'The Deville's Pact', though I also toyed with a range of other titles from snippets of Daemonologie text. That's a really good one to read too.

Cheers
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 10, 2024, 05:32:37 PM
Thanks folks. And yes, Elk, do please PM me. Currently knee deep in the Island Magee witch trials. A little later (1711), but as detailed as it gets locally.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on January 10, 2024, 10:01:21 PM
Quote from: Irregular Wars Nic on January 10, 2024, 05:32:37 PM
Thanks folks. And yes, Elk, do please PM me. Currently knee deep in the Island Magee witch trials. A little later (1711), but as detailed as it gets locally.

Is that the Sneddon book? I've not read that one.

Edit: I've pm'd you
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Spinal Tap on January 11, 2024, 07:10:04 AM
Wonderful painting, really brings your figures to life.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: MaleGriffin on January 11, 2024, 05:56:43 PM
I absolutely LOVE your technique and color pallet! Masterful brushwork! Gorgeous figures!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 11, 2024, 08:43:52 PM
Quote from: Elk101 on January 10, 2024, 10:01:21 PM
Is that the Sneddon book? I've not read that one.

Edit: I've pm'd you

Yep! One of Sneddon's. I've returned your PM.  :)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot [no longer Witching Hour!] - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 11, 2024, 08:44:55 PM
Quote from: MaleGriffin on January 11, 2024, 05:56:43 PM
I absolutely LOVE your technique and color pallet! Masterful brushwork! Gorgeous figures!

Thank you! Although I think you may be overdoing the kind words just a little!  ;D
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 14, 2024, 08:22:58 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAxTaS2vIGq13ljUziniCNl_GSJaRM4kmrA1zQcEz-36qzJZwa_cQI0f0MbzYK87JaxgUe8GDIMt7pxkkztUHyRQ9TqA-sP-2k5yikQXu_5SgQJ_4NLRxBnYXuRAILm76QcyKa1bn1nTCDOSJto2RKG4TCrdCl8oZzC2Mc7m7k9bjsBPxPhyphenhyphencRopl3Vo/s3642/1.jpg)
The latest models painted for Devilry Afoot are two 28mm werewolves from Northstar Miniatures. The shine picked up by the camera really shows the necessity of a good matt varnish before trying to take nice photos.

Werewolves are originally humans, usually societal outcasts or farmers with isolated small holdings far from the light of other god-fearing mean. Seeking a means to protect themselves and the little they own, they have made compacts with the Devil who has bestowed upon them a gift – usually an ointment of a cursed piece of clothing – that allows them to assume the bestial form of a savage wolf-man. However, some unfortunates made no such deal, but have instead been wolf-bitten, cursed with lycanthropy and the uncontrollable urge to hunt when the moon is high.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 15, 2024, 08:51:35 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZhT6pF_BX6AqxLT9r_z30q1rvVSnXcD8BwdF8lW_F8Rx7l0B66d-dKpJPhXJ4MwY9I-Nuv36blmQj5SG8S3h5pL3zs2WsuO2fwCalZJ-JPWNnWxfMsRMsYJ4jE2ekRwliJ6k3RAZ-TqIAwsG1bn6VScQtlA7IPMbJd-OXuMaALNGoDUe2p4YNOgRL3M/s3312/2.jpg)

My latest monster hunter to be painted up is this lovely 28mm plague doctor 3D sculptedby Crosslances. He will certainly find service as a 'scholar'. In Devilry Afoot, scholars are one of the available archetypes from which to build your characters. Scholars may be drawn from the gentry, or be particularly gifted scions of more common families. Devoting their lives to the pursuit of knowledge in many different sciences, they are often more adept with a scalpel or quill and ink, than with swords or guns.

As the sculpt holds a lantern - a very functional peice of equipment in the darkness of Devilry Afoot, I wanted to try object source lighting (OSL) for the first time. This technique is supposed to represent the light coming from a source on the model itself - in this case the lantern. I'm not entirely happy with the outcome - I suspect I rather over did the OSL, but it certainly makes for an interesting painting approach!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on January 17, 2024, 07:34:53 PM
Lovely work! The OSL looks great.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: OSHIROmodels on January 17, 2024, 07:45:49 PM
Lovely work on those  8)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Sunjester on January 18, 2024, 06:30:16 AM
Wot they just said! Superb job.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Romark on January 22, 2024, 04:13:45 PM
Quote from: Elk101 on January 17, 2024, 07:34:53 PM
Lovely work! The OSL looks great.
Yep!😎
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 22, 2024, 09:07:12 PM
Thanks folks! No painting this week as hobby time is being spent proofing the rules!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Codsticker on January 22, 2024, 10:55:21 PM
Your rules sound exactly what I am looking for! I am currently working on my own collection of Bloody Miniatures with an eye to a scenario involving otherworldly creatures (may include undead...) in a town ravaged by the civil war.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Psychlic Bob on January 23, 2024, 10:13:10 AM
Any info on the number of figures required, playing area etc?
I am assuming you have seen "A Field in England" because I am getting that vibe here?
Keep posting
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: traveller on January 23, 2024, 10:33:21 AM
WOW! The painting is fantastic! Thanks for sharing  :-*
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 26, 2024, 08:00:04 PM
Quote from: Codsticker on January 22, 2024, 10:55:21 PM
Your rules sound exactly what I am looking for! I am currently working on my own collection of Bloody Miniatures with an eye to a scenario involving otherworldly creatures (may include undead...) in a town ravaged by the civil war.

That sounds about right!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 26, 2024, 08:03:02 PM
Quote from: Psychlic Bob on January 23, 2024, 10:13:10 AM
Any info on the number of figures required, playing area etc?
I am assuming you have seen "A Field in England" because I am getting that vibe here?
Keep posting

I've never heard of A Field in England, but having just looked it up, it's certainly heading in the same direction.

From the working draft:

Playing equipment, models and measurements
Devilry Afoot is a table-top skirmish game. That means it is played out using miniatures on a table-top or other playing surface. To play the game you will need somewhere between two and ten models to represent hunters, up to six or eight innocent civilians, and a variety of different monsters.
The rules have been written with 28mm miniatures in mind but, at their heart, are easily adaptable to smaller or larger scales. For games using 28mm models, all measurements are given in inches (feel free to convert 1” to 25mm if you’d prefer). If using smaller models, we suggest using centimetres rather than inches; at a larger scale, you can use the rules as written or choose to proportionally increase all measurements.

Miniatures should be based singly, but otherwise there are no fixed basing conventions. We have based our miniatures on 30mm round bases. Players are urged to be reasonable, but otherwise to do whatever looks good.

For 28mm models you will also need a stable playing surface 24” square – amend as necessary for different scales – and a variety of terrain suitable for an early modern setting in western Europe or the American colonies. Given the relatively small model count required to play Devilry Afoot, players are encouraged to spend some time developing their terrain.

It is handy if each player has access to two ten-sided dice. You will need a number of activation tokens of uniform size and shape, but with distinguishing visual features (i.e. different colours) to allow for a randomised activation sequences throughout the game. It is also useful to have a small variety of other markers to help distinguish in-game events: smoke to show when black-powder weapons are fired and need to be reloaded, a way to show if a model is charmed, is sneaking or has transfigured, and a way of tracking the number of wounds sustained by monsters.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on January 26, 2024, 08:06:41 PM
We were badly battered by Storm Isha at the start of the week and have a lot of work ahead of us clearing fallen trees. So that is probably my hobby time gone this weekend, but we'll see what I can do getting some more done. Maybe some innocent civilians...?r
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: has.been on January 27, 2024, 06:20:00 AM
All lovely stuff, but I am very impressed with your OSL effect. I must give it a go.
Good luck with this project.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on February 03, 2024, 04:59:37 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGhe-NloL81DKq5DMJJNSjXPfHzP4m8wQoRV6aoWyIHFjJDlq6Q7K70-wYZDS9j4Uxxv9WwF0YvqFPS90atrQ7wsusYXluhNTV0oa0tC9v_ZDnef0INgrxd7XPgXNJ0lac41UMMO0Stcl_FUwWRdRjUBEvW2rxhqqn44uw-vB6YdsuL5Rmium8aFtJMI/s4254/1.jpg)
I managed a quick paintjob on some innocent villagers this week.

There are three different types of model used in games of Devilry Afoot - monsters, hunters, and innocents. The innocent represent all those humans on the table who are not hunters. They serve as secanrio objectives and complications and are not directly controlled by players. Instead, they take automatic actions depending on whether they are aware or unaware of the monster threat.

All four of these innocents are from the Flint and Feather range by Crucible Crush Productions. Sold as New World puritan settler types, they are pretty universal except for the tobacco leaves. Or could they just be really large silverbeet...?
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on February 05, 2024, 07:16:52 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ4QQTNXOCSHwaIuNCGGpGzaKz9ANN85rLWXghoP2ECPRn0AmEPb11n6UUe6X37JLPcuTPcBUkbh-rwkrYBDArAVMdl5FOfj85Xy7tYhUBQ5Rkc1uc9L6NNXRoodyoYCLuVpNIQbck37nLm7iFnxpPA69EbezspvPSwKCAGPf0ppDOFViG2cghHbGK7s/s2700/0.jpg)

Boo!

Bogeymen are literally walking nightmares. These elusive and malevolent figures can appear in various guises, from a spectral entity, or shape-shifting monster, to a wicked old woman or living scarecrow. Conjured by parents as a tool to foster obedience in their children, it is unclear whether their manifest form is the result of demonic possession, a witch’s projection or the physical embodiment of collective fear. Their unknowable motivation and the unpredictability of their actions make them something worthy of their reputation.

These two 28mm bagheads/living scarecrows are from Crooked Dice. They are not entirely period  accurate - what 17th century gentleman would be caught dead in such long trousers? But at the end of the day, these are nice sculpts and any 17th century gentleman caught, may well end up dead.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: OSHIROmodels on February 05, 2024, 07:36:25 PM
Excellent additions  8)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on February 05, 2024, 10:10:03 PM
Great paintwork again!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on February 11, 2024, 10:24:18 PM
Thanks folks.

I finally got around to writing up a quick AAR of one of our small games - playing the 'Lost in the Woods' scenario (or an early version of it). https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/02/into-woods-with-devilry-afoot.html (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/02/into-woods-with-devilry-afoot.html)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrVn6MUVsPn21gD3sx7UnkghKRBvhDLFpT11TyQVTdoCR16TTlsei9FYml-o5Am_K3gb7q-hXU6OPdy6zT00scFx6i4Hgba0fWJDHkjnlRA8zsqMwiwtYFPEtV66F-zwXieF8X53trxQ2OGXTggjoqtA-dqhCwufC26MDEm-ktBFTQf4ECZey2oTKr8w/s4624/PXL_20240209_202115598.MP.jpg)

They knew that they should not have been awake at such an hour, let alone out of doors, but neither child could sleep. It was as if something called to them through the woods which seemed, at this hour, so alive; something irresistible. When the children’s absence was noticed, the alarm was raised and a search party set out in their wake.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on February 11, 2024, 10:31:48 PM
That looks good, it's nice to see a different approach and I think it looks like it works well for the subject. You mentioned you have 11 scenarios and are looking to add one more? Surely you need 13?
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: MaleGriffin on February 12, 2024, 02:26:20 AM
WOW! The Bogeymen are a delight!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on February 12, 2024, 07:30:14 AM
Quote from: Elk101 on February 11, 2024, 10:31:48 PM
That looks good, it's nice to see a different approach and I think it looks like it works well for the subject. You mentioned you have 11 scenarios and are looking to add one more? Surely you need 13?

Challenge accepted!  ;D
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Wirelizard on February 14, 2024, 09:09:39 PM
Oh very nice, had missed this when the thread started but as yet another LAFer who has a 16th C gunpowder fantasy/horror thing going on, I'm intrigued and happy to be catching up on this project!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on February 14, 2024, 10:31:07 PM
Quote from: Irregular Wars Nic on February 12, 2024, 07:30:14 AM
Challenge accepted!  ;D

Nice one!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on February 21, 2024, 10:23:14 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuEOjMvlCcpZFrTZ0W4HJ3Ub88crZHP-nLO_-Jy9Z5f6WRzYaBEHulaDelIlT31pEggkneg6YidU5RBWTFeF_iBLgrG3BpoROG-iLfCd2TiJl60wvKvkQ7K7u4wVyvWUdMci9FiidWkCrLrMReQrgPVJk_Yw-3e_ZRZCobTfWWLe3wqLZplG70hmfIMM/s3180/1.jpg)

When it came to adding a North American monster to Devilry Afoot's book of monsters, there was only ever one obvious choice; the wendigo. The big question, was how to represent one on the table.

Wendigos, also known as windikouk, atchen and kewok among other names, are cursed, cannibalistic revenants found among the Algonquin nations. Their badly-lived lives have left them tormented in death with a hunger that can never be fulfilled. Although they are able to take on many forms, a wendigo is forever emaciated; standing grotesquely tall, its frame is draped in tattered, frost-covered skin They stalk their human prey consumed with ravenous appetite, however, with each meal their frame grows larger forcing them to hunt and feed again.

The standard wargaming trope is to have a creature with a deer or moose head. While the look is quite iconic, as far as I can tell it seems to be based on a Hollywood manifestation of a wendigo rather than anything coming from traditional beliefs.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncGXM6ofOjZhA67Flu76yyLrD-9UkJy2YqtXd-tnMXTwkdNd7Y8253bemcNVKg_LnMbFe_MxHesHHN1lnKCRIKzcQ38Y_b-mSL-PJR608J6glypo3UdRVYm-JGnC8KIm0KkvRBcQsH2T-hR3iSj8MBDs3N17kcz_wWAmQddxSf0VLCip7J2ALZL2CDbk/s4577/2.jpg)

Wanting to be as 17th century accurate as I could be, I opted for this oversized ghoul from Heresy Miniatures. Admittedly he doesn't look huge next to the Bloody Miniatures figure in the top picture, but Bloody Miniatures are big boys themselves. He should probably be bigger and more rangy; maybe he hasn't been feeding much recently? The feral pointed years and sinewy body go some way to fitting the bill though.

I tried to paint him as sympathetically as possible, with a warmer than usual skin tone (a curious choice for a frozen wendigo?), Algonquin inspired warpaint, and scraps of buckskin clothing. Presumably he's wielding a moose femur as a war club, because that bone is massive!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on February 24, 2024, 02:25:56 PM
And now time to unleash the hounds!

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBcEtZ5AfAfMI7D4hyKg4_PnG5leFr5MqMkAnw7-xh4KqVS7D9dMyTSQq_bxX0Itm1vxXGhkvdvxUQWhJtLgwE93eRXvGCXAtjhoEehbheKXN4DGITSzF2dHk0eLOzlZP7m7OR1ijx5zXQBuNR_EC3KSvaB18zBMB4qC_vm6P_gJ7TRxFPJ2rO1AeoCQ/s4464/doggo%20(2).jpg)
In Devilry Afoot, dogs are intended to be useful aids to a hunting party, but not necessarily savage war dogs, slabbering to tear monsters limb from limb. Hunting parties are designed to be made up of members of a normal community, not elite monster-hunters belonging to a secret society. They are unlikely to own dogs trained for hunting anything larger than a wolf and so dogs should not be intended to close with a monster. Think of them more as advanced warning systems that help the hunters to locate their monstrous foes. This perky wee fellow is from Magister Militum (now presumably OOP?).

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizvLCUhiyO9TJpTuDp9_VkPilEoACnBA9j6zGmLYreFvGDxAV7DA59reZw7JA8z6QXX1CmYL4kCDsGxRfy2YAdDmfC1oMpVmgLv9AObxDr6HCG2miamsp5pK4-0eSUBb7ePw9AQyEKSItZISTeq00dJF9xizBnZNcPV2ga3xzZ99F6tG98aNXqVWMsA4/s5094/doggo%20(3).jpg)
The opposite extreme is the barghest. Sometimes known as Black Shuck, the barghest is a hellhound, summoned from the otherworld to wrack the Devil’s vengeance on man. Known for its giant black dog-like frame, and fiery red eyes, the baying calls of the barghest haunts the moors and boglands, serving as an omen of death and doggedly stalking its prey. Its ghastly appearance and ominous presence evoke a heightened fear matched only be the curse of its bite – the wounds of which are rumoured never to fully heal. The model is from Heresy Miniatures and is a truly hulking beasty.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Codsticker on February 24, 2024, 04:18:30 PM
Fantastic painting.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Aethelflaeda was framed on February 24, 2024, 05:52:49 PM
I certainly would not face that beast with such aplomb…unless his pipe doesn’t contain tobacco.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on February 24, 2024, 09:53:50 PM
Another great addition!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on March 02, 2024, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: Aethelflaeda was framed on February 24, 2024, 05:52:49 PM
I certainly would not face that beast with such aplomb…unless his pipe doesn’t contain tobacco.

 lol lol lol lol
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on March 02, 2024, 09:58:36 PM
And some more (Bloody Miniatures) monster hunters:

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmss5zz8qJ2InP5FsiHWX2AW7rImOtfvyPSPvRhcMOZw9XBN_pJrV1ZQ0-NNiVtQP84vvn6VYaihJ74Iv9g2DmRdxr-erP6LY5XM9oBbBbYldbsWY3o-k3ul5MGJCppmSRUBzpA1L-upsPUdKgrfHb9tRmiZkJOlmAw3KJH-qk0H1vh7ZnR1ncF2zjjk/s4134/1.jpg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_kqUvoOWFMdHksT-B6tffUJxRc5f1_D0uwGVSvpmW-Zd3azCW2OG4w8Why4LL3GDcksvOHfVSsesJJbeRrecpHSZwW4gR0nEAZejcHcsWxImOSsJOV-Pg8dDVLi5cZXmp1TWyrvqVTfaKH5N_4hSWi6hzEyVQYjAFeSBDRsH-p-usZwbyezNJ2orWPA/s4624/4.jpg)
And a shot from one of our test games showing a gentleman and soldier attempting to drive off a wendigo that was threatening a small frontier settlement. The gentleman's dog had already been eaten and shortly after this photo was taken, both the gentleman and solder were also dined upon... suffice to say the scenario did not end well for the hunters!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Codsticker on March 02, 2024, 10:26:31 PM
Two of my favourite figures from the range, and you have painted them superbly.
Quote
..shortly after this photo was taken, both the gentleman and solder were also dined upon... suffice to say the scenario did not end well for the hunters!.
Ah, sadly, a common fate of freshly painted minis. :D
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: MaleGriffin on March 03, 2024, 04:33:12 PM
Gorgeous minis and fantastic story!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: NickNascati on March 03, 2024, 05:17:52 PM
Any chance you’d package up the scenarios separately?  I’m set for rules, by my Bloody Miniatures could always use more scenarios, especially different settings.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on March 03, 2024, 06:56:48 PM
Excellent choice for the monster hunter miniatures, they're perfect, the most  characterful figures you can get for the period. Lovely paintjobs too!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on March 05, 2024, 04:48:01 PM
Quote from: Codsticker on March 02, 2024, 10:26:31 PM
Two of my favourite figures from the range, and you have painted them superbly.Ah, sadly, a common fate of freshly painted minis. :D

Too true!  :?

Quote from: NickNascati on March 03, 2024, 05:17:52 PM
Any chance you’d package up the scenarios separately?  I’m set for rules, by my Bloody Miniatures could always use more scenarios, especially different settings.

There will be 13 scenarios in the rules, but very much written for the asymmetrical rule system.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on March 05, 2024, 04:50:44 PM
The 'last' of my monster hunters, and a wee spectre.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRHFP6BMW5ocTzrk4LQz_YrS07WmZMmUVMXojGCuJP8jwZn0_-wJZHJvZL_iAVcKBnYRqa_JQ3zK4NWagvoL76NeGFCpYKZnjn1wBif2et1oQrrmSaxCrqR_Ld3prrwZA3CUU8Ld3W0cTBDGybPeaKgGtK6YChiFAY5b5Dnjpkd0cblxXPUm1jsQKA9Y/s4386/PXL_20240305_134127131.jpg)
This chap is another moss trooper from the 28mm Bloody Miniatures line. Originally toating two hefty horse pistols/dragons, I swapped out one of his hands for a spare lantern I had in the drawer. I see him as a scholar, but equipped as he is with sword and pistol, he could also be a veteran soldier or a gentleman slightly down on his luck.

I tried a much more toned-down version of object light source painting this time, really just highlighting what is a dark blue coat up with purple nearer the warm light of the lantern. Again, I am not wholly convinced, but it is not a displeasing result.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEbtEFuFGNaQ0WdbErXMFHUQ9jTDmBN4nGNrZnXJeJbY2ay7SkJvxwxLcWzxiZdCbkzJlhfI4u1QW36gM0r5Fmi1D4K0NQq3pWWJVxcRUhJu7bqSJgIF5uZ7GLL2FRAkU8HSmeeB6iMlBwH1bC3IwpwPNAP7tEj-bC9SUrJBnlOb3pL3ie0fFkW1IM_o/s4356/PXL_20240305_134205628.jpg)
The headless spectre is a ghost from Midlam Miniatures with her hand twisted around to hold a wee resin candle. I actually painted her twice - the first time trying to heavily dry brush her from colour to white to be all ephemeral, but that really didn't work so I went back and coloured her in again. I think the headless nature of the figure makes it pretty clear that she is at the ghostly end of the corporeal spectrum...

In Devilry Afoot, spectres are ephemeral apparitions, the tormented souls of men and women killed before their time, or visions of demons summoned by witchcraft. The ethereal entities can manifest in different ways, ranging from translucent figures and misty shapes to full-bodied phantoms. As incorporeal beings, spectres may neither suffer, nor cause, physical wounds, but that does not make them any less threatening to the good living and God-fearing.

And a group shot of all the hunters!

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhussnsY8MnOcy3mS4TnaNbUQSBAAPXjTWEgOCdwZosF5_3IWK7AbTP9tPU1C1Decc7r2FSEKlvQVOrCnFhjPkVOReXWlUBs-Gmh-9pnWV85gLAAf1OMqtL_flAdVcXu8EDv0klx0M19S6oEXI9uMqiqBMm3Y75AOYf4mcKI4H49qC8XkJWJpzrmna2Y7U/s4086/PXL_20240305_134833811.jpg)
Two each of the five archetypes - gentlemen, goodmen, scholars, soldiers and religious - and the wee dog too. It would be very unusual to see them all on the table together in a game of Devilry Afoot, most hunting parties would have less than six figures in them, but I do like the look of the group shot.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Malamute on March 05, 2024, 04:53:46 PM
Lovely stuff, I really like the lantern conversion too. :)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Metternich on March 06, 2024, 04:26:44 PM
Superb painting.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Romark on March 06, 2024, 04:32:33 PM
Lovely 👍
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on March 13, 2024, 03:55:50 PM
Thanks again folks for the continued encouragement. I've a few more monsters done including the most wonderful troll that every did troll stuff.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxqdfNA1KLKNaDfn_ZjjVzYJ9JjA6PcMT4VRjeXYDeRYfx7QtoIyv0C1ydr0owCLWfCXVY-4ECQDfTP44SSmi-jfKES-TAjxpzoaxNOqeGsiSASI-wM5fc-55PImmrmZE1xU2N35pltH9wKOgxqldLsAaUcEgvvw4PMNqa-5iK2ZQWJ2PbPqAAQW31bk/s8208/2.jpg)
Great lumbering creatures, ox-tailed and with grotesque features, the trolls of northern Europe dwell in small communities in lonely mountain caves and among the rocky high places furthest from the interference of humans. While susceptible to sunlight and often dim-witted, trolls can be both malevolent and possessive of immense strength meaning that few would willingly cross their path or disturb their existence.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HYAcaLvjKkC45pBroLa1Sgpf82IPZ_sM9xrwbRn1kHenunZwODhMHbS-NEQH1zmf4mHEBNDzwJ7EV-qzh5bxDTsre2BvG32zukvNJWD4k3cyXBbKQbjY5WiRZ3vNZaDntRR9kp5kYOODrSGRs_9KPHYHI1984fPi0esDLiS6Dea6otRnlCcE-Jj4lcw/s3600/3.jpg)
In a war-torn land, many a desperate soul has given itself up to cannibalism to survive through a desperate winter or a city under siege. For some, that taste of human flesh leaves a lingering desire for more. Banding together in depraved associations and libertine covens, a ghoul’s macabre fascination with death emboldens them to stalk the night looking for mortal morsels or willing acolytes to lure away from the light.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n8I2NOd6rNdM47GkC0esY6AtQr9v5q3A4js-Ls6zRZOdCc6sI3L20I6Ty1eZuv-qRRVRKl_SHr8jUdhQJbIfF0Hycs2NeMmcPlBKbTS58LUGN8t3-Q1dGbgNVxUlB1VWWomCj8OXJvVmxuQpe4B2ZHA1Xx_exVdIITmliQ1stYbJIbQZT9oCqYIQkUw/s4368/6.jpg)
Revenants were once men who lived wicked lives and are now cursed with a restless death. Mindlessly shambling through the night, revenants are drawn to the sweet smell of the living with a desire only to spread death, destruction and decay. Unable to rest naturally, the most effective response to a revenant’s repeated visitation employs the use of wooden stakes, decapitation, and reburial with specific rituals.

More details and pics on my blog as normal.  :)
https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/03/more-monstrous-mayhem-for-devilry-afoot.html (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/03/more-monstrous-mayhem-for-devilry-afoot.html)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Marine0846 on March 13, 2024, 05:29:54 PM
Very cool figures, great painting.
Love the outline of the rules.
Interesting battle posted on your blog.
Am looking forward to seeing more.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Malamute on March 14, 2024, 08:30:41 AM
Very kewl, love the new additions. :)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Bloggard on March 14, 2024, 10:11:20 AM
more great figures and painting.

love the conquistadore-y revenants.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on March 17, 2024, 09:01:03 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tvSI8h0Z0-XJnU4f_2_rDwiIFKUyv-qu4ayuFxn7azKnq_m2zrhY53sP6OlrXvvK1zqpaMlCEDkA0OblJ5ptV4CdspIMsB7PTVc9q-RsbfZ6mz9xEMjREBxzXtEsqkwUUtxWD_W2kDPqmwxV6o4uERIpJGwh5khTKxLOIZvZeNfwdqxViGpoAGfpuS4/s4607/PXL_20240315_212538740.jpg)

With most of my Devilry Afoot collection painted, I'm a little happier showing snapshots of playtest games in play. Roger came round this week and we got three games played in one sitting.

A brief write up is now on the blog: https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/03/an-evening-of-devilry-afoot.html (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/03/an-evening-of-devilry-afoot.html)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Digits on March 17, 2024, 09:20:43 PM
Quote from: Irregular Wars Nic on March 13, 2024, 03:55:50 PM


(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n8I2NOd6rNdM47GkC0esY6AtQr9v5q3A4js-Ls6zRZOdCc6sI3L20I6Ty1eZuv-qRRVRKl_SHr8jUdhQJbIfF0Hycs2NeMmcPlBKbTS58LUGN8t3-Q1dGbgNVxUlB1VWWomCj8OXJvVmxuQpe4B2ZHA1Xx_exVdIITmliQ1stYbJIbQZT9oCqYIQkUw/s4368/6.jpg)
Revenants were once men who lived wicked lives and are now cursed with a restless death. Mindlessly shambling through the night, revenants are drawn to the sweet smell of the living with a desire only to spread death, destruction and decay. Unable to rest naturally, the most effective response to a revenant’s repeated visitation employs the use of wooden stakes, decapitation, and reburial with specific rituals.

More details and pics on my blog as normal.  :)
https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/03/more-monstrous-mayhem-for-devilry-afoot.html (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/03/more-monstrous-mayhem-for-devilry-afoot.html)

Great stuff in here well done!  The Antidelluvian (sp) zombies are a great find…I will have to get a few for my own project, thanks!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on April 13, 2024, 02:48:01 PM
I've been away, and busy with work, so no painting done the last couple of weeks. Here is another AAR though.  :)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYCNQw-Dd67i5Kgw1FgpPabNrkW1RQrfDuCppJs0jFDe1-V53-crbb3RPQzbIYpo7HURaf7K6vblMI5VKZCCz2cx79lm3hHc_bvZq2B724CarX13nkKoCwpguf1c5DADokfFlBUZs9Wk_9PBQ-qHPsAhQzNw18ettbXtDOlcvix72nky4QYeSy_6w5E4/s4624/1.jpg)

https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/04/devilry-afoot-harrying-scenario.html (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/04/devilry-afoot-harrying-scenario.html)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqKSyaCsgBDrYznXX3qxsqsCmx1tQ5iK7JQG2obuGmFfXfvjc48zv-Yj1Zc_xkmGT1YjCX_7AWheR2Znoway8U_X7GBhJDQDdU5pJB6b7JMdEUvIPWSIPW8RDIqjNidFM9ie-NDcP2A0U4f2VFDYxaEemEJeX23kLuBg03rt6GiMkKtQ06qsmGvBHsV4/s3000/PXL_20240412_194326925.jpg)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on April 14, 2024, 04:18:41 PM
Excellent stuff! Love the evil hound too.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Digits on April 14, 2024, 04:47:19 PM
I’m of a mind to paint more of my own ……when will your game be available to us all fella?
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on April 15, 2024, 02:29:07 PM
Great looking game.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Spinal Tap on April 19, 2024, 07:08:38 AM
Fantastic thread, just gone through it again.

Wish I could paint like you.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Vagabond on April 19, 2024, 10:50:25 AM
Really like the way you've painted your figures, they do look superb.

The game sounds very interesting, I've played about 10 games of P.D. and found the animal activation table quite innovative and this sounds like you've got a similar system at work here.

I'm curious how you deal with ethereal non corporeal beings such as ghosts and spectres. I've played around with a few ideas but none totally satisfactory. Currently they are linked to a place or object and must remain within a certain distance of 'home' They attack by instilling fear which affects a characters mental capacity, will or resolve, whatever you want to call it. They can be dispelled or ignored by the character not being afraid, but they can't be killed.

The problem for me, is that it is still a combat just using different characteristics to resolve it. Somehow I imagine it to be a bit more than that.

Anyway, good luck with the rule set, I  would have followed your blog but blogger doesn't like my tablet, only the laptop. :(
Cheers
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on April 19, 2024, 10:52:45 AM
Thanks for the continuing compliments folks. Much appreciated!

Quote from: Digits on April 14, 2024, 04:47:19 PM
I’m of a mind to paint more of my own ……when will your game be available to us all fella?

We are continuing to playtest to try and identify any anomalies, but really in the text proofing stage. By next week, I'll begin page setting and working on any diagrams - then finally it will be photography and incorporating illustrations.

The intention is to have a release at the end of the summer - well in time for Halloween!

Quote from: Spinal Tap on April 19, 2024, 07:08:38 AM
Wish I could paint like you.

Thank you, but it's all about time ... and smoke and mirrors and photoshop.  :D
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Metternich on April 21, 2024, 04:50:32 PM
What great fun !
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on April 22, 2024, 08:53:01 PM
Quote from: Vagabond on April 19, 2024, 10:50:25 AM
The game sounds very interesting, I've played about 10 games of P.D. and found the animal activation table quite innovative and this sounds like you've got a similar system at work here.

It is related to Palaeo Diet, but uses an draw bag activation system instead, so monsters don't react to every action. Instead, each hunter activates once per turn, but has the chance to carry out multiple actions depending on their resolve. Monsters only get one action each time one of their tokens is drawn from the bag, but different monster types have different numbers of action tokens. So the order of play is completely random each turn.

When a monster token is drawn, they then roll on a d10 activation table to see what they do depending on proximity to humans or whether they have been shot at since last activation.

Quote from: Vagabond on April 19, 2024, 10:50:25 AM
I'm curious how you deal with ethereal non corporeal beings such as ghosts and spectres. I've played around with a few ideas but none totally satisfactory. Currently they are linked to a place or object and must remain within a certain distance of 'home' They attack by instilling fear which affects a characters mental capacity, will or resolve, whatever you want to call it. They can be dispelled or ignored by the character not being afraid, but they can't be killed.
The problem for me, is that it is still a combat just using different characteristics to resolve it. Somehow I imagine it to be a bit more than that.

In Devilry Afoot, spectres don't make physical attacks but instead try to intimidate humans off the table or away from their objectives. They can be banished by successfully quoting scripture or dousing them with holy water....
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on May 05, 2024, 08:39:13 PM
With the completion of Devilry Afoot fast approaching, we set out to run through all 13 scenarios included in the rules as a single campaign, following the same party of hunters as they struggle against the forces of darkness.

The first evening's session of three hunts is now my blog.
https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/05/devilry-afoot-13-game-campaign-session-1.html (https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2024/05/devilry-afoot-13-game-campaign-session-1.html)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidku0zj1-NWA3E0N_MGMmyYngu_xj8pWaladsw2CZf9KTMpGN63bmP6mCVp8cDTxrQvmKNrmX9IFcH-a068-gutaisM6s3JdzFN6qXOvIakANkKU0uRWAS1Og5CkbSM4gJkEBYlWy2P_Y8ZPtsHg-MbJem38Y0tiKutS_iBWQcVARl0FC8d5NHuHfN29c/s4236/scenario%20%20(2).jpg)
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Vagabond on May 06, 2024, 08:22:53 PM
Thanks for your reply, your ideas seem particularly sound, I  read your 3 scenarios, they sound interesting, especially the one with the children and the boggyman sitting down rather than attacking. Lots of scope for a good storyline.
Cheers
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on May 06, 2024, 10:01:52 PM
This sounds excellent Nic!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Irregular Wars Nic on May 12, 2024, 09:14:59 PM
I've recently been concentrating on page-setting the manuscript for Devilry Afoot, but the last of my miniatures for the game are also slowly getting finished up. Here are three redcaps, and a pack of three wolves.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9NrQPLLd_RQkHFq-nL35W5-079sxVcTIdzl_WjaFxJIkSZZlYmia9rdGJ2y4456ouZEvyXp4pf0JhWzQo2WqTm5TpZVDlms0wZuisNkbWn2eM_iIJEluqMLd8MWGTQ0xPEo2ETW2Tt8VRE8HCEdDqkb7EziNigAXyZDh3_RttzvP4MmTBeTvdVR5GEU/s3648/1.jpg)
These redcaps are some of the most fun miniatures I've painted in ages. They are actually 3D printed goblins from Highlands Miniatures, but almost certainly inspired by the redcaps of Scottish folklore with their pointed caps, pole-arms and steel boots.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix90jQ8zuY6FcC_49r3wDisATuinU8-Bn5l1Fx7j5PCDO7jV9EEZ54U3jCWMXqXcwuNxpaMtH5dshKo1nRvgKU4RwWhbONXwHPRUpISHO9PJS-nh2sfIaR5uDSR1BSnlG9HroODCUSI4Ha1tb5n-BoCMt3nnnNFBNoNWYBCaok34ZrUYKmm1g9KistOSk/s3672/3.jpg)
These wolves are from Crooked Dice. They are deceptively simple sculpts that really come to life with a touch of paint.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: MaleGriffin on May 13, 2024, 02:24:24 AM
Lovely work! I love the wolves' coloring!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: has.been on May 13, 2024, 06:54:16 AM
Nice paint jobs.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 13, 2024, 09:47:07 AM
Excellent painting.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Digits on May 13, 2024, 09:55:08 AM
The wolves are fantastic…struggling with mine so hoping to take inspiration from yours!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Freddy on May 13, 2024, 08:31:07 PM
I really like the glowing eyes of the wolves!
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Elk101 on May 13, 2024, 10:28:08 PM
Great additions.
Title: Re: Devilry Afoot - 16th-17th century monster hunting
Post by: Sunjester on May 14, 2024, 06:02:22 PM
Brilliant, I love the redcaps.