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I've been playing about with my own ruleset for fantasy & sci-fi games, including a mix of the two. I've been jotting ideas for a mixed setting so this competition seems like a good excuse to make some terrain. The world I'm creating is low-tech, medieval that gets raided by sci-fi forces; the fantasy farmers are growing food stuffs as tribute to their advanced overlords so they need some secure storage...lest raiders grab it all...
I've got a few basic images in my noggin at the mo but nothing concrete. I'm gunna look at bunkers, tiny gaols and banks...the aim is to try and mix medieval-fantasy and sci-fi elements.
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The world I'm creating is low-tech, medieval but nothing concrete.
lol lol lol
(Yes I know the Romans had concrete, but the above tickled me)
May I suggest that, whatever you build, you put it off the ground.
In the same kind of way Ancient & Medieval grain stores are raised up,
to keep them away from vermin like rats.
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lol Thanks has.been.
I've been jotting down ideas for my little world and have a bit more of a firmer idea...ish. Hopefully by the end of the weekend I'll have a sketch or two.
I'm now thinking my build will be more of a bunker entrance with the main body of the structure underground; this would help to make it more secure but also keep me within the size limits of the competition.
Though the people of the colony (no name for it yet) live a medieval life they are protected by a more advanced civilisation in return for food. As a result the food bunkers themselves are advanced tech and so able safely store food from vermin and spoiling. But, the entrance to each food bank has been dressed up by the locals making it less obvious to the eyes of raiders where the good stuff is.
In some ways I envisage them as banks...each area has a small bunker where food is stored and automatically processed & packed until its ready to be transferred to the main store in the capital, before being taken off-planet.
Part of my inspiration for this idea is an episode of Firefly where you think they whole time they are stealing and trying to sell bars of gold but its actually food.
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Sounds like Rocket Robin Hood, great cartoon from the old days. Might be an inspiration
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Thanks Chairface, I'll check it out.
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To kinda get my mind into gear I've been jotting down a wee bit of fluff for the colony where the food bunkers are used, well one of the colonies anyway. I've also been doing some sketches just to get the idea down, here's what I've come up with so far...
(https://i.imgur.com/V0GBLOj.jpg)
If my sketches make any sense then you can kinda see where the ship is buried below ground. Something I've had in mind with this project from the start is the old White Dwarf cottage building article so I'll likely use that as inspiration when it comes to finishes.
It's probably worth noting that the ship isn't exactly to scale...or maybe it is...I'm not sure o_o
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Interesting idea - sort of a space-bound horreo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B3rreo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B3rreo)
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Managed to get some work done last night...
(https://i.imgur.com/lUwbwqk.jpg)
The card 'bunny ears' are just a place holder for now as I'll likely cut them from acrylic. They are quite prominent at the moment but hopefully once its detailed up and more importantly, got the roof on they should look a bit less obvious...maybe...
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That looks like a good start and I am looking forward to seeing the full piece. Nice bit of Sci-Fi scenery that should come in useful!
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Great Start, looking forward to seeing more progress :D
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Thanks guys. Managed to get a wee bit more done...
(https://i.imgur.com/RAQnhE7.jpg)
It's not fixed down to the base yet, nor is the barrel fixed. I've got a little more work to do on the timber and some detailing on the bunny ears then they can be fitted and the roof built. I'd also like to sculpt bag of food to sit the otherside of the door.
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The framing looks great. I still don't understand the function of the bunny ears. Looking forward to seeing their function.
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Thanks marianas.
The bunny ears are actually the very front of the ship...if you check out my sketch a little further up the page you'll see the food bunker itself is a partially buried ship. The building is then constructed around the front of the ship to kind of blend it in with the local architecture.
I've finished the framing this morning so next I need to clean up the edges of the acrylic bunny ears then detail. Once that's done I can do the roof...oh and texture the walls a bit...then paint.
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A bit more progress...
(https://i.imgur.com/1WLDAgc.jpg)
The caulk holding the vanes in place isn't dry yet but I'll make a start on the roof anyway. I used a bit of tile grout to add some texture to the walls...damn that stuff gets everywhere.
Just over two weeks to go; I'm hoping to finish building this weekendish which should leave me plenty of time to paint it up before the deadline...hopefully.
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The combination of SciFi technology and medieval construction is a very funky look- I can't wait to see it painted.
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Thanks Codsticker! :)
A wee bit more progress today with the roof done...
(https://i.imgur.com/uQArmq4.jpg)
Haven't made a tiled roof for years, not since that classic White Dwarf Cottage building article, it was fun and very satisfying. I also fitted the door just in time as I was gunna do it after the tiles but then realised I wouldn't be able to fit it after...good job I realised.
Just a little bit of detailing to go and then its ready for undercoating.
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Nice combo of parts and techniques :)
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Very cool.
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Thanks chaps.
Another quick update before I undercoat...
(https://i.imgur.com/WycNOdb.jpg)
Just a sack of spilled food stuff and a birds nest in GS. Nearly there now...
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That looks fantastic, it had been confusing me a bit till this point ::) ::) lol
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lol No worries...I just hope it doesn't look too odd once it's painted up ???
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Nice work, and even better that you will have terrain that you would not be able to find anywhere else.
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Thanks marianas, ever since I switched my gaming focus to smaller 2x2ft boards I find it much easier to focus in on my own little worlds and make more unique terrain and minis...plus with smaller boards theres much less to store.
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That will have a nice look once painted. Maybe like something from the Storm Universe if I had to place it somewhere. I like the nest from gs, that is a nice touch and adds dividends to storytelling. (Been about long enough for birds to roost there etc etc.)
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Thanks FreakyFenton, not heard of the Storm Universe, what's that?
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Hey Lost Egg,
it is a comic by Don Lawrence and a few other artists and authors. Don Lawrence did the first books, and there are quite a few I believe. The story revovles around an astronaut who goes missing on a mission and basically explores or has adventures. I honestly think the wikipedia article might be best if you want to know what it is about.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_(Don_Lawrence)
But the art depicts a mix of medieval and future tech (due to time travel and the like happening). And your build reminded me of that comic and composition in a good way! Something sci-fi with a somewhat rural medieval look.
I also added an image, not sure of which issue but it might give an idea. Don Lawrence also drew Trigan I believe, and might be more remembered (in Britain) for that story! I suppose your build also reminded me of Trigan!
Either way, great build! Looking forward to seeing it painted! :)
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Cheers mate, I'll check it out.
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Well, I've done it. My entry is all painted up and I've sent off my pic.
While I obviously can't post a pic of the painted food bunker, I can post a wee bit of fluff for the world it comes from...
Lewis
Not all who sail the Space Lanes do so unscathed and more than one ship of colonists has become stranded and forced to live a simpler life. These unlucky survivors seek meaning in their fate and it’s not uncommon for them to justify their situation as a call from the gods or the universe, to return to a simpler life. Lewis is one such colony within the beneficent realm of The Seven and I shall endeavour to summarise my findings on this quaint backwater. Free Trader Samuel Pratchett the 4th
A Stranded Colony
Lewis is a world with a small cluster of settlements within the planets temperate zone, it was established many generations ago by colonists whose ship was damaged and lost amongst the Space Lanes. Stranded and with limited supplies they created a home for themselves, reverting to a simpler life. Though they were unable to maintain much of their technology they thrived and expanded to form a loosely cohesive collection of extended familial settlements organised into territories, each under the sway of their own regional Master.
As time went on the successful colonists began to consider themselves blessed and so shunned what little advanced technology that remained. Though they were happy to leave their distant origins behind, the Space Lanes had not finished with them, for raiders came seeking food and slaves. Fortunately, such occurrences were uncommon and then the Corsairs came.
Raiders from beyond the stars, the Corsairs sought to establish themselves as the rulers of this backward world, seeing it as a soft target and ideal for establishing a base of operations. The rulers of each region were summoned and instructed on the new order and yet, not all would bend the knee. Master Philomena Lewis stood defiant and stalwart; cutting down the foolish Corsairs who sought to make an example of her. Though she was injured in the ensuing skirmish, along with many of her guards, she escaped and bade her people fight on. As she succumbed to her wounds the call rang out and many of the other regional Masters raised their banners.
Though their spirit was strong there was little in truth the colonists could do but fight a bitter guerrilla war. Yet it was not long before the capricious nature of the Space Lanes was revealed when more outsiders came. The new arrivals fell upon the Corsairs, for they had been hunting them; in fact, they had toppled their previous base and were eager to stop them establishing another.
With the Corsairs on the back foot the Protectors, as the new arrivals called themselves, and the local Masters united to crush them. The advanced warriors of The Seven looked upon this small colony of fertile farms and judged them worthy, and so they extended the hand of friendship. Seeing value in an alliance, the Masters promised food in exchange for protection.
Tribute to The Seven
The Seven established a small base of colonial guard on the planet, to be upkept by the locals who in return fulfil quotas of various foods and grains. Since that time, each Master is responsible for ensuring the food taxes are levied and brought to their regional centres before being transported to the capital; every few months a ship comes and fills its hold with tribute.
Regions are composed of a number of settlements run mostly by informal democracy where each reports to the regional capital. Regional capitals are led by a Master and a small garrison of troops whose role it is to keep the peace, ensure quotas are met and protect their settlements from native wildlife and outlanders, those who live outside of the main settlements, lowlifes, prospectors, explorers, hunters, trappers etc.
Technology
Though the technology of Lewis is akin to medieval there is some advanced tech, mostly in the hands of the small garrison of colonial guard and its workers. To ensure the food tributes are fresh and survive their long journey to the larders of The Seven, a network of food bunkers was established across the settlements; each region has their own where food is prepared and securely stored before being moved onto the capital town of Rocketfall, the location of the planets first settlement.
Each bunker is in fact a ship, designed to be buried and dressed in native building techniques so as to disguise it from the prying eyes of raiders and jealous outlanders. But, since the colonial guard established a base of operations on the planet such attacks are few and far between.
Aside from the advanced technology required to fulfil their obligations, the only other concession is medical supplies. Even the somewhat backwards people of Lewis see the need for access to some of the medical advancements The Seven can offer. In fact, since their exposure to others beyond their planet the populace would have otherwise been decimated by any number of viral agents. Of course, they cannot see the hypocrisy of this situation and their self-imposed technological isolation.
Newcomers
Since coming under the sway of The Seven the colony of Lewis has received a small influx of likeminded Exo-human settlers looking for a simpler life. While some have been accepted by the larger community, others strike out on their own or form new communities away from the main settlements.
Unfortunately, allowing outsiders to settle has caused some friction, compounded by some who have taken the opportunity to disappear. These criminals and troublemakers are known as outlanders and are generally mistrusted by the population at large though in reality many just want a quiet life farming, exploring or prospecting.
Lewis is a colonial backwater, a fairly insignificant collection of pre-industrial settlements bound by a history of stranded isolation and an attempt to find meaning in their situation. Enforced isolation became a facet of their identity and so they cling to their ‘simpler life’; such colonies are not uncommon yet provide a sizeable quantity of food stuffs to support The Seven and so we must offer protection…a small price to pay.
While they extoll the virtues of their way of life, it does not prevent them from accepting technological advancement to better aid in their payment for our protection. Indeed, it does not prevent them from accepting some measure of medical advancements too; the human capacity for hypocrisy knows no bounds! Free Trader Samuel Pratchett the 4th
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Cracking bit of Fluff 8)
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Thanks aircav!
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lol No worries...I just hope it doesn't look too odd once it's painted up ???
It looks great ;)
The perks of being the competition coordinator... :D >:D
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lol Thanks Vanvlak 8)
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It's taken me a while but I've finally managed to draw up the ship that the food bunker is built on...
(https://i.imgur.com/okJKOYk.jpg)
The blue lines represent the approximate outline of the food bunker I built (you might need to rotate your screen slightly). The cargo ship shown represents a standard layout but this would be adapted prior to being buried. Some bunkers are essentially just store rooms to protect goods while others are also an automated processing centre where food or other delicate supplies are prepared and suitably stored.
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It's taken me a while but I've finally managed to draw up the ship that the food bunker is built on...
(https://i.imgur.com/okJKOYk.jpg)
The blue lines represent the approximate outline of the food bunker I built (you might need to rotate your screen slightly). The cargo ship shown represents a standard layout but this would be adapted prior to being buried. Some bunkers are essentially just store rooms to protect goods while others are also an automated processing centre where food or other delicate supplies are prepared and suitably stored.
Cool, this is definitely an interesting concept - not to mention your particular interpretation with the entry. 8)
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Cheers Vanvlak! :)