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Miniatures Adventure => Medieval Adventures => Topic started by: Tas on February 27, 2011, 02:00:20 AM

Title: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on February 27, 2011, 02:00:20 AM: Yesterday we had our first Dark Ages battle - skirmish style with our newly painted 28mm Viking and Saxon figs.
Lacking a set of rules, and needing simplicty to integrate my 10 year old Lad, we used Featherstone's 1975 Skirmish Wargaming, which worked well.

Come see all the action here:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-bright-day-in-dark-ages.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/02/one-bright-day-in-dark-ages.html)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: LeadAsbestos on February 27, 2011, 04:20:38 AM: Nice! My 7yr old son and I enjoy Song of Blades and Heroes, with similar results: straight-on charges and plenty of carnage! :)

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best... :D
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: HerbyF on February 27, 2011, 08:41:06 AM: Pig Wars is a great dark ages skirmish rules set. Very simple & easy to follow. My nefews have been playing from about 9-10 years old.
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on February 28, 2011, 07:45:42 PM: As promised, I've started doing some detailed shots of our Saxon and Viking Figs.
I'll post them all up over the next few days as I work on our next building - a Saxon A-Frame.

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/search/label/Dark%20Ages
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 07, 2011, 07:52:54 PM: Now Showing: the Hy-Brazil 7!

Eric the Viking, Thorfin Skullspitter, Snorri the Miserable, Sven the Berserk, Sven's Dad, Ivar the Boneless and Keitel Blacksmith.

…and Sven's Grandfather from Valhalla too!

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/viking-lords-hi-brazil-7.html
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 15, 2011, 12:16:51 PM: Now posted pics of my Menhirs:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/viking-menhirs.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/viking-menhirs.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/MenhirsAll.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 16, 2011, 07:37:56 PM: Village Well, by Architects of War

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-well-set.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-well-set.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Well_front.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 20, 2011, 07:39:20 PM: Over the weeekend I hosted the second battle of our Dark Ages campaign, as the warbands of Rollo the Frenzied and Gizar the Ironic fell upon a Saxon hamlet, intent on looting and pillaging! Read a full account of the battle here:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-bright-day-in-dark-ages.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/another-bright-day-in-dark-ages.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Shieldwall5.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 22, 2011, 06:28:38 AM: My latest scratch-built creation: an A-Frame house
Description of techniques here:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/scratchbuilt-frame-house.html

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/AFrame1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: HerbyF on March 22, 2011, 06:37:00 AM: That A-frame house is quite lovely. I think I may just have to have a try at building one or two myself.
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 22, 2011, 07:52:08 PM: Thanks Herby - I was really pleased with how it came out!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on March 28, 2011, 09:41:52 AM: Next up - a couple of hovels:

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/dark-age-hovels.html

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Hovel1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on April 16, 2011, 04:23:57 AM: The third battle of our Dark Ages campaign was fought yesterday!

For those interested, you'll find part 1 of the report here:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/04/battle-for-bridge-part-1.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/04/battle-for-bridge-part-1.html)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on April 17, 2011, 01:32:31 AM: Part 2 now posted!
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/04/battle-for-bridge-part-2.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/04/battle-for-bridge-part-2.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Bridge2.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: fluffy05 on April 17, 2011, 03:07:20 AM: Great work on the table and a game that even your young fella can play and enjoy ;)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on April 17, 2011, 09:52:27 AM: Thanks Fluffy - including the Lad is not an optional thing for me anymore, he has become an integral part of my gaming fun :)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on April 17, 2011, 09:27:08 PM: And now Part 3, the Conclusion, is up!
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/04/battle-for-bridge-part-3.html

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Saxons3.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Bloodysword on April 18, 2011, 12:46:04 PM: Nice report. The terrain and figures are excellent. I like how you based the different units on different color bases. It looks like it would make things alot easier. Thanks.
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on April 19, 2011, 10:15:49 AM: It can indeed be hard to distingush between Saxon and Viking at times!
Its a compromise between aesthetics and playability
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: General Roos on April 19, 2011, 11:13:09 AM: Quote from: Tas on March 15, 2011, 12:16:51 PM
Now posted pics of my Menhirs:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/viking-menhirs.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/03/viking-menhirs.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/MenhirsAll.jpg)

Nice. There are a couple of runestones (runstenar) outside Stockholm where I live. Where did you get those?
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Elprez on April 19, 2011, 03:13:56 PM: Really enjoyed reading your battle report, :).
Looked exciting and great fun to play.
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on April 19, 2011, 09:25:45 PM: Sure was Elprez!

Gen Roos - Fenris games: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Fenris-Games (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Fenris-Games)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 01, 2011, 11:06:49 AM: Now working on a Saxon Church in wattle & daub style with a thatched roof, to match the rest of the village

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-1.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-1.html)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 15, 2011, 10:03:41 PM: I scratchbuilt a wagon for the village:

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/paint-your-wagon.html
(http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/paint-your-wagon.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Cart2.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 17, 2011, 09:03:47 AM: Quote from: Tas on May 01, 2011, 11:06:49 AM
Now working on a Saxon Church in wattle & daub style with a thatched roof, to match the rest of the village

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-1.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-1.html)

Part 2 now up here:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-2.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-2.html)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on May 17, 2011, 09:13:37 AM: Nice runestones - just one thing though - the weathered raw stone look is how runestones look today. Back then, the motives were most frequently painted with vivid colours (which has now deteriorated over time).

Examples: http://www.google.com/search?q=jellingsten&hl=da&rls=com.microsoft:da:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADSA_en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Di7STZWoFc6p-gaK4rDoCg&ved=0CEIQsAQ&biw=1190&bih=747

Other examples: http://www.google.com/search?q=runesten&hl=da&rls=com.microsoft:da:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ADSA_en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=WS_STY7YJ9GA-wb4tqG8Cg&ved=0CC4QsAQ&biw=1190&bih=747
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 18, 2011, 11:36:27 AM: Good point, thanks Argonor!

Not sure I like the really brightly coloured ones, but the ocre coloured etching looks good - I might try that style on one of them to mix it up a bit. Thanks for the idea!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on May 18, 2011, 12:21:40 PM: I know - the colours are not how we are used to see runestones. Just like ancient Roman buildings, statues and pillars are always shown as clean white marble in films, whereas they were actually painted just like their Egyptean counterparts.

It's the heritage of centuries of archaeology without the possibilities of modern spektral analysis and stuff like that. :)

But imagine - the past was MUCH more colourful and bright than we thought when we grew up lol

I was reading Bernard Cornwell's novels about Uthred of Bebbanburg over a couple of seasons, and I'm still resisting the urge to dive into yet another new big project/period.... o_o
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 18, 2011, 10:13:24 PM: Yes those Uhtred books are quite inspiring aren't they!
They led me and my mates down the path to Dark Ages gaming - and we haven't looked back!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 19, 2011, 08:48:23 AM: Just posted Part 1 of the BatRep for our monthly Viking Stouch
"Ambush at Bruthweald"

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/ambush-at-bruthweald-part-1.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/ambush-at-bruthweald-part-1.html)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 23, 2011, 07:49:50 AM: Part 2 of the "Ambush at Bruthweald" Battle Report is now posted:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/ambush-at-bruthweald-part-2.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/ambush-at-bruthweald-part-2.html)
enjoy!

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/VikingPartySm.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on May 30, 2011, 06:30:32 AM: Some more progress on the Church - getting it ready for a game this Saturday:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-3.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/05/saxon-church-wip-3.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/ChurchWIP6.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on June 04, 2011, 11:25:12 AM: Got the Church finished at last and in a game today.
I was really happy with how it all came out in the end.

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/06/saxon-church-finished.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/06/saxon-church-finished.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/ChurchFrontLeft.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Christian on June 04, 2011, 01:42:37 PM: That's really impressive! I really enjoy these battle reports. Must be lovely being able to play with the little one!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: white knight on June 04, 2011, 03:21:01 PM: That church is really impressive! For a second there, I thought you posted an inspirational picture of a real building first before I realised.
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: killshot on June 04, 2011, 03:37:31 PM: :-* :-* Excellent!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on June 05, 2011, 09:32:46 PM: Thanks gents, appreciated. I must admit that it became a bit of a labour of love in the end.

Christian - you wouldn't believe how much fun it is.
I'm playing new games and seeing things very differently nowadays!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on June 07, 2011, 09:14:28 AM: Latest BatRep posted : The Tax Man Cometh, Part 1
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/06/tax-man-cometh-part-1.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/06/tax-man-cometh-part-1.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Town1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on June 13, 2011, 04:58:36 AM: Part 2 of "The Tax Man Cometh" BatRep has now been posted:

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/06/tax-man-cometh-part-2.html

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/SaxonHuscarls2.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Dr. The Viking on June 13, 2011, 10:11:24 AM: Wow!

What a brilliant collection. I love Vikings and all other dark ages miniatures.

The church is inspiring!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on June 14, 2011, 10:18:49 PM: Thanks very much Dr - I've never been told my stuff is inspiring before!! lol

Now thinking about getting some Picts together for more Dark Ages adventures
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 19, 2011, 10:00:29 PM: Our next installment has been posted, entitled
"Good times in Geatland!

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/good-times-in-geatland.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/good-times-in-geatland.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/TentPartySmall.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Doomsdave on July 20, 2011, 07:34:09 AM: Wonderful stuff all around. I love it when my kids can join in. I can't believe no one commented on the Trojan Rabbit on the last page! Any WIP shots of how you did it?
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 20, 2011, 11:40:12 AM: Me too Doomsdave. The Lad and I are playing Blood Bowl almost every night now too! 8)

Re the Rabbit, my mate Ken knocked it up for a laugh one arvo about 20 years ago.
Somehow it has survived the ages!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 25, 2011, 11:47:55 AM: Latest terrain offering for our Dark Ages village: a pig pen!
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/pig-pen.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/pig-pen.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/PigPen1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 26, 2011, 11:39:48 AM: Now a small hut has been built next to the aforementioned pig pen!
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/small-hut.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/small-hut.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/SmallHut1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on July 26, 2011, 01:57:55 PM: You are annoyingly productive, you know? ;)

I finally had to give up my resolve, and downloaded/printed Brytenwalda just before going on vacation in a cabin near the sea in the midst of Viking Country in north-eastern Jutland...

As I do not own any dark age minis atm (well, not any I remember, anyways), I sat down at the computer the last couple of days to make profiles for Middle-Earth minis to try out the rules (the blog says, Middle-Earth will be covered, but I want to dig in asap).

If I like the way the rules work, I might start collecting some vikings as a humble beginning...
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 27, 2011, 12:04:32 PM: Quote from: Argonor on July 26, 2011, 01:57:55 PM
You are annoyingly productive, you know? ;)

Sorry, its a temporary phase I'm sure!
So I'll add to the pile: a bigger, stone building
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/big-hut.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/big-hut.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/BigHut1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 28, 2011, 09:53:16 PM: Presenting a furrowed field:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/furrowed-field.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/furrowed-field.html)

and a horse stable:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/horse-stable.htm (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/horse-stable.htm)l

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Stable1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 29, 2011, 11:06:08 PM: The report for the Battle of the Valley, our 7th Viking Campaign game, has now been posted:

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/battle-of-valley.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/07/battle-of-valley.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/vikingLine1.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: mattblackgod on July 31, 2011, 08:49:20 AM: Fantastic stuff. I have been thinking of giving DA a go for a while and your stuff is very inspirational.
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Remington on July 31, 2011, 10:02:17 AM: Great stuff indeed! Absolutely love your Dark Age posts!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on July 31, 2011, 10:06:39 AM: Thanks fellahs.

DA gaming is a real hoot - you can be historical or add saga/legendary elements to it as you wish
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: kurgan on August 02, 2011, 11:28:13 AM: I have been following your reports on your blog and have even been inspired to try making a Viking A-frame house (in progress).
I certainly like the look of Age of Blood with the mix of wargaming and role-playing. Now I just need to get enough Vikings painted so I can play a game. I might even have convinced my nine-year old daughter to give it a try!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on August 02, 2011, 01:58:33 PM: Its a solid mix of RPG with a good framework to do whatever you want.
I'm sure your daughter will love it! You can add in a "save the Saxon Princess" style scenario :D
Glad you like my Blog!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on August 04, 2011, 07:07:01 AM: Age of Blood:

I just made a pdf where I added the Fate Deck pages from 1st Ed. to the 2nd Ed. (just as an appendix).

PM me with a Gmail address if you want it (anyone). I was pretty confused myself when starting to read 2nd Ed., and I could not find the Fate Deck anywhere - and googling did not help me before I realized that I had to get 1st Ed. lol

Game looks interesting - I've only read the Movement section so far, shall dive into Ranged combat on the train home this afternoon.

But now I think I need a couple of longships, and maybe a couple of knarrer and/or other Dark Age merchant vessels.

Anyone knows of such models? Not necessarily waterline models.

EDIT:
Found these: http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&inc_subcat=1&keywords=viking&sort=2a&page=2
Maybe the Revell one is worth getting...

Now, see what a fine mess you're getting me into... >:( ;)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: redzed on August 04, 2011, 10:15:27 AM: Quote from: Argonor on August 04, 2011, 07:07:01 AM

Anyone knows of such models? Not necessarily waterline models.

The Beast (http://grippingbeast.com/shop.php?CatID=29)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on August 04, 2011, 10:41:11 AM: Quote from: redzed on August 04, 2011, 10:15:27 AM
The Beast (http://grippingbeast.com/shop.php?CatID=29)

Oh, nice, too, thanks.
Didn't realize that GB has ships, too - will probably get their plastic vikings for starters....

So, enough threadjacking for now ;)

Looking forward to the next series of in-action pics!
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on September 13, 2011, 10:02:47 PM: Some new acquisitions for the fray!
See all the pics here:
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-viking-figs.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-viking-figs.html)
http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-new-viking-figs.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-new-viking-figs.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/GreenLantern.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on September 15, 2011, 07:16:15 AM: Does he have a ring, too? ;)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on September 15, 2011, 01:26:11 PM: Naturally! 8)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on September 15, 2011, 01:29:10 PM: Latest BatRep posted: "Rescue the Princess"

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/rescue-princess.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/rescue-princess.html)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d170/pauljamesog/Dark%20Ages/Village4a.jpg)
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Argonor on September 15, 2011, 01:59:24 PM: Nice... my Dark Age plans are a bit on hold, due to an overdose of 'real life' (don't try that at home).
Title: Re: One Bright Day in the Dark Ages
Post by: Tas on September 18, 2011, 12:04:47 PM: Part 2 now posted too:

http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/rescue-princess-part-2.html (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2011/09/rescue-princess-part-2.html)