Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Gothic Horror => Topic started by: Malamute on 16 February 2013, 06:32:02 PM

Title: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 16 February 2013, 06:32:02 PM
When Professor Abraham Van Helsing and his small band of Vampire Hunters destroyed Count Dracula he thought the nightmare was over. It was only the beginning, since that day London had become the feeding ground of the Undead. No one was able to confirm how long they had been there or how many of them there were, but their numbers were steadily growing. Dracula had boasted he was the first of his kind to venture to the capital of the known world with a plan to create a new Vampire kingdom.  But he was wrong on one account, it had aready started many years before his arrival. All his presence did was alert the public to the ever growing problem. Some say the government already knew of their existence and chose to do nothing about it. Some say the government was paid for its silence. Some say even in the corridors of Buckingham Palace it was common knowledge, people were even asking why the Prince of Wales was no longer seen during daylight hours.......

 I was prompted by some of the excellent threads here on LAF to dig out my old Gothic Horror collection and give Empire of the Dead a try. I arranged to meet up with Thundercheeks yesterday and so before he arrived I set the table up and took a few photos to get me in the mood.

Here is ruined abbey and graveyard, a breeding ground for the Undead.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_48_24_1.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_48_24_2.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_48_24_0.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_49_12_3.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_48_24_3.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_48_24_4.jpg)

The Devils Concubines
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_49_12_0.jpg)

The Very Devil himself
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_49_12_1.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_49_12_2.jpg)

A few brave souls prepared to face the unspeakable evil
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_49_13_4.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_0.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_1.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_2.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_3.jpg)

Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: dodge on 16 February 2013, 06:36:20 PM
I love it when you do stuff like this  :D
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Anatoli on 16 February 2013, 06:43:06 PM
Fricking awesome!  :-*
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 16 February 2013, 06:52:27 PM
Ok so onto my first game. I was to play the Nosferatu clan and Thundercheeks the Gentlemans club come to vanquish me. We played a straight stand up fight, with the sole bjective to destroy the opposition. After a brief introduction to the rules I designed my force, a Graf (The leader) His consort (a lesser Vampire) and a number of Thralls (servants) The thralls were mostly armed with rifles, one with a sword and one a shotgun. The Graf and Consort were also armed with swords. This goes against my idea of Vampires having the need for weapons, but I was advised to take them .

Cheeks Gentlemans club had already been created and used in a previosu game. He re-equipped them to fight Vampires as they were previously Werewolf hunters. This time he would have no need for silver bullets!

Here are my starting forces split into two groups.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_4.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_01_0.jpg)

Cheeks Gentlemen arrive on the board armed with repeating rifles. I didnt spot those on the weapons chart!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_01_1.jpg)

One was even armed with a portable Gatling gun! They quickly made mincemeat of my Thralls
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_01_2.jpg)

Fortunately for me whilst he was having fun shooting up my minions I was able to sneak up on his president!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_01_3.jpg)

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_01_4.jpg)

Lady Carstairs wearing the latest fashions recently seen on the Paris catwalks..
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_54_0.jpg)

My Vampire lord joins in the fun and kills the President
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_54_1.jpg)

Here he is again sneaking up on another poor unfortunate soul
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_54_2.jpg)

Lady Carstairs attempts to bag a Thrall named Bobby. There was another called Albert and another called Sky..
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_54_3.jpg)

The sun was setting and the need to feed was upon them.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_51_54_4.jpg)

She's behind you!
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_52_18_0.jpg)

I must say I thoroughly the game and will definitely be giving it another go in due course. :)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Anatoli on 16 February 2013, 07:01:15 PM
Once again, fricking awesome! And I will have to "steal" the idea for lady Carstairs skirt  :-*
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 16 February 2013, 07:05:03 PM
Once again, fricking awesome! And I will have to "steal" the idea for lady Carstairs skirt  :-*

The work of either Thunderchicken or Svennn. The LAM miniatures are in Thunderchickens collection.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Ray Rivers on 16 February 2013, 07:17:03 PM
Good Lord, that is a fantastic board populated with splendid miniatures.

The LAM minis really stand out and yes Lady Carstairs steals the show.  :-*
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Elk101 on 16 February 2013, 07:30:36 PM
Cracking set up sir, I particularly liked the use of cotton wool to great supernatural effect.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: traveller on 16 February 2013, 07:33:03 PM
Awesome!!!!   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Blackwolf on 16 February 2013, 07:34:43 PM
Very nice indeed :-*
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 16 February 2013, 07:38:55 PM
Shame I missed it  :'(

I'll play in the next one though (on Mars  ;D)

cheers

James
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Skrapwelder on 16 February 2013, 07:40:11 PM
 :o Wow!.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Mike D. Mc Brice on 16 February 2013, 07:45:25 PM

 :-* :-* :-*
Nice to see you're putting the book to good use :D.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: thebinmann on 16 February 2013, 08:04:50 PM
What a lovely spread....
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: gamer Mac on 16 February 2013, 08:17:47 PM
Lovely table, with great looking figures :-* :-* :-*
Great work gents
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Mason on 16 February 2013, 08:32:11 PM
Lovely-bloody-jubbly!
 :o

What a feast of eye-candy, chaps.
Bravo!
 :-* :-* :-*

Malamute: Thunderchicken is already a convert, it seems.
Do you recommend the game as well now?

Edit: More questions: Who makes the walls, or are they scratchbuilt?
Where is the crypt with the dome roof from?

Probably bother you with more later, as I am off for another drool at the piccies... :D

Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: abdul666lw on 16 February 2013, 09:33:49 PM
 :o  Simply beautiful :-*
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Brummie Thug on 16 February 2013, 09:35:30 PM
Brilliant hope you do some more of these. Gorgeous mini's and terrain.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: shadowking1957 on 16 February 2013, 09:37:04 PM
Just brilliant all of it the  table the minis superb stuff , thanks you so much for the pics, inspiring...
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Legion1963 on 16 February 2013, 09:47:33 PM
Indeed. A truely inspiring collection. Table and miniatures as well as the story. Quite an interesting angle. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Silent Invader on 16 February 2013, 09:50:15 PM
Totes amaze-balls!  8)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Captain Blood on 16 February 2013, 10:05:22 PM
Wicked cool.
And you contrived to tempt Cheeks down from the Marches too!  :o

 ;)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 16 February 2013, 10:06:25 PM
And you contrived to tempt Cheeks down from the Marches too!  :o

I wasn't there to verify so I'm not so sure...  ;D

cheers

James
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Michi on 16 February 2013, 10:08:42 PM
Whoa! What a shocker! Great story and fabulous photos!
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: thebinmann on 16 February 2013, 10:24:39 PM
Lovely

Where is the guy on the left from?

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_2.jpg)

Cheers

Binman
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Bugsda on 17 February 2013, 12:05:30 AM




(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_50_03_2.jpg)

Where is the guy on the left from?   :D

Excellent! And not a serape in sight  :-*
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 17 February 2013, 12:13:28 AM
 lol

The guy on the left is a converted Foundy civilian bystander from the Old West range., new head, new coat, new hand with revolver and new walking stick.

Mason, the ruined walls of the abbey are from Monolith. The four mausoleums in the foreground are from Westwind. The large church building in the rear right hand corner is Fantascene as is the small dome roofed shrine. The walls are Ainsty and the cemetery gate Westwind.

Yes I enjoyed the rules, I can see you would get the best out of them by running a campaign. It will be interesting to see how much they add to them with the new Westwind Kickstarter programme at the moment. There is quite a lot that Is missing from the rules (mounted movement, carriages and carts) so I hope they will fill in the blanks.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 17 February 2013, 12:15:10 AM
I wasn't there to verify so I'm not so sure...  ;D

cheers

James

It might have been his twin, so even I can't be certain.  ;)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: thebinmann on 17 February 2013, 12:18:15 AM
lol
The guy on the left is a converted Foundy civilian bystander from the Old West range., new head, new coat, new hand with revolver and new walking stick.

Great job! Well done
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Whiskyrat on 17 February 2013, 02:26:04 AM
Great looking board - it looks like the two of you had a blast.

And you contrived to tempt Cheeks down from the Marches too!  :o

I heard that they were only too pleased to see the back of him for the day.

Something to do with fumigation and bleach ....   lol



Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Marine0846 on 17 February 2013, 03:15:15 AM
Could you please give a quick run down on some of the major terrain pieces?
Love the whole look of the game.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: oxiana on 17 February 2013, 03:18:52 AM
Great report Nick – lovely table set-up and minis.  :)

Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Furt on 17 February 2013, 03:35:20 AM
Amazing terrain and beautiful miniatures. Very inspiring.  :)

Please tell us where the "Devil Himself" is from.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/12/86_16_02_13_6_49_12_1.jpg)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: jet on 17 February 2013, 04:15:19 AM
Holy crap what a set-up!  :-*

Have you played Chaos in Carpathia and do you have a preference or just find them "different" alternatives for Gothic Horror fans. I find CinC (along with Tom's lists and my objectives) to be a really great game but, I'm all about trying new things.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 17 February 2013, 08:20:43 AM
Furt. The very Devil himself is a conversion. The body is from a Ravenloft figure and the head came from a Dracula figure by Ral Partha. He was in a pack along with Jonathan Harker and a coffin.

Jet, I've never played CoC, so can't comment on how they compare. I was tempted to EOTD by Thunderchicken on his recommendation. Many will know I am one of very few people who actually like the original Westwind Vampire Wars rules. We have used the rules template for various games and they worked very well. I was keen to try EOTD after seeing all the reports over the last year and am pleased I did. The rules have their limitations. For instance there not as yet any rules for vehicles, or mounted movement.

Marine0846 if you look back on page two I have given a run down on the terrain pieces in answer to a previous request.

Thanks for all the positive comments. I am keen to have another game, so will probably break out the London terrain which has been stored in the loft for the last four or five years.... ::) lol
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Commander Vyper on 17 February 2013, 08:22:11 AM
Looks great Nick. Fancy a game at Salute? 
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Mason on 17 February 2013, 08:31:03 AM
Mason, the ruined walls of the abbey are from Monolith. The four mausoleums in the foreground are from Westwind. The large church building in the rear right hand corner is Fantascene as is the small dome roofed shrine. The walls are Ainsty and the cemetery gate Westwind.

Yes I enjoyed the rules, I can see you would get the best out of them by running a campaign. It will be interesting to see how much they add to them with the new Westwind Kickstarter programme at the moment. There is quite a lot that Is missing from the rules (mounted movement, carriages and carts) so I hope they will fill in the blanks.

Thanks for the detailed response.
 :)
I may have to expand my churchy/graveyard set-up after seeing this, and a few mausoleums seem to be in order as well as expanding my collection of walls.

Rules could do with some expanding...hmm, maybe I will just tinker with Mordheim or Sa instead then.
No point in learning yet another system.

Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: joekano on 17 February 2013, 08:48:38 AM
Great looking game - I especially like the paint job on Lady Carstairs!
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 17 February 2013, 09:46:04 AM
Looks great Nick. Fancy a game at Salute? 

Sorry at Salute I am helping to run the Oshiro Models VSF game. Would love to otherwise. :)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: General M@yhem on 17 February 2013, 10:06:12 AM
lol

The guy on the left is a converted Foundy civilian bystander from the Old West range., new head, new coat, new hand with revolver and new walking stick.

Mason, the ruined walls of the abbey are from Monolith. The four mausoleums in the foreground are from Westwind. The large church building in the rear right hand corner is Fantascene as is the small dome roofed shrine. The walls are Ainsty and the cemetery gate Westwind.

Yes I enjoyed the rules, I can see you would get the best out of them by running a campaign. It will be interesting to see how much they add to them with the new Westwind Kickstarter programme at the moment. There is quite a lot that Is missing from the rules (mounted movement, carriages and carts) so I hope they will fill in the blanks.

I couldn't find the Westwind scenery on their site.Is it still in production?
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Driscoles on 17 February 2013, 11:02:22 AM
This is great Sir...I have the rules too and I hope to try them  soon !
Cheers
Björn
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Galloping Major on 17 February 2013, 03:24:06 PM
Great looking stuff  :D


www.gallopingmajorwargames.com
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Svennn on 17 February 2013, 03:25:28 PM
 :-*.  I had not seen the cemetery before, the whole layout must be absolutely immense!!
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: dodge on 17 February 2013, 05:22:58 PM
looks like a great time was had by all, looks like the vampires gave the gentlemens club a right pasting aswell

glad you like the rules and had a good time  :D

dodge
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Commander Vyper on 17 February 2013, 06:54:40 PM
Sorry at Salute I am helping to run the Oshiro Models VSF game. Would love to otherwise. :)


Bunk off, James won't mind ;)
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: OSHIROmodels on 17 February 2013, 07:01:03 PM

Bunk off, James won't mind ;)

I'm afraid he will  >:D

cheers

James
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Commander Vyper on 17 February 2013, 08:27:41 PM
I'm afraid he will  >:D

cheers

James

  lol
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 17 February 2013, 08:32:11 PM
  lol

Sssshhh, it will be our little secret. See you at Salute ;) lol
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: obsidian3d on 19 February 2013, 08:36:50 PM
Beautiful stuff! Great write up too.
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Thunderchicken on 23 February 2013, 01:13:06 PM
Bit late to this party as I've been off line all week.
We had a couple of cracking games going down to the wire on both occassions. Nothing funnier than seeing Dracula jumping on a scared witless human only to get duffed in because of crap dice rolls  lol

The LAM figures in my Gentlerman's club were all painted by the talented Svennn and lovely they are too. 
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: pocoloco on 23 February 2013, 02:00:36 PM
Wow, great stuff all around, the minis, the terrain, the pics (superb idea to have those darkened pics!)... You guys need to game more so we get to drool more! :D
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 23 February 2013, 02:03:29 PM
You guys need to game more so we get to drool more! :D

Yep we do, sadly its rare that we get together as Cheeks lives in the wilderness and rarely comes to the big city. :'(
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Svennn on 23 February 2013, 03:21:51 PM
Yep we do, sadly its rare that we get together as Cheeks lives in a more beautiful part of our fair land on the way to the Northern Utopia and rarely comes to the big shitty city in the wussy South. :'(
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Malamute on 23 February 2013, 03:26:06 PM


 lol

Oh how you make us Southerners laugh with your Northern humour. ;) lol
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: Lowtardog on 23 February 2013, 04:07:31 PM


Wise words Svennn lol
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: seano on 24 February 2013, 09:03:10 PM
simply awsome ;D
Title: Re: The London Vampire problem of 1898! An introduction to Empire of the Dead
Post by: jscottbowman on 19 March 2013, 01:48:37 AM
Beautiful set up and game!