Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Call of Cthulhu => Strange Aeons => Topic started by: Doug ex-em4 on 27 March 2013, 03:32:57 PM
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Yes, Spring has arrived in Much Rampling. Birds are singing, buds are opening, sap is rising. Morris dancers frolic on the village green whilst Constable Bedworthy languidly admires the ancient statue of Sir Roger de Leominster.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/5a229d0c-8913-4c1f-a98a-da89aed13906_zpsd1b4e055.jpg)
What could possibly go wrong...?
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/d46a691e-edf9-492e-8b38-d6b045fae548_zps07b27352.jpg)
Doug
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great stuff! ;D
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Good opening!
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Love it!
I wish we'd really have spring! :D
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Great stuff, Doug!
:-*
We want more!
:D
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I'm sure we are having a longer winter for a special reason :-[ I would to be in Much Rampling though :)
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I'd like to see you frolick here in Winnipeg(Canada). -20 at night and 3 feet of snow still on the ground. Grumble grumble. . .
Cool terrain and photos though.
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Let's see some more please! Is that the base of the Hovels' buttermarket that the statue is sitting on?
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Let's see some more please! Is that the base of the Hovels' buttermarket that the statue is sitting on?
Yes it is - you can't get away with anything here.... :D :D :D
I'm off to Windsor for a couple of days *castle etc) and will add more upon return...
Thanks for comments...
Doug
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I like it; good thinking! The collective mind of the LAF must contain knowledge on every wargaming component ever created!
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Gotta agree, good use of scenery there, Doug.
I like that circular plinth.
Clever.
I think I recognise some of the other items, too.... ;)
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Lovely pics. I especially like the fella pearling out.
And the farm.
I have a soft spot for those Morris chappies, considering getting some more for some weapon variety. Mine are slightly less jolly than yours :D
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I have a soft spot for those Morris chappies, considering getting some more for some weapon variety. Mine are slightly less jolly than yours :D
I can only agree.
His are right nasty ba%*&rds!
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Great looking town, and figs.
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Constable Bedworthy's comfortable relaxation is disturbed by a feeling that something is not quite right. The dance of the morrismen has changed. It no longer looks like any morris dance the constable knows and he's something of a connoisseur. They are dancing closer and closer to him, so much so that he can feel the wind of whirling sticks as they pass close to his head. And surely today's dancers were supposed to be the famous morris side from Nether Winslet - these look nothing like them. In fact, they hardly look human at all, with their blank expressions and staring eyes.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/58a76649-ae82-4258-963e-0be780532aee_zps880b6cb0.jpg)
Just then, he hears his name called sharply from the other side of the green. Turning, he sees the Squire, Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode emerging from his gatehouse. The old gentleman is carrying his sporting rifle but there's nothing particularly unusual in that.
"Bedworthy, come hear a moment would you? And just stroll over as you would normally - no hasty movements. There's a couple of people down from London that want to speak to you. And try not to draw the attention of those morris dancers....."
Doug
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/7e90ca46-e3b6-475f-8f4a-1c9e02d0fed5_zps5e86bd74.jpg)
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Great stuff, Doug!
Loving this, appearing in installments as it is.
Like a 'proper' pulp serial.
8)
Nice paintwork on the Squire too, one of my favourites from your selection.
:-*
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This is great Doug, please can we have some more?!
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Bedworthy strolls casually over to the Squire - aimless wandering is second nature to him. Arriving at the gatehouse, he is hustled into the farmyard by the Squire who then leads him to his farm office. Waiting inside are two people totally unknown to Bedworthy. One is a short, rather fussy man - he has a strong foreign accent Bedworthy judges to be French. The other is a very ordinary lady in late middle-age; almost elderly in fact. No introductions are made.
"Bedworthy, take this letter to Inspector Hemp at County Headquarters - use my bike, it's parked at the back. Take the lane past the pond; don't go through the Green."
"Inspector Hemp Sir? I don't know any Inspectory Hemp." Bedworthy looked puzzled.
"Er no, you wouldn't. He's in charge of Section T, er responsible for vehicle licences, that sort of thing. Jolly mundane sort of stuff."
Bedworthy, still looking puzzled, sets off on his errand.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/e8afed0d-bcda-47d9-a8f3-21646d546fd4_zps502c1692.jpg)
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I'm enjoying this. Nice to see the Heroquest bookcases in use!
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I'm enjoying this. Nice to see the Heroquest bookcases in use!
Ditto!
Also the 'French' fella and the 'ordinary' lady work really well for SA.
;)
Looking forward to the next installment... :D
(In fact, your chosen colour scheme for the Detective is very similar to mine.....
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=48785.30
.....and dozens of others, probably. ::)
Still: Great minds and all that! ;))
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Perhaps Charlotte of that Ilk could pay a call on he ancestral home. lol
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After Bedworthy departs, the elderly lady looks at the others, gives a little nod and heads for the door.
"Right gentlemen, she says, we have work to do."
They are joined in the yard by the Squire's man, Stirrup, armed with a James Purdey side-by-side 12 bore. The group then move through the gate-house, towards the village greem
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/87c4b026-386d-4331-8cb9-5a850c355a5e_zps711e0402.jpg)
In front of them, the morris men's dance has become a mad, whirling frenzy. The atmosphere is heavy with menace.....
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/9c6e4a3b-956e-4d26-a981-5b5f7f6ffb6b_zpsad6ea246.jpg)
Nice paintwork on the Squire too, one of my favourites from your selection.
Thanks Mason - nothing to do with me - that's one of the pre-paints from this range, regrettably out of stock at then moment.
I'm enjoying this. Nice to see the Heroquest bookcases in use!
Thanks Elk - waste not want not - eh? The Heroquest bits and bobs are very useful. Incidentally, I'm in the middle of a series of Heroquest games with my grandchildren at the moment - they love it, even the 5 year old.
(In fact, your chosen colour scheme for the Detective is very similar to mine.....
Yeah, but yours is much, much better. You'll notice that apart from the Squire (a pre-paint) I've carefully not photographed any miniatures too closely because, even after 42 years of practice, my painting is rubbish and I'm very chary of showing too much of it on this forum which has some true artists with the paint brush.
Perhaps Charlotte of that Ilk could pay a call on he ancestral home
:D Indeed. By the way, do you like rampling? I don't know, I've never rampled... lol lol lol
Doug
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Keep going, Doug, this is great!
8)
In front of them, the morris men's dance has become a mad, whirling frenzy. The atmosphere is heavy with menace.....
I Have always felt that way about Morris men.. :o
Nothing wrong with your brushwork from what I can see.
I have just noticed that that copper is the Partizan Old Bill.
I have him, nice characterful figure.
The uniform looks good, what colours did you use on it?
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Nice thread!
Full of evocative scenery and miniatures, and a plot that is evolving quite nicely.
We want to see the next chapter RIGHT NOW! :P
Thanks for sharing.
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I'm liking the story - keep it up. I wonder if we'll need our "little grey cells" to solve this mystery.
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who makes the guy in the top hat in the second picture?
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Having got this far, I must tell you that this is not an AAR. This has been a lead up to a game so far, not an actual game.
The thing is, I've had SA since last September. I worked out some characters and a campaing background. Like Mason, I've set my campaign in pre-war Britain. I could have piggy-backed on Mason's quite superb campaign but decided to do my own because I wanted a different slant than his. So far, so straight-forward. The problem is, getting into the rules. I haven't been able to make that leap from browsing through to table-top action. I thought if I set up a situation with some of the characters I'd prepared for the campaign, a scenario would follow fairly smoothly. So this thread is my situation. I'm wondering if players of the game think this is a workable SA scenarion in the making and if anyone has ideas of how to proceed to an actual playable game so any input is of interest to me.
who makes the guy in the top hat in the second picture?
He was part of a "vignette" given as the free figure at a Partizan show some years ago. The rest of the vignette was a "perils-of-Pauline" set-up with the girl tied to a railway/railroad track...
Doug
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Having got this far, I must tell you that this is not an AAR. This has been a lead up to a game so far, not an actual game.
........ if anyone has ideas of how to proceed to an actual playable game so any input is of interest to me.
I like what I see so far, Doug, but if you are looking for a scenario for this tale to flow into, then Retrieve the Artifacts seems a natural progression.
The investigators/agents would be looking for evidence of 'suspicious' activity whilst the Morris Men(ace) would be trying to protect the crates (containing whatever it is that they want to hide) from falling into the wrong hands.
Hope that helps.
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I like what I see so far, Doug, but if you are looking for a scenario for this tale to flow into, then Retrieve the Artifacts seems a natural progression.
The investigators/agents would be looking for evidence of 'suspicious' activity whilst the Morris Men(ace) would be trying to protect the crates (containing whatever it is that they want to hide) from falling into the wrong hands.
How important is it to use standard scenario types? Do the rules revolve round using them or will they play as well in home-grown scenarios? One of the things that has put me off really getting in to the game is this aspect - I'm not keen on scenarion templates.
Doug
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How important is it to use standard scenario types? Do the rules revolve round using them or will they play as well in home-grown scenarios? One of the things that has put me off really getting in to the game is this aspect - I'm not keen on scenarion templates.
Well. the scenarios have worked fine for us as a group, as they help to make sure everyone gets a fair shot as the teams all have the same victory conditions etc
Saying that, no two games are ever the same, so the scenarios do not feel limiting in any way.
I do not see any problem with home-grown scenarios either, if fact, right now I am running a Black Dossier (a set of linked scenarios that represent a particular mission) for Legionnaire Bert where all the scenarios will be home-grown, but will use the existing scenarios as a template to assist with balance and fairness.
This does not always work (the first scenario needed some tinkering as it was too difficult as a starter) but with sensible, fair-minded players this should not be a problem.
Whatever suits you would be the simple answer.
The rules work weell, and I will be using the rules in other settings where SA scenarios will have no place at all.
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Well. the scenarios have worked fine for us as a group, as they help to make sure everyone gets a fair shot as the teams all have the same victory conditions etc
Saying that, no two games are ever the same, so the scenarios do not feel limiting in any way.
I do not see any problem with home-grown scenarios either, if fact, right now I am running a Black Dossier (a set of linked scenarios that represent a particular mission) for Legionnaire Bert where all the scenarios will be home-grown, but will use the existing scenarios as a template to assist with balance and fairness.
This does not always work (the first scenario needed some tinkering as it was too difficult as a starter) but with sensible, fair-minded players this should not be a problem.
Whatever suits you would be the simple answer.
The rules work weell, and I will be using the rules in other settings where SA scenarios will have no place at all.
Thanks Paul - really, I just need to play the darn thing. The problem is getting players - my usual crowd are all rather historical types. May have to try a solo. I spy more cans of worms :)
I shouldn't even be thinking about this - it's Salute next week.... :o :o :o
Doug
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I think we are probably a bit too far for you to visit (South London), but if you find yourself in our neck of the woods give me a shout. We may be able to set up a game or two for you to play in.
;)
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I think we are probably a bit too far for you to visit (South London), but if you find yourself in our neck of the woods give me a shout. We may be able to set up a game or two for you to play in.
;)
Well that'd be brilliant - like playing tennis on the Centre Court or cricket at Lords. Alas, it's a bit of a stretch from Wiltshire but if the chance occurs, I'll be there like a shot.
Now, how to get my lot off 7YW, WW2, Malburian etc and try some cultish goodness....
Doug
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Hi Doug,
Like the build up.
Looking forward to the in game pics.
RMZ
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Where were we?
Oh yes, Sir Rufus had just left the shelter of his gatehouse following Miss M and Monsieur P and accompanied by his man Stirrup. Miss M and Monsieur P were down from London on Section T business. All Sir Rufus knew was that Section T had taken an interest in Much Rampling, specifically its church, and in Morris Dancers. He knew not to question Section T's interests. His role in the Section was peripheral and occasional but when duty called, he was prepared to go to the limit.
As he was about to step through the gatehouse, he was halted by the sound of a deferential cough behind him. He turned to find that his ancient butler Scrotum had made a silent appearance.
"Ahem, excuse me sir but we are in receipt of a telegraphic communication. From London! he added, conveying a wealth of meaning in those two words. "I thought it wise to alert you of this eventuation immmediately. Sir"
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/d89096bd-4bfa-49c8-be39-41f77293b29d_zps523310a3.jpg)
"Yes, quite right Scrotum, Now let me see." Sir Rufus tore open the buff telegram envelope and quickly scanned the message. Although there was no obvious clue in the text as to the sender, Sir Rufus knew it was from Section T HQ. It read
----TODAY CONFIRMED CONSIDER CELTIC CROSS ----
Quickly he called Miss M and Monsieur P back and showed it to them.
"So," said Monsieur P. "It is to the cross of the Celtics we must take our footsteps with élan and vitesse....!"
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Great stuff, Doug!
8)
Scrotum the Butler!?!?!
:o
Genius!
lol lol lol
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Great stuff, Doug!
8)
Scrotum the Butler!?!?!
:o
Genius!
lol lol lol
The wrinkled retainer of Rawlinson End.
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The wrinkled retainer of Rawlinson End.
Yes - you've rumbled me. Rawlinson's End is one of my favourite listens and I'll shamelessly nick ideas from the likes of such a brilliant programme.
Doug
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Thanks Paul - really, I just need to play the darn thing. The problem is getting players - my usual crowd are all rather historical types. May have to try a solo. I spy more cans of worms :)
I shouldn't even be thinking about this - it's Salute next week.... :o :o :o
Doug
That's the same problem I have. The group I game would consider this to be on a par with x-wings, cylons and klingons.
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Effortlessly assuming control, Miss M assesses the situation.
"Gentlemen. First let me remind you that today is the spring equinox - a significant time, redolent with power both good and evil; everything here points to the latter. There is definitely something disquieting about that Celtic cross outside the church yonder ". She stared intently at the object in question.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/04f825c5-c813-4138-8a0e-2d60276ec976_zpsd3bd7bb3.jpg)
"One moment", she delved into her substantial handbag and brought out a small, brass telescope and scrutinised the church once more.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/949fe8ac-b700-456b-a8ff-cb003a25f355_zpsf26bbbc1.jpg)
"I cannot tell for sure. M'sieur P, would you look?"
Taking the instrument, the neat, rather fussy gentleman also peered towards the cross.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/CannonOlympus01/Games%20and%20Miniatures/1930s/7dd979ca-bc8e-41c5-a7d9-4a15bd418e09_zps42483070.jpg)
"Pah...!" With an exclamation that could indicate anger, distaste or both, he handed back the telescope.
"Madame" he began
"Mam'selle," corrected Miss M severely.
"A thousand pardons...! Mam'selle, there is something there. I perceive a shapeless dark...."
After a brief silence, Miss M returned the 'scope to her bag and snapped the clasp shut.
"We must act to stop whatever is planned here," she said, "Sir Rufus, would you and your man attend to those dancers? If they attempt to prevent myself and M'sieur P doing our duty, you must act. Remember, Operations will require you to account for every round fired if you have to resort to firearms - we are not Chicago gangsters. M'sieur P; you have your walking stick? Then let us approach the cross."
"Tout à fait, mam'selle. The game, as you say, he is on foot."
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Ah, the suspense!
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This is great Doug!
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This is great Doug!
Yep, it sure is.
8)
Ah, the suspense!
But it is a bugger, too, for this reason.
>:(
Really, Doug, I think all your regular followers are loving this and eagerly awaiting the next update.
By the way: This is a classic:
"Tout à fait, mam'selle. The game, as you say, he is on foot."
lol lol lol
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This is great. I've never been so excited over another man's Scrotum! :-*
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This is great. I've never been so excited over another man's Scrotum! :-*
:o
lol lol lol
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This is great Doug!
Yep, it sure is.
8)
Thank for those remarks elk & Mason - much appreciated.
Really, Doug, I think all your regular followers are loving this and eagerly awaiting the next update.
What? both of them? :D
It's good fun and much easier than an AAR of a real game. However, I'm ready to turn it into an actual game now. I've got the players lined up (they don't know it yet) and am working on the game play. I intend a kind of freewheeling version of SA. For example, there won't be any build points - it'll be a game umpired or game mastered by me so I see no need for mechanisms controlling force size and quality, terrain selection and deployment etc; I'll judge what seems right and take it from there.
I'm currently holidaying o'er the seas in foreign parts but I hope to get this on the table on my return.
Thanks for all your support and interest.
Doug
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Thank for those remarks elk & Mason - much appreciated.
What? both of them? :D
It's good fun and much easier than an AAR of a real game. However, I'm ready to turn it into an actual game now. I've got the players lined up (they don't know it yet) and am working on the game play. I intend a kind of freewheeling version of SA. For example, there won't be any build points - it'll be a game umpired or game mastered by me so I see no need for mechanisms controlling force size and quality, terrain selection and deployment etc; I'll judge what seems right and take it from there.
I'm currently holidaying o'er the seas in foreign parts but I hope to get this on the table on my return.
Thanks for all your support and interest.
Doug
Ah, a mid-season break eh? Make sure you take a camera when you play as we all want to see the results!
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Ah, a mid-season break eh? Make sure you take a camera when you play as we all want to see the results!
Seconded!
;)
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Thank for those remarks elk & Mason - much appreciated.
What? both of them? :D
Do you think he means us Mason?