Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: jetengine on February 04, 2022, 08:43:13 AM
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Many, many, moons ago I was in a particularly explorative mood regarding my hobby. GW was feeling very stale and I wanted to try something different. Glancing across the net I dismissed multiple systems for various reasons, one caught my eye though. "Vor: The Maelstrom". It looked...goofy and a tad out of date, what with it's stereotypical army guys and big orange monsters, but something intrueged me about it. Upon discovering it was dead as a dodo though I put it into the "nope" folder, but occasionally would look over the minis and wonder if I could use them for something. I've a yen for older sculpts, metals especially, They tend to be far more characterful then the soulless effect of modern plastics.
Fast Forward to today and Major_Gilbears thread discussing the merits of this (and other similarly retro ) games. I'm a bit older now and looking for something to do that's a bit different, I found his introspective discussion on the merits of these "dead games" inspiring. Not only that but my love for old sculpts has grown significantly, I'm known as "The guy that likes shonky old minis" at my FLGS. As such I've decided on a new project, I'm going back to the 90s with Vor: The Maelstrom!
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Cool idea to do yet another old system the justice it deserves! 8)
I'm not familiar with this system, other than the name and the fact that it's a contemporary of 2nd ed 40K, Warzone and VOID. However, I did acquire a couple of its miniatures about a decade ago. I sold off some of them, but kept a small squad of 5 (I think?) of the human trooper types.
I've kept them around because they have that 'something' and I'm also a sucker for nineties miniatures. But I don't know if I'll ever get around to doing them justice. If you're interested in them, I could do a lead-dive this weekend...
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Cool idea to do yet another old system the justice it deserves! 8)
I'm not familiar with this system, other than the name and the fact that it's a contemporary of 2nd ed 40K, Warzone and VOID. However, I did acquire a couple of its miniatures about a decade ago. I sold off some of them, but kept a small squad of 5 (I think?) of the human trooper types.
I've kept them around because they have that 'something' and I'm also a sucker for nineties miniatures. But I don't know if I'll ever get around to doing them justice. If you're interested in them, I could do a lead-dive this weekend...
I would definitely be interested in them my good man!
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So, with this set in mind I decided to plan out my project. Like all good generals on campaign a failure to plan is a plan to failure. It's an underrated element of the hobby, often broken in two by "shiny syndrome" which (thankfully) is less of a problem in 'Dead Games'. You've no need to worry about new releases or a billion choices when you've only got what's there, no more, no less.
First port of call was Ral Partha UK, the holders of all things Vor. Now, before we go any further some background may be necessary. I'm not the most knowledgeable on the subject, so forgive me if I garble any info.
Vor began life in the late 90s with US company FASA, known for several other games at the time (most importantly Battletech, but also Crimson Skies and some other odds and sods), afaik they weren't doing terribly, but neither were they the GW killer everyone wanted to be (Void and Warzone found themselves in a similar position). Vor was their first attempt at a sci fi squad level game, with a revolutionary (for the time) design-your-own-army mechanic built in. They had one year of releases, which included a starter set, miniatures for 5 different factions, their forcebooks, a campaign book and several tie in novellas. Things were looking ok.
Then the company folded.
For you see, the Battletech license is cursed. Cursed I tell you! More seriously though, a company called Harmony Gold sued FASA over the rights to Battletech. It's a very long and complicated affair, which (as a guy not really into Battletech despite my love for big, smashy, bots) I understand very little of beyond two things. The first, is that it killed FASA, taking an up-and-coming company off the market thanks to nefarious IP shenanigans. The second, in a sadly ironic twist of fate, a more recent legal issue regarding giant mech rights actually proved Harmony Gold didn't own a damn thing to begin with! Years and thousands of currency-notes wasted on shysters instead of toy soldiers! It's enough to make you weep...
Anyway, the rights were divided somewhat, with the IP creator Mike 'Skuzzy' Nielsen getting...something (Maybe control of the brand? It's a tad confusing) whilst Ral Partha picked up the moulds, stock and rulebooks. I'm pretty sure though due to this rights divide that Ral Partha can't make anything new or possibly even reprint the books, more on my theory later....
Mike tried to revive the game in 2010 with Kickstarter. Whether it was because no one gave a damn or because Kickstarter hadn't really taken off for mini gamers yet, it didnt reach its target and Vor has sunk into relative obscurity. Just another all-metal, giant shoulder pad wearing, pot-shot at the UK colossus that is Games Workshop.
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Anyway, back to the plan.
My current focus is to re-create the original starter set. This appeals to me as a retro callback and also isnt too expensive, being 9 Union troopers and 7 Growlers. Around £70 ish. I suspect I'll muddle with the base sizes somewhat, since the Growlers overhang like a mofo. If things go well then I may go further.
I've already purchased 90% of the books (Rulebook, Union, Growler, Neo-Sov, Zhykee, Pharon and the Razorfangs Exodus Campaign book) for the princely sum of £30! For some reason the Shard forcebook is unavailable so I'll have to go hunting. However for the price of a modern box of troops in most systems it's pretty impressive that you can own the majority of written rules content for an entire game system. I also coined the threads title from a comment I jokingly asked the staff to write on the box, only to get a sweet reply inside.
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lol
They get it alright! :D
Off to a good start at any rate :)
I once did the exact same thing with the long defunct 1999 game. The rules were shipped as a booklet in each individual miniature box, so not much in the way of rulebook hunting, but the minis were really scarce (especially by now). I've got almost all released miniatures now, bar a few rare ones, but I once was contacted by a guy who had a lot of the original studio miniatures, including unreleased ones and prototypes. Sadly I was not in the position to buy them at that time. I tried to cherry pick some, but he disappeared from the radar during our negotiations, so that (biiig) fish got away :'(
I'm sure the VOR range will at least be easier to get your hands on...
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.....I once was contacted by a guy who had a lot of the original studio miniatures, including unreleased ones and prototypes. Sadly I was not in the position to buy them at that time. I tried to cherry pick some, but he disappeared from the radar during our negotiations, so that (biiig) fish got away :'(
That was a sad day, worse, I was in a position to buy them and would have done, willingly. I would still love to get my hands on those. Chris and Dan seem to have gone quiet so that only leaves the 2 of us in the 1999 fan club.
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I never knew you had been in contact with him as well. Oh, if only... ::)
I've been meaning to update the 1999legacy website for ages, but never got around to it. The least I can do is add all you guys' pictures to it, especially after the demise of the Yahoo group and the other site, what was it called? Discontinued Miniatures? Even now, 1999 still has a bit of a special place for me.
So yeah; that got me all fueled up again; I'll pick up where I left off as soon as I can now :D
Sorry for the hijack Jet; back to the regular programming ;)
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I never knew you had been in contact with him as well. Oh, if only... ::)
I've been meaning to update the 1999legacy website for ages, but never got around to it. The least I can do is add all you guys' pictures to it, especially after the demise of the Yahoo group and the other site, what was it called? Discontinued Miniatures? Even now, 1999 still has a bit of a special place for me.
So yeah; that got me all fueled up again; I'll pick up where I left off as soon as I can now :D
Sorry for the hijack Jet; back to the regular programming ;)
Oh no, please go on. I've never heard of "1999".
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Oh no, please go on. I've never heard of "1999".
;D
Don't go there. The path to Cell's 1999 only leads to frustration, despair and loss. Believe me... I know.
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I shudder when I now see the bare monstrosity of a site I built back when, but at least you'll be able to find most information regarding the game there.
Hey; it's in unadulterated nineties HTML4, so it's period correct at least lol
www.1999legacy.com (http://www.1999legacy.com)
Enter at your own peril... :D
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I'm delighted to see you tackle this old game - like you, I bought all the books in the RPE January discount, and was pleasantly surprised to find the plastic sheet included inside the back of the rulebook with all the templates in it!
I'd say that your chosen starting forces (Union and Growlers) are probably my favourite factions as well, so I'll definitely be following with interest. :D
If you're after some power armour troops for Union that would fit in terms of period/style/shonkiness, the Kyromek SWAT troops look pretty good to me - 6mmfan recently painted some up and posted then in his thread here (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=133793.msg1708611#msg1708611).
Also, if you ever fancy giving some of the weirder Growlers a go, have a quick look at the Trollblood faction from the Hordes game by Privateer Press - the Trolls are basically Growlers, and they even have pretty much the same background of environment + food = Troll/Growler's physiological characteristics. I think Matt Wilson was quite taken with them when he came across them whilst doing some art for VOR, and translated them straight into his own game too!
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I shudder when I now see the bare monstrosity of a site I built back when, but at least you'll be able to find most information regarding the game there.
Hey; it's in unadulterated nineties HTML4, so it's period correct at least lol
www.1999legacy.com (http://www.1999legacy.com)
Enter at your own peril... :D
Interesting, so using WW2 as a set up for a Heaven vs Hell themed skirmish game with mad science etē
I'm delighted to see you tackle this old game - like you, I bought all the books in the RPE January discount, and was pleasantly surprised to find the plastic sheet included inside the back of the rulebook with all the templates in it!
I'd say that your chosen starting forces (Union and Growlers) are probably my favourite factions as well, so I'll definitely be following with interest. :D
If you're after some power armour troops for Union that would fit in terms of period/style/shonkiness, the Kyromek SWAT troops look pretty good to me - 6mmfan recently painted some up and posted then in his thread here (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=133793.msg1708611#msg1708611).
Also, if you ever fancy giving some of the weirder Growlers a go, have a quick look at the Trollblood faction from the Hordes game by Privateer Press - the Trolls are basically Growlers, and they even have pretty much the same background of environment + food = Troll/Growler's physiological characteristics. I think Matt Wilson was quite taken with them when he came across them whilst doing some art for VOR, and translated them straight into his own game too!
I did notice that! The Trollbloods Troll monsters are disturbingly similar. As for factions, all of them appeal save for the Zhykee.
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That was a sad day, worse, I was in a position to buy them and would have done, willingly. I would still love to get my hands on those. Chris and Dan seem to have gone quiet so that only leaves the 2 of us in the 1999 fan club.
Another fan of the 1999 miniatures range.Still got quite a lot of it and like others would have liked to have been-able to get the later releases.
Great to see a Vor project on the go.
I think Ironwind metals have a few figures that Ral Partha dont have in thier range.A few links below.
https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/categories/cat-vor-the-maelstrom/category/golems
https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/categories/cat-vor-the-maelstrom/category/mashers
Neo Soviets have two sculpts that were done by Roy Eastland.They are the Vanguard HMG and missile launcher.Both lovely sculpts.
https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/categories/cat-vor-the-maelstrom/category/neo-soviets
Also two Pharon that Ral Partha dont have.Pharon with ranged weapon and Warlord of Anubis.
https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/categories/cat-vor-the-maelstrom/category/pharon
The Razorfang figure is a beast of a model.Will have to dig my stuff out now ;).
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I had a few of the Zykhee but not enough for a decent force. The double elbow joint thing made for some very alien looking sculpts, I remember the poses holding the long staff double handed were a real PITA to assemble trying to ensure the limbs only bent at the "joints".
VOR certainly broke away from the mundane humanoid aliens, each force was very different in look and feel.
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Great thread!
I remember my friend, Brian, and I split the box for our shop. I did the humans and he did the Growlers. Beware on those Growlers--assembly of the larger metal minis is rough. You will need to do some serious gap filling and pinning, I think. But they look awesome.
Also, does anyone remember the promised "Scratchforce Rules". They were supposed to contain a generic version of the Vor engine that let you stat out any models in your collection. Man, that would have been cool had they been released.
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Also, does anyone remember the promised "Scratchforce Rules". They were supposed to contain a generic version of the Vor engine that let you stat out any models in your collection. Man, that would have been cool had they been released.
Those were released as No Limits (https://nolimitswargames.wordpress.com/). ;)
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Great thread!
I remember my friend, Brian, and I split the box for our shop. I did the humans and he did the Growlers. Beware on those Growlers--assembly of the larger metal minis is rough. You will need to do some serious gap filling and pinning, I think. But they look awesome.
Also, does anyone remember the promised "Scratchforce Rules". They were supposed to contain a generic version of the Vor engine that let you stat out any models in your collection. Man, that would have been cool had they been released.
I've heard, hell the Growler forcebook even points out the necks will have gaps in them lol
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After a series of E-mails back and forth with Ral Partha regarding the Shard Forcebook (or rather, the lack thereof) my suspicions have been confirmed. The books are all stock bought on hand. When they're gone, theyre gone. They explained they don't own the printing rights to any of the written materials but do own the moulds, so miniatures should feasibly continue. This is a bit of a shame because (with no digital copies and physical scarcity already kicking in) these books deserve to be preserved, both as a time capsule of the era and for the written/physical art within.
I first became suspicious when I opened one of the books and found promotional material as if it were still the late 90s.
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I bought the box set in Orlando on holiday nearly 20yrs ago and still not done anything with it ;D
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I bought this back when I was in high school. Played the hell out of it. My folks then got orders to Germany and by the time we had unpacked, I found out that my BattleTech, Crimson skies and Vor game was no longer supported. lol
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I bought the box set in Orlando on holiday nearly 20yrs ago and still not done anything with it ;D
If you can dig it out could you do me a favour? The starter comes with a 4 mission mini campaign and I'd like to try it for the authentic "starter set" feeling. If you could scan/photo them that'd be awesome.
I bought this back when I was in high school. Played the hell out of it. My folks then got orders to Germany and by the time we had unpacked, I found out that my BattleTech, Crimson skies and Vor game was no longer supported. lol
Yikes! That sounds absolutely awful. A pox on Harmony Golds name my friend, hopefully modern Battletech at least scratches your itch.
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...A pox on Harmony Golds name my friend...
Seconded!
FASA's Battletech has always been one of my favourite settings (pre-jihad) and I just love the Unseen mechs...
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If you can dig it out could you do me a favour? The starter comes with a 4 mission mini campaign and I'd like to try it for the authentic "starter set" feeling. If you could scan/photo them that'd be awesome.
Ooh, if you do, I'd love a copy too please? I (embarrassingly) didn't even know there was a starter box for VOR until this thread...
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That was a sad day, worse, I was in a position to buy them and would have done, willingly. I would still love to get my hands on those. Chris and Dan seem to have gone quiet so that only leaves the 2 of us in the 1999 fan club.
Gone quiet, my ass! ;)
There are only so many ways you can say "I have all the easy shit, now how about the others?" before it gets tiresome.
On a positive note, Ash at Guerrilla Games recently said he'd be up for a game of 1999 on his channel, so of course I volunteered to both play and provide the minis! Just need to get the border properly open! :)
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Ooh, if you do, I'd love a copy too please? I (embarrassingly) didn't even know there was a starter box for VOR until this thread...
Behold!
It looks to be a good place to start with. 7 Union Troops with Rifles, 1 Union Trooper with HMG (should probably be LMG, but sci fi, whatever), 1 Union Trooper with Rifle/Grenade Launcher, 1 Union Seargent, 1 Growler Razorback Bull, 3 Grower Razorback One Horns, 3 Growler Razorback pups, 5 plastic walls, a mini campaign, the rulebook and templates. Oh and iirc you got a voucher to order Growlers from FASA directly before their general release.
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Gone quiet, my ass! ;)
lol
Good to see you around, just Dan to track down now then.
On a positive note, Ash at Guerrilla Games recently said he'd be up for a game of 1999 on his channel, so of course I volunteered to both play and provide the minis! Just need to get the border properly open! :)
I generally avoid his channel like the plague but would make an exception and watch if you do get the game on the table. Do you plan to play with the booklets and cards or houserules?
I still have Stefan's pdf of the rules (also a .doc version) and the excel points calculator if you need them.
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Behold!
:D
I remember that box
The gummy bear Growlers, the virtually 2D Union troopers and the laser blasted walls which managed to leave every door in the structure intact!
Classic 90s. Have you bought that set?
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Nice thread.
Reminds me of the Growler I painted around 2005.
Heavy hitter.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8zCDP6BC/Growler1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXRRmtzW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9QN24QJY/Growler2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YvgZZMcv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/xdJ2LVZD/Growler3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ty6FXFGC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/7LFyVQvC/Growler4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z9xgYH5Z)
Found another one of my old paint jobs for Vor.
The guy on the left, a Golem prototype miniature.
Slightly converted for something VSF if I remember right.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4yqqVFrb/gtfz67ki79.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vx70dX8c)
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:D
I remember that box
The gummy bear Growlers, the virtually 2D Union troopers and the laser blasted walls which managed to leave every door in the structure intact!
Classic 90s. Have you bought that set?
No, instead I'm ordering all its contents (save for the walls, no idea who owns them) and working from there. What I found interesting is despite how relatively small scale the starter is, the forcebooks indicate every faction would have had vehicles and tanks.
Nice thread.
Reminds me of the Growler I painted around 2005.
Heavy hitter.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BXRRmtzW/Growler1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXRRmtzW)
(https://i.postimg.cc/YvgZZMcv/Growler2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YvgZZMcv)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ty6FXFGC/Growler3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ty6FXFGC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Z9xgYH5Z/Growler4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z9xgYH5Z)
Found another one of my old paint jobs for Vor.
The guy on the left, a Golem prototype miniature.
Slightly converted for something VSF if I remember right.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vx70dX8c/gtfz67ki79.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vx70dX8c)
Very nice! That's the lad I bought for my Bull. Oddly I can't find the sculpt in the starter (arms raised) for some reason.
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Very nice! That's the lad I bought for my Bull. Oddly I can't find the sculpt in the starter (arms raised) for some reason.
I think it never went on general release.
Oh and iirc you got a voucher to order Growlers from FASA directly before their general release.
Don't forget the mail order sheet that let you order the battletech temporary tattoos. ;D Just looked in my copy, it sits with the void 1.1 box, never got as far as the forcebooks, though I do seem to have a razorfangs exodus campaign book I don't remember.
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I think it never went on general release.
It did.
VOR The Maelstrom 45101 Razorback Growler Bull #1 BOX SET.
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It did.
VOR The Maelstrom 45101 Razorback Growler Bull #1 BOX SET.
Oops, I can only blame my mistake on it being a long time ago and me probably thinking of something else. ;D
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Oops, I can only blame my mistake on it being a long time ago and me probably thinking of something else. ;D
Your sins may be forgiven by 'The Holy Church of the Eternal Lead Mountain' after you bought this replica of a Most Holy Relic of VOR!
https://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/vor-c-55/growlers-c-55_62/45101-razorback-bull-1-boxed-p-1785.html (https://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/shop/vor-c-55/growlers-c-55_62/45101-razorback-bull-1-boxed-p-1785.html)
By the way, with 15 £ Sterling a bargain, especially considering the further increase in metal prices in the future.
:D
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Must say I am really looking forward to seeing this thread develop.
BTW Growlers makes me chuckle every time as around here a growler is a pork pie :D
Razorback Growler Bull :D :D
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Have just ordered the rule books. Too good a bargain to miss and worth it if even just for the pretty pictures.
I won't mention what a growler was where I grew up.
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I won't mention what a growler was where I grew up.
Mine is a grown male one.
But the growth at the bottom on the other hand...
(https://i.postimg.cc/1RGFvjXx/Growler-5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bdvdJL1L)
Added that certain small detail some years ago.
I'm a sucker for realism...
Must say I am really looking forward to seeing this thread develop.
Someone should put a [NSFW] in the thread header, this develops fast.
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Ngl, the game has a naming problem with "Vor" phonetically sounding like a rather...disturbing thing and Growler being a nickname for an area on the body.
If I was rebooting it I'd either go "Vorack: The Maelstrom" or "Enter the Maelstrom"
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Well been in the loft and dug out quite a lot of miniatures for the game.I seem to have lots of Growlers a good selection of Union including four Mule drones.Pharon look to be at a good level.Might need to buy some more Fists of Anubis to get legal forces done.Neo Sovs are looking good for the mix that i have.Might need more of the mutant and hound types.I dont seem to have much in the way of Shard at the moment.Think there maybe a few more hiding some place.Also got Six of the normal Masher and one of the Task Master and some of the Golem miniatures.
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Always wanted some Zykhee
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Well been in the loft and dug out quite a lot of miniatures for the game.I seem to have lots of Growlers a good selection of Union including four Mule drones.Pharon look to be at a good level.Might need to buy some more Fists of Anubis to get legal forces done.Neo Sovs are looking good for the mix that i have.Might need more of the mutant and hound types.I dont seem to have much in the way of Shard at the moment.Think there maybe a few more hiding some place.Also got Six of the normal Masher and one of the Task Master and some of the Golem miniatures.
Mashers actually have some legit rules! Not alot of units but it was written by Mike Nielsen. Nothing on Golems though.
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If you can dig it out could you do me a favour? The starter comes with a 4 mission mini campaign and I'd like to try it for the authentic "starter set" feeling. If you could scan/photo them that'd be awesome.
Yikes! That sounds absolutely awful. A pox on Harmony Golds name my friend, hopefully modern Battletech at least scratches your itch.
Sure, I'll try and find it. Don't think I ever sold it so should be buried somewhere.
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Mashers actually have some legit rules! Not alot of units but it was written by Mike Nielsen. Nothing on Golems though.
There are three different Golem miniatures.Got two of the prototype one,three of the slaver and six pounders.Would have been interesting to have seen more figures for them and rules.
The Zykhee are strange in a good way.Some of the figures dont come with weapons to go onto the staff's that they are armed with.Think i have enough for basic unit types for most of what has been released.Not sure why but i also have three of Myntokk miniature.
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lol
Good to see you around, just Dan to track down now then.
I generally avoid his channel like the plague but would make an exception and watch if you do get the game on the table. Do you plan to play with the booklets and cards or houserules?
I still have Stefan's pdf of the rules (also a .doc version) and the excel points calculator if you need them.
Why so opposed to Guerrilla Games? I was already on twice, playing Dracula's America, and had a good time!
I think I'm set for rules.
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Sure, I'll try and find it. Don't think I ever sold it so should be buried somewhere.
Absolute gent! Thanks kindly.
There are three different Golem miniatures.Got two of the prototype one,three of the slaver and six pounders.Would have been interesting to have seen more figures for them and rules.
The Zykhee are strange in a good way.Some of the figures dont come with weapons to go onto the staff's that they are armed with.Think i have enough for basic unit types for most of what has been released.Not sure why but i also have three of Myntokk miniature.
May be worth statting up some rules for them maybe?
Regarding the Zhykee weapons, I know Ral Partha sell the tips. I think the idea behind the Zhykee is kinda cool, but the whole African-tribal-art-double-jointed-alien vibe doesnt quite do it for me.
Why so opposed to Guerrilla Games? I was already on twice, playing Dracula's America, and had a good time!
I think I'm set for rules.
Not to get controversial but I'm aware there's some irritation with his ties to GW, impartiality is raised into doubt when you get given starter sets before anyone else on the market. Especially considering wargaming journalism is even less professional then the joke of video game journalism.
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Very nice project!
Back in the days we had a very active gaming group for VOR and it is still one of my favorite SF games. I still own my Razorback Growlers (including Razorfang), my Zykhee force and my Union troopers. A have force lists for GW Necrons and Tyranids as well, was fun to play.
Seeing this thread I digged through my files and found a FAQ and Updated Force Lists for all basic forces from the VOR forum (which is long dead). If someone is interested, I can send the pdf.
I can highly recommend the NoLimits rules. It is like VOR 2.0, but includes the Scratch Build Manual for building own armies. Free pdf available online (with permission of VOR author Skuzzie Nielsen, who still owns the rights to the rules).
I still have a lot of fun with the rules, sadly haven“t played often due to Pandemic and the "dead games" thing which holds off other players to join.
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Would love to see your Vor forces Nandrin and also interested in the pdf too.
Any chance you have force lists for the games that you have played for the different factions?
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Hi nandrin,
I too would be interested in the updated forcelists and rules FAQ pdf if you don't mind please? :D
I'd love to see your figures too, although I do feel a bit bad for jetengine as it feels like his project thread has been somewhat hijacked...!
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Hi nandrin,
I too would be interested in the updated forcelists and rules FAQ pdf if you don't mind please? :D
I'd love to see your figures too, although I do feel a bit bad for jetengine as it feels like his project thread has been somewhat hijacked...!
A. I'd ALSO like the Documents if possible please :)
B. Don't worry about the Hi-jack, it's spreading the Vor:Maelstrom love and getting people remembering/interested in a dead game. Hell, Ral Partha may guve a commendation for helping their stock sell lol
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Hi guys,
no problem, I will dig out the files and send them to you. The links in it are all dead because these are from about 2010 when Skuzzy ran his own forum and tried to resurrect VOR via Kickstarter, but the content is still interesting if you plan to use the FASA rules. I will look for my army lists as well, but they are from the pre-digital time.... :)
By the way, I think the Kickstarter failed because it was too ambitious. 25.000$ as a goal to produce a hardback rulebook is too high these days, he should have been gone for PDF and a less elaborate version, but I believe he is a man who will not make compromises on his vision.... :?
Anyway, it is a great set of rules.
If I find the time, I will take pictures of my painted Miniatures as well.
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Just looked at the Ral Partha Europe store but the Zykhee weapon tips are not listed.How did you find-out about them jetengine?
RPE did order some of the missing range from Iron Wind Metals several Years ago for me.I wonder if they would do it again with all of the interest in the game now.Not sure how many on this thread are in the UK though.
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Regarding the Zhykee weapons, I know Ral Partha sell the tips. I think the idea behind the Zhykee is kinda cool, but the whole African-tribal-art-double-jointed-alien vibe doesnt quite do it for me.
Just looked at the Ral Partha Europe store but the Zykhee weapon tips are not listed.How did you find-out about them jetengine?
RPE did order some of the missing range from Iron Wind Metals several Years ago for me.I wonder if they would do it again with all of the interest in the game now.Not sure how many on this thread are in the UK though.
Literally just looking at the iron wind site I found them. Its a cool idea for modularity but seems like a PITA for metals, on plastics it'd be cool, you could integrate the new pole heads with 50% of the pole end ala WFB Pole troops
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It is funny that some of the figures come with the blades and others dont.
Not sure how long the weapon ends will last when glued onto the shafts.Not a lot of contact for the glue to get a good hold.
Just based four Zykhee onto 40mm bases.The 25's just look way too small and i could see them taking a tumble if the table got knocked.
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It is funny that some of the figures come with the blades and others dont.
Not sure how long the weapon ends will last when glued onto the shafts.Not a lot of contact for the glue to get a good hold.
Just based four Zykhee onto 40mm bases.The 25's just look way too small and i could see them taking a tumble if the table got knocked.
Basing is something I'm definitely going to be tinkering with. Your standard human looks ok on a 25mm but every other faction has lots of problems. All of the bigger Growlers overhang something rotten
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Basing is something I'm definitely going to be tinkering with. Your standard human looks ok on a 25mm but every other faction has lots of problems. All of the bigger Growlers overhang something rotten
Most of the One Horns look really small and lost on the 50mm bases.Might drop them down to 40mm too.I have kept the Zykhee scouts on the 25mm bases which they look good on.
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Just based four Zykhee onto 40mm bases.The 25's just look way too small and i could see them taking a tumble if the table got knocked.
Basing is something I'm definitely going to be tinkering with. Your standard human looks ok on a 25mm but every other faction has lots of problems. All of the bigger Growlers overhang something rotten
Most of the One Horns look really small and lost on the 50mm bases.Might drop them down to 40mm too.I have kept the Zykhee scouts on the 25mm bases which they look good on.
Actually, with quite a few old games these days, I'm having similar thoughts regarding bases; I've decided that unless they have some sort of aura effect/ability, to just put them on the size of base that fits them best, regardless of whether that means going up or coming down a base size. I'm even thinking of committing the ultimate heresy, and will use ovals if they look like they'll fit better! o_o
From a practical point of view, many of these models are heavy, poorly balanced, and often made of lead or soft alloy. Since having them tip over or hang off all the time is a nuisance that doesn't really do the models any good, putting them on a base that actually fits them just seems practical. In almost all cases (unless it's a game like Warmachine) the different base sizes make no real difference anyway, so why suffer? :)
Edit:
RPE did order some of the missing range from Iron Wind Metals several Years ago for me.I wonder if they would do it again with all of the interest in the game now.Not sure how many on this thread are in the UK though.
I'd be interested in a few if they do, as much for the opportunity as anything else
If not, would a joint order from Ironwind to the UK (splitting any delivery, import, and "handling" fees) be worthwhile?
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I think the base sizes were due to what was available at the time.Only recently that other sizes and shapes of bases have come out.
Cavalry type miniatures would be good on oval bases.I have used some of the pill shaped one's for mounted miniatures.Helps them fit in better with the round bases i think.
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I think the base sizes were due to what was available at the time.Only recently that other sizes and shapes of bases have come out.
Cavalry type miniatures would be good on oval bases.I have used some of the pill shaped one's for mounted miniatures.Helps them fit in better with the round bases i think.
Cavalry is always odd I find, I'm partial to rectangles in fantassyand pills in sci fi.
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Cavalry is always odd I find, I'm partial to rectangles in fantassyand pills in sci fi.
I think it all comes down to how you are using your miniatures.Lots of rules out now where you can use any miniatures that you have already.So basing can look odd with different base types.Square and round being the main one's.Skirmish type games seem to be mostly on round bases from what i have seen.Rank and file games are square based or sabbot bases.
The Ceru seem like they would have been a nice faction to play.Sort of remind me of Squats in Rogue Trader.Lots of biker types who like to customize thier rides.Would have made for a nice look force i bet.
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Well. I've lost the rulebook somewhere from the box but the good news is I have the scenario booklet (and the models!). I do not have access to a scanner today but should be able to get to one tomorrow. If people want to PM an email address, once I have it scanned in I can forward it on.
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While I like the art work on the box and some of the pieces in the rulebook overall, the VOR minis are defo not to my taste. BUT what I do like is the enthusiasm shown here for game and it's kind infectious. Keep up the good work and while I shan't join you in collecting these minis, I shall eagerly follow your progress!
Not to get controversial but I'm aware there's some irritation with his ties to GW, impartiality is raised into doubt when you get given starter sets before anyone else on the market. Especially considering wargaming journalism is even less professional then the joke of video game journalism.
My wife used to work for a local magazine and when doing reviews they were always told to focus on what they did like rather than to lie, and this is kinda how I think GMG approach it. Having said that I mostly watch the retro videos, and the odd modern 40k one, so I may well be talking out of my bum.
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Hi guys,
attached are the ideas for an updated edition of VOR and a FAQ I downloaded long ago from Skuzzys page.
Sadly I couldn“t find my army lists, they seem to be lost in space....
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With the arrival of the final book today (thanks to an E-bay seller) I've finally got a complete collection! I'll start having a look through the rulebook and give some feedback as I go through.
Though another thought sticks with me, when these books finally go OOP, with no intent of ever reprinting them, what is the issue of people making digital copies? I'm not talking about myself of course, I've no way of doing so and fear damaging these books. However the responses in this thread show there's certainly interest in the game and I remember encountering a scanned copy of the rulebook when I was initially looking around the net years ago.
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Hi guys,
attached are the ideas for an updated edition of VOR and a FAQ I downloaded long ago from Skuzzys page.
Sadly I couldn“t find my army lists, they seem to be lost in space....
Thank you nandrin, appreciated! :)
With the arrival of the final book today (thanks to an E-bay seller) I've finally got a complete collection! I'll start having a look through the rulebook and give some feedback as I go through.
Very nice! I'm just missing the Shard book myself. :)
Though another thought sticks with me, when these books finally go OOP, with no intent of ever reprinting them, what is the issue of people making digital copies? I'm not talking about myself of course, I've no way of doing so and fear damaging these books. However the responses in this thread show there's certainly interest in the game and I remember encountering a scanned copy of the rulebook when I was initially looking around the net years ago.
I have often thought this, especially for some books that have a short print run for whatever reason. I personally do like to have digital copies of books I own, as I can just look up anything I want quickly when I'm on my computer. For any games that I intend to play, I prefer to use hardcopies of the books - I can't bear to faff about on a tablet or whatever in the middle of a game. The main downsides to the physical copies are (1) the volume/weight of them all, and (2) they usually don't include the FAQ, Errata, etc.
Like you, I don't want to damage my books by cutting the spines off or squashing them onto a scanner plate. However, I do intend to eventually make some sort of digital copy of them for my own records and use.
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Awesome; I love seeing complete sets (of anything really, but miniatures related all the more)! 8)
And I've often wondered about this myself. In fact, my thinking also covered oop miniatures. There are those of which the moulds have been destroyed many a moon ago, and the system they were made for is dead. The original manufacturer would not lose a single cent.
I find this to be a morally grey area myself. See; a more unscrupulous individual might see a market for stuff they can sell at a very low investment, but asking marked up prices to match the rare originals.
Buying such a recast would not be too much of a problem for me, if it's clear from the start that it is what it is. Collectors can then still differentiate between originals and copies, and the product should be priced accordingly.
But obviously this is not how the average human psyche works (and profit beckons too hard), so in the end, I'm mostly opposed, although it's still not a completely black area to me.
As for books; the costs of recreating a published book is much greater. the margins are much smaller, and usually the copyright is printed right inside the book. So it would not be interesting to do so commercially.
But using a copied version for one's own use, because the original is no longer avialable anywhere? I do believe some countries have legislation that allows this.
It might also be worth to note that sites such as DrivethroughRPG sell good PDF versions of a lot of OOP rule books that are still 'official'. I can only speculate on this, but I reckon the owners of the works get a percentage of each sale.
So maybe the books could be offered through there?
Here's an idea; they should start a subsidiary selling PDFs of OOP wargames rules and/or homegrown rules by niche content creators, just like they do with RPGs. Of course that library is many times greater (for now), but it might actually be a good model to make OOP rules available to a wider audience...
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Hi guys,
attached are the ideas for an updated edition of VOR and a FAQ I downloaded long ago from Skuzzys page.
Sadly I couldn“t find my army lists, they seem to be lost in space....
Many thanks for posting these nandrin.
Just been looking at the starter forces that have in the rules FAQ.Think i might have enough to do most of them.May need a couple more scouts for the Zykhee.Probably need a few more Growler bulls for some of the breeds too.
Gives me some good idea of what are good starting forces.Then adding to them as i go.
Love the rule for the Growlers calling in the Void Growler Orbital bombardment ;).
Just seen that Ral Partha Europe will be having a price increase at the end of February.
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I've got the scenarios scanned, unfortunately I could only use a basic scanner so they are as jpegs, but anyone wanting them - plus a list of blisters available at that time just PM me.
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I've got the scenarios scanned, unfortunately I could only use a basic scanner so they are as jpegs, but anyone wanting them - plus a list of blisters available at that time just PM me.
You (or anyone who receives them) can convert them to pdf here:
http://www.ilovepdf.com (http://www.ilovepdf.com)
Wonderful site, I use it frequently to remove fluff and adverts from rulebook pdfs or to extract specific pages for scenarios etc.
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*long post*
Yeah, I'm in a grey area myself. Take say...GWs old epic titans. There's no way in hell they will ever be re-released. Wrong aesthetic, wrong scale and wrong material for size. So why not get one recasted? No ones going to get paid for a dead mini for a dead game.
I'd also support a website for archival purposes. The net is nigh infinite in space, why not store old games and rpgs instead of destroying them?
Many thanks for posting these nandrin.
Just been looking at the starter forces that have in the rules FAQ.Think i might have enough to do most of them.May need a couple more scouts for the Zykhee.Probably need a few more Growler bulls for some of the breeds too.
Gives me some good idea of what are good starting forces.Then adding to them as i go.
Love the rule for the Growlers calling in the Void Growler Orbital bombardment ;).
Just seen that Ral Partha Europe will be having a price increase at the end of February.
It's interesting that the Union have the cheapest force, around £35-40? Growlers are the most costly with 3 £15 bulls.
A few other shops are doing price rises as well, so its a global thing I think.
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I'd also support a website for archival purposes. The net is nigh infinite in space, why not store old games and rpgs instead of destroying them?
The Trove used to be exactly that before it was shut down, mainly for old OOP rpg products but some wargame stuff as well. Problem is that in order to archive you need to make a copy while the thing is around. Some people call that piracy.
Amusingly one of the loudest voices against the concept of the Trove was from a guy who makes his money selling a barely disguised rip off rewrite of a well known popular RPG system.
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The Trove used to be exactly that before it was shut down, mainly for old OOP rpg products but some wargame stuff as well. Problem is that in order to archive you need to make a copy while the thing is around. Some people call that piracy.
Amusingly one of the loudest voices against the concept of the Trove was from a guy who makes his money selling a barely disguised rip off rewrite of a well known popular RPG system.
The Zweihander gent is a Grade A Twonk alright.
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I assume that The Trove keeps getting shut down because they are posting scans of readily available books (the latest D&D books would show up within days of retail release, for example). If they only hosted out-of-print (or open license stuff they had permission to host) it might be different.
I don't think downloading is bad if there is no ready way to buy an old product legitimately. Wargame Vault has made it easier- so many old rulebooks have made their way there, and the PDFs are usually very reasonably priced.
As for models, Ill Gotten Games started the Old School Archive with the intent on digitizing old miniatures and offering STLs or 3D printed copies for sale, with the proceeds going to the IP holders. I hope they can gain some more traction.
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Anyone know which weapon tips are what for the Zykhee?
Wanting to find-out now before i start gluing bits onto figures.
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I shudder when I now see the bare monstrosity of a site I built back when, but at least you'll be able to find most information regarding the game there.
Hey; it's in unadulterated nineties HTML4, so it's period correct at least lol
www.1999legacy.com (http://www.1999legacy.com)
Enter at your own peril... :D
You just solved a mystery for me. I've had this mini for a while, found in a used bin. Never knew where it came from.
http://www.1999legacy.com/OfficialMaterial/MiniatureRange/UnpaintedAngelics/UnpaintedAngelicChampionWithIntrearmCannon.jpg (http://www.1999legacy.com/OfficialMaterial/MiniatureRange/UnpaintedAngelics/UnpaintedAngelicChampionWithIntrearmCannon.jpg)
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You (or anyone who receives them) can convert them to pdf here:
http://www.ilovepdf.com (http://www.ilovepdf.com)
Wonderful site, I use it frequently to remove fluff and adverts from rulebook pdfs or to extract specific pages for scenarios etc.
Thanks I shall do so.
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Adding this to the topic as there is also one going on on the Dakka Dakka forum.Also posted the topic over there that is on here ;).
https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/797219.page#11309298
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Some pictures of my Growlers. I still like the comical look of the miniatures. I painted the minis nearly 20 Years ago, so please be kind! ;)
Growler Chieftain
(https://abload.de/img/growlerchieftain17ajft.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/growlerchieftainbackcxjof.jpg)
Growler Bulls
(https://abload.de/img/growlerbull27ojpr.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/growlerbull1y0j8y.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/growlerbull30jk05.jpg)
Growler Onehorns
(https://abload.de/img/growleronehornsmgjv6.jpg)
Growler Mama
(https://abload.de/img/growlermamaywjab.jpg)
Growler Pups
(https://abload.de/img/growlerpupsn8kln.jpg)
And the star of the show: Razorfang
(https://abload.de/img/razorfang1stjbz.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/razorfang215k0h.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/razorfang3fuk4z.jpg)
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Love em! The grey look is subdued but has an element of realidm to it.
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These look great.Nice collection you have there.Going to expand it a bit?
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Great old models - I can only imagine how much they weigh! lol
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These look great.Nice collection you have there.Going to expand it a bit?
Thanks! I already own some more bulls, onehorns and a horde of pups for a full force, but there were not so many different poses so I showed only one each.
Great old models - I can only imagine how much they weigh! lol
Razorfang is weighting about 0,9 Kilogram. You can feel his power when moving it over the gaming table! :D
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Thanks! I already own some more bulls, onehorns and a horde of pups for a full force, but there were not so many different poses so I showed only one each.
Razorfang is weighting about 0,9 Kilogram. You can feel his power when moving it over the gaming table! :D
Looks like you are only missing the Leapy Bull miniature.
https://ironwindmetals.com/index.php/categories/cat-vor-the-maelstrom/product/vor-45-112/category_pathway-26
Razorfang does have some weight to him.
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Great old models - I can only imagine how much they weigh! lol
If I remember right, they could easily be used as sling bullets lol
They look cool, and a challenge for anyone across the table from them.
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The leapy bull is one of the designs published not by FASA, so I missed it. Nice figure!
I will post my Zykhee force next.
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Looking forward to seeing your Zykhee.
Did not know that about the Leapy Bull.Might be the same as some of the other releases that showed up later on.Neo-Soviet Vanguard troopers with Rocket launcher and HMG sculpted by Roy Eastland.Officer with gas mask which may just have been a conversion.Pharon Warlord of Anubis and Pharon with ranged weapon.Masher Task Master and Masher with crusher arm.Two of the Golem figures Slaver and Pounder.Not sure how many Zykhee arrived late to the party.Might have been quite a few.
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I found this Vor fansite while hunting for something else.
Excellent FAQ section (Rules and Forcebooks) and custom conversion rules for 40K forces/units under Vor rules.
http://vor.understairs.nl (http://vor.understairs.nl)
Not been updated for a good while but links all work.
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Here are my Zykhees. I forgot some of the names, but the intended use is clear, I think
Warriors/close combat units
(https://abload.de/img/zykheewarriors1xbkla.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheewarriors2nzjtk.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheestalkersi9kaa.jpg)
Deathdancer
(https://abload.de/img/zykheedeathdancer3w4klj.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheedeathdancer2gykbq.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheedeathdancer1sdkgg.jpg)
Range Combat Unit:
(https://abload.de/img/zykheedivakkspok2v.jpg)
Scouts
(https://abload.de/img/zykheescoutsvukxv.jpg)
Soulless
(https://abload.de/img/zykheesoullesszgjd2.jpg)
Cavalry (these are conversions)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheecav1fljuw.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheecav2m1k9w.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/zykheecav3f4k7r.jpg)
Mystic
(https://abload.de/img/zykheemystic7djtb.jpg)
Myntokk
(https://abload.de/img/zykheemyntok1iik1j.jpg)
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Nice collection of miniatures.
Like the mounted one's and notice that you used the Void Junker Sandrunners as mounts.
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They DO look better with paint on them, but I'm still not really jiving with them aesthetically. No clue why exactly.
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The Zykhee fit seamlessly into a John Carter aesthetic (and are a good size fit with the Bronze Age Green Martians). Deformed enough to make a great Hormad.
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The Zykhee fit seamlessly into a John Carter aesthetic (and are a good size fit with the Bronze Age Green Martians). Deformed enough to make a great Hormad.
Never thought of that, interesting idea
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It's a bit late here in the UK, so pictures will appear tomorrow, but lets just say a huge package turned up today...
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It's a bit late here in the UK, so pictures will appear tomorrow, but lets just say a huge package turned up today...
Looking forward to seeing what you got then ;).
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@ nandrin:
Nice, I never realised there were so many Kykhee models (even allowing for you conversions, or course! ;) ).
__________________________________________________________
For my part, I finally got my hands on the Shard force book last week! Lots of reading to do... 8)
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I think the Zykhee have three sculpts per unit type apart from teh Ka'Char and Stalkers.
Converting them would be a good way to add more variety but the poses dont really lend themselves to that.
Great to hear that you picked-up the Shard book Major_Gilbear.
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@Major_Gilbear: Thank you! As manic_miner said, there are mostly three sculpts per unit type. Enough variety for small scale skirmish, which I prefer anyway. For me the Zykhee are more like an elite force, and I always liked the Wakanda approach :D.
The Shard did interest me too, very nice ideas in the forcebook. A different way to play, I think they need some practice.
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The Maelstrom has provided ladies and gents!
We've pretty much the entire Starter sets worth of minis (save a Onehorn I forgot to buy) and as an added bonus there's OG packaging! Once I've worked through my Void Skirmish and Undead bits these will hit the table.
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Nice start to your project.
Looking forward to seeing these all painted up.
Should have time to get another Onehorn before you start on these ;).
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Nice to see the classic packaging, just a shame you couldn't get a hold of the box but this is defo the 2nd best thing. I look forward to seeing them painted. Are you planning on playing through the starter scenarios? Battle report?
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Nice to see the classic packaging, just a shame you couldn't get a hold of the box but this is defo the 2nd best thing. I look forward to seeing them painted. Are you planning on playing through the starter scenarios? Battle report?
Indeed indeed!
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Goood! Goood!
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Rules and force books were waiting for me when I got home. Really impressed with them. Very professional and some cracking pictures.
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The books are really nicely done.Art work is great too.
Do you have all of the books now?
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Indeed indeed!
no idea what it's worth but once I find the rulebook happy to sell on my box set as I've never used it 19 years o_o lol
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Picked up some more Zykhee figures Yesterday at the Hammerhead show.Got enough to cover the starter forces that are 500 points now.
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Spotted this miniature a few Weeks ago and thought that it would be a good proxy for a Growler.Looks to be a good size.
https://www.waylandgames.co.uk/kings-of-war/82947-cavern-dweller?refSrc=76266%2C82947&nosto=frontpage-nosto-1
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No, instead I'm ordering all its contents (save for the walls, no idea who owns them) and working from there.
I don't know how far you got with this project, or if you're still after the wall from the starter set, but I found these which appear to be a perfect match:
(link (https://adventures-and-hobbies.myshopify.com/collections/terrain-scenery/products/wargame-scenery-ruined-star-ship-bulkhead-hatch-unpainted-25-28mm-40k-vor))
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2513/7138/products/bulkhead-1_2048x2048.JPG?v=1541172539)
Unfortunately, they only seem to have three left in stock (no idea if these are end of stock, of they could cast more up?), and they don't ship to Europe/UK (but perhaps a friendly US-based LAFer could help you out...?).
Anyway, I thought I'd share since I stumbled across it, and I vaguely recalled you were perhaps after some! ;)
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Wow this thread is making me want to break open my starter box and get painting! I was obsessed with VOR when it came out but could never afford the minis so just pored over the books and the lore. Luckily I found a stack of starter sets in an obscure little shop in Liverpool that sold random tabletop stuff and picked one up. The Growlers were always my favourites, so absurd and fun.