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Miniatures Adventure => Pulp => Topic started by: Doug ex-em4 on March 06, 2022, 10:41:53 AM

Title: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 06, 2022, 10:41:53 AM
After the events detailed here:

 https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=135204.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=135204.0)

The Lord-Lieutenant of Borsetshire, Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode made his plans to punish the offenders as detailed here:

 https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134710.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134710.0)


Before leading her warriors to battle, Lady Ferocity announced that she was changing the name of the group. She didn’t like the title “Distaff Team", partly because it was Sir Rufus’ selection and partly because she felt it slightly demeaning. "Henceforth", she pronounced to loud cheers, "we are The Monstrous Regiment of Women."

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/9018d35c-0f09-49f0-963c-b78d967e5671.jpeg)
Lady Pitt-Bulstrode announces the change of name to her assembled followers. Photo taken moments before the hearty cheering


After hearing her announcement, the Monstrous Regiment prepared for battle

To be continued

Doug


Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: tom q vaxy on March 06, 2022, 11:40:23 AM
well played. sweaty wool is always an attraction.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on March 06, 2022, 12:44:32 PM
Brilliant, as always.

Has Lady Ferocity been reading John Knox or Terry Pratchett?  ;)
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Golgotha on March 06, 2022, 08:59:24 PM
Look forward to more adventures by the MRW.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Vagabond on March 08, 2022, 06:06:10 PM
It looks like I have some catching up to do.

Don't wait, Carry on Regardless.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: syrinx0 on March 09, 2022, 02:11:46 AM
With a family like this no wonder Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode is often called upon to sort these situations out.  Looking forward to more tales poor Smallbottom and the Monstrous Regiment of Terror Women
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 09, 2022, 12:32:31 PM
well played. sweaty wool is always an attraction.
Er - yeah….. :?

Brilliant, as always.

Has Lady Ferocity been reading John Knox or Terry Pratchett?  ;)
Neither - she had a vague idea it was something to do with Women's’ Suffrage….

Look forward to more adventures by the MRW.
Coming right up…..

It looks like I have some catching up to do.

Don't wait, Carry on Regardless.
Yes you do - all this gallivanting in foreign parts….

With a family like this no wonder Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode is often called upon to sort these situations out.  Looking forward to more tales poor Smallbottom and the Monstrous Regiment of Terror Women
Righto - here we go:


The Monstrous Regiment (from now on "MRW") are in position early, north of Waterley Cross. Persistence Pitt-Bulstrode takes up position on her motorbike ahead of the main group to get early warning of the approach of Jack Archer and his mob.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/c4332279-3fc5-4b31-8f52-b4d18deae66d.jpeg)
She doesn’t have long to wait before the distinctive Archer van appears and turns off onto a track leading to an old shack. She’s seen enough and races back to report the arrival to Lady Ferocity.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/7012fe66-6cbb-48a2-b373-0709c5790fc3.jpeg)


If she’d waited a little longer, she’d have seen Silas Grundy emerge from the shack with some curious companions. Whist his two Detroit colleagues, concealing their astonishment admirably, make the acquaintance of Silas and his helpers, Jack Archer is watching the road and sees Persistence disappear in the opposite direction. Recognising her bike, he correctly assumed that there is opposition nearby.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/3b77b02b-75ef-491c-a3eb-078e4e4f431b.jpeg)
Both sides are aware of each other and make their plans.

Doug



Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on March 09, 2022, 01:03:51 PM
...and so the tension builds. Marvellous! Silas Grundy's mates look suitably scary.   :o
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Golgotha on March 09, 2022, 10:34:35 PM
My money is on the MRW and Lady Ferocity - this is so quirky love it.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: syrinx0 on March 11, 2022, 04:15:33 AM
I believe the MRW will beat the stuffing out of those fellas.  :D
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: CapnJim on March 11, 2022, 08:52:51 PM
My hat's off tp the Ladies.  May they elevate the nature of their deeds into the stuff of legend! 
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 12, 2022, 02:09:12 PM
...and so the tension builds. Marvellous! Silas Grundy's mates look suitably scary.   :o
Hay - let’s take a straw poll on that…..!


My money is on the MRW and Lady Ferocity - this is so quirky love it.
It never does to bet against them


I believe the MRW will beat the stuffing out of those fellas.  :D
:D


My hat's off tp the Ladies.  May they elevate the nature of their deeds into the stuff of legend! 
Well, let’s see how things are going:


MRW Objectives. They haven’t prevented Jack Archer gaining reinforcements but their main task is to stop him joining up with Dan Archer in his attack on Much Rampling. To do this, they must secure the crossroads where the B999 to Much Rampling crosses the main Ambridge to Waterley Cross road. As a bonus, if they can eliminate Jack’s group quickly, they could take advantage of the B road themselves and reinforce Sir Rufus.

Jack Archer’s Objectives. First, he needed to meet Silas Grundy and add him and his creatures to the group. This he has done. Second, he plans on joining Dan, via the B999. He has to move quickly to get there in time and he now expects opposition.

It looks like the crossroads will be everyone’s objective. Anyone hoping to have an influence on the action at Much Rampling needs to access the crossroads in a vehicle by the end of the 6th turn.


The Fateful Field - MRW start in the green rectangle. Jack Archer and cronies in the yellow circle. Tge red road is the main Ambridge to Waterley Cross road. The blue road is the B999. The direction to Much Rampling and the other action is bottom left. The all-important crossroads is where the two roads cross lol
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/195f49b7-47b8-4d61-bc3e-53b20e9e3b57.jpeg)

Battle is imminent

Doug
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: MaleGriffin on March 13, 2022, 06:53:04 PM
Great report! Lovely figures!
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 16, 2022, 12:36:45 PM
Great report! Lovely figures!

Thank you… :)

Both sides move into action. The MRW march purposefully up the road with the intention of spreading out to left and right nearer the crossroads. Lady Ferocity leads from the front, flanked by her secretary, Audacity Bunty-Thimble
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/5a43f776-f3fd-4f66-bfc3-8aa8841e12db.jpeg)

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/abb25c00-49e7-4a3d-8675-ecb3d0722156.jpeg)

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/08083940-d182-480a-bd74-06b924fc8972.jpeg)


Meanwhile, Jack Archer has struck out across country to the right of the road with his two Detroit colleagues. He tells Silas to get his scarecrows to the crossroads and keep the opposition busy. One of the scarecrows has an issue with some barbed wire and falls behind.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/9d2c4c6b-3264-4973-a9a9-aede61839c71.jpeg)



 
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on March 16, 2022, 01:46:27 PM
The MRW are looking suitably heroic. However, I can't help but worry that Silas and his tatterdemalion straw-men are going to be a problem for the formidable ladies.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Golgotha on March 16, 2022, 05:57:08 PM
Huh, a scarecrow thwarted by barbed wire.   lol

Down with Silas and his strawmen  :-[
Up with Bunty Thimble and her girlfriends  :-*
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on March 19, 2022, 12:06:41 PM
The MRW are looking suitably heroic. However, I can't help but worry that Silas and his tatterdemalion straw-men are going to be a problem for the formidable ladies.

How delightful to see "tatterdemalion"in a post - thank you old fruit😊

Huh, a scarecrow thwarted by barbed wire.   lol

Down with Silas and his strawmen  :-[
Up with Bunty Thimble and her girlfriends  :-*

The scarecrows do have a few issues in the modern (1930s) countryside what with barbed wire, threshing machines and hay bailers.


ONWARDS

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/3512bd9f-949b-4080-8e31-30170ab5c6c9.jpeg)
Lurching stumbling and discarding whisps of straw, the scarecrows, urged on by Silas, approach the crossroads. It has to said, the road surfaces in Borsetshire leave something to be desired.



They are spotted by the MRW. Lady F and Miss Bunty-Thimble open fire, although what effect this will have on scarecrows, they’re not sure of. As it happens, it knocks one over. Taking advantage of the covering fire, Persistence, Miss Ping and Anticipation move into the field to the right - a tactical manoeuvre….!
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/8ffb5dc5-223f-4a15-91a6-0d00ee25eb01.jpeg)


Doug

Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Golgotha on March 19, 2022, 12:39:41 PM
I have been inspired by your game Doug ex-em4 and decided to make my own scarecrow.

Herewith, therefore, a miniature I made from scratch - did however use a Mantic miniatures hand and crow.

I am rather pleased with the result, the first proper attempt at making my own miniature from mostly scratch. I wanted some interest on his base so also did an old wooden post from balsa. He still needs painting and some more base work. More pictures here:
https://frictionbmcminiatures.blogspot.com/2022/03/golgothas-fantasy-scratch-built.html

Maybe I can post him to you so that he can take on the MRW - if you want - though I would like him back... Hopefully, he would not fall foul to some 1930s countryside dangers...

He is called: "Hay, my hand!" - which works on a number of levels...  lol

Apologies for the square base but I tend to use square bases rather than round.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLuRUx26m71P-6GbXbIuarPHzdryVpO6P62dQqaZA-j5so_9v1GmAHIej8BThrcW_reVmbYLEFhP3QOg5s6w-Q5FJ2UXqY1_ye_1mkjupH3NEpoXOfh08Kk0iEs6UeEkQpQUzNp6wlToS-Ni7AvnEzkypFmekhyCQve7J6PmDX5txtwipYKEYAyfA/s4032/BMC%20Minis%20Scratchbuilt%20Scarecrow%20(6).jpg)
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Vagabond on March 22, 2022, 08:41:51 PM
A slow burn for the Strawmen as they advance down the road, I expect the gunfire from Bunty Thimble and her girlfriends must have knocked the stuffing out of one of them.

Who is Miss Ping? She sounds a very enigmatic creature, is her alter ego Mr Pong or is that just silly?

Golgotha your scarecrow is suitably scary, well done with the sculpting.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 08, 2022, 02:09:34 PM
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/a6ba7023-670b-45ac-83c4-f42d354ff012.jpeg)
Ladies Recreation and Reality slide off to the left and we are really hitting our tactical straps with this attempt at a double flank envelopment.

There’s a couple of things must be said about the above photo. First, I’d laid the hedges on their side for some reason and forgot to stand them up again; just ignore them. Second, I have to mention the Belonna/Bellona? walls. I got these in about 1970 and recently found them again. They need repainting and general tarting up. I apologise for their current condition.



(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/a8331c6d-3495-4925-ac84-8157787dff17.jpeg)
A second scarecrow lurches forward and almost contacts Audacity before being brought down in a hail of MRW fire. Bitch, the Doberman bitch, attacks the last scarecrow - it’s a maelstrom of fur and straw…!



(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/6153962d-63d9-4c3e-8705-5915661c704c.jpeg)
Recreation and Reality reach the critical road to Much Rampling. Two things occur to them simultaneously. First, Jack Archer and his Detroit friends are approaching them. Second, they (Recreation and Reality) are not particularly good at fighting.


(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/6df2c891-af6b-488c-9232-119b59b6323c.jpeg)
An overview.



(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/d28fe30d-60fd-4fcd-9a4d-1e2868c1ddde.jpeg)
Nature red in tooth and straw.

This could go either way
[/b]
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Vagabond on May 08, 2022, 03:17:32 PM
Things are moving apace in Borsetshire, the Gals are going to give those strawmen hell. I like that they are taking the bull and horns tactic from the Zulu Impi's, it's bound to go well unless the farm down the road is called Rorkes Drift.

I did notice the hedges on their sides and thought that it was either a road widening scheme or cosmic forces coming into play. It never occurred to me that you would lay them down for any other reason.  :o

The figures and names are brilliant, I wish I could be as inventive.
Well done and it's wine and nibbles time here so cheers as well.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: syrinx0 on May 09, 2022, 03:38:39 AM
Perhaps Recreation and Reality should consider an expeditious withdrawal to warn others more suited to violence that they are being flanked? 
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 09, 2022, 12:46:18 PM
The figures and names are brilliant, I wish I could be as inventive.
Well done and it's wine and nibbles time here so cheers as well.

Now none of that modesty - it doesn’t become you. You’re games are a model of inventiveness and eye-candy and anyone who has missed them need only look here https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=136295.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=136295.0) for a Vagabond treat.

Perhaps Recreation and Reality should consider an expeditious withdrawal to warn others more suited to violence that they are being flanked? 

You’re way ahead of me but read on anyway (please…!).



(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/78d3824d-4e8e-49f3-8817-96eb44c1726f.jpeg)
Mayhem….! (I do like that word). Bitch is Down; Scarecrow three is Down; Temerity Ping is Down. But are they Down as in "get the Pearly Gates Open" Down? Or are they Down as in "I don’t feel brilliant so I’ll have a little rest" Down? Agonisingly, we don’t yet know. On a positive note for the MRW, Persistence has scooted over from the right flank and is checking over Bitch.






(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/6ffefd1d-8acf-478b-ada9-0135f1fe4727.jpeg)
Meanwhile, on the left, Reality is Down (resting or the unthinkable?) and Recreation has wisely taken cover behind the comforting stone buttresses of the church. Jack Archer, Loquacious Lovelace and Miranda Hazebutt have arrived and they mean business.







(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/7d41d4a3-f2fb-41fc-aab3-bfb79649c2ec.jpeg)
Meanwhile, in the centre, it’s a knock ‘em down and drag ‘em out free-for-all. Scarecrow three is Up; Bitch is Up but Temerity is….well, not there :(. Silas and Persistence have joined in for a real Götterdämmerung in the centre.








(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/5850b082-d0b5-460e-86af-67b90d71a488.jpeg)
Back on the left, Reality is technically Up but has sensibly stayed down (not Down). Jack, Loquacious and Miranda are hunting Recreation round the church.







 (https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/291cc07e-eea7-4828-ba0b-d9c0488e2e53.jpeg)
Back to the centre again (this is exhausting) and Persistence takes out Scarecrow 3 with a pistol shot to the head?. If only it’d been hand-to-hand and I could have said she delivered a punishing haymaker to the straw man. Bitch, Lady Ferocity and Audacity pile onto Silas.








(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/380ce45c-3d7e-4f8a-998e-02c7f1cb8e2d.jpeg)
Oh - what happened there? It seems the MRW in the centre have cleaned up their opposition and have switched their attention to the developing crisis on the left.









(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/8c9e7bfd-3160-4149-9a7c-f6883bb3c7d5.jpeg)
Where Recreation has managed to stay hidden as Jack and Miranda circle round the church having cunningly split up. But where is Loquacious? And what happened to Reality?

Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: MaleGriffin on May 09, 2022, 04:33:10 PM
Brilliant! Lovely game!
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: FramFramson on May 09, 2022, 05:45:31 PM
And what happened to Reality?

A question I often have myself!  lol
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 09, 2022, 05:51:22 PM
Brilliant! Lovely game!
Thank you…. :)



A question I often have myself!  lol
I think we’re on the same wavelength - is it an age thing? I’m old…… :D

Doug
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 09, 2022, 06:36:08 PM
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/555aa8e3-dbf0-4beb-a725-838b788bbb72.jpeg)
Ahh-ha….! Thats what happened to Reality. While Jack and his friends hunted Recreation, she nipped through the gap in the hedge where the footpath led and escaped. She also has Ladies Anticipation (red beret) and Acceptance (purple dress) moving up in support.




(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/0e0a89a9-f78e-4566-99f4-3ea723d4281b.jpeg)
Loquacious is ready to take on Lady Ferocity’s group but is distracted by a ferocious attack from Bitch. She Downs the dog but behind her, Jack is felled by a shot from Anticipation.




(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/ebf4d640-f4f7-4be4-86ea-7660226113e1.jpeg)
Jack is Up again and decides to join Loquacious in her unequal fight against Lady F’s group.




(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/4f7d8b40-6bc6-410b-9a08-b2a8d82252dd.jpeg)
Overwhelming firepower proves too much and Jack is Down……




(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/e832ec5f-71de-44f8-aaaf-389dcfcdfff2.jpeg)
…….slotted by a long range shot from Anticipation. Seeing this, Loquacious and Miranda realise the game is up and surrender. Jack and Silas are wounded and also captured. Temerity and Bitch eventually respond to treatment. The MRW have prevented Jack from interfering with the fight at Much Rampling and have him in custody but have themselves been prevented from helping Sir Rufus at Much Rampling. Will he have prevailed….?

Doug








Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: CapnJim on May 09, 2022, 09:26:57 PM
It is with great amusement and some interest that I have followed along with these tales of derring-do.  It appears that the Ladies of the MRW has, at least in part, done what they set out to do. 

Fear not, however.  My money's on Sir Rufus at Much Rampling.  Perhaps if the ladies scrounge about the barns and outbuildings, they can come across a suitable means with which to arrive at Much Rampling in the proverbial nick of time.  Remember, nothing is anything until Reality come into play... ;)

Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Vagabond on May 11, 2022, 03:56:29 PM
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/03/555aa8e3-dbf0-4beb-a725-838b788bbb72.jpeg)
Ahh-ha….! Thats what happened to Reality.


A bit like Fram, I always wondered what happened to reality.

An exciting interlude in the overall story. Will Sir Rufus have prevailed, well my moneys on him , two shillings and six pence should cover it.
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 13, 2022, 07:13:44 AM
Well, that was an epic fight and no mistake. I was only away for the weekend and all this happens! Jack was up and down like a Jack-in-the-Box. Superb game, a real tonic for the troops, old boy. Looking forward to seeing the next instalment. Pip, pip!
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: CapnJim on May 13, 2022, 04:13:35 PM
......Will Sir Rufus have prevailed, well my moneys on him , two shillings and six pence should cover it.

My money's US Dollars.  What was the exchange rate back then? ;)
Title: Re: The War of Smallbottom’s Helmet - Part 1: The Monstrous Regiment of Women
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 13, 2022, 06:41:13 PM
My money's US Dollars.  What was the exchange rate back then? ;)
A lot more favourable to the £ than it is now.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 15, 2022, 12:56:20 PM
Early morning in Much Rampling
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/147282ae-2483-4c7e-9d18-21cd0ff18990-e1652468087991.jpeg)



All is quiet
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/622c9adc-0aba-46b1-8d90-61bbeb06eb34-e1652617414460.jpeg)





Maybe TOO quiet?
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/434a705d-d0b6-40ed-8fef-f5fcf8154a1b-e1652617559898.jpeg)




At this time of the morning, the streets should be bustling with people and traffic
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/72c89f71-0dff-4b24-859e-0056591161fa-e1652617677145.jpeg)



Atop The Folly Tower, the sharp-eyed Renfrew McGruel, head gamekeeper of Sir Rufus Pitt-Bulstrode, spots movement to the north. Could this explain the deserted streets of Much Rampling?
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/c8539d84-c0af-444f-b2a3-e9af71c2f634-e1652618403744.jpeg)
YES….!




Alerted by a hail from McGruel, Sir Rufus, Lord Lieutenant of Borsetshire, prepares his men for the fight against the encroaching Archer gang with an inspiring address
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/5de20b7f-7415-4925-b9e2-995cd951e0ea-e1652618587461.jpeg)




Meanwhile, the loutish Dan Archer, harangues his ruffianly followers
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/4c1db139-8b77-4c79-89cd-7bc7b88057a9-e1652618862793.jpeg)





Mrs P (centre, in green) and Clarrie (large lady on the right) are already being difficult. Dan would be wise not to rely on their support
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/0227b680-a3ea-4d55-a829-099553b1fe54-e1652619088806.jpeg)




It’s all too likely that the peace of Much Rampling is about to be ripped asunder…….


Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 15, 2022, 02:35:10 PM
Quote
It’s all too likely that the peace of Much Rampling is about to be ripped asunder…….

This does not bode well for the salubriousness of the residents of Much Rampling. Is 'Mrs. P.' the psychopathic housekeeper from Lower Loxley? Aka, Mrs. Pugsley? If so, watch out!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 15, 2022, 06:37:42 PM
Is 'Mrs. P.' the psychopathic housekeeper from Lower Loxley? Aka, Mrs. Pugsley? If so, watch out!

No - Mrs Perkins - mother of Peggy Archer the notorious bordello operator and drug dealer.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 16, 2022, 06:41:52 AM
Quote
No - Mrs Perkins - mother of Peggy Archer the notorious bordello operator and drug dealer.

Blimey, guv'nor! I thought she was six feet under, pushing up the daisies! Old Polly Perkins is still running the Ambridge underworld, eh? Well, well, well. Wasn't Mrs. P. implicated when the Old Bill discovered Walter Gabriel in flagrante delicto during a raid on the Grey Gables Discipline Parlour?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: marianas_gamer on May 16, 2022, 09:30:06 AM
Rousing, in the best meaning of the word! Always happy to hear more of the craziness that you fellas get up to!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 16, 2022, 12:22:45 PM
Blimey, guv'nor! I thought she was six feet under, pushing up the daisies! Old Polly Perkins is still running the Ambridge underworld, eh? Well, well, well. Wasn't Mrs. P. implicated when the Old Bill discovered Walter Gabriel in flagrante delicto during a raid on the Grey Gables Discipline Parlour?
Mrs P and Walter share a lively, not to say lurid, history. However these days, her main activity is being supremely irritating to the Ambridge capo di tutti Dan Archer. Her daughter, Peggy is much more involved in the Archer "business" on a daily basis.


Rousing, in the best meaning of the word! Always happy to hear more of the craziness that you fellas get up to!

Thank you - I can promise/warn you that there’s so much more to come from the Piddler triumvirate

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 16, 2022, 02:26:03 PM
Although all this armed activity is ostensibly intended to punish the Archer gang for their disgraceful assault upon Constable Smallbottom, the man himself is reluctant to take a leading rôle. As Sir Rufus leads his men against the foe, Smallbottom is noticeable hanging back. "Er, I’m just going to make sure everything’s ok in the Old Town" he calls to the rest of the group as they stalwartly advance.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/3aa7ed35-7d88-4263-bd56-20ae0ff75245-e1652709567594.jpeg)




Meanwhile, Dan Archer has his own problems with reluctant followers. Mrs P is still arguing the toss. Doris (in blue hat), on the other hand is eager to get to grips with the enemy.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/485eddeb-e011-43b0-a209-cf882facc61c-e1652709929275.jpeg)





She takes up a commanding position in the butter market, supported by Tom Forest
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/62ceb572-08d2-495e-a3e3-ee611684254f-e1652710141574.jpeg)





Doris can be seen here in the butter market with Tom Forest to her right. Next to him is young Phil Archer and to his right, by the wall, is Dan himself. Further back in the field by the gate is Bert "Sizzler" Fry. The rest of Dan’s gang have made themselves scarce.
Sir Rufus’ men are straggling into action. Wrench, with Lewis gun has gained a good position behind the park wall and Freddie Pitt-Bulstrode is at the corner to his right. The rest are still moving up although there is no sign of Smallbottom
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/34ee699d-472a-4b21-8e64-31cba082a8ec-e1652710257122.jpeg)




That’s because the constable is guarding the entrance to an alleyway which is no doubt an important thing to do
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/1905ebd5-72e7-4890-a884-e256089a8c11-e1652710786230.jpeg)



It looks like the time for manoeuvre is over…….


Doug





Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 17, 2022, 07:32:32 AM
Looks as if the tension is mounting. Keep it coming.

Smallbottom seems to be one of those blokes who enters the pub at the head of a group, but by the time you get to the bar, he's behind everybody else!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 17, 2022, 11:53:16 AM
Looks as if the tension is mounting. Keep it coming.

Smallbottom seems to be one of those blokes who enters the pub at the head of a group, but by the time you get to the bar, he's behind everybody else!

He probably is but you have to remember the dreadful trauma he recently suffered….

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: CapnJim on May 17, 2022, 01:12:05 PM
I think we've reached the calm before the storm.   My guess is that gunplay will break out at any time now....
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 17, 2022, 03:04:14 PM
I think we've reached the calm before the storm.   My guess is that gunplay will break out at any time now....

Regrettably, you’re absolutely correct……



Oh dear…! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear - now that was brutal. Accurate fire from Wrench and Freddie has brought down Tom Forrest and Young Phil. Dan, never the most subtle of tacticians, reacts true to form. With a fearsome oath on his lips, he charges across the open space at Freddie whilst Doris gives covering fire. Dan is now in advanced middle-age and arrives somewhat out of breath so his brawl with Freddie is inconclusive
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/4b162b31-9977-4b7a-b6a5-c4563fc2d5e8-e1652798211239.jpeg)





This gives Sir Rufus the opportunity to join in the melee, supported by von Strepsil and de Leominster
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/ed35fbc6-9755-49b5-ac83-7f030d07518e-e1652798546582.jpeg)



Doris is still trying to help by taking potshots from the shelter of the butter market
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/a2ba2100-04e5-4739-b914-469d393e1afb-e1652798677344.jpeg)




Wrench spots Sizzler Fry scurrying across the square towards the corner of the Old Town - surely Smallbottom can deal with this?
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/041d8121-3b31-441c-9cd8-ebefba63bda3-e1652798853386.jpeg)





Apparently not - Fry is in position
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/a7f7ec1d-e9e8-4345-a1e0-18b5adf2a0b2-e1652799001825.jpeg)




Fry prepares to aid Dan who is still battling against increasing odds
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/f05cea63-3e75-4f27-98e5-61e33318b7ac-e1652799140879.jpeg)





But it is not to be - ever cool in a crisis, Wrench eliminates the threat
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/29ef3d2f-de5a-474a-82e3-4b49ad9ab09a-e1652799237952.jpeg)






Simultaneously, Dan is also overwhelmed
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/95509779-b748-41d0-951e-13f341eaf00f-e1652799368325.jpeg)






Doris escapes and joins the faint hearts who evaded the fight and they make their way back to Ambridge. Dan, Tom Forrest, Sizzler Fry and young Phil are all taken into custody - all the leading lights of the Archer gang have now been taken care of. Sir Rufus and his victorious associates hasten to give Smallbottom the good news
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/3a5bbe23-8ba7-43b4-801b-fd58b86e383c-e1652799621591.jpeg)


And so the local threat to established order and stability in Borsetshire has been neutralised and Sir Rufus can turn his attention to the existential threat from outside the county…..




Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: CapnJim on May 18, 2022, 02:52:16 PM
I just knew Sir Rufus and his allies would come out on top.  It's good to know that, at least for now, the cause of law and order has prevailed!  Well done!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: syrinx0 on May 18, 2022, 06:49:24 PM
Indeed what a relief!  Poor Smallbottom. Will he ever recover his nerve?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 18, 2022, 09:39:46 PM
I just knew Sir Rufus and his allies would come out on top.  It's good to know that, at least for now, the cause of law and order has prevailed!  Well done!
You know, I had that feeling also ;) And now, Sir Rufus can turn his attention to some of the other pressing problems facing him. For instance, what is all this talk of strange happenings in the woods all about? And can these rumours of flying columns of Trotskyists just back from Spain be true? And where are those reinforcements from the Wiltshire police that were promised weeks ago? Hopefully these questions will be resolved soon.


Indeed what a relief!  Poor Smallbottom. Will he ever recover his nerve?
That’s a good question - somehow I doubt it. I think a career of giving comforting lectures to WI meetings may be the future for Smallbottom.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Degradation2
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 19, 2022, 09:55:04 AM
I suspect Smallbottom will recover slowly, no doubt the medics will prescribe a long course of helmet-buffing?

Quote
Dan, Tom Forrest, Sizzler Fry and young Phil are all taken into custody - all the leading lights of the Archer gang have now been taken care of.

What a relief though, that Sir Rufus has won through. These delinquent miscreants must have several books thrown at them, bring on the hanging judge!

Great story, Doug.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 20, 2022, 03:29:46 PM
I suspect Smallbottom will recover slowly, no doubt the medics will prescribe a long course of helmet-buffing?

What a relief though, that Sir Rufus has won through. These delinquent miscreants must have several books thrown at them, bring on the hanging judge!

Great story, Doug.

Thanks m’lud. Yes, Smallbottom has many months of sound buffing in the offing. However, we must leave him to it as events move on:




There have been various rumours recently of strange happenings in the Fawcett Magna area - lurid tales of weird creatures, pagan rituals and such like. With so many problems to deal with, Sir Rufus has tended to dismiss such wild talk as nonsense.

However Temerity Ping, the SIS agent allegedly on leave-of-absence and currently a house-guest of Sir Rufus, is less dismissive. Her father, Dr Paddy Ping, is the GP in Fawcett Magna and he’s been keeping her informed of events in his area. She now has a photo, recently sent to her by her father and taken by a local reporter which she feels needs investigating. Sir Rufus is submerged in preparations to prevent a socialist invasion of Borsetshire so remains unable and, indeed unwilling, to deal with spooks and phantoms so Temerity decides to visit her father and see what is afoot.


The photo was taken by Roger Gently, a reporter on the Borchester Informer. He was anxious to get some practice with his VN Press camera, recently purchased secondhand. He planned to do some nocturnal investigation of the woods in the Fawcett Magna area. After four nights of cold, damp and fruitless wandering, he struck lucky. Spotting movement on the edge of the woods, he took a hasty photo. The VN’s flash gun fired and what Roger saw in that fleeting moment caused him to turn and run, not stopping until he was safe behind his own front door.

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/6f7fdc89-c10b-4441-8fde-4fa106365d3d.jpeg)
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 20, 2022, 03:48:34 PM
Ooooh! This looks good!

 :o   :o   :o
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: FramFramson on May 20, 2022, 06:13:33 PM
♫ It's beginning to look a lot like Fishmen.. ♪♪
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 21, 2022, 01:25:36 PM
♫ It's beginning to look a lot like Fishmen.. ♪♪
If only it were that simple :)


When Roger’s photo was printed in The Informer, the reaction was not what he hoped for or expected. Instead of urgent action by the authorities, it was greeted with amusement. Soon groups of people wearing papier-mâché animal heads were a regular sight in Fawcett Magna. Roger was pestered by them mockingly asking if he’d like to take their photo. He recognised most of the voices but just when he was beginning to accept that he’d made a fool of himself, he would be accosted by a group with voices he didn’t recognise and he felt an aura of fear emanating from within the animal heads.

(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/1fd2fb6b-8b6c-45d3-ba3a-3ef2cbc133fe-e1653139396500.jpeg)
A daytime confrontation but are they pranksters or sinister denizens?

Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: syrinx0 on May 23, 2022, 02:00:08 AM
Only one good way to tell.  Quick and repeated application of a stout walking stick to the fish head while admonishing the miscreants for causing such a fuss should do the trick.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Blackwolf on May 23, 2022, 02:09:17 AM
Cracking stuff! What if, not everyone has a papier-mâché head…
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: syrinx0 on May 23, 2022, 02:13:45 AM
Hmm.  Switch to two handed swings?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 23, 2022, 11:33:39 AM
Only one good way to tell.  Quick and repeated application of a stout walking stick to the fish head while admonishing the miscreants for causing such a fuss should do the trick.

At least one participant is of the same mind as you ;)


Cracking stuff! What if, not everyone has a papier-mâché head…

We may find out soon…. :)

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 23, 2022, 12:55:46 PM
In the grim and sombre darkness that is Fawcett Magna, there is only trepidation and fear!   :o

Papier-mâché or real, there are sinister forces at work here, or so Captain Hamish MaCaroon (seen below) of the Fawcett Magna Fencibles leads me to believe.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Digits on May 23, 2022, 01:29:32 PM





(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/6f7fdc89-c10b-4441-8fde-4fa106365d3d.jpeg)

[/quote]

What a fantastically sinister picture!   Love it!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 23, 2022, 02:22:50 PM
In the grim and sombre darkness that is Fawcett Magna, there is only trepidation and fear!   :o

Papier-mâché or real, there are sinister forces at work here, or so Captain Hamish MaCaroon (seen below) of the Fawcett Magna Fencibles leads me to believe.

Brilliant, Martin - I love it :D Proof that you’re barking….. lol






(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/6f7fdc89-c10b-4441-8fde-4fa106365d3d.jpeg)



What a fantastically sinister picture!   Love it!

Thanks, glad you like it. Also the b/w covers up a multitude of painting inadequacies…..!

There’s a game planned for this nonsense and I’m thinking of using Silver Blades, suitably modified, instead of my usual Pulp Alley which I’m falling out of love with.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Patrice on May 23, 2022, 02:56:34 PM
Superb! and so strange...  :o :o

It reminds me of one of the Abomey royal statues from Benin.

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/12/14/1260808608514/Statue-royale-anthropo-zo-002.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=e80d5d391cceed7571bef8fb85618358)
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 23, 2022, 03:42:19 PM
Superb! and so strange...  :o :o
Thanks, Patrice - good to hear from you :)


Quote
It reminds me of one of the Abomey royal statues from Benin.

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/12/14/1260808608514/Statue-royale-anthropo-zo-002.jpg?width=300&quality=85&auto=format&fit=max&s=e80d5d391cceed7571bef8fb85618358)

Ooh - now there’s an idea :o

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Patrice on May 23, 2022, 05:00:37 PM
Ooh - now there’s an idea :o

I've seen these statues and other things from Abomey royal palace a few times in Paris. They were taken by French colonial troops in 1892, and have been very recently given back (...the French Assemblée nationale had to vote a law to allow their return because they were registered as state property!)

I've always thought they could give inspirations for scenarios... ;)

(https://information.tv5monde.com/sites/info.tv5monde.com/files/styles/large/public/assets/images/BENIN_ABOMEY_MUSEE.PNG)
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 24, 2022, 08:54:33 AM
I've seen these statues and other things from Abomey royal palace a few times in Paris. They were taken by French colonial troops in 1892, and have been very recently given back (...the French Assemblée nationale had to vote a law to allow their return because they were registered as state property!)

I've always thought they could give inspirations for scenarios... ;)

(https://information.tv5monde.com/sites/info.tv5monde.com/files/styles/large/public/assets/images/BENIN_ABOMEY_MUSEE.PNG)

Patrice - they’re very cool; I must search out some more info about them.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 25, 2022, 02:47:19 PM
Roger Gently, the reporter on The Borchester Informer, was in despair when his photo of strange creatures in the woods was not taken seriously but everything changed when Temerity Ping arrived. Until then her father, Paddy Ping, and the local vicar were the only two local people sympathetic to Roger but they were at a loss what to do. After chatting to them both for an hour or so and making some notes, Temerity sat back in her chair, took a sip of her gin and tonic (they were in the snug of the Rampant Sparrow, the local pub) and said "Well it’s obvious what your first move is - call a meeting of The Grumblers."


(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/16db6a08-8f4c-4469-936f-1e00f9fcd82b-e1653489765213.jpeg)
Temerity Ping crossing the village green at Fawcett Magna on her way to meeting her father in the Rampant Sparrow. She makes sure her back is to the camera in accordance with SIS standing orders


Paddy and the vicar exchanged glances and her father, obviously disconcerted, replied "How do you know about The Grumblers?"
She smiled the enigmatic smile that she’d learned as a priority after joining SIS, tapped her nose with her index finger, gave a wink then stood up. Gathering her notebook and pen into her shoulder bag she said briskly
"I’ll leave you to it then - must get back to Borchester." She gave her father a kiss, nodded to the vicar and strode out of the pub. The two men looked at each other, the vicar said "So that’s your daughter then", Paddy nodded then they both burst out laughing before the vicar said "Right, I’ll get The Grumblers together and we’ll see what’s what."


Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: CapnJim on May 25, 2022, 03:34:40 PM
Ah, the proverbial plot thickens.  What will we see next, he asked?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 25, 2022, 03:40:55 PM
The Grumblers?  ???   ???   ???

Tell us more!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Digits on May 25, 2022, 03:41:29 PM
I suspect the Grumblers are a bunch of crotchety old fellas then?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on May 25, 2022, 03:42:08 PM
I suspect the Grumblers are a bunch of crotchety old fellas then?

You mean like the Gentlemen of Much-Piddling?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on May 25, 2022, 06:06:40 PM
I suspect the Grumblers are a bunch of crotchety old fellas then?
It’s a bit of a giveaway, isn’t it :)



You mean like the Gentlemen of Much-Piddling?
Whatever gave you that idea…..? Ahh - I was forgetting Vagabond :D

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Vagabond on May 28, 2022, 07:25:21 PM
You have a care Doug ex EM4, I do read this nonsense occasionally.

When the winds from the north and my hogshead of Old Peculiar is well filled and there's nothing else to do, or at least when the wifi is in ascendency over Venus and Mars is depleting into the morning sky. 

I look forward to hearing more of The Grumblers, they sound like people I'm vaguely acquainted with.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: mikedemana on June 05, 2022, 12:19:57 AM
Two great adventures down, and another one on the way! Looking forward to it as I sip my pint of Well Fed Sheep, a Scotch Ale from Off Color Brewing...

Mike Demana
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Blackwolf on June 05, 2022, 12:35:48 AM
You have a care Doug ex EM4, I do read this nonsense occasionally.

When the winds from the north and my hogshead of Old Peculiar is well filled and there's nothing else to do, or at least when the wifi is in ascendency over Venus and Mars is depleting into the morning sky. 

I look forward to hearing more of The Grumblers, they sound like people I'm vaguely acquainted with.

You’re a bit of a poet Mr Vagabond  :)
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Vagabond on June 05, 2022, 01:42:23 PM
You’re a bit of a poet Mr Vagabond  :)

Well Mr Blackwolf, as Bob Dylan once said

Now they asked me to read a poem
At the sorority sister's home
I got knocked down and my head was swimmin'
I wound up with the Dean of Women
Yippee
I'm a poet, and I know it
Hope I don't blow it.

However the truth of the matter is that it was late at night and the 2nd 3rd or maybe the 4th glass of wine must have gone to my head a little.  lol lol
Cheers
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: CapnJim on June 05, 2022, 05:25:22 PM
However the truth of the matter is that it was late at night and the 2nd 3rd or maybe the 4th glass of wine must have gone to my head a little.  lol lol

Well, for that you may be forgiven...late night libations, if libated properly, can be a very good thing! ;) 
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Vagabond on June 05, 2022, 09:23:07 PM
Well, for that you may be forgiven...late night libations, if libated properly, can be a very good thing! ;)

We're speaking the same language here.  :)
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: CapnJim on June 05, 2022, 11:41:09 PM
We're speaking the same language here.  :)

Carry on then, my good man!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: Weirdness in the Woods
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 14, 2022, 01:49:49 PM
The Grumblers were a kind of informal club of local men, mainly middle-aged, who met irregularly to moan about the state of the world and how it could be improved. The movers and shakers of Fawcett Magna were the core of the group; the vicar, the doctor, the bank manager, Roger Gently the reporter and Colonel Savage, retired from the 3rd Battalion The Honourable Regiment of Felpersham Peculiars. Most of them had contacts in the outside world that covered a surprising range of expertises.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/6a321d79-694b-43f9-8bcd-ec3e8a0db2d6-e1655213597903.jpeg)
The Grumblers – from the left: Colonel Savage; Dr Ping; Roger Gently; The Reverend Mother; Seldom Penitent (bank manager)




It was the vicar who suggested that he contact an old friend who he had known from Cambridge days. They were both studying Divinity but whereas the vicar had followed a predictable path into the church, his friend had immersed himself in a study of the paranormal. After a long and enjoyably disputatious meeting of The Grumblers in the Rampant Sparrow, it was eventually agreed that the vicar contact his old friend for advice. The hope was that he would make a visit to Fawcett Magna to lend on-the-spot assistance. Rather than reply by letter, the vicar’s friend appeared in person the day after the vicar sent his letter. Even better, he’d brought a colleague.

The vicar’s friend was called Professor Magnus although on his card he simply had Magnus P.I. He explained to Colonel Savage that the initials stood for Paranormal Investigator and not Private Investigator. His colleague, also an academic, was Dr Sigurd Nocraties, Academiehoogleraar, Department of the Occult at the University of Utrecht.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/6b4d9bb1-6757-4018-bdd0-7d4b140c2744-e1655213805205.jpeg)
Sigurd Nocraties (left) and Magnus P.I. (with lamp)






With these two experts on hand, able and willing to indulge in direct action, The Grumblers proposed an immediate start on a serious night time search, starting with the grounds of The Old Manor, located just outside the village. It’s derelict and the grounds have run wild. A lot of the foliage looks distinctly foreign, a result of seed hunters sending all sorts of stuff back from oversea in the 19th century.

Apart from the two experts, the search group consisted of the vicar, the Reverend Mother (the unfortunate combination of his title and surname caused the vicar much embarrassment – to his friends, he was known as AE. Why? It’s a long story for another time), Roger the reporter, Dr Ping, Seldom Penitent, the bank manager and Colonel Savage. Once the decision for action was made, they were desperate to get started with the result that they met outside the gates to the Manor park at midnight with a motley assortment of equipment – preparations had been haphazard. Most of the participants had improvised a weapon of some sort, there was even a couple of revolvers (although their reliability was in doubt) . On the advice of Magnus P.I., there were various items thought to be useful against paranormal adversaries – silver knives, crucifixes and, bizarrely, bags of salt. On the other hand, only Magnus and Reverend Mother had thought to bring a lantern on this moonless night.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/40455b17-99f0-4646-9570-57a6c640c1f8-e1655214007129.jpeg)
The Manor Park at midnight with the sinister form of the derelict manor in the background




Before setting off, the vicar reminded his companions that they were acting completely unofficially and that whatever they encountered may be no more than pranksters so resorting to violence, especially involving firearms, must be a last resort. Everyone nodded wisely.


Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Andy in Germany on June 14, 2022, 08:28:46 PM
Just catching up with the thread: if it's not one thing it's another in Fawcett Magna...
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 15, 2022, 07:12:24 AM
Brilliant, old horse and spooky!   :o

Quote
The Grumblers were a kind of informal club of local men, mainly middle-aged, who met irregularly to moan about the state of the world and how it could be improved.

Somehow, this sounds familiar?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: 2010sunburst on June 15, 2022, 08:17:47 AM
I absolutely and utterly love the vicar’s name.  Worthy of P G Woodhouse is that  :D
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Elk101 on June 15, 2022, 03:46:06 PM
Nice installment!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 17, 2022, 12:31:21 PM
Just catching up with the thread: if it's not one thing it's another in Fawcett Magna...
Yep - it’s a jungle out there (almost literally in the Manor Park)


Somehow, this sounds familiar?
Except that The Grumblers are "middle-aged" whilst The Piddlers……aren’t😊.


I absolutely and utterly love the vicar’s name.  Worthy of P G Woodhouse is that  :D
Thanks for that - naming characters is a big part of the fun.


Nice installment!
Glad you’re enjoying it.


Now, then……

A table is now set up for The Grumblers game. The scenario and scenery were somewhat dependent on what I have to hand - most of my stuff is in storage prior to a house move. All I’ve got to hand is one building (Sir Rufus’ country house which, when facing the other way, becomes a derelict Manor House) and a variety of trees, many of which are sort of tropical. Hence, the park surrounding the Manor is the setting - it has foliage brought from all over the world by the original owners.

The game pits The Grumblers against a variety of potential Encounters. The game is at night so visibility is limited - 2" unaided; 4" with a torch/lantern. The idea is that I have a list of the possible encounters, the likelihood of them appearing depending on a dice roll at the beginning of each turn. There’s only one "side" (The Grumblers") and they are faced not only by these encounters but also by the fear engendered by having to plunge into this spooky foliage, in the dark, with an equally spooky derelict house somewhere ahead and the knowledge that odd people or things are at large in the neighbourhood. So each turn, every character has to pass a courage test to get them to move. If an Encounter occurs, the courage test is modified to take this into account (in other words, it’s harder to pass the test).

They start of quite gung-ho in two groups ("we’ll search the west side of the woods and your group can take the east") which means they are split up from the word go. They may get split more as character’s courage fails them. They may even encounter each other but not realise who or what the other person is. So there’s a possibility of friendly-fire incidents. Also, the use of torches/lanterns increases the likelihood of an encounter because whatever lurks in the dark is more aware of The Grumblers if they’re flashing lights about. The use of firearms increases the likelihood of Encounters drastically.

The scenery looks very open and easy going (see photo below) but I’ll make movement a bit random the further they get to replicate blundering round in the dark

Any input or comments most welcome.

Here’s the table. I’ll be doing photos in normal light even though it’s midnight on a moonless night for the characters. I’ll probably do some lo-light b/w shots for atmosphere.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/fa2beb58-b402-431e-a169-4d247605c8fb-e1655468902239.jpeg)
Remember, the game is set on a moonless night so the characters have very limited vision and the Park is much more overgrown that this - this is all the scenery I have to hand so the bits of foliage are representative of a very clogged and overgrown area.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Andy in Germany on June 18, 2022, 06:38:08 AM
I have a question; can you show the two sides of the Manor house/derelict house?

Looking forward to the game report...
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 18, 2022, 09:11:28 AM
Looking good, keep it coming!   :-*
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 20, 2022, 02:42:56 PM
I have a question; can you show the two sides of the Manor house/derelict house?

Looking forward to the game report...

Thanks, Andy. You can see the front of the house on this LAF topic:
 https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134431.0 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=134431.0)


Looking good, keep it coming!   :-*

I’ve started the game and it has to be said, it’s not going too well for The Grumblers. Being out in the dark after midnight in an overgrown park has somewhat sapped the courage of a few of the group.

Details to follow.

Doug

Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: mikedemana on June 20, 2022, 05:35:16 PM
Sounds like a blast! Great idea for a night game…

Mike Demana
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 21, 2022, 09:35:09 AM
Sounds like a blast! Great idea for a night game…

Mike Demana

Thanks, Mike, I’ve enjoyed your latest topic as well. Like everyone else, I love the comic strip presentation. I wonder if there’s a template for 1950s style British comics….hmmm

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 22, 2022, 04:49:37 PM
I started The Grumblers game a few nights ago and right from the off I had to start tweaking the rules. The first 3 Turns had no encounters but one group lost its bearings and headed off-course. In theother group, Seldom Penitent, the bank manager decided that the dark is quite frightening and paused for thought.

Rather bizarrely, The Grumblers opted to act in two groups so lost touch with each other right from the start
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/573980fe-c0c2-4e47-9e1c-049af51a54f5-e1655915987874.jpeg)



Turn 1 and Magnus P.I. leads Colonel Savage and Roger Gently. Maximum visibility is 4" using Magnus’ torch.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/c2c3b6b3-e7be-492f-b348-ac820effb88b-e1655916126545.jpeg)



The Reverend Mother (the only other one with a light - in his case a lantern), sets off with Sigurd Nocraties, Dr Ping and Seldom Penitent following. The head scratching is appropriate.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/26d7de32-4768-407c-994b-72a11a7c6a82-e1655916238788.jpeg)




This gives a slightly more accurate representation of what things look like to the characters:
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/723b1b79-a932-4afd-b039-839f036706bd-e1655916385549.jpeg)



Turn 4 has arrived and we have an encounter. I’ll have to return to this later - I’ve just been summoned to dinner

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 22, 2022, 06:13:54 PM
Quote
Turn 4 has arrived and we have an encounter. I’ll have to return to this later - I’ve just been summoned to dinner

Liquid lunch is it? Spot of the old G&T in the deckchair, newspaper folded over face, after lunch snooze!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 22, 2022, 08:03:05 PM
Liquid lunch is it? Spot of the old G&T in the deckchair, newspaper folded over face, after lunch snooze!

It was dinner, m’lud - keeping metropolitan hours here. G&T and Prosecco (we know how to live). A birthday.

Just sorting out some more moves and photos (of the game - not the birthday.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 23, 2022, 11:37:15 AM
Turn 4 and Magnum P.I. with Colonel Savage and Roger Gently move cautiously into the undergrowth, or at least that’s the plan. Roger has other ideas. To be honest, he’s too scared to move he’s failed his courage test.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/840560c4-ef5b-4c78-bb2e-28179f342fd3-e1655933362449.jpeg)





One of The Reverend Mother’s group has also had an attack of nerves - Seldom Penitent, the bank manger, realises that hunting possible supernatural creatures at midnight on a moonless night in an overgrown park, can be scaryalso failed Courage test. The others move on although they’re not too sure of what may happen as can be seen from the formation head scratching.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/f958fab8-ee88-4fad-8f86-7f1e015dd276-e1655933390690.jpeg)




Next Turn and Reverend Mother’s group have encountered someone with a fish’s head…! Lit by the yellow light of the Reverend’s lantern, this is a disturbing sight.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/e75236f6-d58f-4209-869a-0a415a7eba49-e1655933343938.jpeg)
But is it a sinister denizen of the who-knows-what or just a bloody student having a laugh? The vicar, Dr Ping and Sigurd Nocraties all stand firm <pass their Courage Test>. "Dear Lord, what is it?" cries the vicar. "Some fool in costume" replies Nocraties. "I know you" says Dr Ping to the apparition, "you’re the Snapcase boy, staying with the Raunchy-Bolivars over at Charleton-cum-Heston. What the devil d’you think you’re doing at this time of night. You could be in great danger."after passing their Courage Tests, these three took a Recognition Test. The vicar had no idea what the apparition was; Nocraties was certain it was just someone dressed up; Dr Ping, with his local knowledge immediately recognised who it was>
Peregrine Snapcase, for indeed it is he, responds with a honking, upper-class laugh:
"Haw, haw - I certainly gave the sky-pilot a fright, what, what?’
"Just get out of this park right now, before I lose my temper" says Dr Ping. Snapcase considers arguing but sizing up Dr Ping’s burly, ex-rugby playing frame decides against it and slopes off, muttering about just having a bit of fun, damned tradesmen, how dare they talk like that to their betters…..





 As he makes his way out of the park, he encounters Seldom Penitent, the bank manager who has been left behind and is alone, lost and frightened. Seeing Peregrine’s fish-head appearing from the dark is too much.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/a1d877e1-504f-41d1-980a-aa0ee9e72ed6-e1655983845995.jpeg)
He turns and runs, trips over a root, falls heavily, hits his head and loses consciousness. Peregrine, preoccupied with trying to find the park gates, is unaware of Seldom and his predicament.<this incident was resolved by the usual rolls-a-die method - I hadn’t made rules in advance to cover it. I thought that someone who’d failed to move for "X" turns because his courage failed him, was now alone with no torch or lantern, in a spooky place where supernatural beings may be lurking was very likely to panic. But I gave him a chance not to. However, he failed his dice roll (he got "1" on a d10) so he ran. Another dice roll had him tripping up and a third roll had him knocked unconscious. Then it occurred to that he may have yelled in terror on seeing Peregrine or just ran in silence. If he yelled or screamed, it may effect the rest of his group, now out of sight. More dice rolls. I reckoned it was more than evens that he’d cry out, given his character and circumstances. Result - he screams; this may affect what Rev Mother and his two followers do next Turn. In an ordinary game, all these impromptu dice rolls would be tedious but in a solo game, it doesn’t matter. The game will probably take weeks to resolve so no rush>.
Peregrine, a distant relative of the eccentric (some say certifiable) Earl of Snapcase, is staying at the family home of Crispin Raunchy-Bolivar, a fellow boarder at Winchester. He manages to find his way back to the house and sneak in but of Crispin, there is no sign.




Meanwhile, while the vicar’s group have bravely stood firm and unmasked an idiot (Snapcase), Magnus P.I. and his companions have had an attack of nerves and failed to move.




Things have not gone that well for The Grumblers. I don’t know what’s going to happen and they certainly don’t.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on June 23, 2022, 01:46:57 PM
"That Peregrine Snapcase is a real card, quite a hoot! These Grumblers have no bloody sense of humour!"

Story continuing to very absorbing, keep it coming.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Vagabond on June 23, 2022, 05:58:57 PM
I return to Blighty and what do I  find but the Grumblers running amok in some dark scary wood and Seldom Penitent frightened of a Snapcase fish head.

It really won't do, where's their backbone, they must pull themselves together and advance in a bold, brave style. Even if it is to their death.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on June 23, 2022, 06:40:07 PM
"These Grumblers have no bloody sense of humour!"
It could be that the clue is in the name ;)



Story continuing to very absorbing, keep it coming.
Thanks - not having any real control over any of the characters gives it a different feel from my usual games.


I return to Blighty and what do I  find but the Grumblers running amok in some dark scary wood and Seldom Penitent frightened of a Snapcase fish head.

It really won't do, where's their backbone, they must pull themselves together and advance in a bold, brave style. Even if it is to their death.
I think you may be expecting too much from The Grumblers but you never know. And welcome back from your travels.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: mikedemana on June 24, 2022, 11:30:33 PM
Quite the entertaining read! I think you are definitely on the right track for a fun solo
game!!

Mike Demana
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: CapnJim on July 04, 2022, 08:41:13 PM
Well, it's always darkest just before the dawn.  That's hat "they" say.  Whoever "they" are...

Presuming that particular adage is based in reality, mayhaps the Grumblers will sort themselves out and get on with the business at hand......
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on July 04, 2022, 09:41:23 PM
Quite the entertaining read! I think you are definitely on the right track for a fun solo
game!!

Mike Demana
Thank, Mike. I have a couple more Turns to write up but I’ve been otherwise engaged.


Well, it's always darkest just before the dawn.  That's hat "they" say.  Whoever "they" are...

Presuming that particular adage is based in reality, mayhaps the Grumblers will sort themselves out and get on with the business at hand......
They don’t appear to be I regret to say. Details later but it’s fir to say that some of The Grumblers have a lot more to grumble about than previously. :(

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: CapnJim on July 07, 2022, 01:31:19 PM
They don’t appear to be I regret to say. Details later but it’s fir to say that some of The Grumblers have a lot more to grumble about than previously. :(

Doug

Oh.  I see.  Well, that doesn't sound good at all... :'(
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Patrice on July 11, 2022, 01:23:20 PM
He turns and runs, trips over a root, falls heavily, hits his head and loses consciousness.
Peregrine, preoccupied with trying to find the park gates, is unaware of Seldom and his predicament.
<this incident was resolved by the usual rolls-a-die method - I hadn’t made rules in advance to cover it. I thought that someone who’d failed to move for "X" turns because his courage failed him, was now alone with no torch or lantern, in a spooky place where supernatural beings may be lurking was very likely to panic. But I gave him a chance not to. However, he failed his dice roll (he got "1" on a d10) so he ran. Another dice roll had him tripping up and a third roll had him knocked unconscious. Then it occurred to that he may have yelled in terror on seeing Peregrine or just ran in silence. If he yelled or screamed, it may effect the rest of his group, now out of sight. More dice rolls. I reckoned it was more than evens that he’d cry out, given his character and circumstances. Result - he screams; this may affect what Rev Mother and his two followers do next Turn. In an ordinary game, all these impromptu dice rolls would be tedious but in a solo game, it doesn’t matter. The game will probably take weeks to resolve so no rush>.

I like these tests and their explanation.  :)
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 07, 2022, 04:23:49 PM
Crikey - it appears that I’ve left The Grumblers stumbling and mumbling round in the dark since July. It’s time to find out what they’ve been up to.

Turn 6. Things are are not going well with Magnus P.I.’s group. The man himself is fine, he’s an old hand at this but his companions are less confident. Gently and Savage are both willing <Courage Test passed> but somewhat uncertain what to do. Consequently, Gently doesn’t move and Savage wanders off to the right. Magnus, and the comforting light from his lantern, disappear amongst the undergrowth.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/3fd7578a-9563-4be8-89c3-115af9069346-e1667836765761.jpeg)


Things are not dissimilar with the other group. Nocraties and Ping get a fit of the jitters and refuse to go forward, perhaps unnerved by Penitent’s screamCourage Test failed. The Reverend Mother is more confident but not enough to move too far. After a whispered discussion, it’s agreed that Dr Ping should go back and try and find Penitent - the scream they heard last Turn needs investigating.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/bd65e741-d088-41a7-99ed-39579ae06a62-e1667837067372.jpeg)
Here we see Penitent, prone and unconscious. Ping on his way back to check on him. Nocraties, nervous and unable to move and the Reverend moving bravely onwards. And remember, it’s DARK



Suddenly, two figures are illuminated in the Reverend’s lantern beam. His courage momentarily fails him but fortunately, he quickly recognises that these are merely pranksters. It’s Crispin Raunchy-Bolivar and his cousin, Tamburlaine Ferrari, a member of the fast-set. The Reverend is the only one to meet these two because Nocraties’ courage has failed and he hasn’t moved and Ping has gone back towards where he hopes to find Penitent. The Reverend’s patience and bravery have been sorely tested so he sends the two pranksters off with some choice words which rather surprise them. Chastened, they scurry off home.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/741e1882-1b6a-4652-8091-1315a7fe01b1-e1667837424450.jpeg)




Meanwhile, despite being led by the famous Magnus P.I., the other group (including the famous Magnus PI) remain motionless, overcome with fear and separated from one another.all three fail Courage Test
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/bf192040-899b-4a1b-b4d7-321323d541c7-e1667837505202.jpeg)



So far, The Grumblers have been pretty hopeless. They’ve been spooked by pranksters, got lost in the dark and failed to find out anything useful. Can they up their game before the night is over? Will they even survive the night? Time to find out.


Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Vagabond on November 07, 2022, 07:52:02 PM
I don't think you should count the Grumbler's out just yet. I'm sure there's life in the old dogs yet.

Glad to see you're continuing the story, only problem is that I'm going to have to go back 7 pages to find out what the hell is going on, my memory ain't what it used to be.

It's a bit like every morning I look in the mirror and think "whose that handsome chap", followed a few moments later by "what is he doing in my bathroom".
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: FramFramson on November 07, 2022, 10:16:17 PM
I don't think you should count the Grumbler's out just yet. I'm sure there's life in the old dogs yet.

Glad to see you're continuing the story, only problem is that I'm going to have to go back 7 pages to find out what the hell is going on, my memory ain't what it used to be.

It's a bit like every morning I look in the mirror and think "whose that handsome chap", followed a few moments later by "what is he doing in my bathroom".

He heard you were home. :D
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 08, 2022, 08:03:45 AM
Quote
Tamburlaine Ferrari, a member of the fast-set
   lol   lol

Glad to see the Grumblers back in action.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 08, 2022, 03:41:30 PM
I don't think you should count the Grumbler's out just yet. I'm sure there's life in the old dogs yet.
Well - maybe…..


Quote
Glad to see you're continuing the story, only problem is that I'm going to have to go back 7 pages to find out what the hell is going on, my memory ain't what it used to be.
Same with me - I hadn’t got a clue :)


   lol   lol

Glad to see the Grumblers back in action.
I suppose you could call it action


Anyway - onwards:

Crispin and Tamburlaine slouch away, carrying their papier-mâché heads. They pass Nocraties who adds his angry opinion of their behavior to that of the Reverend who he then rejoins. And not a moment too soon. Another figure has been picked out by the yellow beam of the cleric’s lamp and both he and Nocraties instantly recognise that this is a genuinely malevolent creature. They are both undeterred by the apparition despite the fact that if appears to be a man with a fox’s head….! However, only the Reverend Mother is able to battle this monstrosity - Nocraties is not close enough. Wielding a large metal wrench, which fortunately he remembered to Bless, he batters the creature although not terminally. The creature responds but fails to land a blow on the Reverend.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/1206bd61-b0d2-408f-8a7a-1dc207bf25d0.jpeg)
Mother and Nocraties face the fearsome unknown. The Reverend is making sure he doesn’t lose his lamp by securing it with a massive wodge of blu-tac


Elsewhere, Ping has reached Penitent and finds him unharmed but also unmanned! He, Penitent, decides this work is not for him and flees to safety. Ping is made of sterner stuff and resolves to rejoin Nocraties and the Reverend.




Magnus, realising he is on his own, retraces his steps in an effort to find his companions.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/56cdfc25-42b8-4927-9687-8aff373fb9d5.jpeg)



He’s out of luck. They both have lost their nerve and made the same decision as Penitent.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/bcd9d53d-e922-4579-bffa-f8a59851421d.jpeg)
Gently and Savage slink off to fing safety and a warm fire


The Grumblers have lost nearly half their number without so much as taking a scratch, other than those received from the brambles in the undergrowth.



Where are we now? Blimey - it’s Turn 9; how did that happen? Anyway, the experience of encountering a real inhuman creature has had a lowering effect on the Reverend and Nocraties <Courage permanently reduced as a result of encountering paranormal>. However, Nocraties’ remains undaunted. The Reverend, however, does not although he stands his ground. They both continue to battle the creature but neither they nor it cause any damage. The creature appears to be regaining some of the vigour it lost after being hit by the Reverend earlier.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/745ea57a-150c-45b7-aa9b-b3c7ebebcbc5.jpeg)
Reverend Mother and the Foxman battle it out

Dr Ping has decided to try and find the Reverend and Nocraties and the sounds of their melée help guide him in the right direction.



Magnus P.I. is feeling nervous, being unable to find his erstwhile companions. He is reluctant to advance so spends his time vainly searching for Gently and Savage. They have long since departed to safety.


Whilst at his lowest ebb, Magnus is suddenly confronted by a terrifying apparition - vaguely human in shape but more like a shadow than a solid being. He recognises it as inhuman instantly and from somewhere finds untapped depths of courage. He draws his pistol, shoots and - disaster, he misses! The sound of the pistol shoot booms round the park - loud enough to wake the dead and, indeed, anything else lurking in the undergrowth. The creature or ghost or non corporeal form or whatever it is, lunges at him but he avoids its touch.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/4ad63a79-f875-47b8-8d88-a654444d48ca.jpeg)
Magnus P.I. faces something really scary or maybe an overinflated inner-tube?


On the other side of the park, all 3 remaining Grumblers have their peckers well and truly up but neither Nocraties or the Reverend can land a blow on their adversary. Fortunately, it is not able to injure either of them. Ping, meanwhile is bravely trying to get back to them to help but loses his way and veers off to the left.

Another pistol shot! This time Magus hits; so the creature is at least solid enough to stop a bullet. It strikes wildly at Magnus and, Praise Be, misses again.


But, alerted perhaps by the sound of the shots, another robed figure appears, this time next to the Reverend. He and Nocraties recognise it immediately as something evil, even before it hisses "Die, worm" at the Reverend in a distinctly unfriendly way. Leaving Nocraties to battle the animal man, the Reverend swings at the new threat with his trusty wrench and is rewarded by a satisfyingly crunchy hit on a solid target. The resulting cry of pain is distinctly human. Even better, the Reverend’s opponent (which we can now positively identify as a cultist) is unable to land a blow on the vicar. Meanwhile, Nocraties and Foxman grapple to no effect.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/5280ecaa-bd9a-4726-9e0d-2879a2ad0c6e.jpeg)



This has all taken us to Turn 12 and this time, there are more successes amongst the contestants. Nocraties and Foxman hit each other with Nocraties landing the shrewder blow. Both remain standing however. The Reverend and the cultist also successfully exchange blows, the Reverend getting the better of it. Magnus P.I. is not struck but in response, he shoots his opponent again and with devastating effect; the creature crumples and collapses, all life departed.



Some success at last for The Grumblers but the situation is still desperate with nearly half their number having fled the field and monstrous enemies appearing from the dark. The mildly exciting conclusion follows

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 08, 2022, 05:10:04 PM
Quote
Some success at last for The Grumblers but the situation is still desperate with nearly half their number having fled the field and monstrous enemies appearing from the dark.

Things not looking too good for the Grumblers, but being Grumblers, they probably prefer it that way!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth
Post by: Doug ex-em4 on November 10, 2022, 04:36:42 PM
Things not looking too good for the Grumblers, but being Grumblers, they probably prefer it that way!
You’ve made good use of that metaphorical hammer you’re holding. You’ve gone and hit the metaphorical nail squarely on its head….!


But even as he celebrates, Magnus is faced by a man-creature that he knows immediately to be evil. It has a cat’s head and a man’s body. His courage fails him. He wildly shoots at it and misses. With a scornful snarl, the creature swipes him with a paw that sprouts wicked claws and inflicts a terrible wound.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/dd330446-0776-4e5b-adc1-d5e150a78be5.jpeg)
An amiable pantomime creature? No way - this pussy has claws a foot long and ain’t afraid to use them



Things go better on the other side of the park. Despite being nearly overcome with fear, Nocraties manages to kill the Foxman. The Reverend, brave as ever and roaring like a madman, smashes the cultist with his wrench again and kills him stone dead. Neither of these two Grumblers sustains any hits. Dr Ping rejoins them just too late to join in the melée.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/6e1300a6-cdaa-4e38-a86c-12b37b144284.jpeg)
Ping arriving too late to join the melee but witnesses the bloody conclusion




Having dealt with their foes, Nocraties and his companions are in fine fettle. They resolve to press on. Without realising it, they veer to the right. Suddenly, the Reverend’s lamp illuminates a monstrous form. He is unable to prevent himself screaming in terror "my God, a dragon, a dragon!" <fails courage test>. Nerves are understandably raw after the experiences of the night so we can forgive the Reverend’s near hysteria.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/a7f6d749-c7da-4bee-bb27-b5666f8536cb.jpeg)



However Nocraties is calmer <passes courage test> and pats the vicar on the shoulder. "Don’t worry, old chap - it’s just a statue."
"Ah, quite so" says the Reverend "Of course, should have realised. Somewhat overwrought. Apologies."
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/536f1f58-ad6b-46bf-8ae4-9535a0417728.jpeg)




At that moment, a truly nerve-jangling scream is heard from the other side of the park. Nocraties, Mother and Ping look at each other "Magnus" says Ping, voicing all their thoughts.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/1dfde8f7-cf08-41f4-98a2-35ea9048931e.jpeg)
The man/cat creature deals Magnus what may be a deadly blow




As daylight approaches, they find themselves in front of the ruined mansion.
(https://velodoug.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/794b1caa-2b5f-408b-9006-ef3dc5876b65.jpeg)


But all their thoughts now are about the fate of Magnus. They have no difficulty finding him as the light strengthens. Dr Ping kneels and examines their comrade. He has been horribly wounded but he is alive. "He may yet live," says Ping "but we must get him to hospital."

And there we leave The Grumblers. They have succeeded in confirming that dark forces are at work in the mansion and its grounds and they have disposed of some cultists and one animal/man creature. However, after tending to Magnus, they return to the site of their fight with fox/man creature so that they can assess the nature of this fell beast.  But there is no sign of the body…! Whether it was still alive and escaped or whether there is some other explanation for its disappearance is not clear. Obviously, The Grumblers expedition,hastily arranged without any proper planning has raised more questions and provided few answers.

And the survival of Magnus P.I. is very much in question…….


That turned out to be an interesting solo game. I didn’t know until the end how it would go - generation of creature type and the time and place of their appearance was all random. The very rough-and-ready rules for Courage worked well enough and the Combat "system", though very basic, gave varied and reasonably swift results. I should carry on this plot line because The Grumblers had a very mixed result and the mystery is not solved. Until it is, the citizens of Fawcett Magna will not sleep easy in their beds or, indeed, anyone else’s.

Doug
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: syrinx0 on November 12, 2022, 05:40:15 AM
Hopefully Magnus can pull through to rejoin his companions.  Perhaps a bit more planning and some courage inspiring pre-mission libations could help make the next trip to the house more successful.  One might also choose to visit in the morning. Just a thought...
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: Mad Lord Snapcase on November 12, 2022, 08:06:43 AM
Quote
the citizens of Fawcett Magna will not sleep easy in their beds or, indeed, anyone else’s.

Indeed. We await to see if the Grumblers will dare to return to the mansion? Probably best for now though, an early night with a cup of Horlicks for the old gits?
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: Elk101 on November 12, 2022, 09:02:48 AM
Good to see this continue.
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: CapnJim on November 13, 2022, 07:43:53 PM
Well, at least The Grumblers had some small measure of success.  And, as a bonus, they have a few things about which they may grumble.

Carry on, lad!
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: mikedemana on November 15, 2022, 02:49:29 AM
Great read...look forward to more adventures!

Mike Demana
Title: Re: Borsetshire Diaries: The Grumblers Go Forth - Conclusion
Post by: FramFramson on November 15, 2022, 07:41:59 PM
Don't forget they also got to give some kids hell.  lol