Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: CC2IC on October 22, 2022, 04:57:52 PM
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(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Sir%20Harry%20Lost.png)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Sir%20Harry%20Missing.png)
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Dame Esmerelda Bottomly Arrives in Bungwalli Land [/b]
The Bungwalli Station News – Bunghwalli Land, Africa. The steam whistle hooted in greeting and SS Britannic dropped anchor in the port of Bungwalli Harbour at the Royal Bungwalli Company dock. This was the scene as Dame Esmerelda, daughter of Edward Bottomly of Hamilton, Ontario and the Russian Duchess Anna Mikhailovna, walked ashore for her first view of our lovely British colony. The Governor of Bungwalli Station, Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton, who is a well known friend of the Bottomly family, met the Lady as she stepped ashore along with the local regimental brass band, playing the tune ‘A Band of Pirates We,’ from the recent Gilbert and Sullivan hit opera Pirates of Penzance.
“We chose that song because we know the Lady had seen the Opera and in fact is a close friend of Gilbert and Sullivan. However, we stayed away from the main character songs, in order to respect the private lives of the authors and Dame Bottomly and any relationships that may be ongoing. Far be it for us to cause a stir all the way over here in Africa. Not needed, I tell you chum,” the Governor commented after the successful disembarking.
Dame Esmerelda Bottomly, wearing a sensible tan traveling suit, then proceeded ashore accompanied by her batman, maid, cook and Company B of the 83rd Royal Irish Rifles. It appears the Queen, in her wisdom, has supplied the Lady with military support for her endeavour. After accepting the gracious greetings of Governor Flunderton and reviewing the local garrison the Lady said a few words to the gathered crowd. “You all know by now why I am here. If no one else can find my brother it will be up to me to leave no stone unturned in the Bunghwalli Land province in my personal pursuit of bringing the big lug home.”
The procession then proceeded to the Royal House Hotel where the group is staying until Thursday when the expedition will travel into the outback in search of Sir Harry Bottomly, the ladies erstwhile brother.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Lady%20Esmerelda%20.jpg)
Stock photo courtesy of Felicity Fitzpatrick
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Great start! can't stand waiting for second episode!
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Lovely start. And, of course, at least she brought along her tea service. All should be well then...
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I LOVED adventuring in Bungwalliland!!!! It was the best!! Courtney in his pink shirt, the Post Office Rifles. Defending God's organ!!! Brave pygmies defending against evil Amazon she devils, Lions & tigers and crocodiles..... OH MY!!!!!!!
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"Batsman" ? Possibly "Batman", but maybe I missed the joke. Wouldn't be the first time.
I love your newly announced campaign !!
Chick
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Excellent, intriguing, looking forward to the adventures!
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The Second Bottomly Expedition Gets Underway
The Bungwalli Station News – Bunghwalli Land, Africa. Our readers will of course remember that Sir Harry, the great Magician of Canterbury himself, led the first Bottomly Expedition into the Bunghwalli Land Province with the goal of finding the Temple of the Gold Monkey. It was during this expedition that he went missing and is now presumed dead. The Second Bottomly Expedition currently being undertaken by Dame Esmerelda Bottomly, cousin to Maria Alexandrovna, who as we all know is married to our own Prince Alfred Duke of Edinburgh which makes Dame Bottomly thirteenth in line to the throne of England and twenty seventh in line for the throne of Russia, both by marriage. Her goal is finding the missing gentleman and returning with him. If anyone can successfully find Sir Harry we know the Lady has the credentials.
“The only thing that can stand in my way,” Dame Bottomly told us in a private interview over snifters of brandy in the Royal Hotel Gentleman’s club, “is if my brother does not want to be found. If that is the case then even our beloved Queen would not be able to entice him home.”
With a great fanfare and the turning out of the local populace, who lined the streets from the gates of the Royal Hotel through to the exits of the city, Dame Bottomly marched her expedition off in search of her brother. Dame Esmeralda Bottomly wore a rugged adventure suit of coarse drab fabric which was cut at the finest tailor house on Saville Row in London. She rode astride her dappled mare, Nostromo, and led her contingent forward into adventure. She is accompanied by Company B the 83 Royal Irish Rifles, who marched forth led by the company band. Following them was a Naval Landing Party with a 3 pound mountain gun, pulled by a team of mules loaned to the expedition by local farmer Reginald “the Swineman” Stoke. Reginald is known for his fine pork products sold in the local markets. Look for deals on pork tips all this week. The local militia continued the parade with our very own Sir Walter Brand (Captain) leading 1st Platoon, Company A The Bungwalli Militia. Porters and carts full of supplies brought up the rear of the expedition.
At this point the group will travel down river where they will meet up with the Bungwalli Station Post Office Rifles and local guide Tattushakii of the Wallo-Wallo Poona tribe. Much adventure surely awaits the Lady's Expedition.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Lady%20Esmerelda%201.jpg)
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Where did the great looking truck come from?
BTW, it looks to be a cracking expedition!
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Unfortunately, that truck was purchased from an old RR store and then fixed up so the make and model are unknow. YOu may be able to find something that works, a Rolls Royce or Model T here at Company B https://company-b-models-and-miniatures.myshopify.com/collections/interwar (https://company-b-models-and-miniatures.myshopify.com/collections/interwar)
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You are off to a great start.
Look forward to the adventures.
Love your figures.
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Seems to me there is some looting planned along the way - given what is back of the pickup truck.
I think, at least in the gaming world, we call that Fun! lol
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The safety and preservation of antiquities, other none nailed down objects, nailed down objects... and their nails is not looting.
I am sure its clearly defined in all the English dictionaries or will be soon...
Its only looting when others do it.
All in all, +1 - this looks like being fun
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Lovely painting, and I do enjoy a good story with characters when they are incorporated into a game.
But the killjoy in me can't help but point out that if 'Pirates of Penzance' was a recent hit, then that (gorgeous) truck they've got is from 50 years or so in the future. Would be kinda like having a Sierra Cosworth in your WW2 games.
I know, I'll shut up. :)
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Really excellent, right up my street! Looking forward to more. :-* :-*
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if 'Pirates of Penzance' was a recent hit, then that (gorgeous) truck they've got is from 50 years or so in the future
Yes, I thought about this when I made the post. I realize the truck is from the wrong period, but it was in the pic I needed of the figures. So, I went with it. Thanks for letting me get by with it. It has also garnered a lot of attention at this point, so I think it adds to the post rather than takes away.
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Fantastic! I love this and hope to see more!
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Second Bottomly Expedition Travels Down River
Bungwalli River, Bungwalli Province – It was a glorious day as Dame Bottomly, member of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and credited with identifying the striking Tlaloc Masdevallia Orchid from Mount Tlaloc in Mexico which she found while travelling with her brother, today, boarded the riverboat SS Princess Queen. Accompanied by her batman, maid, cook and senior members of the expedition including Major Royce Adelbert Connaught, of the Munster Connaught’s, the Governor, Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton, and Sir Walter Brand (Captain). They are to travel down river by boat to Bungwalli Station, there to be joined by the expedition, next week, when it can traverse the distance by the land route.
It is here at Bungwalli Station that the true search for the missing elder Bottomly will truly begin. After a few days to rest and resupply the expedition will strike off through the Plains of the He-He Poona, and into the wilds of the Bungwalli Province. It was there that Lord Sir Harry Bottomly disappeared when his large yellow balloon succumbed to disaster over a year ago. Many believe that Sir Harry is truly gone at this point, however, rumours and sightings have persisted in the previous months.
Captain William Noestone, of the Princess Queen and former US Navy commander, welcomed the expedition leaders aboard. “There is not much freight moving up and down this river at this point, except for the slavers, with whom I do not consort. So a lucrative contract like this one will surely make my year. The old Queen needs a new paddlewheel and this fare along with any money I can win at the poker table over the next few days will serve her well.”
It seems that the economic impact of this Second Bottomly Expedition cannot be over emphasized.
Relations with the He-He Poona have worsened since the disappearance of Lord Sir Harry over the past year. It seems that the local tribesmen believe that incursions by treasure seekers, hunting for Lord Sir Harry, and the upgrading of patrols by local militia and even British Army soldiers have turned their lands into “a stream of rushing water of unwanted interlopers”.
In an obtrusively political maneuver, the Governor has taken the event of the Second Bottomly Expedition to send an ultimatum to the He-He tribe chief. It appears the Governor has sent Reverend Beaton and his lovely daughter Pauline, who as recently as last year was betrothed to Lord Sir Harry himself. Our readers will recall, it was also these two who caused a stir with Chief Ubbo-Ubbu on their last visit to the He-He tribe. In that case, the Chief assumed, erroneously, that Miss Pauline Beaton, fiancé of ardent adventurer and pioneer of women’s suffrage; Lord Sir Harry Bottomly, was part of the gift of trinkets and beads being given as a sign of friendship by circus mogul P.T. Barnum. The situation was not helped by Reverend Beaton’s loud and exuberant descriptions of the damnation awaiting heathens and pagans everywhere. It was, however, the slap delivered to the Chief’s face by an incensed Miss Beaton which caused the situation to deteriorate and precipitated a hasty retreat back to civilization. It is a wonder these two were once again chosen as emissaries by the Governor based on their last interactions with the tribe.
For their current errand, it appears that the Governor has tasked these two with approaching the chief and telling Ubba-Ubba, "...to disband his warriors and keep to their kraals." The Chief was to be told that acceptance of this order would curry peace with the local government, or at least keep them from interfering while the latest expedition moves through the region. Tensions are running high, and Dame Bottomly may be sailing down a river of despair into rapids of contention.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Princess%20Queen.jpg)
Stock Photo Courtesy Felicity Fitzpatrick
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"The old Queen needs a new paddlewheel"? Well, here we go again - in the delightful world of silliness in our miniatures games. The Princess Queen (can there be such a thing) in need of a paddlewheel when by all appearances she is a screw driven craft? I look forward to seeing the craft - if it survives the expedition - outfitted with a paddlewheel!
Now, me being me, I fully expect to see a veritable panoply of African wildlife encountered a long the way (and, given some of the anachronisms already, some non-African wildlife even).
[As a measure of my madness for critters, I finished on the last day in October painting 194 wildebeest, in 15 mm naturally - but still in need of bases being textured so no photos just yet.]
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Excellent update. Keep them coming. Love the boat. :-*
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Bungwalli Station has Visitors
Bungwalli Station, Bungwalli Province – Today the main force of the Second Bottomly Expedition finally marched into Bungwalli Station. They were met by the Bungwalli Station Postal Rifles who were lined up at parade rest in the yard surrounding the Post Station. The truth of the matter is that it is through the mail that the Empire flows. This was not the case today as the soldiers of the 83rd Royal Irish Rifles advised our own Major Ripperton that they had lost the Post bag on the trip up river. After It was forgotten to be stowed on the SS Princess Queen with its passengers the 83rd Royal Irish Rifles had taken responsibility for the mailbag and had put it with their baggage. However, it seems fodder was required to start the cooking fires on the third day out and the Postal bag was mistakenly used.
Sergeant Smothers, the camp cook reported, “I noticed the fires started well that morning but also that the first test cricket was occurring against Australia. I didn’t realize the handwritten note wasn’t for me but rather one William John McClleland. We of course figured that out later.”
Dame Esmeralda appeared on the scene and the troops were arrayed in parade to be inspected by the officers before digging out their tents and setting up camp. The Post Office now looks like a circus ground with gaily painted tents circling the small building. The expedition settled down for a chance to recover after their weeklong march down from the capitol.
It was at this point that Tattushakii of the Wallo-Wallo Poona tribe made his appearance. He strode into town from out of the veldt land. He cut a striking appearance, his hair arrayed with ostrich feathers, scars streaked his left cheek and he clutched a weathered spear in his right hand. Across his shoulders the pelt of a large lion kept the dust from his skin. At the edge of camp he was met by sentries who ushered him in to meet with Dame Bottomly and the officers. I have attached a photograph of the expedition leaders on the occasion of this auspicious meeting.
Within the week the expedition will head out across the veldt to see the location of the wreckage of Sir Harry's balloon. This will be the first chance for Dame Esmerelda to truly pick up the trail.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Camp%20pic.jpg)
Dame Bottomly has been camped in town for the past week.
Stock Photo by Felicity Fitzpatrick
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A proper lady does want her bath. But pity the poor beasts, two or four legged, that had to deal with getting a cast iron stove with ceramic lining to camp - replete with a shower head - and what appears to be a rather skimpy shower curtain that just might be opaque. I do hope the Rifles are at drill during bath time - for the ladies' honor. (Assuming they have it, of course. lol)
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On the Trail of Sir Harry
Bungwalli Province, Bungwalli Land – Today the Second Bottomly Expedition marched out from Bungwalli Station. The camp was alive with movement early in the day. The cooking fires had been alight for an hour and as the sun rose mess was served to the men. Fish and gruel were on the menu for the day.
The SS Princess Queen had stayed moored at the Station dock since its arrival three days earlier. Candles and lanterns burned well into the night as the officers engaged in their final night of card playing and revelry. Late in the evening and after much ribald discussion Dame Bottomly, who filed the paperwork for Thomas Edison to get his patent for the Mimeograph. Edison remarked, “without Esmeralda my work would lack passion and focus.” On this night the Dame was convinced to sing “Oh dem Golden Slippers” the recent minstrel tune penned by James A Bland. At one point she worked into the lyrics, ‘When we ride out on the veldt in the mourn, there’s old Ripper Ripperton and gov'ner Flunderton, they will beat us a path to find my brother poor.’ These jibs were met with a gusty applause by the officer's mess.
The soldiers were roused and formed into the march column. The 83rd Royal Irish Rifles came first, resplendent in their red coats with white belts and green cuffs. Following closely, 2nd Platoon of Company C of the Bungwalli Poastal Rifles marched out too much applause by the local colonists supporting their men. Dame Esmeralda Bottomly wore a wide brimmed hat designed to keep the sun off her golden main. Her dappled mare, Nostromo, carried her as gracefully as a princess into the wild plains of upper Bungwalli Land province. Today she had her Martini Henry strapped across the saddle for easy access if needed. She was accompanied closely by her batman along with Major Ripperton, Major Royce Adelbert Connaught, of the Munster Connaught’s, and the Governor, Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton each mounted on their own fine-looking horse. Following them was a Naval Landing Party with a 3-pound mountain gun, pulled by a team of mules. The local militia continued the parade with our very own Sir Walter Brand (Captain) leading 1st Platoon, Company A the Bungwalli Militia. Porters and carts full of supplies brought up the rear of the expedition.
Reverend Beaton and his lovely daughter Pauline, who you will remember won the Miss Bungwalli Pie Eating Contest in 79, turned up at this point. They were charging into town on the Reverend’s donkey drawn cart. The Reverend stopped and spoke with Dame Bottomly, who defeated Nelly Saunders as one of the first female boxers in the sport. He was warning the Dame of his recent interview with Chief Ubbo-Ubbu. “I saw them you know. All his warriors, mind. They were not getting together to feed the livestock neither. They only have one thing on their minds. At least that was until he married all his eligible bachelors to brides. You know what they have on their minds at that point, and then he will march them off to war. Repent sinners for the end is upon us!” With this the Reverend and his daughter continued on their way to their mission at Point Bagend Station, where the mail stops. No, literally it stops there. It’s the furthest point the mail travels within the Empire.
Dame Bottomly, who it will be remembered took part in the first winter ascent of Aneto, highest mountain in the Pyrenees in March of 1878, would not accept this news as a reason to hinder her from finding her brother. She turned to her officers and ordered, “Mr. Ripperton send the outriders.” She then turned and continued her march out of the Station. The expedition is on its way.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Lady%20E%20Marching(1).jpg)
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Sorry for the delay folks, we been busy shipping our 1066 figures. On with the story!
Second Bottomly Expedition Reaches the Crossroads
The Second Bottomly Expedition has made it to the crossroads deep within the He-He Poona territory. From here they can turn toward the mountains or continue deeper into the He-He lands. Of course the crossroads also lead to the the German port of KaiserBismarkburgenschloss but Dame Bottomly, who was inducted as Dame Commander into the order of the Bath by Queen Victoria, is not expected to go in that direction.
It was here that the Expedition collided with Tibbo Tub. Many of you will know this man, who trades in human lives as a profession. He was coming along the road from the mountains where you will know the fastness of the Mad Muhla is located. Tethered behind his cart was no fewer than fourteen brave Poona tribesmen from the Walla-Walla tribe. This was a situation that Dame Bottomly, who traveled with Gordon in Egypt, when he was Governor-general of the Sudan attempting to initiate his reforms and abolish the slave trade, could not stand toward.
“You are no more than a mumbling cove. I dealt with you in the Sudan with Pasha Gordon and I will deal with you in the same manner this afternoon.” The Dame looked around to me where I clutched my writing utensils and paper. “Major Ripperton, release these men from their bondage and send this one,” she raised a droll hand and pointed at the Arabic slaver, ”send him away back the way he has come.”
Major Ripperton flew into action, taking a squad of men and forcing the erstwhile slave trader and his guards to turn about and be gone back down the road they had entered upon.
At this point Tattushakii of the Wallo-Wallo Poona tribe came striding back into camp. He had been out surveying the area around the crossroads. "Men of the He-He Poona tribe come. There is many. Prepare your men for battle." We could not see any of the wild warriors, but they are known to strike with stealth and in fury. The officers bark out orders and the men are hustling to create a defensive perimeter about the small nest of buildings at the crossroads. I fear combat is imminent.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads1(1).jpg)
Men of the Postal Rifles ready for battle beside the men of the 83rd Irish Rifles.
Up Next: The Battle at the Crossroads AAR
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The Battle at the Crossroads AAR
Lady Esmeralda and her expedition set up in a defensive perimeter surrounding the British Village but were not allowed to go across the road. The He-He Poona tribe advanced from off the opposite table edge. Two Poona units were allowed to set up in ambush in the high grass on either side of the northern most road. The Kraal was left empty. Lady Esmeralda had direct control of the newly acquired Walla-Walla warriors who had pledged their lives to protect her, based on them being freed from the slaver. The 83rd Irish Rifles are considered Elite. The He-He Poona had two regiments of Married Warriors that were considered Fierce and got extra dice in Melee.
Lady Bottomly was tasked with defending the village and keeping casualties down so that she could continue on in the expedition. The He-He Poona were tasked with burning the three European style buildings down, so that Chief Ubbu-Ubbo could claim the tribe was defending its borders from incursion by the dreaded pale men.
This game was a play test of our new Bungwalli Land rules for colonial gaming. They are based on the Pulp Figures Rugged Adventures rules but expanded with concepts from our Flint and Feather Contact rules to make a larger scale game. The rules worked well but do need some smoothing.
Set-up
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads1(1).jpg)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads2.jpg)
The Bottomly Expedition sets up around the European houses and across the road from the Kraal. It is Major Royce Adelbert Connaught's intention to push forward into the abandoned Kraal and use it as a defensive position. The Postal Rifles (pictured in green uniforms) spent most of the afternoon stuck in position and waiting for others to act. Major Ripperton seems to have mellowed or perhaps he was suffering from too much drink during the evening before, we will not know for sure.
The rules use a variable activation concept that needs to be sorted out fully. First lesson learned.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads3.jpg)
The He-He Poona tribesmen advance across the open veldt toward the Bottomly Expedition.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads5.jpg)
The 83rd Royal Irish Rifles are able to advance into the Kraal and take up defensive firing positions behind the Kraal walls.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads6.jpg)
The view about the village, showing the British gun position and the Bungwalli Land Militia (in their tan uniforms) lead by Governor Flunderton in position in the barn.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads7.jpg)
Lady Esmeralda accompanied by her Batman, maid and butler along with her newly befriended Walla-Walla tribe warriors.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads10.jpg)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads11.jpg)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads12.jpg)
The He-He Poona regiments advance and start the buildings on fire as the Postal Rifles watch on helplessly. Their initiative is found lacking on this day.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/crossroads13.jpg)
The defense of the Kraal was never in doubt but then again, the He-He Poona did not have this as a requirement of victory, so they did not threaten the position too harshly simply preferring to display a force in front of the British to keep them pinned in place.
The game ended in a draw as the He-He happily burned the European village to the ground and then turned around and went home. British casualties were minimal so Lady Esmeralda will continue on her expedition in search of her brother. A stray bullet hit and killed Ubbu-Ubbo, that being the biggest loss for the day.
Next - Forward Pushes the Expedition!
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Splendid fun :)
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Well, well. The action is flying.
Now as to flies, and the-tse, do Indian elephants resist the sleeping sickness? Or was some member of the expedition, with a foolish amount of bravery, trying to 'domesticate' African elephants? While glad to see the 'wild' life, seems a very dangerous undertaking if those are, indeed, African elephants.
Waiting for more.
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Well done! Very nice indeed!
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Well, well. The action is flying.
Now as to flies, and the-tse, do Indian elephants resist the sleeping sickness? Or was some member of the expedition, with a foolish amount of bravery, trying to 'domesticate' African elephants? While glad to see the 'wild' life, seems a very dangerous undertaking if those are, indeed, African elephants.
Waiting for more.
In 1880 Mr F Falkner Carter lead the Royal Belgian Elephant Expedition, out of Dar es Salaam, they had brought Elephants from Indian thinking they would be the perfect draft animals apparently the Indian elephants didn't take to well to the African climate and most of the died quite quickly.
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Nice thread. I'm loving the steam launch :-*
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Diablo Jon,
Thanks for the information on the Indian elephants - not aware of that. And not surprised they didn't survive. Of course, for games, we can do as we like I suppose. I know I have some pack elephants that might make an appearance in my Slightly Cracked Colonials.
Or maybe I'll set games in that Demi-continent south of India, east of Africa, west of Australia, and north of Antacrtica! It is well known that animals from all four locations have been found in that rather odd land. ;)
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Oh my! What will they do without Ubbu-Ubbo? In any event the show, or in this case the expedition, must go on...
Carry on, lad!
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Such fantastic work. I've just read all the entries in one go, of course you're really enjoying making it grow. And I can assure you, that you have also made me have a good time reading it. Wishing to know more about the adventures of our brave protagonist.
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Lee is doing a great job with this thread! I thought I would show a few of the specific character sculpts from the Bungwalliland cast:
Left, Colonel Ripperton
Centre, Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton
Right, Brigadier Snarlingham Gout
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Great fun !
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Some newly painted chaps:
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Wow! Are these new figures? Could not find them in the Pulp figures catalogue?
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I like good stories and surely this is one to love! :-* :-* :-*
I will follow with great expectations!
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I need a 15 mm variation of Flunderton - but German! lol. Cool figures.
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Those British chaps look great!
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Wow! Are these new figures? Could not find them in the Pulp figures catalogue?
They are a new Range that will initially release through a Kickstarter launching at Adepticon this March.
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Larger pics of Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton (red) and Brigadier Snarlingham Gout.
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They are a new Range that will initially release through a Kickstarter launching at Adepticon this March.
Sweet! ;D
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(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Flunderton%20and%20Gout.jpg)
Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton and Brigadier Snarlingham Gout on campaign in the Poona Veldt
The Man on the Horse - Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton
Bungwalliland Province, Bungwalliland - Sir Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton has been serving the British people since he joined the officer corps by purchasing a commision in November 1846 into the Grenadier Guards as an ensign and lieutenant. He was promoted to lieutenant and captain in 1850, and became aide-de-camp in 1853 to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Lord Eglinton, and then to the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland, Sir Edward Blakeney, from 1855 to 1859. In 1875 after a mostly innocuous career he was appointed Governor and military Commander-in-Chief of Bungwalliland.
This reporter was lucky enough to sit down with the General in conversation during one long winded evening in the wilds of the Poona Veldt. I had my notebook at hand and a stiff bottle of brandy which I had purloined from a burly Sergeant Major only the day before. Most of what I was able to learn about the General was untranslatable and garbled. At one point I looked at my Indian sepoy Juwahar and asked, "Is this man speaking english?" Alas, I can confirm that English is the only language the man knows. As you can imagine I was well out of sorts.
However in a moment of clarity I got this notable statement from the man, "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, brr, brrgh, brr, when his work is done, I guaran damn tee, his aim fulfilled, they will say: cripes, we did it ourselves. I have lived my whole bum woolly career by this axiom, mostly behind the lines and in a comfortable chair. I am not too doggone unwilling to let you know, this damn horse is killing my buttocks. If it wasn't for that shucks be darned Lady Bottomly, none of us would be out here you know."
He concluded his thoughts in a clearly visceral moment, "Henry Bottomly is the one of the best gosh darn men I know. He was responsible for putting down that broo ha ha wackid Mad Guru rebellion early in the establishment of Bungwalliland you know fer certain, and he brews a mean dandelion wine. If anyone is worth finding it is that darnable man, and that is fur sure why we are out here."
Now you know, a little bit more about the man on campaign, the man on the horse leading the column into the wilds of Bungwalliland.
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(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/dame%20Esmerelda.png)
The Expedition Turns North
Bungwalliland Province, Bungwalliland -The last embers from the watch fires illuminated the smoking hulks of the buildings in the crossroads villa. By a force of great struggle, and buckets from the local well, the men of the Bungwalli Land Militia were able to preserve the barn. This act provided some creature comforts to the leaders of the expedition as the officers played a Beggar-my-neighbor tournament into the wee hours of the morning.
It was during this tournament that the decision was made for the expedition to turn north and travel along the main road into the highlands and off the veldt plains of the Poona.
"It seems the He-He have worked themselves into a ho ho over the fact that you want to find your missing brother, my lady," reported Major Royce Adelbert Connaught, who is known for his fine collection of bumble bee larvae. "May I suggest we search into the highlands were it is rumored your brother was sighted after his balloon went down."
"Grrhoom, grrr, frrra, that seems a bit dodgy based on the mahhd mahdi that crucurrently claims controlling ness over the mountaan fortresses of Jagdishpur," Governor Flunderton, you will remember is a great supporter of James Murray in his exposition of words in Oxford.
"Is this the same man who enslaves the locals with his religious beliefs?" asked Lady Esmeralda, who's work with Bradley on British Idealism at Merton College will forever be a footnote in history.
"Ah, yes my lady." piped in Major Ripperton as he downed a glass of the hard stuff. "And a more scruffy ner do well you will not meet. I saw him one time in the streets. He was working the imported Indian workers into a frenzy. We arrested him and forced him out of the station without a doubt. But those eyes my lady, I will never forget those eyes. They glowed with the fires of conviction they did."
"Conviction you say?" Lady Esmeralda spoke. "My conviction is to find my brother and bring him back alive. On this conviction the whole expedition turns. I have traveled the world round and never yet have I met a man who's conviction can overcome a lady's scorn."
She threw back her decanter of cognac in a fierce demonstration and then glared at the men.
"We will go to the Jagdishpur Highlands and find my brother there."
It was with this statement that the die was cast, the path was set, the road had been chosen. It was to be north. North to the highlands that the expedition would now turn.
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If that pic is indeed Lady Esmeralda, ,methinks she can take care of herself.
Looking forward to dispatches from their northward trek...
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Great inspiration for one of my favourite gaming periods, Colonial Imagi-nation. I shall be another following the expedition with interest.
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Beautifully painted.
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A Rider on the Road
The Second Bottomly Expedition was up early this morning. The men were pitching the tents, amid the rumble of hammers, rope lines and folding canvas. The voices of the NCO’s worked the men into a frenzy, with the goal of getting them on the road before the rays of the veldt sun could overheat the fur on the yoked ox teams.
The thoroughness and ability of the soldiers to tear down the camp and proceed out on a long day's march in such a positive and fastidious manner brings a joy to this writer's heart. The splendour of the English Colonial Empire marched forth into the raging wilderness of the hostile infidel with the single-minded purpose of a nest of ants, to find and bring home the missing brother of the Bottomly family. Let us not forget the intendedly purposeful mission and absolute dedication of the loving sister of Sir Harry Bottomly, who all will remember is the acting honorary secretary of the Charity Organisation Society led by Helen Bosanquet and Octavia Hill which was founded in London in 1869 and supported the concept of self-help and limited government intervention to deal with the effects of poverty. For the last years he has been performing his duties in absentia.
It was about mid-day, the slopes of the craggy hills leading to the far-off escarpment providing a beautiful back drop for marching across the heat stroked veldt. The men had finished up a fine little marching tune, a rendition of the British Grenadiers played on the fife and drum no more than a minute or two before a rider came galloping forward out of the swirling heat of the plains.
It was Major Ripperton and his colour party that trundled out to meet the incoming rider. The Major reigned in not more than a thousand feet from the rider who abruptly stopped and signed to our fearless officer with a bow of the head and reached out his hand with a letter. The Major opened the letter before trotting his stallion to the where the other officers awaited his arrival. The colour party remained with the rider at stiff attention and warded the man.
I was able to catch parts of the conversation amongthe officer corps as I moved to the scene.
“He is obviously a Pashwan tribesman but he brings a letter sealed with the stamp of His Majesty’s Army,” Major Ripperton was telling the officers.
“Well, don’t keep it as a surprise man, what does it say?” Blundered Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton, a man as you all know is known for his crisp, to the point, action-oriented stance in many situations.
“It’s from a Lieutenant Arnold Chelmsly Helmsford of the 8th Dragoons. He claims elements of a religious group have invested the Fort at Peni Pal!” Ripperton snorted out.
“Peni Pal, why that’s no more than a goat path surrounded by boulders. Why would anyone want to take that dung heap?” Major Royce Adelbert Connaught, of the Munster Connaught’s informed the lot.
“Likely because we are there,” thundered Flunderton back. “Lady, we must relieve the fort.”
“Oh you chaps, wanting to go off to war so easily, tusk tusk.” The Lady crowed.
“It does hold the top of the pass we are travelling up and basically keeps a watch on that entrance to Bungwalli Province. We our going that way anyway Dame Bottomly.” Flunderton protested.
“Right. Let’s see what is up when we get a foot up the bluff,” replied the Lady.
With those final words the men stopped for a quick lunch of salted meat and hard bread, and of course a rum to forestall their thirst. They would continue the march after all was put in order.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Lady%20Esmerelda%201.jpg)
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Very interesting. And now, we all wait for news from Peni Pal.... ;)
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Into the Peni Pal Pass
It was with a hop in their step and a song on their lips that the men and woman of the Second Bottomly Expedition started up the Peni Pal Pass this day. The heat of the veldt dwindled behind them as they moved into the higher climes of the Pass. Lady Esmeralda, as our readers will remember is known for leading British troops into the fight at the battle of Ulundi. Today she was leading her men into the pass, following close on behind the mounts of the scouts and the scouts who advanced at the lead of the column.
Deep in the pass, the ascent is difficult, and the hills are monotonous grey stone. My eyes continually scan the tops of the ridges, looking for what I do not know. But the men say the hills are alive and moving. Surely, they refer to the local tribesmen, but as so far, I have not seen any peoples.
Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton, who you all will remember won the prestigious Top Score of 1869 at the Oxfordshire Shooting Club, told me about the local Pashwan tribes in his own inimitable way.
“You should know, brummm, hmmmm or in the very least let your readers know that the Pashwan, or as we call them Pathans, believe in two things greatly. Meaning their life is reflected on the hills of the highlands by these recalcitrant traits. And I list, Mmmm, Mmmm, Number one, and important to our little colony is that of hospitality which allows us to join with them in their territory. The second is swift revenge, which is where we fall afoul of these peoples. You can imagine that we as Englishmen, being the ham-handed sots we are, can be found sometimes at fault in how we deal with them. Brrrrmm, base, the resulting toxic mix is a volatile situation which is only one mad guru away from being a bing bong. You can imagine.”
I have of course cleaned up the Generals comments, but I believe this is the jist of what he was trying to enunciate.
“Furthermore, brmmm, booo this Chelmsly Helmsford fellow up there at top must have done something to stir up the Pashwan types. I mean you can’t just be a madman and lead a bunch of local types into revolt unless you are given something to latch onto. Mmmmm, what that would be is beyond me and likely really pffft worthy, but enough for them.”
During our march to the top, we could see tribesmen lurking in the hills above us. They
seemed to march their goats up the ridge and then march them back down again. Surely these fine folks were just making a living by herding their livestock.
It was at this point that a large horned wild ram made an appearance on the crown of a ridge. Major Ripperton, who you will remember is an avid big game hunter and noted avant-garde guard poet, took up his Sharps Model 1874 rifle and charged up the bluff. It didn’t take long for the wild Billy goat to come charging down the near cliff face at the recalcitrant hunter. Ripperton dispatched the beast with one booming shot from his rifle.
“It was a dead easy shot I say, I could have made it in my sleep and now we will have roast mutton for dinner this evening,” Ripperton pointed out with practiced ease as the men trussed the ram to bring it down the hill.
Life on the expedition could not get any more glamorous than this.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Pina%20Pal%20column.jpg)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Pina%20Pal%20Column3.jpg)
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...Life on the expedition could not get any more glamorous than this.
Yes, well, I suspect it may get a bit less glamorous as events transpire...
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Looks like great fun, can't wait to get my wargames room in a liveable state and do stuff like this.
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Sorry my posts have slowed down. I am busily painting Afghans, Pulp Thuggee and Dervishes for the battle at Peni Pal. In the Bungwalliland universe the British have brought workers from India to mine King Solomon’s mine. These peoples are of course subject to the rallying of the Mad Guru from Pulp Figures. So these peoples can be worked into a frenzy and encouraged to rebel against the British administration. This is what is occurring at Peni Pal, thus setting up a relief of the garrison scenario. We will be playing this out once I have enough figures painted.
We have also been playtesting the Bungwalliland rules. They are in much better shape then from the last game.
They are a mix of the Rugged Adventure rules, using ten sided dice and the combat system from that rule set. I have mixed it in with our Flint and Feather rules, for activation and Unit creation.
Both systems have been slimmed down so you can play 50-150 figures per side and get a result in a few hours.
We will also be producing a scenario book that will cover the scenarios from the first and second Bottomly expeditions.
I am at the point where I feel comfortable offering these books as a new release KS build.
Stay tuned for the Relief of Peni Pal play through.
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So here are some pics of the Mad Guru and his henchmen that I have been painting for the Peni Pal scenario. They represent our Thuggee cult which has come to Bungwalliland with miners to work King Solomon's mines for the British government.
These figures are all Pulp Figures from the PBT line.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/mad%20guru2.jpg)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/mad%20guru1.jpg)
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Well done.
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We have been playtesting the rules and they have come along nicely. I am working with Mike M on these rules and he really knows how to put things together. We have meshed in a bunch of rules that work nicely would be considered "popular" aspects of modern gaming rules. Some highlights include:
1. An activation system that doesn't allow you to do everything you want on every turn but also supplies flexibility so you do not feel cheated by the system.
2. Flexible unit creation system including Heros of note that can effect the battle in "cinematic" ways.
3. A shooting system based on flint and feather and Rugged Adventures, which is based in that old rule system called Charlie Company, that allows for hits and the opportunity for the defender to roll off his own fate.
4. Hits cause Dodge back, losing a turn, suppression, which effects morale, and wounds and kills. So wounded figures become important to the game, and can be healed and put back into action. It is also reminiscent of rules from the past that have created a solid foundation for modern gaming.
5. Close combat that can be overwhelming.
6. Fieldcraft skill that allows spotting of hidden units and keeps some aspects of hidden dread that players need to be conscious of in order to be successful.
We are also using a simple card draw campaign system that I have created to come up with a narrative type campaign if you want to use them. The Mahdi was tasked with Wardrums and had to stay in the village for four turns. The British had to discover the Lost Ruins and spend four turns checking them out. The Mahdi only beat out the British by one turn. Both sides were then given the option to destroy their opponent.
We have chosen the best representation of modern gaming that we could with also keeping an eye on what has come from the past in order to create a truly comprehensive set of rules which provides for many decision points for players during the game.
If any of this interests you, please contact me for a set of "playtest" rules. We would value input from the community.
Here are some pictures from our playtest.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Playtest2.jpg)
The Mahdi forces were tasked with Wardrums, they were recruiting in the local village.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest5.jpg)
They moved their bombards into position on the hill, to pound the British Column.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest6.jpg)
Mahdi Cavalry and some musket armed troops stick to cover to try and whittle down the British Column while getting protection. Kind of like they were reported to perform in the deserts of the Soudan.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest3.jpg)
Massing for the assualt.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest4.jpg)
The British Column creates a firing line.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest8.jpg)
The left flank of the British Colunm in a firing line. Of course the flank is threatened by Mahdi Cavalry and the end of the line needs to be anchored on a slight burm. Cover and concealment in the game mean less damage from shooting.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest7.jpg)
The British Column is tasked with checking out the Lost Ruins. The Highlanders were dispatched to do the required reconnaissance.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/playtest9.jpg)
A view of the Lost Ruins, because it is really cool terrain bought at the Pet Store for the Aquarium. You can see a turn marker dice in use and also a damage wheel used to record Suppression on the unit.
We used Mike's 20mm figures for this playtest because he has access to all kinds of troops. Unfortunately, he converted his colonial British to home guard troops a few years ago so they are pictured here with the home guard cap rather than the pith helmet. The rules however are being written for 28mm figures. They work fine with either scale.
Any feedback or questions would be appreciated as move forward on this project. Thanks.
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A dispatch from the Bungwalli-Station Telegraph
General Lord Rimsgate has arrived in Bungwalli Station to join the search for his childhood chum, missing explorer Sir Harry Bottomly-the only man to successfully descend into the stygian depths of Lake Winnipeg using his patented Bottomly Bathysphere.
The General will be staying, for now, at the Bottomly Plantation Estate where-in he has announced that he will be hosting a ball for the Station’s notables, including the Reverend Beaton and his daughter, Sir Harry’s fiancé, Pauline. It has been rumored that Lord Rimsgate was at one time a rival for the lovely Pauline’s attentions. Lord Rimsgate assures everyone that the Bottomly wine cellars will be opened for this splendid occasion as, “That’s what Harry would have wanted.”
Sir Harry’s Estate Major Domo Higgins could not be reached for comment as he has been rather expediently dispatched to the mother country to see to an ailing aunt. So fast in fact that he neglected to give Lord Rimsgate the key to the cellars. However, this situation has been rectified by the General’s accompanying seven-pound smoothbore cannon.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1066miniatures/steam-pulp-zulu-war/
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Lovely gun and crew. Hope they didn't break any bottles while they were gaining access to the cellars...
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I think they had to take the wheels off to get it down the stairs but in my mind the hallway was long and the wine cellar door was stout.
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https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1066miniatures/steam-pulp-zulu-war/
A dispatch from the Bungwalli-Station Telegraph
Niles Joins Zulus
A messenger arrived from the Zulu Colony of Bungwalliland bearing a letter from Major Ozmond Niles of the Bungwalli Station Post Office Rifles. In this letter, Major Niles relates that he and the Rifles were instrumental in assisting the Poona Zulus defend their Krall against a rampaging herd of rhinoceros, intoxicated on the infamous hallucinogenic jumba weed. The beasts were trampling crops and property and, most disconcertingly, sleeping in Chief Bonginkosi great hut thereby preventing the business of government from proceeding in an orderly fashion.
As a result, the Poona Zulus have adopted Major Niles and his men as official members of the tribe. Part of the adoption requires the men, now warriors, of the Post Office Rifles to be married to maidens of the tribe in a ceremony this coming week. Major Niles, who normally resides in Bungwalli Station with his mother at their cottage on Primrose Lane, requests that his best Sunday suit be sent with expedient haste. Mrs. Niles was unable to make a comment as she was taken up with a panicked flurry of activity pertaining to wedding invitations and the procurement of an appropriate cake for the occasion.
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A decent dose of hilarity is a proper ingredient in most any war-game - and there seems to be a modicum of it about here.
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https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1066miniatures/steam-pulp-zulu-war/
A dispatch from the Bungwalli-Station Telegraph
Skyward Concerns
Lieutenant Biddle of the Duke of Gildersleeve’s Own Regiment of Engineers, currently stationed in the Cape Colony, has arrived in Bungwalli Station to carry out a survey for the establishment of an airship refuelling depot. It seems that our absent resident Sir Harry Bottomly, egregious progressive and breeder of the winning cucumber varietal at the Imperial Agricultural Exposition in London, had signed an agreement with the Royal Airship Company to make our peaceful community a key stop in the new aerial route to the Subcontinent.
This news has caught the governing body of Bungwalli Station completely by surprise. When reached for comment, Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton stated, “Might not a bunch of unreasonably large gas bags hovering over the region interfere with the grouse shooting?” Mayor Carstairs Fleet was more strident, “Harry had no right to do that. Those airships might bring in all sorts of undesirables. I understand those Americans are all about flying hither, tither and everywhere these days.”
As the Queen’s Hotel is suddenly closed for renovations, Lt. Biddle can be contacted at his bivouac in Mrs. Gusset’s sheep pasture outside of town.
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This is the link for our video reveal of our new logo. A gameplay video is to follow and then more of the project plans. Stay tuned.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_U-ZSqC9VeE&pp=ygUOQ3J1Y2libGUgY3J1c2g%3D (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_U-ZSqC9VeE&pp=ygUOQ3J1Y2libGUgY3J1c2g%3D)
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At the Top of the World or A Night Stuck in the Pass
The Peni Pal Pass, Bungwalliland Province, Bungwalliland – It was with great sucking breaths that we continued up into the pass that lead to Peni Pal. The heat was oppressive and due to continued water breaks the speed of the column slowed to a crawl. It was at this point that Dame Esmeralda Bottomly, who had met Henry Morton Stanley in Boma, during his trip across Africa in October 1877, called a halt for the night.
“Surely the bedding on the gosh darn hard stones, I say, of the peepee pass shall be wholly and truely and completely uncomfortable for the men, but I may just willy peete sleep in the saddle. Wouldn’t be the peeled off darned first or second or perhaps even, brrrm hooom last time I will,” piped in Major General Percival Pinwheel Flunderton, who you all will remember won the prestigious Top Score of 1868 at the Oxfordshire Shooting Club.
As night fell on the pass and the piquet's were placed out in front of the column, strengthened as Dame Bottomly suggested by a fallback position of mealy bags within the first set of sleeping soldiers. No tents were erected as the men found themselves in impossibly close quarters.
It wasn’t too long dark before the first shots were fired at the piquet’s, who promptly fell back on the forward defensive position in accordance with the orders issued for the conduct of outposts in case of night attacks. Four of the piquet had caught up their rifles and run to the rear of the column, with the sudden panic common among young soldiers when first exposed to night attack. They were placed in arrest for retiring without orders. The matter would not have been worth a moment's notice had not a grossly exaggerated account of the affair been telegraphed to England by a correspondent, who was, in consequence, at once recalled. Not this fellow I assure you.
Earlier in the evening Major Ripperton himself, owner of the sailing ship “Twice Galled” which is famous for making the trip around the Horn of Africa in twelve days, had taken a small patrol of the Post Office Rifles up the pass to attempt to make it to the harried defenders of the Peni Pass Station. It was determined by this small group of courageous men that the end of the pass was indeed infested by a “tremendous amount of scruffy looking gentleman, clamouring for a dust up.” They returned to the column without success in their mission but prepared the officers and Dame Bottomly with the best information about the situation they had up until this point.
When asked Dame Bottomly, who you will remember was with Thomas Edison when he demonstrated the phonograph to Scientific America in December 1877. Edison remarked at the time, “the ability to hear the silky tones of Esmerelda's voice when she is off on one of her jaunts kept me at the work until we had an answer.” She replied to me with, “They don’t like it up in em, these fuzzy chaps, and we will show them a right resounding Irish Canadian welcome on the morrow.”
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Pina%20Pal%20Column3.jpg)
With the writing of this article, for your enjoyment, I am looking forward to running the “Relief of Peni Pal Station” Scenario this week. We have set up a game for our shop on Friday to complete this playtest. I have spent months on painting the appropriate figures. The rules have been playtested to a point where we are getting great results, and they are ready to be run for a new crowd. This will bring the project one more step forward in preparation to bringing them out for public consumption. Thanks for all your support so far for our Steam Pulp project.
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With the writing of this article, for your enjoyment, I am looking forward to running the “Relief of Peni Pal Station” Scenario this week. We have set up a game for our shop on Friday to complete this playtest. I have spent months on painting the appropriate figures. The rules have been playtested to a point where we are getting great results, and they are ready to be run for a new crowd. This will bring the project one more step forward in preparation to bringing them out for public consumption. Thanks for all your support so far for our Steam Pulp project.
Yes, well, with the writing of this reply, for your amusement, I, as well as others, of which I am most sure, am looking forward to news regarding the running of the "Relief of Peni Pal Station" scenario this week... :D
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As an aside old chap, we have posted the video of the Colonial Crucible rules. It is a brief run through showing one turn of playing the game. It's purpose is to give you an idea of how the game is played. Please let us know your thoughts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVOJybGif8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWVOJybGif8)
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Colonial%20Crucible%20rules%20Cover%20small.jpg)
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Peni Pal Battle - After Action Report
Peni Pal Pass, Bungwalliland Province, Bungwalliland - It is with great trepidation that I bring you the report on the battle that occurred in and around the British Station at Peni Pal. Lady Bottomly, who, as you are all aware, was a letter writer for the Manchester Society for Women’s Suffrage, marched her column in dizzying array out of the pass and onto the plateau at Peni Pal. The Dame herself led the column with her scant but plucky Poona Poona warriors or her right. On her far-left Major Ripper Ripperton, resplendent in his blue officer's uniform which he obviously chose for the day, led the Postal Rifles in a firm line forward. Next to the Major and between him and the Dame came the Bungwalliland Militia. These local fellows, led by his very own self Major General Percival Pinwhee Flunderton, also resplendent in his blue officers jacket. These lads were grim and determined in their desire to defend their new colony from the unwanted intrusion of a mad Guru gone amok. Coming up behind, in the column, the company of the 83rd Irish, three platoons strong and led by Major Royce Adelbert Connaught, of the Munster Connaught’s. The column made a fine display as it fanned out into drill order and moved forward, coming to a halt at the site of thousands of tribesmen barring the pass and in between the column and the poor 9th Lancers led by Lieutenant Arnold Chelmsly Helmsford who were surrounded in their outpost by the riled tribesman.
As the enemy came into view Flunderton piped up to his men, “What did you gentlemen expect, tea and crumpets! Let’s get this rolling, I hear the curr’s don’t like it up in ‘em. To it!” To which the men answered a rousing hurrah! It was the clearest I had ever heard the old man speak.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal02.jpg)
The Second Bottomly Expedition, laid out before the game.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal01.jpg)
Most of the Mad Guru forces, laid out before the game.
Turn #1 – The Column Advances
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal12.jpg)
The game started with the Initiative for the Bottomly Column. They marched on in order and pushed their tribal warriors out in front of the English soldiers. This was to cause a bottle neck in the pass as the Tribal Warriors had no fire arms.
The column quickly observed the guns on the small hill to their front and fire was effectively directed against these dangerous weapons. The mad Guru commented, “If I had known the rules better I would have set my guns up further back.”
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal09.jpg)
In their half of the turn the mad Guru’s forces came on the board from the two flanks, entering and turning toward the column in order to bring the weight of their forces to bare against the advancing column.
Turn#2 – Ready, Aim, Fire!
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal04.jpg)
In the second turn the men of the column had the tribal warriors charge forward in order to clear their lanes of fire and bring more units under the effect of their scalding rifle fire. The tribal warriors ended up getting into two tussles with two different units of the Mad Guru force. They held their own but were definately taking the worst of the fights. Meanwhile the men of the 83rd and the local militia units were able to bring two of the mad Guru’s units under withering fire.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal06.jpg)
The two most forward of the mad Guru's units were placed well under cover which served to keep some of their figures alive to return fire on the British Column. The mad Guru’s forces continued to close the gap toward the column, and it appeared a big donny brook was going to occur in the upcoming turns.
After Action – We didn’t get through many turns before a large snow storm whipped into the area and we called it a night. The scenario needs some work as the British felt no impetus to move more than eight inches on the board and start blasting away. Probably the safest of strategies but did nothing to relive the men the in the station. This may be solved by placing a turn restriction on the game. We did not play the action at the station, due to lack of players, so we just sawed off one mad Guru unit to stand as a guard over the cavalry unit and garrison at the Peni Pal station. This seemed to work well for our purposes.
We will be playing this game again on the weekend and I will follow up with a second AAR at that point.
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Peni Pal Battle Redoux
We played this scenario again on the weekend. This time with a larger crowd and some new players. They picked up the rules and were running their own action by the end of the day, so that was a good result. They absolutely enjoyed the background to the scenario and the various names of the characters were a hit. It's good to have a good backstory. They did not like the rolling to determine which figure was hit. So that will have to be streamlined. We ran into an interesting situation where a cavalry unit charged out of Ambush to flank a British Unit which then formed square. The cavalry beat the square, but only marginally but it was stuck exposed to flank fire in the next British activation. It worked but seemed like it might be missing the follow on and we may have to work that in. We will discuss. Heck this is what playtesting is for. Other than that a good time was had by all but we didn't get a full resolution. This is a heck of a scenario and needs the opportunity to play it out. Lots of figures involved and lots of excitement going on. So on with the show!
The British defenders of Peni Pal station, stand too as they realize help has appeared to relieve the siege.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal%2023.jpg)
The 2nd Bottomly Column marches onto the table in a ready to form square procession.
You can see Major General Flunderton in the middle of the square. The Bungwalli Station Postal Rifles are in Skirmish order and will pay the butcher bill in the upcoming fighting.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal%2024.jpg)
The Besiegers Stand Ready at their guns!
They have a Bombard in place for the siege. We had to come up with damage rules as the Bombard hit the walls.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/peni%20pal%2022.jpg)
Some Mad Guru Baja Tribal warriors made it into the compound, throwing back their Egyptian opponents off the wall.
The Egyptians on the wall ran off into the desert after a viscous close combat with these fanatical warriors.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal%2027.jpg)
The Column, taking some casualties, made it half way up the table, but not before the enemy was within Peni Pal Station.
The Column was going to make it to the station, but would anyone be left alive?
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal%2028.jpg)
Lady Esmeralda leads the troops forward, but much too slowly for Lt. Helmsford and his men in the station.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal%2029.jpg)
The Mad Guru's horde rounds on the column, ready to do more damage as the game came to an end.
(https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Peni%20Pal%2030(1).jpg)
Up next is a new video to explain our Colonial Crucible Steam Pulp Phase Two project. I am filming that tomorrow. After that I will be down for a bit as I go off to my surgery. However, I will return with more Crucible Crush goodness after that. Thanks for your continued interest and please let me know if you have any positive suggestions.