Five Leagues from the Borderlands - The Gentlemen of Much-Piddling

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Now on the silver screen:

FOR A HANDFUL OF GOLDMARKS
( D i r t y  d e e d s   d o n e  d i r t  c h e a p )

       

Many thanks all, for your kind comments. As Plynkes says, it really is a joy to play this campaign. That first game could have been lost quite quickly, so there was a fair bit of tension in the opening turns. We only played four turns, as it turned out.

We need to do the preparation stage of campaign turn two and then we have a contract to enter a monster lair, which will be our game this Wednesday.

Looking through the Creatures Most Vile chapter, I'm going to need some individual monsters, so I've dusted off a few big boys!



This lot should have the Compagnye quaking in their boots! Hugh Pugh for scale.

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

I suspect that Hugh Pugh will be indenting for a new pair of trousers from the Compagnye Secretarius, after encountering this lot!

[snitcythedog]

Wonderful table and outstanding write up.  Looking forward to more. 

[Doug ex-em4]

Well, what a game we had! I was pleasantly amazed at what an immersive experience it was, playing via video link. The credit goes to Martin (Mad Lord Snapcase) for setting up the visuals and investing in a rather cool microphone - the whole set-up worked more or less seamlessly.

Reading his excellent AAR above had me reliving the game; both the commentary and numerous photos are splendid. And the diary is an inspired addition to the recording of the campaign - I loved it, even though it was rude about Bara’s pithy, incisive and altogether brilliant pre-battle team-talk.

The photo of some of our potential enemies is a bit of a worry. Some serious planning is needed and we have to think carefully about investing some of our meagre store of gold in some better weapons, methinks.

Doug

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Thanks, Doug. I think we are about to get some more ranged weapons.

Don't forget, I'll see you at the Legionary Wargames Show in Exeter, on Saturday 13th. We'll have a Strategic Overview Meeting in the bar!

Just finished painting the ogre (we swapped from the announced werewolf) for Wednesday's contract attempt. We need to get to the market in Fiddling-cum-Nicely and sort out our trading.

Once again, Hugh Pugh for scale.

[Doug ex-em4]

He’s a big boy, isn’t he? Not sure if we will regret swapping him for the cute werewolf….

Looking forward to Exeter. Will you be wearing your customary mankini?

Doug

[Vagabond]

He’s a big boy, isn’t he? Not sure if we will regret swapping him for the cute werewolf….

Humm, I  thought you were advocating facing off to a Werewolf as a more manly act, rather than taking on an Ogre because they were easy.

Tiny doesn't look......easy!

[Doug ex-em4]

Humm, I  thought you were advocating facing off to a Werewolf as a more manly act, rather than taking on an Ogre because they were easy.

Tiny doesn't look......easy!

Indeed - I’m stroking my chin in a thoughtful way at the moment……

Doug

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Looking forward to Exeter. Will you be wearing your customary mankini?

Of course, the fluorescent green one, Old Scrotum (the wrinkled and ancient Snapcase family retainer) is ironing it ready, as we speak.

Tiny doesn't look......easy!

Yes, I think it's fingers-crossed on this one!   

Indeed - I’m stroking my chin in a thoughtful way at the moment……

This sounds like we are getting another masterful master plan from the Master-at-Armes. He is a very masterly man, indeed!   

[Michi]

Of course, the fluorescent green one, Old Scrotum (the wrinkled and ancient Snapcase family retainer) is ironing it ready, as we speak.

I was lucky to find a photo of you from a few years ago, when you preferred fluorescent pink ones and a closer shave... 

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

I was lucky to find a photo of you from a few years ago, when you preferred fluorescent pink ones and a closer shave... 

Ah, those were the days! I could carry off the look then. Miss Spankhurst (the Snapcase Hall housekeeper) now has to fit a constraining girdle under the mankini, as time has enlarged the Snapcase form.

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

Another visit to the ancient trunk in the attic of the west wing of Snapcase Hall, unveils another oilskin-wrapped packet of timeworn diary papers. A sample here.

[Doug ex-em4]

Another visit to the ancient trunk in the attic of the west wing of Snapcase Hall, unveils another oilskin-wrapped packet of timeworn diary papers. A sample here.

Loving the diaries - although Bara would not appreciate the somewhat disrespectful references. It is true, though, that his distinguished head is abuzz with plans to meet the foe.

Doug

[Mad Lord Snapcase]

although Bara would not appreciate the somewhat disrespectful references

    

The intrepid Compagnye arrives in Lower Straneing, to view a rather bucolic scene. Some of the local yokels have gathered outside the Mottled Earwig, to discuss the aberration. Opinions are divided as to what the monster actually is. Old Jem Custard (with the blue bottle) has seen a two-headed ogre, but no-one else believes the village drunk!



A view of the location.



The scenario needs three Curious Location Markers, shown here as a scroll, a book and a key. The scout (see scenario) will start at the hen house. The entry point for the rest of the Compagnye will be the scrying pool (blue thing, bottom right).



The party pause for refreshment in the Mottled Earwig, after the long walk.



Jerkin Cocklecarrot (the landlord) and his wife  Snorabella, bring forth the foaming tankards. The Compagnye proceeds to stiffen the sinews and summon up the blood. Bara appears distracted, probably starting to work out his master plan. Or maybe it's wind, that Olde Borborygmus ale being served by Jerkin, is a powerful brew!



First look at the scenery for my two colleagues. Tomorrow sees the start of our on-line game in Campaign Turn 2.

[Doug ex-em4]

This is going to be GOOD…..! Can’t wait ‘til tomorrow’s game. Great scene setting, Martin - giving the encounter so much more meaning than a one-off game.

I shall now study the field before descending from a metaphorical Mount Olympus to reveal a master plan.

Doug