Re: Oldhammer In Moria: Back To The Dungeon!

[Mars Miniatures]

Thanks everyone.  

Deafnala,
You might be right!  But its going to be 54mm... so I dont know.  But building 1/35 space pirate ships would be magnificent@!

Ok, below is excerpt from new blog, but I wont dwell on it too much more in this thread.   It will get its own thread when its ready...
Back to the Moria Project... 

---

Some thoughts:
http://mars-morpheus.blogspot.com/2015/08/some-thoughts.html


The new project is going to be using a miniatures campaign system, that Ive had in mind for a while.  Ive been using cards for the Moria Project, but Im ready for something more substantial.

The new system will have more components: Hextiles for the campaign map and an encounter book.  I was inspired after watching Jodorowskys Dune when that came out and wanted to do something that looked like Moebius.  The Rogue Planet rules have new artwork that exemplifies what I want to do, so I might use them just because of that.  Although I might just use the old Inquisitor rules from GW.  Crazy thought, how about I use Dark Heresy for the mechanics...

The campaign rules I have in mind are based roughly on the Runebound board game, Barbarian Prince from the 80s, that Krynn computer game from the 80s, Science vs Pluck campaign for the Sudan, and Kings and Things, and the Carcosa book (which I dont have, but have skimmed through and just remembered now that I want badly, I might just use that as my default setting)...

But the jist of it will be:
- thinking about using 54mm figures, and Rogue Planet and/or Inquisitor for the rules.
- players arrive on a hostile planet (via starship/magic portal) and attempt to survive.
- main characters are magic users that receive power through souls.  thus, they gain power and levels via the deathtoll in battles.  So as the players army slowly dies, its leader becomes more powerful.  The game is unforgiving, your men are dying for you, so that your character gains power from the death toll, both friendly and enemy.
- campaign map is generated by random hex placement.  Hexes are double sided, and intially placed facedown and turned over when entered.
- the tiles have a letter/number that refers to the encounter book passage detailing what is in that location usually leading to a tabletop battle encounter.  Encounters are generated like old school d&d lairs; i.e. 4d6 cave bears d3 wendigos.
- players construct their initial army build via point construction.  As players explore the board, their armies dwindle.  Lost units remain lost.  There are recruitment towns, where some reinforcements may be found, but these are few and far between.
- on the edges of the board are Fabled locations that have their own specific pool of 6 hex counters.  These are the endgame tiles, that players need to defeat to win the game. Each fabled location and their random 6 tiles have a theme that ties into its name; a water location has watery traits, volcano has fiery traits, etc...
- the monster types are generic, so that players might have something that fits that type in their miniature collection.
- the encounter book has a list of all the monsters needed from all the encounter hexes, that way players know what type and how many of each monster is required to play campaign.  encounters will have their number appearing like d&d  4d8 apes.  thus game only ever requires 32 apes at any time.  some locations will have less like 3d6, or 5d4 etc.
- while the player can take their time and gain power by exploring, random roving monster armies appear on the board.  so player must strategize best time to start heading to fabled locations.  
- something about the Fabled locations leading to character Destiny which is a randomized chart which you roll on at the end of the game.  Modifiers are based on how you played the game.  The outcomes lead to immortality and godhood, all the way down to madness and oblivion.  


Much (too much) to ponder,
Mar

[DeafNala]

54 mm is the scale with which I got started war gaming more than fifty years ago. We mostly converted Britains Ltd. minis into 18th century types...if we had left them in their boxes, they'd be worth a fortune. As the one who made the terrain, I can identify with the daunting nature of the beasty. The miniatures take considerably longer to paint also, which is something to consider if you are in a hurry to get to the gaming table.
All that aside, have FUN with the new project...new projects can be WONDERFULLY exciting!

[shadowking1957]

All of it fantastic stuff

[Mars Miniatures]

Welcome To The Jungle Part 1 – Chaos Dwarf Crossbows, Ral Partha Dwarves

Full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-1-chaos-dwarf.html


So on this post we have some newly painted Chaos Dwarf Crossbows and some old school Ral Partha Dwarves.



My growing Chaos Dwarf contingent just got some ranged firepower.


These Ral Partha Dwarves are a bit on the tiny side being true 25mm old school.

For full post see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-1-chaos-dwarf.html

[LordOdo]

Nice looking fellas! 

I guess they'll have to fight a giant ape 

[Mars Miniatures]

Welcome To The Jungle Pt2 - Valley Of The Mon-Keigh

Full Post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-2-in-valley-of.html

Intruders have entered the sacred valley of the Mon-Keigh.

These beasts are Dire Apes and they will not tolerate any trespassers into their territory.


 They tend to attack in waves of 34.
Why 34?  Because thats how many of these guys I bought!
Found a good deal and got them for 50 cents a piece.
I didnt paint anything on them, this is how they already are.
Eerie arent they?  The red eyes and inscrutable expressions...
Are they friendly... or hungry?  Who knows.

Caesar: [to Maurice in sign language and breaking and bundling sticks] Ape alone... weak. Apes together... strong.



For rest of story:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/08/welcome-to-jungle-part-2-in-valley-of.html

Both parts 2 & 3 are up now.

Edit:

Parts 4 & 5 are now up on the blog and finishes the battle report.

[LordOdo]

Ooh I like those monkies!

And so do I like the idea of waves; I'm for sure trying a battle like that once too!

[Mars Miniatures]

Full post:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-long-last-some-actual-mines-in-moria.html

 At Long Last, Some Actual Mines In Moria!
If you are a reader of this blog, you might have noticed posts for the Moria Reclamation Project have been slow lately.  This is not due to disinterest on my part.  Rather, my painting commission business has taken off with spectacular success.   Alas, the negative effect is that Moria posts are at a trickle...

But chin up, my little Dwarves!

Because in between painting hordes of Medievals, battalions of Napoleonics, and armies of Romans, I have managed to sneak in some "me" time and I have completed my Yakkum Mines from Ainsty Castings.  I just realized I didnt take a good overhead pic of how many Mine Tiles I have, but I have enough to cover a 3 foot square area.  Its a good start.

Now to paint up some Dwarf Miners and start mining those precious metals and gems!

So in case you have forgotten, Gimli and company have been searching for Balin by following a map...


 Left to Right (Gloin, Pickles, and Gimli)

Gimli:  Are you reading that map right?
Pickles: (turning map upside down) Umm I think so?  Then again, these mine tunnels are a pretty confusing maze.
Gloin:  Where there are mines...  there must be miners!
Gimli: Well, Pickles... keep leading the way.
Gloin: (whispering)  I heard he got lost in his own museum once...


 Left to Right (Nindalf, Pickles, and Grumpy)

Grumpy:  Watch your step!  Someone needs to patch up those floorboards there.  (grumbles) When we drive out all the monsters from Moria, theres going to be alot of renovations needed around here...
Nindalf:  I think its molecular acid that melted through the floor!  Look, I can see at least 10 levels down.  Dont lean too far, you'll fall in!
Pickles:  I think theres a junction ahead...

---

FOR THE FULL STORY:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/09/at-long-last-some-actual-mines-in-moria.html

[LordOdo]

Yayy an update! 

I like the mines, and good to hear about the painting service!

[Mars Miniatures]

Taken from full post with AAR here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/10/squat-trek-episode-1-forgotten-planet.html

Moria 40,000 - Squat Trek Episode 1




Left to Right: Engineer Scotty (with a Conversion Beamer!), Capt Khyrk, Paulie Atreides

"Stardate 43018
My name is Captain Khyrk, commander of the U.S.S. Entenmanns.  While on routine patrol of the Squat Homeworld Defense Perimeter, we were attacked by an unknown and hostile alien fleet that can only be described as... "tentacle-y".


In the center:  Science Officer Spokk (with a trusty Tri-corder)

" Reverse calculating their trajectory, our science officer Mister Spokk had determined the invaders are not from our galaxy, that they had come from the deep darkness of intergalactic space."


In the center: Yoga Master Kenobi


"The vastness of their fleet is beyond comprehension and had destroyed our own without effort.  The four greatest and mightiest of Squat ships were hastily assembled to combat against these aliens which the humans call "Tyranids".  We had decided to call this particular alien incursion as "Hive Fleet Om Nom Nom"."


In the center: Judge Dreddlock (with Hot-Shot Lasgun)

"The USS Pork Cracklins, the USS Mojito and the USS Heineken were all destroyed in the first minutes of the fight.  Only my ship was able to get away, but damaged reactors/failing life supports/hull breaches forced all survivors to abandon ship in the shuttles. "


In the center: Korben Dallas (with a Multipass!)

"The closest planet was a primitive feral planet that was not on any of our starmaps and had no humanoid lifeforms.  This planet was on the DMZ between Squat and Eldar space.  It was probably one of the Forgotten and Forbidden Planets."


Survivors of the USS Entenmanns make planetfall and emerge from the wreckage.

Korben Dallas:  Did anyone think about bringing some of those delish Crumb Cakes from our lost USS Entenmanns?  Im hungry!

Yoga Master Kenobi: Or at least some Romulan Ale!

Korben Dallas: I thought Romulan Ale was against the law?
Judge Dreddlock:  AYYYyy  UMMMmm  DAAAAaa  LAWWWWww....

Korben Dallas: (pats Dredd on his helmet) Yeah, we know buddy.


Capt Khyrk:  There... they are!  Its... those... psychotic... Genestealers again!  They... must... have... followed us to this planet!


For full post see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/10/squat-trek-episode-1-forgotten-planet.html

[DeafNala]

The minis & terrain look TERRIFIC...I always loved the Dwarfs In Space!, but shouldn't this be in the Future Wars Section?

[LordOdo]

Not a real Sci-Fi fan, but hey I didn't like dwarfs before your fantastic thread either! It looks promising already!

Cool little guys, hope they'll find a nice place to live now their homes are destroyed..

[Mars Miniatures]

Seasons Greetings From The Dwarves Of Moria

Taken from post here at
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2015/12/seasons-greetings-from-dwarves-of-moria.html




Contrary to popular belief, Moria is not yet dead.  (Not even mostly dead...)


Distant stirrings and rumors of longbeards and their fat stuntie feet abound in that dark dank undermountain kingdom.  The faint sounds of beer steins clinking and forks on plates laden with mutton chop can be heard.  And soon, the tide of good ole Dwarven industry will once again populate this once forgotten city.


This blog has been quiet, it is true, but not for lack of trying.  In the absence of new posts, this Dwarf loving heart has dreamt of all the good plans that will unfold in due time. In fact, the doors are set to burst with new arrivals and battle reports in the new year.


I couldnt let the year end without at least one more new Moria related post to send off 2015.

Luckily, I have had these fellas below painted from a good month or two ago.  They had not been able to get on camera until now. They have been good lads waiting patiently for their patron to take them out of their storage case.  Well the lights are on, the camera is charged, and I am on my feet again... at last.


May your axe be ever sharp and your mug never empty!


Happy Holidays from Moria,

Mar

 


The Dwarven miners are determined to have some holiday cheer in the face of adversity and certain Orcish invasion.  They are debating which tree would make a good yule totem.  Im not sure Treebeard and the Ents of Fangorn forest would approve.  But then again, it is the the season to be cheerful!  But before axe could be laid to bark, a high shrill whistle resounds and the perfect tree uproots itself and begins walking into the warm and cozy Dwarven hall.  What few Dwarven children remain in Moria are surprised to see a yule totem plant itself right in the middle of the Great Feasting Chamber. 

 

High King Thorgrim Grudgebearer:  Hmm, Im guessing a certain Grey wizard was able to put in a good word in our behalf to the tree folk.

 

Runelord Kragg:  Yes, Sire.  Which means Gandalf could me nearby.  I sure hope he drops into Moria sooner than later.  I could use some lessons in his Fire Magicks.  Could come in handy against that juggernaut of an Orc siege that is about to crush us.

 


Here are some old school Citadel miners from the 80s.

In the center is Foreman Brisket.

He is the bossman (bossdwarf?) of Union Local Number 674 of the Miners Fellowship.


Foreman Brisket:  Big Ass Mug Holder 674, reporting in...

All the Dwarven Miners:  Hooo Ahhh!



On the left is a Hasslefree Dwarf(?) with new fangled eye tech for night vision.  No greenskin is gonna be surprising this well prepared miner.

 

And on the right is a fella with a bucket.  Handy for lugging precious ore around.  Gold nuggets, mithril nuggets, diamonds and rubies.  Hey there fella, what you got in your bucket today?  Oh, well Bugmans Beer will do in a pinch too, I suppose...




And finally we have these 6 miners from the 90s era.  Here at the Moria Reclamation Project we dont discriminate.  All Dwarves of any era and manufacture have a place at our table.  Long as they're willing and able to put an axe into a goblin, they are most definitely welcome.




--------------

 

So there you have it, some fine new additions to the roster here in Moria.  And if you recall from a previous post, these guys really do need to find their way to wherever Gimli is at.  You might recall Gimli and his commanders had just discovered some lovely Mines that need... err... mining.


Until next post! 

Oh I leave you with this little ditty written by a fine old bloke some time ago...



 "O! wandering folk, the summons heed!
Come haste! Come haste! across the waste!
The king of friend and kin has need.
Now call we over mountains cold,
'Come back unto the caverns old'!


Here at the Gates the king awaits,
His hands are rich with gems and gold.
The king is come unto his hall
Under the Mountain dark and tall."

- Song for The King Under The Mountain

[LordOdo]

How I've missed this!! Good to see this thread getting updated again!!

[Mars Miniatures]

Oldhammer Halflings, Hasslefree Dwarves, and New Terrain

Full post here:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/oldhammer-halflings-hasslefree-dwarves.html

Hail fellows and well met!

This blog will be getting some love and updates again.  Huzzah!

Ive been rebasing all my figures from 25mm round to 20mm squares.  That can only mean one thing…  Im moving from skirmish gaming to mass combat fantasy.

This blog started with:

 – 28mm LOTR/Song of Blades/basic D&D dungeon skirmish, then became
 – an Oldhammer 1st edition game blog, with larger and larger units

As my retro lead miniatures collection has grown, my gaming table will now also expand in scope.
Ive got alot of new terrain for battles above ground.  Time to take the battle out of the dungeons, my little stunties. Similar to how Expert D&D to Basic, its about the Overland Wilderness adventure.

The time has also come for my rules set to be upgraded as well.  From now on, the story of the Dwarves of Moria will be told through the lens of…
7th edition Warhammer Fantasy Battle, with the 6th Edition Ravening Hordes booklet for army lists.

Onwards to some pics…


An idyllic farmland on the southern borders of the Shire.  A motley force of Hobbits approaches a group of Dwarves marching to Moria.  They trade news of happenings in the wide world. 


Lobelia Sackville Baggins has taken command of the Shire Militia. 


Despite the fact that most of them are eating, drinking, or smoking pipeweed, the Hobbit Militia can be a dangerous foe.  Especially when motivated by the ever present threat of Lobelia's broom.

For the rest of the post see:
http://mars-miniatures.blogspot.com/2016/05/oldhammer-halflings-hasslefree-dwarves.html