tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33805462276141239302024-03-17T22:10:43.788-04:00Lead Legionaries
Where a love of history and miniature wargaming collides on the tabletop...Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.comBlogger510125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-74379998312833151082024-03-17T15:00:00.004-04:002024-03-17T22:09:02.759-04:00Final Squad for Anadorans Finished - Whole Detachment Pics<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4ZBKC6gIVOmKb5C8tQSqiqLX_hkHr_PX2mLVsiYi_mhqkcqZcmdJfWJqFdFvMtUEpgBYk0_qCpd2_LcwWChVpW-JndagRlmRVcFv1jmJ7_6eYw6bMEmwAEdISd7QlRGBC0oFLQMnFSn1Fc5zKzc0z6HBepDHtushiMKplcgXKuhM6wqAUXhPfrH06r8/s1000/AnadoranDetachmentZoom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1000" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4ZBKC6gIVOmKb5C8tQSqiqLX_hkHr_PX2mLVsiYi_mhqkcqZcmdJfWJqFdFvMtUEpgBYk0_qCpd2_LcwWChVpW-JndagRlmRVcFv1jmJ7_6eYw6bMEmwAEdISd7QlRGBC0oFLQMnFSn1Fc5zKzc0z6HBepDHtushiMKplcgXKuhM6wqAUXhPfrH06r8/w640-h386/AnadoranDetachmentZoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>With the latest squad finished, the Anadoran Detachment for Xenos Rampant is complete!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The final squad of my "blue-skinned aliens" (who I have decided to call Anadorans just now) are finished. So, that's my fourth detachment for Xenos Rampant finished, which means I can start planning our first game. These are once again plastic Stargrave miniatures from one of the Mercenaries boxes. I think I am getting reasonably competent at gluing the various arms, heads, etc., together and making them not looking like mad vivisectionist's nightmare.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1BPnexmgnqvgECiJhZOsFA_xjKyAHHYAXxoSM8aO_f1I209EiKhDpi2fFVceBdESyEN2rmoGdv1RsPeeeSAfxjrzpAkJQ9sAOJv_fz26DisqAZBo2dEH9eWM97W5VIj7Hf75yWPArr-YjaeAq3mxTXCroL3sBTXK5yAtMWTVPl2M_MBpORWTGcyyKQQ/s1000/AnadoranHvyInfy_All5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1BPnexmgnqvgECiJhZOsFA_xjKyAHHYAXxoSM8aO_f1I209EiKhDpi2fFVceBdESyEN2rmoGdv1RsPeeeSAfxjrzpAkJQ9sAOJv_fz26DisqAZBo2dEH9eWM97W5VIj7Hf75yWPArr-YjaeAq3mxTXCroL3sBTXK5yAtMWTVPl2M_MBpORWTGcyyKQQ/w640-h212/AnadoranHvyInfy_All5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The last 5 "blue-skinned alien" Anadorans prowl through a power facility off-world<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>With the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/how-about-some-blue-skinned-aliens-for.html" target="_blank">previous squad</a>, I had exhausted the box's supply of that particular alien head. I had to improvise with other head choices that I thought would look well. Those who look closely will notice these guys actually have relatively human schnozes while the first batch from the Mercenaries box had the much cooler and alien looking sunken noses. Otherwise, I attempted to paint everything identically to the last batch. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjqQxaNWbNsYNQGhr7TEa0eFuV2KgaoGqd66L3hnbfHGBQIPMuX_3TDYBuY6lqnr2NqO6_kJiyoyvPAKJJmlXt89jrLi4Gbso283fgdfIs5ZZU7JC1mB_pKW_TUso_Pc_GrFNTIGRt3La8czUoMxDa_hGiSG9TERWDfRlSvjfVqKvyQqTdoPuMbn9Ut4/s1000/AnadoranHvyInfy_GroupB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="859" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjqQxaNWbNsYNQGhr7TEa0eFuV2KgaoGqd66L3hnbfHGBQIPMuX_3TDYBuY6lqnr2NqO6_kJiyoyvPAKJJmlXt89jrLi4Gbso283fgdfIs5ZZU7JC1mB_pKW_TUso_Pc_GrFNTIGRt3La8czUoMxDa_hGiSG9TERWDfRlSvjfVqKvyQqTdoPuMbn9Ut4/w550-h640/AnadoranHvyInfy_GroupB.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I admit I do like the variety of weapons that you can equip figures with in the Stargrave boxes<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The uniforms were done in craft paint Khaki, with a lighter "Wild Rice" dry brush. I did the straps, ammo pouches, holsters and such in white. The armor panels are done in Iron Wind Metals Steel first, then a craft metallic brown over top. The skin on the faces is a Sky Blue base coat with a wash of watered down Vallejo acrylic medium blue. Any visors are done in Steel again.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXFM6oDV9ozj73RY2EuLCwN8WoutCQXZ4K_BBuex0uTJY8evhQb6gP0ZV_gBCmMRWLYyuqAxbQ1PkNkvTkAP2t2QPWL21MRRMeElVA6mohxlrj7Fj0jcxsINpZtqXNn34RHbjeMhuMnXbFW2-WCtsLZYKOua84RMCvli2q6ATC0qzvD2yT-XlKzLglyw/s1000/AnadoranHvyInfy_GroupA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1000" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXFM6oDV9ozj73RY2EuLCwN8WoutCQXZ4K_BBuex0uTJY8evhQb6gP0ZV_gBCmMRWLYyuqAxbQ1PkNkvTkAP2t2QPWL21MRRMeElVA6mohxlrj7Fj0jcxsINpZtqXNn34RHbjeMhuMnXbFW2-WCtsLZYKOua84RMCvli2q6ATC0qzvD2yT-XlKzLglyw/w640-h470/AnadoranHvyInfy_GroupA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I like the color scheme on the Anadoran uniforms -- not flashy, but practical and utilitarian<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The weapons I followed my usual Sci-Fi formula. I used a craft paint metallic gray for a basecoat and pick out other areas in the metallic brown and a bright silver. The uniforms and straps get a brown wash, while the metal and weapons get a dark black vehicle wash (which I need to order more of ASAP!).<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhPGjAjgDn5OAmGBFQBbcwc7qMokcZ126c-YuWV7md631QW9F71BN3hcBjXhp5XfCpSQ2xFyNDFvQ4bRGoR5WOFiF0IMJ5rd0jbikighQgmgQ8zFK69FAkztvsco3t9vo6pUpl03DscwzFWVCf94ivfwa3unfziLj9ay2BfiZ9nLHgU1_cw1FTjE47Ew/s1000/AnadoranDetachment.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhPGjAjgDn5OAmGBFQBbcwc7qMokcZ126c-YuWV7md631QW9F71BN3hcBjXhp5XfCpSQ2xFyNDFvQ4bRGoR5WOFiF0IMJ5rd0jbikighQgmgQ8zFK69FAkztvsco3t9vo6pUpl03DscwzFWVCf94ivfwa3unfziLj9ay2BfiZ9nLHgU1_cw1FTjE47Ew/w640-h266/AnadoranDetachment.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My entire Anadoran detachment assembled - two squads of elites, two of heavies, and one walker bot<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>After finishing up the flocking to match the rest of the figures in this Sci-Fi project, I decided to set out the whole Anadoran detachment of troops. This consisted of two squads of Elite troopers (using my post-apocalyptic survivor squad, The Nightstalkers). They are supported by two squads of Heavy Infantry using the Stargrave Mercenaries. I also gave the Anadorans one of the crab-like mechanical Droid walkers (the one painted in blue, of course!).<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J7jX6pZu02fMq1ods1l2K-t5FbWRlR_-0x5d1hTJWLfjypEKUS0eH53XWxrrH_cIGeHjio9vxfS7CFioCP8qCsTCSazZ-ImD3hBAkd1PWVd8UUNEoLg8lQZfuwiDkY4IrGGw_KG9j87p-JCj5P45WxRPo-zwz6pPEuJLVUtrVWCu0p6xSfH6JwT3UJk/s1000/AnadoranDetachmentNarrow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="1000" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6J7jX6pZu02fMq1ods1l2K-t5FbWRlR_-0x5d1hTJWLfjypEKUS0eH53XWxrrH_cIGeHjio9vxfS7CFioCP8qCsTCSazZ-ImD3hBAkd1PWVd8UUNEoLg8lQZfuwiDkY4IrGGw_KG9j87p-JCj5P45WxRPo-zwz6pPEuJLVUtrVWCu0p6xSfH6JwT3UJk/w640-h158/AnadoranDetachmentNarrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A narrow view of the Anadorans gathered -- I think the two types of figures look nice together<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I think the force looks pretty nice on the tabletop. It is a very similar force composition to the Bronze Legion. Maybe once I have a couple games under my belt I will tweak it some more. <p></p><p>What's next? I have five Planet of the Apes gorillas on horseback that is almost halfway complete sitting on my painting desk right now. They are a mix of the Battle Valor miniatures and JS Wargamer Printings 3-D figures. Seeing how I am progressing, I would expect one more update this week with them before I take off for a week-long spring break. I have adjusted my Aquired vs. Painted numbers below to reflect the Anadoran squad being completed.</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures acquired in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">64</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">36</span></b></li></ul><p></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-70375362733234260872024-03-12T22:40:00.003-04:002024-03-12T22:40:30.659-04:00Cincycon 2024 Purchases<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsIywpFiu9N56WLLcs7W7XQrrJFEJosnxZoxoiGap5rWxoGhADb9VH4hZzcmZegwzRpEyHsEHBrxyvaWLZKAi9Y0XHwhBh10GIpKJrnYf5Nw68dm3bWVD57QTb1mAR1ZlLw1oHjvpvbhLYf5mRxN92fWiB2xZCiV_x5uYIJk1zaYQGR8ShIoN5h7Oekg/s1000/SciFi%20Machinery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1000" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsIywpFiu9N56WLLcs7W7XQrrJFEJosnxZoxoiGap5rWxoGhADb9VH4hZzcmZegwzRpEyHsEHBrxyvaWLZKAi9Y0XHwhBh10GIpKJrnYf5Nw68dm3bWVD57QTb1mAR1ZlLw1oHjvpvbhLYf5mRxN92fWiB2xZCiV_x5uYIJk1zaYQGR8ShIoN5h7Oekg/w640-h560/SciFi%20Machinery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Some of the 3-D 'Scatter Terrain' I bought at Cincycon for my Sci-Fi games<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Heading down to <a href="https://cincycon.org/" target="_blank">Cincycon 2024</a>, I had a pretty good Miniatures Purchased to Miniatures Painted Ratio for this year. I had painted 31 figures so far, while purchasing only 15. I knew that once the convention season arrived my surplus would take a hit. Well, it did in a big way, as you'll see below.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOCMpHoxThRuKt_0NA67GVYxcQll_2Ph7d0lxpPEH39DrrAW_u15vpT_kWZ_CaisVDPdLNhNctDxh73Ir7TuYK3KUUmugDz-4t0SEcKOSUohBBb9dcUjh5bv3iZ04Ct9exEjcqr-xsC70Xhg834k3mtdMSq_SqyzwC9pPr1xlCigiyR8Zg0WaxehajoM/s1000/Industrial%20Construct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOCMpHoxThRuKt_0NA67GVYxcQll_2Ph7d0lxpPEH39DrrAW_u15vpT_kWZ_CaisVDPdLNhNctDxh73Ir7TuYK3KUUmugDz-4t0SEcKOSUohBBb9dcUjh5bv3iZ04Ct9exEjcqr-xsC70Xhg834k3mtdMSq_SqyzwC9pPr1xlCigiyR8Zg0WaxehajoM/w640-h316/Industrial%20Construct.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Not sure what they are supposed to be, but they'll look cool on a Sci-Fi tabletop!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Despite buying from only two stands at the convention, I still dropped about $100. I do feel an obligation to support the vendors at shows I attend. They take time out of their schedule to show up and give us somewhere to browse and shop. Often times it is a money-losing proposition for dealers. They go more as a form of advertising, to get their name out. They hope that, later on, people will remember them and make purchases from them online. Or at least that's my take on it!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1gql3xui4JWMktbJVM9O098fDbirOxlT-7ogKXVJcfpSjKbqSrnhyPImSQ3qqu1WRQ5856xGMtuk_zAnvtQvnkigmsuu4ULdn6aAVs0s_QMHk74Da1fsWLMKB1dlgpL3cvu1cvdbmN4EKMI1Anr5HytYkW3qnrIkykBF5_ig5rJFT8NkMVtKfjpV0dU/s600/Gorilla-Cavalry-600x354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1gql3xui4JWMktbJVM9O098fDbirOxlT-7ogKXVJcfpSjKbqSrnhyPImSQ3qqu1WRQ5856xGMtuk_zAnvtQvnkigmsuu4ULdn6aAVs0s_QMHk74Da1fsWLMKB1dlgpL3cvu1cvdbmN4EKMI1Anr5HytYkW3qnrIkykBF5_ig5rJFT8NkMVtKfjpV0dU/w640-h378/Gorilla-Cavalry-600x354.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Mounted gorillas for my Planet of the Apes force - these are 3-D printed from JS Wargamer Printing<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The first vendor I bought from is one that I've mentioned on here before. Cincinnati area gamer John Leahy started <a href="https://wargamerprinting.com/" target="_blank">JS Wargamer Printing</a> a year or so back. My <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/ill-be-back-some-skeletal-steel.html" target="_blank">Terminators</a> that I painted up where from him. He carries mounted "Planet of the Monkeys" gorillas. I thought they'd be a great troop addition for my Xenos Rampant "Planet of the Apes" detachment. I have three mounted gorilla figures from <a href="https://www.battlevalorgames.com/" target="_blank">Battle Valor Games</a>, and I need some more to flesh out a squad of them. There's a troop type called Berserk Infantry (or something like that) in the game, and gorillas charging in to close combat would be perfect for these. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClvUpNUEdnYCo9vuwX4a_X7d5iA3SJhbyxg2jlwadVuNGwwF7t_fADeKWLdEff7bDjEOh1zXPxNrKAuuaWVpvFh6VECRaseSGGgTxzG5kYWm1PBfX4QPpXnr419M4juClX6Ahwnzf9OumysBSZaWZwVyPOhQ8chKUzaSwvlsviMAiztQa1UX0Iwuch0w/s680/ZombiesInfectedKraken3Dstudios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClvUpNUEdnYCo9vuwX4a_X7d5iA3SJhbyxg2jlwadVuNGwwF7t_fADeKWLdEff7bDjEOh1zXPxNrKAuuaWVpvFh6VECRaseSGGgTxzG5kYWm1PBfX4QPpXnr419M4juClX6Ahwnzf9OumysBSZaWZwVyPOhQ8chKUzaSwvlsviMAiztQa1UX0Iwuch0w/w640-h360/ZombiesInfectedKraken3Dstudios.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I am a big fan of 'The Last of Us,' so if I'm purchasing zombies I'll definitely get some infected!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My other purchase from John was part of a new project that I will be working on after I get Xenos Rampant underway. I have finally decided to take the plunge and do a zombie branch-off for my post-apocalyptic games. My idea is it will be a mash-up of Gaslands Refueled and Wiley Games rules. Each of my players will have a vehicle -- pickup truck, SUV, van, whatever. They will have three characters in it and will be road-tripping across the United States. They're heading from the zombie-infected and densely-populated East to the wide open spaces of America's Great Plains and West. Less people means less zombies, so the thought is to make it to the relative safety of "flyover country."</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJwluvObnEErYzGDSRsBrxsR52c3AXKZdOWcP9bSbvmwW0jS9Se3Rb_OxXCIZ0sDXoy9601rlpAyPjygmx5ifCknfFY0-idB5wNc4-lgi4HpQ63IpMtUxFxeYXiHIAvv3Tnk-7CKFaTN8wSI8l3i3nJipzA48aNLfLk8QAkeLNXzzxiKaXZgLdBMFCAE/s367/Zombies%20Regular.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="367" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJwluvObnEErYzGDSRsBrxsR52c3AXKZdOWcP9bSbvmwW0jS9Se3Rb_OxXCIZ0sDXoy9601rlpAyPjygmx5ifCknfFY0-idB5wNc4-lgi4HpQ63IpMtUxFxeYXiHIAvv3Tnk-7CKFaTN8wSI8l3i3nJipzA48aNLfLk8QAkeLNXzzxiKaXZgLdBMFCAE/w640-h360/Zombies%20Regular.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>John from JS Wargamer Printing had three types of zombies -- this was the other type I ordered<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The problem is that I own no zombies. Well, I didn't before Cincycon! I sent a message to John asking if he had any zombies he could print up. He did have some files. One is of standard zombie apocalypse folks and the other is the "infected" variety from the great streaming show, "The Last of Us." His prices are hard to beat, so I ordered two packs of 10 each. So, that's 40 zombies plus 4 mounted gorillas. John also gave me some freebies -- 3-D printed figures of Planet of the Apes Dr. Zaius, Cornelius, Zira, and the humans George Taylor (Charlton Heston) and Nova. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiKhWmtJnHOZ1fA0p2H858JcR_bm0CtvoupNP_7WLQRKuVikvyhyphenhyphenIwK7_rcCfJ_Q17yiZ0IPS3rLdhQ9PpWHVBcTIj3iXPO-8w9wHfcQquOFJcWrsgFGEjBdOKaoZwHhaHikInT1kCZDKw0rsORuUpasKzgjVAS0YSU4ATcLXx-aGtoBrkFT9ZvJBS0I/s1000/Crates%20Produce%20Brazier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1000" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiKhWmtJnHOZ1fA0p2H858JcR_bm0CtvoupNP_7WLQRKuVikvyhyphenhyphenIwK7_rcCfJ_Q17yiZ0IPS3rLdhQ9PpWHVBcTIj3iXPO-8w9wHfcQquOFJcWrsgFGEjBdOKaoZwHhaHikInT1kCZDKw0rsORuUpasKzgjVAS0YSU4ATcLXx-aGtoBrkFT9ZvJBS0I/w640-h478/Crates%20Produce%20Brazier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>More of the 3-D printed scatter terrain I purchased at Cincycon - this from A Critical Hit<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Since they were free, should I count those as purchased? Well, I guess I could technically call it "Acquired," just in case I trade for miniatures in the future! So, I added in 49 miniatures. That raises my total to 64 acquired for 2024. And no, I haven't finished any other batches, so I've sunk to 31 painted vs. 64 acquired. Oh well...it WAS a good ratio while it lasted!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtI2nSEsqh-GhW-kyWY2gjJTVwx_fW-jXknARqaZ0Bsyn5BwEczm6nQd_Z-WKw67Tj6yRGpUBB3NAJGzzsujtxFJTO1FXt03QMVePFWyr64cK3S5ZnXkQOUtyEU6zPma9rc5s9GO76crgoF02k-61fNpcO3001bjjhhRrfFSaTM8IcIDliPKZYr1EPGU/s1000/Phone%20Pop%20PicnicTables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1000" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtI2nSEsqh-GhW-kyWY2gjJTVwx_fW-jXknARqaZ0Bsyn5BwEczm6nQd_Z-WKw67Tj6yRGpUBB3NAJGzzsujtxFJTO1FXt03QMVePFWyr64cK3S5ZnXkQOUtyEU6zPma9rc5s9GO76crgoF02k-61fNpcO3001bjjhhRrfFSaTM8IcIDliPKZYr1EPGU/w640-h358/Phone%20Pop%20PicnicTables.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Two picnic tables, a phone booth, and Coca-cola machine from A Critical Hit<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The other purchases were from a vendor that was new to me. They are called <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Facriticalhit%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2kOYPffB6XYnx0Xj8ARIwIZBIGziFe59B5-LMebzoBMt2il5pyjn8TPbA&h=AT3w7m9oj1tnqABbxLzfAVwLrCTCLKcM_BotyFVdXqNCJJYjuMGyCr5e7Mnu_wyRNoaT-0N_NOgy5Hi54jp42pbmoTnbAeoh1zSVO5igEPIvyDaNPgO-KKv_8zASVgwhaxfo8uBUyw&__tn__=R]-R&c[0]=AT24SwRkeqjQ33CVKGLWiVwlaMXpKHG6dFUaehQqr3hnloasHTn-iYU4i6OSuiap6VD3To_FT5a0S9RpqO1vhoOVe8rePaiSYRTgAwb8nSZAOo8HYYPgO4iUOCA3FhhHyGJkMa7o5oaaUeasZ6VkpYNhiFRg-A_LuAV9g8Bl-2xsDbW2CdFIqLX84p0C6ewg0VCWhDYUxqvh3Ktz2ZCpgd8" target="_blank">A Critical Hit</a> (Instagram link), or email Blair Oyler at dungeonmaster@acriticalhit.ne. Critical Hit's shelves had quite a bit of 3-D printed scatter and buildings. Much of their printing was done in appropriately colored material so that they wouldn't technically require painting. I would at the minimum do a wash on these, but will likely paint most of them up. I showed my friend Keith their tables and he immediately snapped up even more than I did! Good stuff!!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSS7AeXeO8-6Mzr7oFFj7lcFsumYUsk4BWfqjxwo4XQAGqXXQ3FY_Ch-43yC2EsvMH-MErGJNVxZNlYYE_i2Pt02p_IxlnTBtWl72AVgbA4lftnz9c96yqp9rrI9eNrPiVuA5C6f-TPLVS5nygdpch5cHH6MBS3XM6hh0Lyi3GTl5CK5rdWvzph47mDY/s1000/Small%20Pipes%20Container.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSS7AeXeO8-6Mzr7oFFj7lcFsumYUsk4BWfqjxwo4XQAGqXXQ3FY_Ch-43yC2EsvMH-MErGJNVxZNlYYE_i2Pt02p_IxlnTBtWl72AVgbA4lftnz9c96yqp9rrI9eNrPiVuA5C6f-TPLVS5nygdpch5cHH6MBS3XM6hh0Lyi3GTl5CK5rdWvzph47mDY/w640-h240/Small%20Pipes%20Container.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A few more from A Critical Hit -- I will likely paint the pipes but do a black wash on the container<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Most of these purchases were Sci-Fi related. They'll likely end up on the tabletop for various Xenos Rampant games or Wiley Games skirmishes. It's been awhile since I've painted up a big batch of terrain, so I may likely pop in these pieces and others ones I purchased at Advance the Colors last October from Sailpower and Diabolical Terrain. You can never have too much atmospheric scatter on the tabletop. Now, storing all that terrain is a different thing entirely...!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb2FirHzDkzYWo6fc3k___NczFWbebolPVfp1doOBeu1xxGa-asvyKV5oyM1_yTsfTeX-I-rREXMHAdiPsPynzcbZHC4bxT-_b2uu1q0BOzHyNadKYxWlscS396ZmB_waKYCRgrONQ_xmQmEqPk_dE3ilxhykSSr4J5pNC-5qAhxg_aLHvIu4garBqzE/s1000/Terminals%20Nodes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1000" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb2FirHzDkzYWo6fc3k___NczFWbebolPVfp1doOBeu1xxGa-asvyKV5oyM1_yTsfTeX-I-rREXMHAdiPsPynzcbZHC4bxT-_b2uu1q0BOzHyNadKYxWlscS396ZmB_waKYCRgrONQ_xmQmEqPk_dE3ilxhykSSr4J5pNC-5qAhxg_aLHvIu4garBqzE/w640-h354/Terminals%20Nodes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>You can see the interesting colors that A Critical Hit print their terrain in with the second piece<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>What's next? I am almost done with the next batch of five "Blue-Skinned Aliens" squad. At some point, I really do need to come up with a name for that faction! With that squad complete, they will be ready for the tabletop. So, look for that update soon...!<br /></p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures acquired in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">64</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">31</span></b></li></ul><br /><br />Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-14481108159166034842024-03-06T19:17:00.003-05:002024-03-06T19:17:54.952-05:00The Warriors...er, Kings! Came Out to Play at Cincycon 2024!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZSotUFy6WBtLXnJ2SYUG29hEmvKy7LHDhQLCzz00cHgcLeasV86Y20XIHw_8l4_nZY0uYIytXoF48zglEAK7q_ApbKQBmCnQSEnZf-Era9TBZybeyV_vw9B7orCEVE1OKkI3u6sStO4IGmZj4kzSDaaXpahFT14KpAhj4N3QTBYAM-zHWYRJAfRafNU/s1000/2024Cincy_KingsVsMohawks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1000" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZSotUFy6WBtLXnJ2SYUG29hEmvKy7LHDhQLCzz00cHgcLeasV86Y20XIHw_8l4_nZY0uYIytXoF48zglEAK7q_ApbKQBmCnQSEnZf-Era9TBZybeyV_vw9B7orCEVE1OKkI3u6sStO4IGmZj4kzSDaaXpahFT14KpAhj4N3QTBYAM-zHWYRJAfRafNU/w640-h540/2024Cincy_KingsVsMohawks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Streets of downtown Columbus degenerated into a chaotic gang fight on Friday night at Cincycon 2024<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>With it being the 45th anniversary of the release of the movie "The Warriors" -- which was my inspiration for my <a href="http://www.firstcommandwargames.com/mean-streets.html" target="_blank">Mean Streets</a> rules -- I thought I should host a scenario that is a nod to it. My convention scenarios are often six player free-for-alls. However, I thought I would have two players representing a single gang and the other four being independents. The two player gang, aka the Warriors, would be trying to get from one side table edge to the other. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMxQ_44xxn_Fxu-atxrAzccXHberIANxOoSJTdmzmc4_9-0NWtvfwJX6lOrd0QTV5SpUClEACM1G63r-zW9jCUW4G0WMQQMRRixJSAijlOxXEWRjPCMts2V9RGKguXCq0ub_NA_wCGiDnLP5Qbxc9TsseCRM72i6KksF0PCDaJpJmS1ACXPBjubzGN9Q/s1000/2024Cincy_TableSetUp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1000" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMxQ_44xxn_Fxu-atxrAzccXHberIANxOoSJTdmzmc4_9-0NWtvfwJX6lOrd0QTV5SpUClEACM1G63r-zW9jCUW4G0WMQQMRRixJSAijlOxXEWRjPCMts2V9RGKguXCq0ub_NA_wCGiDnLP5Qbxc9TsseCRM72i6KksF0PCDaJpJmS1ACXPBjubzGN9Q/w640-h412/2024Cincy_TableSetUp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The table at Cincycon 2024 all set up and ready for players to "come out to plaaaaayyy...!"<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Perhaps surprisingly, I don't have miniatures for the Warriors themselves. So, I chose one of my larger gangs, the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2019/07/two-new-urban-gangs-eastmoor-kings.html" target="_blank">Eastmoor Kings</a>, and have them stand in. As you may know, my gangs are all named after Columbus neighborhoods. The Kings are an African-American gang, while the other four in the scenario would be the Indianola <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2020/05/new-street-gang-indianola-mohawks-and.html" target="_blank">Mohawks</a> (punk rockers), Franklinton Flippos (clown masks), <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2020/06/new-gang-santanas.html" target="_blank">Santanas</a> (Hispanic gang), and the Linden Daos (black martial arts gang). I decided to give each Kings player one extra figure compared to the independent gangs to give them a fighting chance to get all the way across the table.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMWFow1IbEE-LdpW8YX-Q_ssG1uss579sktaXKM8p9I_e_T7rEESzHHZqpa7q_ywOpYTTfRKE0mW1l3H0KgUyMjB0sknhP3rHz1_hco4Is1VunOght1gNXtMt1ZGraVaLo-RgUj82uhrmxqYvb4OqZASlroBIkoG4kZ7ic2QHw1ABaqKjNgnCgO-66bI/s1000/2024Cincy_SantanasOnCorner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1000" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMWFow1IbEE-LdpW8YX-Q_ssG1uss579sktaXKM8p9I_e_T7rEESzHHZqpa7q_ywOpYTTfRKE0mW1l3H0KgUyMjB0sknhP3rHz1_hco4Is1VunOght1gNXtMt1ZGraVaLo-RgUj82uhrmxqYvb4OqZASlroBIkoG4kZ7ic2QHw1ABaqKjNgnCgO-66bI/w640-h402/2024Cincy_SantanasOnCorner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Santanas keep watch on their corner of Bridge Street, making sure no one trespasses on their turf<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>All of the gangs would be given a variety of ways to earn victory points. Simply knocking out a member of a rival gang would be worth points. For the independents, each had one of the other three as worth extra points (you owe them payback for a previous beat-down). In addition, they had a criminal mission to carry out in a rival gang's turf, such as the Linden Daos had to enter Mohawk territory and "steal some smokes" from a cigarette kiosk. Finally, those four gangs also had two buildings to protect from rival gangs "tags." Players always seem to enjoy the "tagging" mission, and this would give a reason for each gang to protect its turf. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaiQMtk2hodytpsaPHF2QBv__lmTu45XIJLEjtIoPQnXxme-5Zzx9Sd5ADJnnRFQDIqOB333fYHbr8OgGwn04g822aGunxWMzUAhbzqnfHqwrKdymqaz_7PG0M3BrfetyHnTeoI9xvkpiKTVte1S_EFVx9aawS9wtbQ2DN5iihaj9TsgcPrEyXfXHNb8/s1000/2024Cincy_DaosTurf.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1000" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaiQMtk2hodytpsaPHF2QBv__lmTu45XIJLEjtIoPQnXxme-5Zzx9Sd5ADJnnRFQDIqOB333fYHbr8OgGwn04g822aGunxWMzUAhbzqnfHqwrKdymqaz_7PG0M3BrfetyHnTeoI9xvkpiKTVte1S_EFVx9aawS9wtbQ2DN5iihaj9TsgcPrEyXfXHNb8/w640-h392/2024Cincy_DaosTurf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Just across the street, two of the Linden Daos strike an aggressive pose, marking their turf<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The Kings, on the other hand, had the main mission of reaching the bridge that stretched across the table and catching a bus home. Just like with the Warriors, they had been double-crossed after going across town to a gang parley. Seeing how things in my gang warfare games typically devolve into -- shocker -- street fights, I figured the Kings would struggle to make it unscathed across five feet of tabletop. As it turned out, I may have underestimated the redoubtable street thugs and their canniness!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo64TgY5ek_g19q_W0pWFFnel62DQp9bYOytiYWFIRbmgtKweluh5fktM75Ivb6xdEw0sA7QjWcLSL5eKGGEAQFDKlbEX6TSu51lSutIqJO74qV6qI6RtvXhp4RnXXxLOD8fsfrYm2ghK0S9sqQQKIvMRPXzRk9gyXcg823YvcXon528te5DkZNflltCo/s1000/2024Cincy_Players.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1000" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo64TgY5ek_g19q_W0pWFFnel62DQp9bYOytiYWFIRbmgtKweluh5fktM75Ivb6xdEw0sA7QjWcLSL5eKGGEAQFDKlbEX6TSu51lSutIqJO74qV6qI6RtvXhp4RnXXxLOD8fsfrYm2ghK0S9sqQQKIvMRPXzRk9gyXcg823YvcXon528te5DkZNflltCo/w640-h434/2024Cincy_Players.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My 6 players gathered around the table -- you can see the big bridge (King's goal) in the foreground<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Scenery-wise, I had a couple new debuts for my Mean Streets games. The big one, so to speak, was the nearly three feet long stone bridge I had recently painted. See my <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2024/02/giant-3-d-printed-bridge-with-graffiti.html" target="_blank">earlier post</a> on assembling and painting this monstrosity. Also new to the tabletop was my <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.myshopify.com/products/wargaming-battle-mat-6x4-concrete-city?_pos=1&_sid=4713bb629&_ss=r" target="_blank">6'x4' fleece city mat</a>. I had picked up this mat with a concrete pattern from <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Shieldwall Gaming Club</a> at the <a href="https://www.firelandsgames.com/hold-the-line" target="_blank">Hold the Line convention</a> last Fall. I wasn't sure if my asphalt streets I made from cork material would look good on top of the concrete (since a street is lower than the concrete sidewalks). I set it up in my basement and was very happy with how it looked, so took it along instead of my acrylic tiles I'd used previously.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8WIojIRzrXYykDh3lE6sJgyR5s9z102RSLV_WPqXdzHscnmkJSOk-xJYAkhLBNII_YcwpuWdV8mbK7XZWqgEIxG7pqJncI-vCrbDm-CpRLyS_klA9xVZyNG8KTwASWeuW1Ay4Ky9A_AD7HZ4cLoJBo5Cp0bpXSRg4QjePqzbUZzqnCdXG_-kJ3U4ZGA/w640-h396/2024Cincy_KingsbySmokeShack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>You can see the back side of the Silent Slumbers motel here, along with Smith's Smoke Shack<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8WIojIRzrXYykDh3lE6sJgyR5s9z102RSLV_WPqXdzHscnmkJSOk-xJYAkhLBNII_YcwpuWdV8mbK7XZWqgEIxG7pqJncI-vCrbDm-CpRLyS_klA9xVZyNG8KTwASWeuW1Ay4Ky9A_AD7HZ4cLoJBo5Cp0bpXSRg4QjePqzbUZzqnCdXG_-kJ3U4ZGA/s1000/2024Cincy_KingsbySmokeShack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b></a></div>Another new appearance on the table was the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/silent-slumbers-motel-resin-building.html" target="_blank">Silent Slumbers motel</a>, a two-story resin building from <a href="https://www.miniaturebuildingauthority.com/" target="_blank">Miniature Building Authority</a>. This hefty model looks great on the urban tabletop, especially the back side with the air conditioning units and wires. Although no fighting took place in the motel, it was the scene of a couple big rumbles in front of and behind it. I did another thing to my scatter terrain. More than a year ago, I painted up a dozen or so streetlamps from pieces of bass wood purchased at the craft store. I don't know why I put them in a ziploc back and then forgot about them. I decided to take them along this time and put them on various street corners. I loved how they looked and feel like kicking myself for not debuting them in my games sooner!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUQ-s5R7NobD13chS0scM3Ih98Q9e86_Ul6xmsgt-11shKQ6wCFEmSuyOL1vQalPUBpS-ErAc8vhmBOsSa_clgbdPtgj4kmbT63G33e4UAggGjnc4FuCLw-gk4lLn472nIBwwN3JORp6Z_ZZZvTLyvCFfoavK65sioh385xUZUoRrUcc5j7xS0QfolnU/s1000/2024Cincy_KingsVsMohawksEarly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUQ-s5R7NobD13chS0scM3Ih98Q9e86_Ul6xmsgt-11shKQ6wCFEmSuyOL1vQalPUBpS-ErAc8vhmBOsSa_clgbdPtgj4kmbT63G33e4UAggGjnc4FuCLw-gk4lLn472nIBwwN3JORp6Z_ZZZvTLyvCFfoavK65sioh385xUZUoRrUcc5j7xS0QfolnU/w640-h512/2024Cincy_KingsVsMohawksEarly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Early in the game, the Kings concentrated and ganged up on the Indianola Mohawks<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The Mohawks, Daos, Flippos, and Santanas all deployed in their city block turf. I probably made a mistake in telling the two Kings players -- my friends Derek and Homer -- that they could deploy just off-board <i>anywhere</i> along the edge abutting Flippo and Mohawk territory. Most GMs have learned that miniature gamers can be counted on to their best to "break" a scenario you felt you balanced. What did Derek and Homer do? Well, of course, they came in like a ton of bricks on Michael's poor Mohawks, concentrating on one half of the side edge. They ignored the Flippos, who made things worse by ignoring the Kings entirely the entire game, too! Next time, I think I will be more specific in where they can come in and ensure that one of the independents isn't ganged up on and outnumbered from the outset.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89koSX60_GW4P6uT_9QQAME4rfbMBd2JOZJ-VlXl2OBdPdkurSeD2tV5Pm8sQ4-8LvkErlRnHEbiT9ucCEqhZlFXflorCYeeM_QrCE4bHppTzH1Zaa8EEmhS2_sCKtcXkuoYs67oMHa8KvuaItqX7gQxVjph6OPNVcViJRCzByfK8pXT8tI1DAwv3GNI/s1000/2024Cincy_KingsSwarming.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1000" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89koSX60_GW4P6uT_9QQAME4rfbMBd2JOZJ-VlXl2OBdPdkurSeD2tV5Pm8sQ4-8LvkErlRnHEbiT9ucCEqhZlFXflorCYeeM_QrCE4bHppTzH1Zaa8EEmhS2_sCKtcXkuoYs67oMHa8KvuaItqX7gQxVjph6OPNVcViJRCzByfK8pXT8tI1DAwv3GNI/w640-h412/2024Cincy_KingsSwarming.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Derek's Kings swarm the back alley behind the motel, facing off against the Mohawks there<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Homer sent his five Kings down the center street and immediately jumped Mohawks gang boss Sid and his main squeeze, Maybel. That turned out to be not the best idea, as Sid knocked out one and then another of the Kings punks who tried to invade Mohawk turf! Things were not off to a good start for the Kings with one player losing two of his five figures! Derek came in on the back corner behind the motel and apartment building. There they were met by Mohawks warchief Iggy, who held them off for a couple turns before succumbing to superior numbers.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-srWlcFhLJB9Lwi7BWN2xG84hs8n_E31tnWg8o-nR5mUjf65shURC2rkOIqO4kze-Pd7m9uE9XsxBzjt3iz7bOVKdogqJBQVQvH-dcIaTs9ozg3Bt7A4HkO6pV2ttrIUCvhhsGfnSzFBEqLKnsIyFkcGy92sP08RGwerfuL48tKkqc_l7bsNbzc1a26s/s1000/2024Cincy_ShowdownSantDaos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1000" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-srWlcFhLJB9Lwi7BWN2xG84hs8n_E31tnWg8o-nR5mUjf65shURC2rkOIqO4kze-Pd7m9uE9XsxBzjt3iz7bOVKdogqJBQVQvH-dcIaTs9ozg3Bt7A4HkO6pV2ttrIUCvhhsGfnSzFBEqLKnsIyFkcGy92sP08RGwerfuL48tKkqc_l7bsNbzc1a26s/w640-h402/2024Cincy_ShowdownSantDaos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Santanas cross the street to threaten Daos turf, trying to stare their rivals down<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>On the opposite end of the table, a dramatic standoff was underway. The Santanas crossed the street from their turf into territory controlled by the Linden Daos. The Daos had set up with their warchief and a punk to guard Wallace's Brewpub, while the Gang Boss and another punk sat poised to raid Smith's Smoke Shack and bag some points with their special mission. Upon seeing the Santanas assembling on the edge of their turf, they raced back to regroup. The two stared each other down for a moment and then the Santanas blinked, and headed back across the street into their territory. Perhaps it had something to do with a lone Flippo racing over and spray painting Sam's Quickie Mart (Santanas turf) with their clown-faced tag!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0myL7IEt1MiOchRe-FHu41CnzCr0C-1Ny56ybr2rHrjXZ-vpde3WTvYawv9WW0wiREEQiTRcIGP_Hu1_X3ZW6gcdcrapRQuJSw-pUeq2dgYx2nJvEHCaQx4-cUBDqCfx3-gCVS0_qNHUYyLEFsa9CGsndmZMwF36qh6WSlmtVZL1ArV1bVQ5MJyWIapM/s1000/2024Cincy_SantanasVsDaos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0myL7IEt1MiOchRe-FHu41CnzCr0C-1Ny56ybr2rHrjXZ-vpde3WTvYawv9WW0wiREEQiTRcIGP_Hu1_X3ZW6gcdcrapRQuJSw-pUeq2dgYx2nJvEHCaQx4-cUBDqCfx3-gCVS0_qNHUYyLEFsa9CGsndmZMwF36qh6WSlmtVZL1ArV1bVQ5MJyWIapM/w622-h640/2024Cincy_SantanasVsDaos.jpg" width="622" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Sidney and Dwayne of the Daos chase down Manana of the Santanas, prompting Cruz to come help<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Either way, it was a mistake when they turned their back on the Daos. As half of the Santanas raced towards the Quickie Mart and the other two retreated back to the Pot O'Gold motel, the Daos sprang into action. Several of them chased down the two heading for the hotel and jumped them there. Never turn your back on a street gang looking for trouble! <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlyq9DOpCLJafRYFZqt8MVBg1zNlFUSF7nF2cUGjSB0bXI6TH3wUwWDhLDAaLAMEVsxv2CME2Zl3O5Thjiq0FKXhZdAghZebSaWEgpIhtGat5dixm8ewRixVe-Wozqs0-gyvMuiPKG3jBr-AUWER8frMBOM-lUVRc9ggtg628j5mL7_QYSj1nc7Qx69s/s1000/2024Cincy_SidMaybelOutnumbered.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1000" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlyq9DOpCLJafRYFZqt8MVBg1zNlFUSF7nF2cUGjSB0bXI6TH3wUwWDhLDAaLAMEVsxv2CME2Zl3O5Thjiq0FKXhZdAghZebSaWEgpIhtGat5dixm8ewRixVe-Wozqs0-gyvMuiPKG3jBr-AUWER8frMBOM-lUVRc9ggtg628j5mL7_QYSj1nc7Qx69s/w640-h606/2024Cincy_SidMaybelOutnumbered.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Outnumbered, Sid and Maybel fight a valiant battle to defend their turf, but ultimately succumb<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Meanwhile, things were heating up in Mohawk turf! Sid battled Eastmoor King after King, with Maybel wading in with their chain to lend a hand. However, once King gang boss Tyrese got in on the action, things got much more difficult. As vicious as he was with his fists, Sid simply couldn't fend off all of Homer's boys. The gang boss went down, and Maybel took that opportunity to scamper away and head for home. She had taken a few blows herself, and knew that if Sid couldn't stop these outsiders, she didn't stand a chance.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLCMCRQXbPTb_K7xoarDxS4YNT9sGKE1HkXpDN0XeEHdCTyKZU6CQ-OBGatSjwBva9fWGB66uCM9Oe1JPTiE1GwWsTMl8xXqV8xBmK16pINVW761cDbeF8pb3TpRn2Wcc2yH7tudBRJHsKLgHuscKYJrrVeeSoI-TeKE9HHJFuUGwk-t5_ew30VBG8qc/s1000/2024Cincy_SantanasDaosCopWide.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="1000" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLCMCRQXbPTb_K7xoarDxS4YNT9sGKE1HkXpDN0XeEHdCTyKZU6CQ-OBGatSjwBva9fWGB66uCM9Oe1JPTiE1GwWsTMl8xXqV8xBmK16pINVW761cDbeF8pb3TpRn2Wcc2yH7tudBRJHsKLgHuscKYJrrVeeSoI-TeKE9HHJFuUGwk-t5_ew30VBG8qc/w640-h270/2024Cincy_SantanasDaosCopWide.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The police arrive seeing a street fight between the Santanas and Daos taking place on the corner<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The rest of the Mohawks had also battled stubbornly, but with Michael's whole gang down or off-table, he was the first beneficiary of my "cop rule." If a player is taken out early, I give them a police car and two officers to drive onto the tabletop on any street edge. They can come and get payback at the one who knocked them out, or show up in an entirely different place. Their choice! I began using this mechanic after a running of Mean Streets at Cincycon when two brothers, Steve and Mike Cole, played in my game. They live to pound on each other in miniatures games and one took the other out quickly in that game. I've used it ever since, and many a player has enjoyed the second lease on life in the game and had a blast playing the cops! Michael hammed it up perfectly, finding a police siren sound on his phone and playing it as he brought the patrol car onto the table.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDoFYNs2gK6D9BUQOMRX0CD-pP1JdLnKgauaOhtHpbNp_kYXTjLu3QnJOm9jXWxlh3kmBlZqlaaaE08Q3L17ap-i4Horg7RCcciR79ywlYuPQdUChiaqCZ4q7utjGizpgy4wCREN589MmUEnVCRO_IneOirWbQcC42bTE80ui3YYI9vfN0z58AaJ1bh4/s1000/2024Cincy_CopsVsSantanas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1000" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDoFYNs2gK6D9BUQOMRX0CD-pP1JdLnKgauaOhtHpbNp_kYXTjLu3QnJOm9jXWxlh3kmBlZqlaaaE08Q3L17ap-i4Horg7RCcciR79ywlYuPQdUChiaqCZ4q7utjGizpgy4wCREN589MmUEnVCRO_IneOirWbQcC42bTE80ui3YYI9vfN0z58AaJ1bh4/w640-h454/2024Cincy_CopsVsSantanas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Police use their billy club on El Lobo after the Daos fled (or were knocked out by the Santanas)<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Just before the police arrived, though, a bloodied Manana had scampered away from the furious fists of the black martial arts gang. Warchief Cruz battled on, calling for help. This soon appeared in the form of both Gang Boss Julio and his buddy, El Lobo. Encircling the two Daos, they pounded one into the pavement, ignoring the commands of the police. The Daos soon decided it was time to retreat rather than take on their rivals and the police! The Santanas refused to back down until the second officer stepped out of the patrol car and added his weight to the struggle. Perhaps it was the sight of the cop's drawn revolver, but the Santanas soon fled back down the road and turned into the alley behind the hotel.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9g7Z8JWtwrLUCHxvOYBXLxX1GYyzb6Aa9x4YKE6naEKC8hreevFA2vP3OfijIR-YuIXcCQHSJnVpH6g4QzuPf4B2yWuuffS3ZrXZq6JNZhti8gWxMbwKmRXAVNiJsYnVWxfO5_EUT_eSYFIWesXHOTTLjIl1TmLMlR6BkMdbXIMiijtlHZMHHcWadPQ/s1000/2024Cincy_CopsChasing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9g7Z8JWtwrLUCHxvOYBXLxX1GYyzb6Aa9x4YKE6naEKC8hreevFA2vP3OfijIR-YuIXcCQHSJnVpH6g4QzuPf4B2yWuuffS3ZrXZq6JNZhti8gWxMbwKmRXAVNiJsYnVWxfO5_EUT_eSYFIWesXHOTTLjIl1TmLMlR6BkMdbXIMiijtlHZMHHcWadPQ/w546-h640/2024Cincy_CopsChasing.jpg" width="546" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The police chase the Santanas off the streets into the alley ways, calling for them to halt<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>What were the Flippos doing all this time? Now, that's a good question! Every once in awhile at a game, you have that one player who decides to do things his or her own way. Rich was playing VERY safe with his four Flippos. Most of the time, he spent holed holed up in side one of the apartment blocks in their turf, guarding it. He sent the occasional punk outside to tag the Quickie Mart (Santanas turf). It wasn't until the Mohawks had been taken down and the Santanas and Daos were brutally mixing it up, that the clown faced creeps emerged from their enclave.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzlAuIfrWy6ouljJzEeT44L0xUcFk6OIqTdSR8mkpTbeI2gkErZ3QcWHkt1zYxZBiNjvHC41inbamYZCRpsL6ZxD5JqFFXR0vdrXUZ8es1_zq2MMwBtoNAJlXB6Ah9ovgIEJ3glcc5_ctqC1d1fWiuuzYGRPRd9dEq8UlKrv4m1If1SruxlRknFosiBM/s1000/2024Cincy_FlipposClowningAround.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1000" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzlAuIfrWy6ouljJzEeT44L0xUcFk6OIqTdSR8mkpTbeI2gkErZ3QcWHkt1zYxZBiNjvHC41inbamYZCRpsL6ZxD5JqFFXR0vdrXUZ8es1_zq2MMwBtoNAJlXB6Ah9ovgIEJ3glcc5_ctqC1d1fWiuuzYGRPRd9dEq8UlKrv4m1If1SruxlRknFosiBM/w640-h556/2024Cincy_FlipposClowningAround.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Flippos spent half the game guarding their apartment complext from interlopers in this game<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>They raced in a tight mass towards the back door of the Quickie Mart. Their mission had been to duck inside their and steal some food for tonight's party. Gang Boss Marvin shouted out orders and the four clown-faced gang members efficiently slid inside and began grabbing food off the shelves. Once their pockets were stuffed, they exited out the front door, considering even more mayhem.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF9MNSQJiWYgRkHo84ZaZ2uQeNHNz960nmD_N5IxTFRfdbDbXtb8jG2TzuAM5nYskfDSwmCLdROzMJLcX-RKAaQP0DCshlm50_dklY96ZkL3wE_0Qnz9QvQKGG1Lvskhw-WoMj3GgSvuKYsQwHZLLZ5vzTUdsYrbEDA_ZvzVZAs6ESkyrhp6BPLwEQDw/s1000/2024Cincy_SantansAlley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1000" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijF9MNSQJiWYgRkHo84ZaZ2uQeNHNz960nmD_N5IxTFRfdbDbXtb8jG2TzuAM5nYskfDSwmCLdROzMJLcX-RKAaQP0DCshlm50_dklY96ZkL3wE_0Qnz9QvQKGG1Lvskhw-WoMj3GgSvuKYsQwHZLLZ5vzTUdsYrbEDA_ZvzVZAs6ESkyrhp6BPLwEQDw/w640-h618/2024Cincy_SantansAlley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Santanas, having a rough night, beat feet down an alley way to avoid the pursuit of the police<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Meanwhile, the game was winding down. Gang boss Juanita was the last one left in the Daos, and she headed off to tag a few buildings to rack up some victory points. The Santanas took a right turn into the alley between the motel and the Quickie Mart. With a couple of their guys beat up pretty well, they were ready to call it a night, too. They certainly were wondering why the Flippos, Daos, and cops all had decided to pick on them. It had made things difficult, and they'd never got a chance to hit up Wallace's Brewpub for some beers for the party planned tonight!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDmXGi5fNbdu8Cgk017jM8GJn5FlDunJXbtM1ErYoHCc4UBo_VW_IF7nArt6F7IIY4EXw1cmdld3nZISxGBSLeHFJYmvJXm3GUEGIgNtFP_5lfiPpr-ocKy0rz-OBO_biOQZy41MgCa5dOsutbhcUKUDFCJPeuapMQMxK84QX7dW5CAd7xbYg8Jn6-KY/s1000/2024Cincy_KingsRunningThruStreets.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="1000" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDmXGi5fNbdu8Cgk017jM8GJn5FlDunJXbtM1ErYoHCc4UBo_VW_IF7nArt6F7IIY4EXw1cmdld3nZISxGBSLeHFJYmvJXm3GUEGIgNtFP_5lfiPpr-ocKy0rz-OBO_biOQZy41MgCa5dOsutbhcUKUDFCJPeuapMQMxK84QX7dW5CAd7xbYg8Jn6-KY/w640-h294/2024Cincy_KingsRunningThruStreets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Eastmoor Kings cross the halfway point of the table -- which I was really happy with!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Meanwhile, things were going very much like their inspiration film for the Kings. They'd taken a few hits and losses along the way, but they were steadily progressing towards their goal: getting home. After the fight with the Mohawks, Derek's contingent did manage to knock out one of the Daos who was a little less slippery than he should have been stealing smokes from the kiosk. Otherwise, they stay "on mission" and stealthily made their way through the streets of Columbus to the bridge.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwxs9qf-LBTshZOvvhu8IsiQY6dC9dhAsAEO_S6vDWZmqeV9PeN943UH-is7Xt1gIx3ttI8fOB68R73hBhO3ac7uo5ztxm87x45TmmuEGTmDzCAlswyOGO_Z31ryFDT6URSu-2hiJCA7o-E7PQKIRfnpLNyZASDxOB-mv-n2l2ThIYUNvr0AaucjJujI/s1000/2024Cincy_FlipposSantanas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwxs9qf-LBTshZOvvhu8IsiQY6dC9dhAsAEO_S6vDWZmqeV9PeN943UH-is7Xt1gIx3ttI8fOB68R73hBhO3ac7uo5ztxm87x45TmmuEGTmDzCAlswyOGO_Z31ryFDT6URSu-2hiJCA7o-E7PQKIRfnpLNyZASDxOB-mv-n2l2ThIYUNvr0AaucjJujI/w508-h640/2024Cincy_FlipposSantanas.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>We almost had another dust up at the 11th hour when the Flippos and Santanas met on Bridge Street<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The 3-hour time I'd given the game was winding down and most of the players seemed content to get off table and tally up their points. The Flippos briefly considered having a go at the nearby Santanas. With their clown pockets full of food, though (and all four gang members healthy), they decided to head back to their base and celebrate the night's success. They could always claim the Kings kept running because they were too scared to mess with the Flippos, right? The Santanas had come very close to getting two of their ranks knocked out of action, so, as much as they wanted that beer at Wallace's to cool off, the sight of 7 black-clad Kings in the vicinity dissuaded them. Besides, the cops were out looking to bust people, so better to lay low.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHJDot3zVrHwIXdRlqifBL-FnxrEcP8VUrkVMpNGo38WKgqo8vRpnr8heJj0aTsu8nf6NJAx8gFl-vIUGvagpIv218ywyM2yT7AdlzbKj9jWfHHheWw50UWcYZUHzzLJLD86TQmb_rVd9cvI9dTZoV6gV8Jn9MoQMgDgfgF7mGYwsTeMdby9l9Rk3OQ4/s1000/2024Cincy_KingsBackAlley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1000" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHJDot3zVrHwIXdRlqifBL-FnxrEcP8VUrkVMpNGo38WKgqo8vRpnr8heJj0aTsu8nf6NJAx8gFl-vIUGvagpIv218ywyM2yT7AdlzbKj9jWfHHheWw50UWcYZUHzzLJLD86TQmb_rVd9cvI9dTZoV6gV8Jn9MoQMgDgfgF7mGYwsTeMdby9l9Rk3OQ4/w640-h398/2024Cincy_KingsBackAlley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Eastmoor Kings arrive on table near Swingle's Shawarma, whose customer is obviously oblivious <br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>When we counted it up, the Kings had won on victory points. I averaged Derek and Homer's scores and they racked up 13 points. The Flippos were next with 10, on the strength of their tagging and food hoarding. The Daos, despite having only one member left, took third place with 7 points. The Santanas were close behind, and the poor Mohawks took it on the chin having to face both Derek and Homer's gangs simultaneously and unaided. In retrospect, I will probably keep the missions for the independent gangs. However, I will get rid of the "target" points for knocking out one of the other four you owe payback on. I may keep the extra points for the Kings, though, to encourage them to make it tougher on their march through town. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTIc_Ak6WBq2k7Rh2goaacFvOjPBBlrWdvXJsi5_6jfp2EuW5_blJfbhBauT9kg4o2s0RqnUxfPj4ONChb60xXaf0Opm5qIswTY_KukNC7SPMY6FlUMLwBDMVES0WorI_L38WoK9AkXjL70Ho_m_sX6ghNnvyL5GcO4HwVnzCHIY5iwubwS3z06mRMek/s1000/2024Cincy_SantanasDaosCop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTIc_Ak6WBq2k7Rh2goaacFvOjPBBlrWdvXJsi5_6jfp2EuW5_blJfbhBauT9kg4o2s0RqnUxfPj4ONChb60xXaf0Opm5qIswTY_KukNC7SPMY6FlUMLwBDMVES0WorI_L38WoK9AkXjL70Ho_m_sX6ghNnvyL5GcO4HwVnzCHIY5iwubwS3z06mRMek/w640-h456/2024Cincy_SantanasDaosCop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>No such thing as a fair fight in a street battle -- even with the cops looking on!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>All in all, the players had a blast, they said. I thought the scenario ran well, and is certainly a keeper. Look for it at both <a href="https://fortmeigs.org/drums/" target="_blank">Drums at the Rapids</a>, May 17-18, at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, OH. I will also run it Thursday through Saturday at <a href="https://www.originsgamefair.com/" target="_blank">Origins Game Fair</a>, June 19-23, Columbus, OH. <br /><p></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-89420265188550608302024-02-24T17:42:00.001-05:002024-02-24T17:42:25.672-05:00The Bronze Legion - Ready for Battle!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHeaplQzMoGfWcIg7cApgxcl7FNna1tmPgLKzu-yMOY2sXcjuBM3-_0fDSe8eqzmUtfMvn0a0vkbYyMIldVKeNRCwobAOufhqWz3DrLeCshK8UPUIyJNI2OXeZhai0y17zoDY8Z77fMtP18tEGUL_f_urtjVna2_JI3oOrUZh2KEVDcsR2862zuU9qJA/s1000/BronzeLegion_EntireForce01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1000" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHeaplQzMoGfWcIg7cApgxcl7FNna1tmPgLKzu-yMOY2sXcjuBM3-_0fDSe8eqzmUtfMvn0a0vkbYyMIldVKeNRCwobAOufhqWz3DrLeCshK8UPUIyJNI2OXeZhai0y17zoDY8Z77fMtP18tEGUL_f_urtjVna2_JI3oOrUZh2KEVDcsR2862zuU9qJA/w640-h382/BronzeLegion_EntireForce01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Bronze Legion assembled - five squads totaling 24 points for Xenos Rampant<br /></i></b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i> <br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>With the last squad of heavy infantry for the Bronze Legion finished, I can officially say this "detachment" (as Xenos Rampant calls a player's force) is ready for the tabletop. These last five figures should have been a breeze to paint up, but when they were about 3/4's of the way done, I got sick a couple weeks back. It sapped all my energy, so they sat there, partially painted, in the basement waiting for my recovery.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa6IkIiqdv6DGxZdl0dxGH_LgnAMuIMD1cfIcpyekY8UcV4YraX0-7BeHTurAMJD7JCOeetRzRCMZVwu4kvAqF_kls0uQypsPcxSL2-6aptIxu_Wv37fL59JvCL-XKDy9SnXKhcg9gjsRl0Jqq1ZPt8jfs_1w71e5lvf1pTQgK-WLrHZ6EsIRbMHcwqw/s1000/BronzeLegion_HvyInfy2F.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1000" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa6IkIiqdv6DGxZdl0dxGH_LgnAMuIMD1cfIcpyekY8UcV4YraX0-7BeHTurAMJD7JCOeetRzRCMZVwu4kvAqF_kls0uQypsPcxSL2-6aptIxu_Wv37fL59JvCL-XKDy9SnXKhcg9gjsRl0Jqq1ZPt8jfs_1w71e5lvf1pTQgK-WLrHZ6EsIRbMHcwqw/w640-h372/BronzeLegion_HvyInfy2F.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Progress on the final squad of heavy infantry for the legion was delayed by two weeks of sickness<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The heavy infantry for the Bronze Legion comes from the <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.myshopify.com/products/troopers-stargrave" target="_blank">"Troopers" box of the Stargrave Miniatures</a> plastic kit. I'm ashamed to say that it wasn't until gluing together this batch that I noticed the left and right arms had matching numbers. That certainly made positioning the arms of the figures bracing their weapon with their left hand easier! I'm still a bit of a novice still at this "assembling miniatures" stage of painting figures. I prefer metal miniatures, but realize that so many people like the kit-bashing aspect of plastic figures that they are here to stay.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrtaaPb5sO410EmkSvHFrfDgBn3kc0eylMxX5U6OwSMHLTeKPffORTVcHICnP71fR-F4YR3fnmtpwGcZsNJ8_iHJQZw6suGxgrTKofAGh_qQzKLaS2j97y2o6TBHLqDNxtbI1QSKQhTKASIEQxSByTcVUwyrXpYn5jwkWDdvAf-ppikz9taXmQODGKYk/s1000/BronzeLegion_HvyInfy2R.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="1000" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrtaaPb5sO410EmkSvHFrfDgBn3kc0eylMxX5U6OwSMHLTeKPffORTVcHICnP71fR-F4YR3fnmtpwGcZsNJ8_iHJQZw6suGxgrTKofAGh_qQzKLaS2j97y2o6TBHLqDNxtbI1QSKQhTKASIEQxSByTcVUwyrXpYn5jwkWDdvAf-ppikz9taXmQODGKYk/w640-h312/BronzeLegion_HvyInfy2R.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I think the Wiley Games 3-D printed and Stargrave plastic figures go together well for this force<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I painted them up identically to the last batch. They were spray primed with Krylon acrylic matte black, which I always follow up brushing on a 50/50 mix of water and acrylic black paint. Next, I do a medium gray dry brush over the figures to bring out some highlights on the black. I remembered this time to NOT do a black wash over these areas at the end. Last time I did that and it erased my gray highlighting! It was on to the armor next, which I painted using a metallic craft paint called "Ancient Bronze." After some bright red detail on the belts and back armor plate, all that was left was the figures' weapons. I like how my method for painting Sci-Fi weapons has been working out. I start with a metallic gray craft paint base color, add some details in metallic brown, and finally highlights in silver. Weapons, faces, and the armor then receive a dark black vehicle wash from Vallejo. At that point they are ready for clearcoating, with one final step of painting gloss on their visors and the red dot on their backpacks.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_GW4MrFtWSC1MP4qvY5eywiuFtPOWqKVx60EZ4i2JqazlfmhypOdBC6vuL4mR2FSPKSNYg-rNFSVnjkqsFbrxpJkBM6oD-My63p5kcID1XDNSKFLECLaPkFPVMMT6x0Hx_dVBfU-DBWljsQ1Cw8WgttB2vKpiUHZnEHQkWRa4iND8mGmp8XD7fz6s20/s1000/BronzeLegion_HvyInfTrackedBot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1000" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_GW4MrFtWSC1MP4qvY5eywiuFtPOWqKVx60EZ4i2JqazlfmhypOdBC6vuL4mR2FSPKSNYg-rNFSVnjkqsFbrxpJkBM6oD-My63p5kcID1XDNSKFLECLaPkFPVMMT6x0Hx_dVBfU-DBWljsQ1Cw8WgttB2vKpiUHZnEHQkWRa4iND8mGmp8XD7fz6s20/w640-h578/BronzeLegion_HvyInfTrackedBot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Wiley Games B3AST provides some heavy support for the legion, counting as a "Fighting Vehicle"<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I'm sticking with my urban style flocking on the bases, using Woodland Scenics fine Mixed Gray Ballast. Before applying it, though, I glue a couple bricks to represent rubble, and then over bricks and ballast I do a black wash. One or two tufts and mixed green flocking and the figure is ready for the tabletop. It was fun to assemble the whole detachment and take some pictures. I am giving the Bronze Legion a fighting vehicle (in Xenos Rampant terms) to round out the force. This is the <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/build-your-gang-miniatures/products/resin-28mm-miniature-scifi-b3ast" target="_blank">B3AST tracked Bot from Wiley Games</a>. Its color scheme somewhat matches the Bronze Legion, so I figured it would be a good fit.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tv41_iB3uH1vQZjMjohhF16XHiCpiBI7yx90Sqx3oPyPrh5705eLYbvjjYhasE7MObi7JuXluXDyf53f1-BXn-46GhKDXEWyutMVH9Jp-8e9NdESIqjHD-TkfEmWET6O_4TGkTPvn9JQj6lEpCztMPBEGZk7FPP8Hzbi_MVQ1lmSVFN6X8zT1CrgBgU/s1000/BronzeLegion_EntireForce02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="1000" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tv41_iB3uH1vQZjMjohhF16XHiCpiBI7yx90Sqx3oPyPrh5705eLYbvjjYhasE7MObi7JuXluXDyf53f1-BXn-46GhKDXEWyutMVH9Jp-8e9NdESIqjHD-TkfEmWET6O_4TGkTPvn9JQj6lEpCztMPBEGZk7FPP8Hzbi_MVQ1lmSVFN6X8zT1CrgBgU/w640-h184/BronzeLegion_EntireForce02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Seeing how few figures it takes to field a force in Xenos Rampant, I ditched the 2-figs = 1 SP scale<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I have also pointed out my detachment for Xenos Rampant, too. I have officially backed off of the two figures equals one strength point. I am going all in with a one-to-one ratio. As you can see with the legion, it really doesn't take that many figures to do a 24-point force. Here is how I plan to field the legion:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>5 strength points Elite Infantry </b><b>with Commander</b>: (includes <i>Back into the Fray, Firefight, Ranger</i>), +2 points for <i>Heavy Weapon</i> = total 8 points.</li><li><b>5 strength points </b><b>Elite Infantry</b>: (includes <i>Back into the Fray, Firefight, Ranger</i>) = total 6 points.</li><li><b>5 strength points </b><b>Heavy Infantry</b>: (includes <i>Go to Ground, Firefight</i>), +1 point for <i>Armor Piercing</i> = total 3 points.</li><li><b>5 strength points </b><b>Heavy Infantry</b>: (includes <i>Go to Ground, Firefight</i>), +1 point for <i>Armor Piercing</i> = total 3 points.</li><li><b>5 strength points </b><b>Fighting Vehicle</b>: (includes <i>All Terrain, Anti-tank, High-powered blades</i>), -2 points for <i>Light Armored Vehicle</i> = total 4 points.</li></ul><p>Total Detachment Points = 24 <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt1qM60fq3DkeXAthuvPVfgSupuS3aF-2hhulqxsKIzo5cbMWk7GoMH4CuhOGHBKz-eh50_ehqJ9o7iw7km_jnkdLvqtF7bJ31Dvn9omcFZzVWVnJD7t3wvA2F1qaKVazL6W-gTGSs6CaSrCFAanOHs5uLlPwZllBlayKjRIgd9gyDS9byOZelaqWNIk/s1000/BronzeLegion_EntireForce03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt1qM60fq3DkeXAthuvPVfgSupuS3aF-2hhulqxsKIzo5cbMWk7GoMH4CuhOGHBKz-eh50_ehqJ9o7iw7km_jnkdLvqtF7bJ31Dvn9omcFZzVWVnJD7t3wvA2F1qaKVazL6W-gTGSs6CaSrCFAanOHs5uLlPwZllBlayKjRIgd9gyDS9byOZelaqWNIk/w640-h240/BronzeLegion_EntireForce03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I'm excited to play my first game of Xenos Rampaint, which could be very soon...!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>What's up next? I have assembled another squad of five figures for Xenos Rampant. This will be another batch of <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/how-about-some-blue-skinned-aliens-for.html" target="_blank">Blue-skinned Troopers</a> for Xenos Rampant. This will finish out that detachment, as well. When that squad is complete, I will have four detachments done.<br /><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">31</span></b></li></ul>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-88076944800153319872024-02-21T21:57:00.003-05:002024-02-21T21:57:37.826-05:00Giant 3-D Printed Bridge (with Graffiti)<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintWkj383o_EhL3j92oNaDYom8X7rXd5ed7FAljJvvdKaRrNfLFDTRe2GK5IZ4DGuQGGwQ1OW64p4LorBVJ-NFhINO9p6Mvk1w1UOLBURN7dWm85Guhq8lbXR0sTTL5hdEbiEdFRMRQHjvL12suJAm6kYXMkfzv7RlkisraVxQEtMMSA2tAKEGw103vmo/s1000/BigBridge_RiverStandoff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1000" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintWkj383o_EhL3j92oNaDYom8X7rXd5ed7FAljJvvdKaRrNfLFDTRe2GK5IZ4DGuQGGwQ1OW64p4LorBVJ-NFhINO9p6Mvk1w1UOLBURN7dWm85Guhq8lbXR0sTTL5hdEbiEdFRMRQHjvL12suJAm6kYXMkfzv7RlkisraVxQEtMMSA2tAKEGw103vmo/w640-h434/BigBridge_RiverStandoff4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My newest piece of terrain -- a large, stone bridge with brick sidewalks and an asphalt road atop it<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>This is probably the largest piece of terrain that I have ever assembled and painted. It is a 3-D printed bridge that I purchased from my friend Rusty Parker of Jarl's Workshop (jarlsworkshop19@gmail.com). I first saw it at Drums at the Rapids a couple years ago. I was sorely tempted to buy it then, but my cheapskate nature had me hold off. By the time that Advance the Colors rolled around five months later, I told him that I wanted it. I bought it and there it sat in my closet for nearly a year. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1sOG3hkOjjDsZkzvq5wbZbUAbBNBK_KNHOs8322sb_7UHelRdAMzjOBbH8TwPKzEIRc4bRdOyWD8aQAytYrD8ke3mGeBBYHyWElJzjr0RgkqoDtNpmk2uN2HklSg4RBZEe6XzE0t9GvP_4hgbc2f_yFjTq4uYdwSnghNh05L_Cvs14ul3WoK5LdK30w/s1000/BigBridge_Full%20Length.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="1000" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1sOG3hkOjjDsZkzvq5wbZbUAbBNBK_KNHOs8322sb_7UHelRdAMzjOBbH8TwPKzEIRc4bRdOyWD8aQAytYrD8ke3mGeBBYHyWElJzjr0RgkqoDtNpmk2uN2HklSg4RBZEe6XzE0t9GvP_4hgbc2f_yFjTq4uYdwSnghNh05L_Cvs14ul3WoK5LdK30w/w640-h140/BigBridge_Full%20Length.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Nearly a yard long, this 3-D printed bridge from Jarls Workshop is the biggest terrain piece I've made<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Recently, I pulled it out determined to get it completed and use it in a game. The first step was to glue its seven pieces together. I used superglue and assembled and was pleased how it kind of "locked together" tightly. You can see some gaps here and there, but for the most part, it fits together very nicely. I did add a couple thin pieces of styrene to cover a couple gaps, but otherwise, there were no modifications to the bridge as purchased from Rusty.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKTeOJCj3ecUHh6a9NIYHzmQ-L6DFHMcD4_-T2uui7Z0j58vwDkxJiHQFqeMa4fBhN-I9uibI805mKbUafphYpohvTR5snA2lnI1d4zkp_WQb8d-sbaDTe4uepjHz_DF7A3LM6v00VrxRVnIK_j2Thg6F8hLVJs93LxNdlhj1X0QVJNMejtHcpiy309M/s1000/BigBridge_SideB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="1000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKTeOJCj3ecUHh6a9NIYHzmQ-L6DFHMcD4_-T2uui7Z0j58vwDkxJiHQFqeMa4fBhN-I9uibI805mKbUafphYpohvTR5snA2lnI1d4zkp_WQb8d-sbaDTe4uepjHz_DF7A3LM6v00VrxRVnIK_j2Thg6F8hLVJs93LxNdlhj1X0QVJNMejtHcpiy309M/w640-h212/BigBridge_SideB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Multiple layers of spray paint, washes, dry brushing, and another final wash color its golden stones<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My next decision was to decide on a color scheme. I decided that I wanted to yellowish-golden colored stone. I scoured the aisles of the local Menards home improvement store, and found a nice khaki colored primer. First, I sprayed two coats on it while it was upside down. After drying, I did the same with it standing upright. The next step was to take a more golden toned khaki color craft paint and water it down so that it could be used as a wash. I slathered it on a couple times and was really happy how it settled into the crevices in the stone.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn527Voj7ER89RxI6Yc9HCI20wUHcpcl359oiCZcnqDW5tsVQASjbgnol5ZWultI3wbDR9X0HjngEg-frA_8aVWx615ozs6i0JkahNw8rRk_BoabEHpvB7EKWBAU44I8GJD9SWq2HB8GqwOVo0riB7aZ_HteZJmeWC68tmNLA_PC2HwvzzaWTpKTfHGH8/s1000/BigBridge_RiverStandoff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1000" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn527Voj7ER89RxI6Yc9HCI20wUHcpcl359oiCZcnqDW5tsVQASjbgnol5ZWultI3wbDR9X0HjngEg-frA_8aVWx615ozs6i0JkahNw8rRk_BoabEHpvB7EKWBAU44I8GJD9SWq2HB8GqwOVo0riB7aZ_HteZJmeWC68tmNLA_PC2HwvzzaWTpKTfHGH8/w640-h366/BigBridge_RiverStandoff1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Two of my street gangs taunt each other from opposite sides of the river, daring the other to cross<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The next step was to take another craft paint, a light tan stone color, and use it as a dry brush to highlight the pieces. I used the largest flat brush I own and would probably say this was the fastest and easiest step to do. Once dry, it was time to work on the sidewalks and road surface atop the bridge. The sidewalks were brick, so I did my usual method. I painted it Iron Wind Metals Red Brown and then dry brushed it Howard Hues Middle East Flesh color. Once that was done, it was time to do the asphalt road surface. I used my second darkest gray color as a base coat. As I was applying it, I noticed that I could see the tiny ridges common in 3-D printed items. I was worried that a dry brush would highlight that and draw attention to it. The road would look unnatural. What to do?</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5wZVZt1BbKUkthY75O5AnpMnTnp-iv0tc6EZLhXgNODib3EdiV-4sG7tqR9bHgYzdxovXjNT4jO84Lks-71KEnxrZxwufC6bs9OcpBzL3tjpupzjW0jirV6rrfsxaX5IW2kBYEI4SnkaYm7RII5GRW2QNyik3CgyeG5jokSp7oGI9FSTi4_GRIrjN6w/s1000/BigBridge_TopView1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5wZVZt1BbKUkthY75O5AnpMnTnp-iv0tc6EZLhXgNODib3EdiV-4sG7tqR9bHgYzdxovXjNT4jO84Lks-71KEnxrZxwufC6bs9OcpBzL3tjpupzjW0jirV6rrfsxaX5IW2kBYEI4SnkaYm7RII5GRW2QNyik3CgyeG5jokSp7oGI9FSTi4_GRIrjN6w/w288-h640/BigBridge_TopView1.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The top surface of the bridge with its brick sidewalks and "stippled" gray asphalt<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I decided to take a somewhat frayed brush and "stipple" it rather than dry brush. I used a medium gray color and stippled the entire length of the road surface. My original thought was that I would do a medium gray coat and a lighter one. However, I was so happy with how the asphalt looked that I decided to keep it as is. Almost done!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkCyM7AMIb17MjQ0jJ_UF8KiTeBC6Ooym8pYtWE8KCjHb8LqzBrxOD_2qW1KmLOFU3SSpgzVbthezB_Re0qBzMbYk4cuL0obRi0z6pFjUJbpJfVkoDCRmLw74x6_LIOArL94blP8stfiwg6T1NQznSH2D8SktMcCoJyvvTdDIzsgNXq3o8P5mmr94Lsk/s1000/BigBridge_Santana2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkCyM7AMIb17MjQ0jJ_UF8KiTeBC6Ooym8pYtWE8KCjHb8LqzBrxOD_2qW1KmLOFU3SSpgzVbthezB_Re0qBzMbYk4cuL0obRi0z6pFjUJbpJfVkoDCRmLw74x6_LIOArL94blP8stfiwg6T1NQznSH2D8SktMcCoJyvvTdDIzsgNXq3o8P5mmr94Lsk/w640-h300/BigBridge_Santana2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Santanas have painted their side of the bridge to mark their turf, warning others to "Salir!"<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The last step was to give it a brown wash. I have a bottle of seldom-used dark brown "vehicle wash" from Vallejo. I took a plastic container and filled it partly full with water. Then I began squirting in the brown wash until it had a color that I thought would work well. Applying this final brown wash was probably the messiest part of the process. I dripped quite a bit all over my desk and it soaked the paper towels I had laid out to collect the excess that dripped off. After it dried, I examined it and was very happy with how the bridge had turned out. Was I done? Well...no, not really!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwikW3Q-NrW_muqNy5X4w6I1Pbwk8e2ywn_dWJv53qsWN2ZFosO3XaCdxcv3er_SpTkBkz9XMqiZ30ptsnKuxDLRNll_InfdVV0ROzx4Vz70lR2cn29GmhRnfM7ku9eI99Y-NBZSn8lqYCwkVAoh1_NMJ07p2h2be_MnHjULJjfsOFX-Nw0AKSMV0k0Bo/s1000/BigBridge_Flippos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1000" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwikW3Q-NrW_muqNy5X4w6I1Pbwk8e2ywn_dWJv53qsWN2ZFosO3XaCdxcv3er_SpTkBkz9XMqiZ30ptsnKuxDLRNll_InfdVV0ROzx4Vz70lR2cn29GmhRnfM7ku9eI99Y-NBZSn8lqYCwkVAoh1_NMJ07p2h2be_MnHjULJjfsOFX-Nw0AKSMV0k0Bo/w640-h330/BigBridge_Flippos2.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Creepy clown logo & threats sprayed onto the bridge's surface warn others they're in Flippo turf!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The final step was to dirty it up with graffiti. I went back and forth whether to paint graffiti on it. I finally decided that the bridge would be used most in my <a href="http://www.firstcommandwargames.com/mean-streets.html" target="_blank">Mean Streets gang warfare</a> games. Next, it may see use in post-apocalyptic games. In both environments, a clean pristine bridge would look out of place, right? So, I Googled images of "graffiti bridge" and saw ones that had way, way too much on it. I went back and forth on how much to do, but decided I the best way would be to start in on it and stop when I thought I had enough. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzDACNj88Mo6T-N96NzvV848LsEfkOicbduzPgOl9hZMEsZzsiKVAU6baLqhZoPVioCsndj1UqHI1wMIwEerg6_z1K0OwVwgP98ntFyCAJifjiiSOAXQqmK7wZ-I_Oa-nor-0myNX53a3fHgpljQdBlIgnwExyvie_PwVc4lZuIe17-UF5V8o_ZwNoVI/s1000/BigBridge_Daos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="1000" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzDACNj88Mo6T-N96NzvV848LsEfkOicbduzPgOl9hZMEsZzsiKVAU6baLqhZoPVioCsndj1UqHI1wMIwEerg6_z1K0OwVwgP98ntFyCAJifjiiSOAXQqmK7wZ-I_Oa-nor-0myNX53a3fHgpljQdBlIgnwExyvie_PwVc4lZuIe17-UF5V8o_ZwNoVI/w640-h276/BigBridge_Daos2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The first graffiti "tag" on the bridge that I painted was the purple & yellow Daos logo<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I began with large, colored graffiti-style letters for one of my gangs, the Daos. I then did another set of letters for The Kings. I added it a bleeding eye for the fun of it, and then scrawled various phrases like, "Hate Thy Neighbor" and "Not Your Turf." I did a couple hearts with initials -- one "J.T." for Jenny -- and another a shout-out to the movie, "The Warriors. We'll see if anyone who hasn't read this blog post catches the "Swan + Mercy" Easter egg!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZX8HVvvIuQ3fXeRHlOYmDjyRYYjNcFc2cMdGsfVxJ_ANwp8sxqUfDkkow-laRb5W0QHSBAlQGepqlEaNggH5kiTVeQA20aaHtCgoLTOCfMEfsJXCadS4YZW9pAmA2QrDc9J9JDmqpE_HrrLTaOmDZ6muF9vKkFhY76tRF8Q45WDASzoEx_jrKOI9XJY/s1000/BigBridge_Kings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="1000" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZX8HVvvIuQ3fXeRHlOYmDjyRYYjNcFc2cMdGsfVxJ_ANwp8sxqUfDkkow-laRb5W0QHSBAlQGepqlEaNggH5kiTVeQA20aaHtCgoLTOCfMEfsJXCadS4YZW9pAmA2QrDc9J9JDmqpE_HrrLTaOmDZ6muF9vKkFhY76tRF8Q45WDASzoEx_jrKOI9XJY/w640-h306/BigBridge_Kings1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>As my most numerous gang, the Kings are slated to take on a starring role in my upcoming games<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Most of the graffiti was based around my painted up gangs, also including the Mohawks and Santanas. Once most areas of the bridge sides had something on it, I called it quits. In "reality," it would probably have more graffiti -- somewhat like the photos I saw on my image searches. However, I didn't want to cover up the beautiful golden stone color of the bridge completely. I figured in this case that less was more. I did one final matte spray coat and the bridge was finally done. The process had been dragged out much more than it should by my two bout of sickness. I accomplished little during that point. In actual, sheer hours put into it, I would say it took less time than a building of similar surface area. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpre6T77jKg9an4vzrRQh3n3PLa0UZQvCXTzSXPzq8qOFvehXvErtunL9VQBuvKpzznzEXS4Il1amyDGQ0V6VTGi84lSa4i400G-1HU_2hh52Pi0wEOfinTaJL3EfzAIG_MKnWrxUG04sLBl4UQEEUM95yiQ0dA0Jhosa21_mfGkLYO3Hcwx-NmRmObPo/s1000/BigBridge_Mohawks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1000" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpre6T77jKg9an4vzrRQh3n3PLa0UZQvCXTzSXPzq8qOFvehXvErtunL9VQBuvKpzznzEXS4Il1amyDGQ0V6VTGi84lSa4i400G-1HU_2hh52Pi0wEOfinTaJL3EfzAIG_MKnWrxUG04sLBl4UQEEUM95yiQ0dA0Jhosa21_mfGkLYO3Hcwx-NmRmObPo/w640-h382/BigBridge_Mohawks1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Not all gangs got their 'tag' on the bridge, but I tried to cover most -- like the Indianola Mohawks<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I think it is an amazing terrain piece. If you like it, contact Rusty of Jarl's Workshop at the above email and pick up one yourself. It is a definite eye candy cornerstone for a tabletop. Those who show up to <a href="https://cincycon.org/" target="_blank">Cincycon 2024</a> in less than two weeks will get the first look at it in person. I will be using it as part of my Mean Streets game scheduled for Friday evening. If you want a really close look at it, sign up to play in my game!<br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-29018152094178388002024-02-20T18:27:00.000-05:002024-02-20T18:27:12.582-05:00Battle of Valcour Island, 1776<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ls99JiIDNqL5ZVNLe8O0HDo71qfdCyevRYo7fhs2SULQx3HLTMN3O0kEW6KWTMu_1sGMsOLuhz-4dbjbbYSGIJ3jvDe7MG3JEa0chjPNNZ-_OxkHKyStSEFi4Bh6Gbyh5HRnBR4Uuruvff7tx8befvv1CsXJJuIFzQ6GL7hc8hl0Kt6bpBJt84O-Z2A/s1000/ValcourIsland%20PlayersBrits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1000" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ls99JiIDNqL5ZVNLe8O0HDo71qfdCyevRYo7fhs2SULQx3HLTMN3O0kEW6KWTMu_1sGMsOLuhz-4dbjbbYSGIJ3jvDe7MG3JEa0chjPNNZ-_OxkHKyStSEFi4Bh6Gbyh5HRnBR4Uuruvff7tx8befvv1CsXJJuIFzQ6GL7hc8hl0Kt6bpBJt84O-Z2A/w640-h446/ValcourIsland%20PlayersBrits.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Joel and Allen, the British naval commanders on Lake Champlain in the Battle of Valcour Island<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My friend Keith had an itch to do some Age of Sail miniatures with his big 15mm scale models the other day. His first thought was to go way back and play using the Limeys & Slimeys rules from about three decades ago. After moving some of his ships around on the table and testing out the mechanics, he was turned off by its fiddly nature. Too much counting up figures and guns, he said. Instead, he decided to go with a much more streamlined system, <a href="https://www.ganeshagames.net/product_info.php?products_id=276" target="_blank">Galleys & Galleons</a>, from <a href="https://www.ganeshagames.net/index.php">Ganesha Games</a>. These use the Song of Blades and Heroes "activation" system and abstract many of those things that older rules may force you to do with counting and laborious, multiple, math steps and die rolls.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1000" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZlU4AYtv60YzN8BVgwxX8nYGATdzubrx5V3qzYyOpIL2j-MqDTOvIzvToAtrmY0R7pmuDnEinacEFa0qL-j8Yg9zD1k-ykokz_SB87sYG6PtQzq1M5DuzHOORaBvSBdh4cb02XGcGM-pfGRrdjTZc3DT5_mexbwVLbReX7HXsEfvTui_RtVTkcbyjE/w640-h448/ValcourIsland%20FleetsClosingIn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My brigantine and gunboat bravely sail and row towards the two largest ships in the British fleet<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZlU4AYtv60YzN8BVgwxX8nYGATdzubrx5V3qzYyOpIL2j-MqDTOvIzvToAtrmY0R7pmuDnEinacEFa0qL-j8Yg9zD1k-ykokz_SB87sYG6PtQzq1M5DuzHOORaBvSBdh4cb02XGcGM-pfGRrdjTZc3DT5_mexbwVLbReX7HXsEfvTui_RtVTkcbyjE/s1000/ValcourIsland%20FleetsClosingIn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b></a></div>This is actually an ongoing rules debate in our Sunday evening gaming group. I am much more in favor of modern streamlined systems. Others, like my friend Andy, prefer the "chewy" (his word) nature of counting things up, rolling for numerous hits on charts, and checking off boxes. Our respective viewpoints clashed most recently when we played one of the Star Fleet Battles clones (Federation Commander, perhaps?) recently. To me, the process was borderline painful. When one devastating hit was done to a player's ship (actually, one of their THREE ships), we had to sit there twiddling our thumbs while they rolled for and checked off 30-40 internal hits. This includes marking off such useful things like "science labs" and other systems that had nothing to do with a standard fleet game. Really? This is fun??<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdFsnkkWiNYVSqf7jj2U4xRRgX4o75cb9q75G6n8Sq23y3qjaDgZGPd2gFFk48mJ9QuJe8sCtcKTwqscHhU0yk1VSdRBhEBP6Jv0orDL2Yp1e14jWZ0yzTMALih14TWnSOWx4fRRT7O-1nIT6c5cSOPoBg9Da7QRReamqWFqXODysAzo24ftS7lOX75A/s1000/ValcourIsland%20GunboatAflame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="1000" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdFsnkkWiNYVSqf7jj2U4xRRgX4o75cb9q75G6n8Sq23y3qjaDgZGPd2gFFk48mJ9QuJe8sCtcKTwqscHhU0yk1VSdRBhEBP6Jv0orDL2Yp1e14jWZ0yzTMALih14TWnSOWx4fRRT7O-1nIT6c5cSOPoBg9Da7QRReamqWFqXODysAzo24ftS7lOX75A/w640-h274/ValcourIsland%20GunboatAflame.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Each player received a gunboat carrying one cannon in its bow, along with their larger ship<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Anyway, I think miniature rules writing has evolved away from a codex full of charts which you flip between and ship profiles with dozens or hundreds of boxes to check off. Other players have fun doing this (apparently), as the clear divide between the younger and older gamers in our Star Fleet game showed the other night. Guess who likes to check off boxes? The younger guys! Those of us who lived through 1970s & 1980s rules -- to be fair, Limeys and Slimeys was the '90s -- apparently prefer not to go through that again. Nostalgia might be behind some wanting to resurrect old gaming systems. Like when one of our founding club members, Allen (who I have been gaming with for 40+ years), wanted to play the boardgame "Talisman." He would not be deterred with a simple question: "Why would you want to do that?!" He needed to experience once again the painful process of endlessly waiting your turn while the other players took theirs, then waiting twice that time again when you got a Lose a turn" result. The sheer randomness of, "Oh look! I found a suit of magic armor on my turn!" Meanwhile, you flip over a Demon Lord and lose another life. Sheer awfulness, in my opinion. Not fun to play, and no strategy. Just roll dice and flip cards!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk6iuili7JgXL0N6N6yBnaCtgleVbCKifDsnqtM9Cp1YoWQD_JQb87qadcibikuZ19bgAVJhbgwOyVJuT4v7DVid8hstkdHnDAXPKJeO2D4V-K19Z-O-bw43vdUbDYZELmXCuyb5p9YlltE32XG8LNcq5kEeFzaVIIviE8rLFzFgyblXUN7YQMLXci6w/s1000/ValcourIsland%20GangingUpOnFrigate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="1000" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhk6iuili7JgXL0N6N6yBnaCtgleVbCKifDsnqtM9Cp1YoWQD_JQb87qadcibikuZ19bgAVJhbgwOyVJuT4v7DVid8hstkdHnDAXPKJeO2D4V-K19Z-O-bw43vdUbDYZELmXCuyb5p9YlltE32XG8LNcq5kEeFzaVIIviE8rLFzFgyblXUN7YQMLXci6w/w640-h328/ValcourIsland%20GangingUpOnFrigate.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My brigantine suffering damage (see pink dice) from the heavier broadside of Allen's frigate<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Yes, that was quite the digression, I realize. Apparently, I still had some more internal hits to roll off from the experience! Keith chose Galleys & Galleons, which we had played a few years back because he remembered it seemed to flow well and do a better job simulating naval warfare than you might expect from rules that grew out of a fantasy skirmish engine. The key component is that hits suffered replace one of your three potential dice you can roll to activate with a colored "damaged" die. You can choose to roll fewer dice, thus not risking rolling that colored die, until all three of your dice have been replaced. If you ever roll an activation and score a "1" on a colored die, bad things can happen, including striking your colors if you are nearer an enemy than any friends. Similarly, once you exceed three colored dice (three is the max dice you can roll to activate in the "Song of..." engine), bad things can happen then, too. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTfplfzJxa3sNt9g7Fc6W5MIqCir3eGxfYQhMxj5KqAKra-Te3r9HUA_gC_mVQK1WtjsrGvh2-3GQknedHwN_63zY0NlI-sqI2UmhdJXSbcQpk0QK_rGchZM9Q17nK5_3w8c5op1p3YlQRen0-gVVphaedaZFyTxdLGWKjc-R2SPEo4aWxsajJfmXwEg/s1000/ValcourIsland%20AmericanFleetSwarms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1000" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTfplfzJxa3sNt9g7Fc6W5MIqCir3eGxfYQhMxj5KqAKra-Te3r9HUA_gC_mVQK1WtjsrGvh2-3GQknedHwN_63zY0NlI-sqI2UmhdJXSbcQpk0QK_rGchZM9Q17nK5_3w8c5op1p3YlQRen0-gVVphaedaZFyTxdLGWKjc-R2SPEo4aWxsajJfmXwEg/w640-h508/ValcourIsland%20AmericanFleetSwarms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Keith's sloop at top right sails to add its broadside to the weight of our cannon fire on Allen's frigate<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The game abstracts much of the damage and critical hits on specific components of your sailing ship. It worked fairly well in our game, we felt. Allen had a 22-gun frigate (I believe), the largest on Lake Champlain. He was able to shrug off much of cannon fire that we peppered him with throughout the game. His brother Joel could not do the same with his 18-gun sloop, though, and ended up striking his colors to Jenny's American sloop and being captured. Keith warned us that he'd made the British better at gunnery and that we would need to close the range to hope to do significant damage. That proved true. All in all, the system worked well. Each player controlled one larger ship and one oared gun boat with a single, bow chaser. The gun boats did little damage to the bigger ships, as you might expect with only one cannon. The marine sharpshooters did even less. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2to3syoQMUwfIg1KJoQc3NiNJhk9N120E_CnjEJq8ITSeR00XZQBRQH5IBoDMWl97vpFUMq3hh2hCiGcm85We7s4YlaiK6uM4Of7ZiYB28qmUIA0_90irBqOEZABNc-XqneYk8XwGLCZpTt_kOzMRpboPmPaFFDdPoC5Ft7YH5I-VxPzg2JEiE53zWw/s1000/ValcourIsland%20GunboatSinks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1000" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2to3syoQMUwfIg1KJoQc3NiNJhk9N120E_CnjEJq8ITSeR00XZQBRQH5IBoDMWl97vpFUMq3hh2hCiGcm85We7s4YlaiK6uM4Of7ZiYB28qmUIA0_90irBqOEZABNc-XqneYk8XwGLCZpTt_kOzMRpboPmPaFFDdPoC5Ft7YH5I-VxPzg2JEiE53zWw/w640-h358/ValcourIsland%20GunboatSinks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Took more than half the battle, but Keith's gunboat finally sinks Allen's - mainly due to catching on fire<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>We did have one boarding action, but it was inconclusive. On the next turn, Keith's larger sloop disabled the grapples which Joel's gunboat had snagged it with. He didn't want to leave to a die roll the ignominy of being boarded and taken by a smaller gunboat! I can't say I blame him. My own gunboat was on the way to rescue him, but we never closed before the two ships parted ways. My own brigantine bravely sailed between Joel's sloop and Allen's frigate, blazing away with furious ineffectiveness nearly the entire game. We score one hit on Joel's sloop, but after that, suffered a series of bad die rolls (as is often my nature in games...see Joel -- I said it!). </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX3C9Mpmhj8TGgKXWQwD6DZChFmPkKlWsZ0471NefeHIUdjVL3KQt-LlA5wI0Y5B7dsHdBuCcECh0wPMZjNnPBysbfnIjAjARSo6W7WpJ256YmiwojaO0c-Yad0KOpw0Md7b1-XO5AurQQxHWKGF_58wdTMJGl4XyzZzXhQp5aaG5hiaJghC3-RADBKU/s1000/ValcourIsland%20BritSloopStrikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1000" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUX3C9Mpmhj8TGgKXWQwD6DZChFmPkKlWsZ0471NefeHIUdjVL3KQt-LlA5wI0Y5B7dsHdBuCcECh0wPMZjNnPBysbfnIjAjARSo6W7WpJ256YmiwojaO0c-Yad0KOpw0Md7b1-XO5AurQQxHWKGF_58wdTMJGl4XyzZzXhQp5aaG5hiaJghC3-RADBKU/w640-h362/ValcourIsland%20BritSloopStrikes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Pounded by two ships, Joel's sloop strikes its colors as it approaches Jenny's 'Royal Savage'<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>In Galleys & Galleons, if you beat an enemy with an <b><i>even</i></b> roll on your die you replace one of their three activation dice with a colored "damage" die. If you beat them with an <b><i>odd</i></b> score, you do nothing (unless you doubled them). Weirdly, the first six-plus shooting rolls that hit in the game were all even. We weren't irked by the rule then. Once, the rolls evened out, it felt a little "wrong" to hit someone and do nothing, over and over. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97_PWOdaVpKGZaoTUwF_F67VlTbCICOboB98-cUAWNx3GJm4shSCAhPVsLFiIlFRYzvOn4VxrYOfBZ38rkA5XZTXf1IRn45IymZv3SQvr9XIX3yUUZJUiueoM_U_HQAHkiZtwlRdeSS_qyw7o1X32eJvYvjPXU-iqT0APx2aePPBQffcbOBSx63UdiSg/s1000/ValcourIsland%20FrigateShrugsOffCannons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1000" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97_PWOdaVpKGZaoTUwF_F67VlTbCICOboB98-cUAWNx3GJm4shSCAhPVsLFiIlFRYzvOn4VxrYOfBZ38rkA5XZTXf1IRn45IymZv3SQvr9XIX3yUUZJUiueoM_U_HQAHkiZtwlRdeSS_qyw7o1X32eJvYvjPXU-iqT0APx2aePPBQffcbOBSx63UdiSg/w640-h436/ValcourIsland%20FrigateShrugsOffCannons.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>American cannon balls seem to bounce off Allen's frigate, whether from gunboat or brigantine<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Still, with Joel's sloop captured and Allen's gunboat sunk (fire on board, then explosion), we called it a victory for the Americans. Historically, the British battered Benedict Arnold's American fleet, which later withdrew under cover of darkness. They were eventually run aground by the American commanders to prevent them from falling into the hands of the British. The naval battle delayed the British advance enough to give solace to the American defeat in the first naval battle of the American Revolution. </p><p>It was fun getting the large 15mm ships out and sailing them around on the tabletop. We picked up the mechanics quickly, and the colored dice mechanic gave some risk vs. reward decision making for the players. Keith, as has been his wont of late, tossed in the Wiley Games card activation system on top of the Galleys & Galleons system. The effect was that there was no danger in "crapping out," or turning over your activation. So, we typically always rolled 3 dice for activation until we had one or more colored, damage dice. The fleets closed relatively quickly, and we were soon blasting away at each other and having a good time on Lake Champlain. I can see us playing with Keith's ships again, and using G&G again for more naval fun.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCRHMKbj2njZEKt8cfTDygLe981UcPWJUlmQOjZs3lT0c_t78kOnPvRLVStViX55sQTXJeS_M0oFbK6Tlu_92WXFYWZ_LTvI7lTCAhyuODoc_HYMTqElKieHDteoYWsXWmMQzz5rAbfWSZg3_u25I-C7IaHcLp0SzA19_JqiatGXa1R95_D3v4QDA2wQ/s1000/ValcourIsland%20NavalBattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCRHMKbj2njZEKt8cfTDygLe981UcPWJUlmQOjZs3lT0c_t78kOnPvRLVStViX55sQTXJeS_M0oFbK6Tlu_92WXFYWZ_LTvI7lTCAhyuODoc_HYMTqElKieHDteoYWsXWmMQzz5rAbfWSZg3_u25I-C7IaHcLp0SzA19_JqiatGXa1R95_D3v4QDA2wQ/w640-h480/ValcourIsland%20NavalBattle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>It was fun to get the big ships (and little ones) out on the tabletop - first time in years!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Otherwise, you may have noticed the LONG pause between updates. I caught a nasty cold just over two weeks ago. It was the worst I'd felt since having Covid, and I didn't not have the energy to paint or game. I think the two weekends of missing Sunday evening gaming are the most that I have in a long time. I didn't want to get the other guys sick, and besides I was feeling awful. Today is actually the first day that I have woken up and not felt congested or tired and drained. So, hopefully, I'm back in the groove and you will see more updates on here, again!</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">26</span></b></li></ul><p></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-89769475902297453332024-01-29T22:14:00.005-05:002024-01-29T22:14:32.715-05:00Song of Drums and the Spirit World?<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituDboQQptmfujge9qfhRoBCSWn8GLuDs6eWrA6Gi7bB6MVakCstYVS1ZpAGk8_L-Dkuy6QcFH3IqVM7QoFJLaJ8b6KVLN5D7pClUPFmtjdekzxTV9BeP5feUT1ogwmtccYuqPa1htZDsGuYidX-lSlkVIbGNhj1LAOZdu4zpbBkfcdYvTWiBQFVv5-LU/s3518/SpiritTest09%20ArchersHangBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3518" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituDboQQptmfujge9qfhRoBCSWn8GLuDs6eWrA6Gi7bB6MVakCstYVS1ZpAGk8_L-Dkuy6QcFH3IqVM7QoFJLaJ8b6KVLN5D7pClUPFmtjdekzxTV9BeP5feUT1ogwmtccYuqPa1htZDsGuYidX-lSlkVIbGNhj1LAOZdu4zpbBkfcdYvTWiBQFVv5-LU/w640-h412/SpiritTest09%20ArchersHangBack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>It's 'Song of Drums and Tomahawks' with mythological creatures from the "Spirit World" added in!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>One of my co-authors of <a href="http://www.firstcommandwargames.com/song-of-drums-and-tomahawks.html" target="_blank">Song of Drums and Tomahawks</a> (my French & Indian War rules) mentioned he was intrigued by incorporating fantasy and horror elements in skirmish warfare on the American frontier. Mike S also knew I had done some preliminary research into creatures from various tribal myths with a look towards doing a similarly themed expansion for our rules. Since family and school have my writing tied up for now, I urged him to pursue it.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdE5kVyEzUzkatjFcEJWZOyL9W_UNkM18hvwOM2ZjOPzmnN4CdOQ8dkZsMLoXUQHDUYIBHOehdko0_DsaV8IF9z3jAAZqfpLm8WhpyroMcSyndELX0mvUO0zZIU_ETp__80Vo0UIVi7Yy0hH0EH-HYXhP3-5N_pw0CijjDXATB71VVnFIdhBHDdMLpP0/s1000/SpiritTest01%20VikingLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="1000" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdE5kVyEzUzkatjFcEJWZOyL9W_UNkM18hvwOM2ZjOPzmnN4CdOQ8dkZsMLoXUQHDUYIBHOehdko0_DsaV8IF9z3jAAZqfpLm8WhpyroMcSyndELX0mvUO0zZIU_ETp__80Vo0UIVi7Yy0hH0EH-HYXhP3-5N_pw0CijjDXATB71VVnFIdhBHDdMLpP0/w640-h222/SpiritTest01%20VikingLine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>"We come from the land of ice and snow..." -- the Viking invaders of Newfoundland<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Last night, we sat down with our Sunday evening gaming group and gave it our first playtest. Mike liberally blended rules and traits from various other games in the "Song of..." series, both Basic rules and Advanced. Interestingly, he had set up three one-on-one scenarios from wildly different times on the American frontier. My game against Allen was set in the Middle Ages with Vikings vs. Skraelings in Newfoundland. Mike faced off against Keith in one set during the Salem witch trials. And finally, Joel and Mike's son Jason played English and French forces set upon by a Wendigo. Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures of the other games -- just my own. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTo8O_XsxLFiLNNeoUtuvHan3Hc-z_gnlUZ8xfyzBgiE2P0LBkoI7e4ORnD3vWSE8wgvfQkGXYRN6FLY8CF0d6JuitYEp9es1ZOr9ry4T8Mu0VG4hzASmqdRnMmpMkU-ebT7kmLvt_Q3XEMsbZq6-P7_3Qajm22vpC2VXebgPBmxV7p_5BJLHosQm9xg/s1000/SpiritTest03%20SkinwalkersForward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1000" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTo8O_XsxLFiLNNeoUtuvHan3Hc-z_gnlUZ8xfyzBgiE2P0LBkoI7e4ORnD3vWSE8wgvfQkGXYRN6FLY8CF0d6JuitYEp9es1ZOr9ry4T8Mu0VG4hzASmqdRnMmpMkU-ebT7kmLvt_Q3XEMsbZq6-P7_3Qajm22vpC2VXebgPBmxV7p_5BJLHosQm9xg/w640-h560/SpiritTest03%20SkinwalkersForward.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The shaman urges the Skinwalkers forward, the Bear having already changed into his animal form<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Allen took the Vikings and had a force of a Hero, four spearmen, three archers, a priest of Odin, and three brothers who were berserkers/weres. Similarly, I had three Skinwalkers (Bear, Wolf, Puma), a shaman, tribal chieftain, and a half dozen bow armed Skraeling warriors. We each moved our forces up to rocky outcrops in the light woods, while sending forward a handful of troops to scout out the enemy. The difference was I sent my three Skinwalkers to attack the enemy while Allen had sent ordinary Viking warriors. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_BTpbGH2x9LbhA1Ue0cyMppAHmuRGBujTePGgUkV6S1_uJXDwbncPvrOrWdHRu4mQ6RCQK-xo6h6W_CIwELT1iXTG3NCDy-l32L_1-tsGlvMqMDY0lDqqcD66oKYIjXzbmNGZGW3u1_-qlysSfrKShyphenhyphenHCsUdOeeYBUHLt5Qa0tXgB1kXHYUa82D0Y2E/s1000/SpiritTest04%20SkinwalkersCloseIn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1000" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_BTpbGH2x9LbhA1Ue0cyMppAHmuRGBujTePGgUkV6S1_uJXDwbncPvrOrWdHRu4mQ6RCQK-xo6h6W_CIwELT1iXTG3NCDy-l32L_1-tsGlvMqMDY0lDqqcD66oKYIjXzbmNGZGW3u1_-qlysSfrKShyphenhyphenHCsUdOeeYBUHLt5Qa0tXgB1kXHYUa82D0Y2E/w640-h374/SpiritTest04%20SkinwalkersCloseIn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My plan takes shape -- 3 powerful skinwalkers ready to pounce on two ordinary Viking warriors<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My plan was to pounce upon the spearmen with my much-tougher Skinwalkers and hopefully get a "gruesome kill" (which Mike was re-introducing into these games). Allen was also struggling with activation rolls, and it looked like my plan was set to be implemented as the three Skinwalkers faced off against two trembling Vikings. Allen's dice came to life, though, and in a flash, three werewolves howled towards my trio and it was now 4 to 3. Still, he hadn't made contact, so I was able to begin the melee on my next turn. I sent the Bear Skinwalker, the mightiest creature on the table, forward to attack the werewolf on the end with a "powerful blow" (-1 to the enemy). Up +2 on the die roll, the mighty bear knocked the werewolf down. My Wolf Skinwalker surged forward and slew the disadvantaged werewolf. First blood to the Skraelings protecting their homeland!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORFmRKmM4KEtzIuSw3o69KTQHLLF-c-VClv_F4yERMZUufT6AL8aa-zy_PV-VEMyXDTDM-H5IGegg2tYALozEs6YogJNd93flD6YNfoj6VDey9Ef4JAtK5bCHrBnWY3jH1f1qc91dpIk-2wtGToJtoVBsVvCwO0qLKF2hCO5SQLOrzuIjwpGjgkjjI4w/s1000/SpiritTest05%20UlfenwehrToRescue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1000" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORFmRKmM4KEtzIuSw3o69KTQHLLF-c-VClv_F4yERMZUufT6AL8aa-zy_PV-VEMyXDTDM-H5IGegg2tYALozEs6YogJNd93flD6YNfoj6VDey9Ef4JAtK5bCHrBnWY3jH1f1qc91dpIk-2wtGToJtoVBsVvCwO0qLKF2hCO5SQLOrzuIjwpGjgkjjI4w/w640-h414/SpiritTest05%20UlfenwehrToRescue.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>But it was not to be -- two werewolves race to the aid of the trembling Viking spearmen!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My plan was to next begin working on his ordinary Viking warriors. The chieftain, noticing that his Skraeling warriors were hanging back (bad activation rolls), raced forward to support his mighty skinwalkers. He launched arrow after arrow at the Vikings, keeping them from helping each other. Meahwhile, the Bear-sark Viking changed into his animal form and hurled himself upon the Bear Skinwalker. He was swatted backwards with a mighty sweep of the skinwalker's paw. Time and again, the bear would hurl himself upon his ursine rival. Each time he was driven back or his attack stopped.<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEyEdk_s6xMubE_iQRuzkxCtOzTl8-ghFGLSeejErSxMx_H73nkAOaEX8Sxlr8wpqe_-0G_5vPdBpNhOwPZxnA74wUU3PkFVItUKMyfFPQW5Ldloc6csT0kxGoIocabZWrmKAGB_cGW_IZK5dR3T7k1UAgATL4Ug9E6quAUnfR8ve7wQmbGMeOo0NiAE/s1000/SpiritTest07%20WerewolfDown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1000" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEyEdk_s6xMubE_iQRuzkxCtOzTl8-ghFGLSeejErSxMx_H73nkAOaEX8Sxlr8wpqe_-0G_5vPdBpNhOwPZxnA74wUU3PkFVItUKMyfFPQW5Ldloc6csT0kxGoIocabZWrmKAGB_cGW_IZK5dR3T7k1UAgATL4Ug9E6quAUnfR8ve7wQmbGMeOo0NiAE/w640-h626/SpiritTest07%20WerewolfDown.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>First blood! The Bear Skinwalkers knocks down the werewolf and my Wolf then leaps in for the kill<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>As a Viking and member of an honor culture, Allen fought fair, one-one-one matchups. My Skraelings had no such scruples. We ganged up on enemy warriors whenever we could. The plan was to try to get a gruesome kill -- tripling an enemy's total in combat. This would cause a morale check for all within a Long distance and likely shatter his line. This should leave more lone, unsupported Vikings to pick off. Eventually, the Wolf and Bear teamed up against a Viking spearmen whose head soon went flying through the air. The Viking line duly fragmented, but none fled the field completely.<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wFeiaXB5SDmN3UQH3EBDvj-LEQGZlDcnGu_vHzWvP_HvuUuvwmivppavbq1ornIxVIroqSf27TKVbXpXGMglinb7EJEZblQCucwEzuJFAODUzYUx0dyNMRZbUKgFS3NH4EPslKEAYpnwfXUKHVVJlpm6LURtqLpVHtY8vqFDx_NceCjmQBcfvShBqTY/s1000/SpiritTest08%20VikingsDown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1000" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wFeiaXB5SDmN3UQH3EBDvj-LEQGZlDcnGu_vHzWvP_HvuUuvwmivppavbq1ornIxVIroqSf27TKVbXpXGMglinb7EJEZblQCucwEzuJFAODUzYUx0dyNMRZbUKgFS3NH4EPslKEAYpnwfXUKHVVJlpm6LURtqLpVHtY8vqFDx_NceCjmQBcfvShBqTY/w640-h516/SpiritTest08%20VikingsDown.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Lucky long range arrow knocks down a Viking warrior while the Puma Skinwalker wades in, too<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The Viking leader saw the situation was dire and stepped in to intervene. He charged the Puma Skinwalker and slew it with a might stroke of his sword -- worthy of the Sagas! However, encouraged by their tribe's success, the Skraeling archers had finally crept within range. Whenever a Viking was knocked down by an arrow, a Skinwalkers or the chieftain would race over and finish him off. A key mechanic in Song of Drums and Tomahawks if a combat can result in a figure being knocked down. If they are beaten a second time before they have a chance to clamber to their feet, they are knocked out of action. My rolls that night were definitely better than Allen's. At key moments, I knocked down his troops and then was able to activate another figure to finish it off.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZldZxCw8iTLIC_nJsnHj-SKyUfHbZBGGKLdphGj82D7H7gAl6IOiJlQicBhXnidExhsHZdN18tGDtU2BGAF_GzS10ry8axdMKLuBkgZS8cdn8kIN9Kq3CEV7YPf8QJAKwpyOpM_oqy1L-CYiCg5iSRtUMW-_aXZkDrzeA5G5S_-MhyYo-nO5kRHZv5SA/s3518/SpiritTest09%20ArchersHangBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3518" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZldZxCw8iTLIC_nJsnHj-SKyUfHbZBGGKLdphGj82D7H7gAl6IOiJlQicBhXnidExhsHZdN18tGDtU2BGAF_GzS10ry8axdMKLuBkgZS8cdn8kIN9Kq3CEV7YPf8QJAKwpyOpM_oqy1L-CYiCg5iSRtUMW-_aXZkDrzeA5G5S_-MhyYo-nO5kRHZv5SA/w640-h412/SpiritTest09%20ArchersHangBack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>With his Skraeling bowmen hanging back, the chieftain in red moves forward to support his attack<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Morale checks happen when a force falls below half, and Allen was teetering that direction. Soon, he had lost two both of his werewolves (the mighty bear fought on), all four spearmen, and Odin's priest. One more loss and he his force would test morale. The Skraeling chieftain took aim at the Viking warleader and was able to knock him down. The skinwalkers had already acted that turn, so it fell to a Skraeling brave to attempt to finish him off. He raced forward and used his flint knife to slice Olaf's throat as he tried to pull himself to his feet. A mighty roar went up from the tribe's warriors. Victory!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNfmfLQcD0WrRPGxG6WLy5giDcWfz7Fsz94eD9y6bGhzNYchi5hyphenhyphenKq_bk0iktf2qqsmhOsSF84uOP7bNSvza861cubZfDoz8ASqqyaBtiAY98mlK6ULbSgXpkAVB8F00dhH7pWqW32wNnfvtYbF8n4u1H5sMavySs-XoV8D6vBBqqYs4DSOW-VN3paDM/s1000/SpiritTest10%20SkinwalkersChargeVikings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1000" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNfmfLQcD0WrRPGxG6WLy5giDcWfz7Fsz94eD9y6bGhzNYchi5hyphenhyphenKq_bk0iktf2qqsmhOsSF84uOP7bNSvza861cubZfDoz8ASqqyaBtiAY98mlK6ULbSgXpkAVB8F00dhH7pWqW32wNnfvtYbF8n4u1H5sMavySs-XoV8D6vBBqqYs4DSOW-VN3paDM/w640-h552/SpiritTest10%20SkinwalkersChargeVikings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Skinwalkers then began to attack the Viking warriors, hoping to get a gruesome kill and scatter them<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Allen and I agreed to call the game at that point. He had just lost more than half his figures AND his leader, so would likely have men running for their lives at this point. The Skraelings had lost only the Puma. I was very careful about sending my Indians into the fray. The archers had stayed back as a firing line in close support of each other. The chieftain used the skinwalkers as a shield and shot his bow from behind their protection. The trio of skinwalkers stayed close to each other and cooperated well.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4hHTorUZ86mg2rTHgYnVs03nC45HWDVgYIipBNc_js24Lo0iL2TCPPrcyxNs6S6DMziKsofDQn2kaJwAs6NuyZ969e2-NEivqWlXk_6EAw0PXs7UpIytqdjj3xbcMdCeGMuqZXbuEREjIUKispFH16ElpPEgyfYnhjxsoL9YBT0PH21vAWGK_9VBw0g/s1000/SpiritTest11%20OlafTheFearless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4hHTorUZ86mg2rTHgYnVs03nC45HWDVgYIipBNc_js24Lo0iL2TCPPrcyxNs6S6DMziKsofDQn2kaJwAs6NuyZ969e2-NEivqWlXk_6EAw0PXs7UpIytqdjj3xbcMdCeGMuqZXbuEREjIUKispFH16ElpPEgyfYnhjxsoL9YBT0PH21vAWGK_9VBw0g/w640-h384/SpiritTest11%20OlafTheFearless.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Olaf the Fearless wades into the battle, and in a blow worthy of the Sagas, takes down the Puma<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Despite the seeming one-sided nature of the battle, Allen and I had a lot of fun. I definitely think Song of Drums and Tomahawks works with mythical creatures thrown into the mix. I asked the others how their battles went, and they both seemed very close. The magical duel between Keith's native shamans and the freed-from-prison Salem witches was apparently a tightly-contest of wills. Everyone seemed to have fun, so not only was the evening a success, the playtest was off to a great start. Mike plans on running these games at <a href="https://www.originsgamefair.com/" target="_blank">Origins Game Fair</a> in Columbus, June 19-23. So, we will doubtless see more evenings of tweaking the rules and crafting a competitive and fun convention game.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjEeJGhPFvsmxCW31jiIsWckeFantmAwQatpIkCXbMVS7gbzpo05g2OA4x0ZLXUfLsEq1RewUkHV2Bb_H47e1IixEwYaDTAgyTtILWd680YP6DE8k1REKjv1ce3PW5ZgDwPx72cdsSstnQD-KtZFpu3k5DDIL9JUpRjqZJcylhn8Arc5amNBBXGdoxzU/s1000/SpiritTest12%20BattleRaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="889" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjEeJGhPFvsmxCW31jiIsWckeFantmAwQatpIkCXbMVS7gbzpo05g2OA4x0ZLXUfLsEq1RewUkHV2Bb_H47e1IixEwYaDTAgyTtILWd680YP6DE8k1REKjv1ce3PW5ZgDwPx72cdsSstnQD-KtZFpu3k5DDIL9JUpRjqZJcylhn8Arc5amNBBXGdoxzU/w568-h640/SpiritTest12%20BattleRaging.jpg" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Bear on bear and wolf on werewolf - the battle in the primeval American forest rages!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The miniatures were a mix of mine and Mike's. The mythical creatures were all his except for my Wendigo, which is a very creepy looking 3-D print from Thingiverse. I have picked up various Reaper Bones or other figures that will work for creatures from various tribes' mythologies. Mike seems intent on painting them up, so my contribution will likely remain either the rank and file or human heroes.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D-WyKyYxkIq-v9o6R342Pw-e2yM3LokqZU19FTJ_XP2F36e11mnMT_U2_RqmC_7UXMJ_4YCfVZU3Qei8rG3c_BCs7q4zJ_B6XosVOpyRhhEjoIvNQyW01FH7eFLxe1jgMTLFU1KshalKtSNyfA0e7CO4WFp1uJwrMGTEKZf33SmumkS0_Uy2AAZD0H4/s1000/SpiritTest13%20DeathOfOlaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0D-WyKyYxkIq-v9o6R342Pw-e2yM3LokqZU19FTJ_XP2F36e11mnMT_U2_RqmC_7UXMJ_4YCfVZU3Qei8rG3c_BCs7q4zJ_B6XosVOpyRhhEjoIvNQyW01FH7eFLxe1jgMTLFU1KshalKtSNyfA0e7CO4WFp1uJwrMGTEKZf33SmumkS0_Uy2AAZD0H4/w640-h400/SpiritTest13%20DeathOfOlaf.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>After Olaf is knocked down by a Skinwalker, a brave native warrior rushes forward and finishes him<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>If everything goes well with the rules, Mike is interested in publishing an expansion book for this period. He wants to chat with Andrea Sfiligoi from <a href="https://www.ganeshagames.net/" target="_blank">Ganesha Games</a> first, though. Ganesha and <a href="http://www.firstcommandwargames.com/" target="_blank">First Command Wargames</a> cooperate closely on the "Song of Drums and Tomahawks" line of rules, so we want to make sure he's on board first, as well. So, look for more "Spirit World" games in the future...!</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">26</span></b></li></ul>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-19133232102915506762024-01-28T21:13:00.001-05:002024-01-28T21:13:09.619-05:003-story Corner Ruin from Jarls Workshop<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0Bw3NW5i9aEW7rZ4I6pO96i5snGUjsKOttaX-MevLskdTAb8Osx1dVFDezSpu0NaUXwf7T6tmIQ9aRu9CQbkvWJ_KQz6C2eR7_SUF5Hpo_8_VRSxEUqjhbQv3ls97NPHDdaUO_rw4qMO49FZvH-YkbBIXYymCxrQ7j66zpJqPY3lpOTT457m8pUn_gw/s1000/3storyCorner%20Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0Bw3NW5i9aEW7rZ4I6pO96i5snGUjsKOttaX-MevLskdTAb8Osx1dVFDezSpu0NaUXwf7T6tmIQ9aRu9CQbkvWJ_KQz6C2eR7_SUF5Hpo_8_VRSxEUqjhbQv3ls97NPHDdaUO_rw4qMO49FZvH-YkbBIXYymCxrQ7j66zpJqPY3lpOTT457m8pUn_gw/w544-h640/3storyCorner%20Closeup.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Another 3-D printed, ruin for my post-apocalyptic games - this one from Jarl's Workshop<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I picked this 3-D printed building up from Jarl's Workshop this past Advance the Colors. I liked the way it looked and that was before I realized the two pieces taped to the side were the floors for the second and third story! Once I got the building out and began to assemble it, I was even more happy. Everything fit together well, and I liked that it had crumbling stone walls marking out the foundations. The inner rectangle was modeled like rough ground, much like some of the other buildings I have painted up from Rusty at Jarl's Workshop.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OevEdlVi95noWl6e8iFK1cs_NiJTe1SPFTIkUAtY0bwnOXG_7LxfTlcGUUniAeUhGl1c3vMVqxpJ5X3aXcpcL0S1xWoe0TRV2VgeKPBGgzvwigZmnJnSxl8UzkDb6H2hxRq5StYOTjC4vrtUAzlatIFDVhjhhs9sQCUxe4yAK2uBTU0kD22FHFzomrQ/s1000/3storyCorner%20Inside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="935" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OevEdlVi95noWl6e8iFK1cs_NiJTe1SPFTIkUAtY0bwnOXG_7LxfTlcGUUniAeUhGl1c3vMVqxpJ5X3aXcpcL0S1xWoe0TRV2VgeKPBGgzvwigZmnJnSxl8UzkDb6H2hxRq5StYOTjC4vrtUAzlatIFDVhjhhs9sQCUxe4yAK2uBTU0kD22FHFzomrQ/w598-h640/3storyCorner%20Inside1.jpg" width="598" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Only the corner remains in this building, the rest having fallen away and been buried<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>If I were to do this building again, I would probably add some rubble, bricks, and such inside the foundation. I guess I didn't stop and think about it too much, though. I was just happy with how quickly it was coming together. I followed my usual recipe of Krylon matte black spray paint, 50/50 acrylic paint and water. The tan walls did require two coats to cover the black base, but the stone and brickwork went relatively quickly. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHBYie5CuvknYXmLkFYazzQyx6vGkswhA4hNmdi1bI7Fl_WgggX0gwY8hi5oYbiYGxqBzJRsv5w669MZXNSIieQ8zt89oU3hyyNr6fA-gQ4IGUD61VwGGb6ckXQffZ1yAFQWAiw8Us6J4s6_J4lYBiNtvX40eqbEfoUx-xPzD562BhU6L0HaQr_-e6YY/s1000/3storyCorner%20Side1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="803" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHBYie5CuvknYXmLkFYazzQyx6vGkswhA4hNmdi1bI7Fl_WgggX0gwY8hi5oYbiYGxqBzJRsv5w669MZXNSIieQ8zt89oU3hyyNr6fA-gQ4IGUD61VwGGb6ckXQffZ1yAFQWAiw8Us6J4s6_J4lYBiNtvX40eqbEfoUx-xPzD562BhU6L0HaQr_-e6YY/w514-h640/3storyCorner%20Side1.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A final look at the 3-story corner ruin and the Barbarozas on the prowl, looking for salvage<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Once again in hindsight, I should probably have "dirtied up" the walls of this building more. As my ruined city grows, I'm learning more and more how to take 3-D or MDF buildings and customize them to look more like what we see in either post-apocalyptic movies or modern day urban war zones. It is just a matter of telling myself to slow down. Don't rush my way through this particular piece of terrain. Still, even if a building isn't dirtied up enough, a good collection of scatter terrain pieces placed around it can give the proper effect.</p><p>So, what's next? One of the largest 3-D printed pieces I have ever purchased has been glued together, as of today. If we actually get a letup in the Biblical rain we've been experiencing, I plan on beginning its spray priming. What is it? Well, it is not specifically for post-apocalyptic, but it IS urban. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, I am progressing, miniatures-wise, on a second batch of Heavy Infantry for the Bronze Legion. Stay tuned...!</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">26</span></b></li></ul><p></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-17026661840907037072024-01-25T20:57:00.001-05:002024-01-25T20:57:26.343-05:00Even More Ruins! Small, 1-story Corner Ruins for Post-apocalyptic Games<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2oWTx-I_rmHE2CB9arza7YdnuIhMfM7cGHIsCfPZX0e0wV8D-fpYnTSexv1tNSQ8jZfo3MnyJ42nXX-fSvxL_Ysq7hAzMPNjvE4n4NJXAaHr7T-gQzdzGTVacu3MNNzOImZdCzrP3NlaLFC47IakC9Ox4tAFwX2xx9fvAWUYsIfNorIoC0W4gHhwmhc/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20All3front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="1000" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2oWTx-I_rmHE2CB9arza7YdnuIhMfM7cGHIsCfPZX0e0wV8D-fpYnTSexv1tNSQ8jZfo3MnyJ42nXX-fSvxL_Ysq7hAzMPNjvE4n4NJXAaHr7T-gQzdzGTVacu3MNNzOImZdCzrP3NlaLFC47IakC9Ox4tAFwX2xx9fvAWUYsIfNorIoC0W4gHhwmhc/w640-h184/Corner1storyRuins%20All3front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>3-D printed, one-story, corner ruins that I purchased from Diabolical Terrain at ATC 2023<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>All last year (2023), I was purchasing various ruined buildings in resin, MDF, and 3-D printed. Now that winter has arrived, it is time to start cranking some of these out for the tabletop. These three one story corner ruins were purchased from <a href="https://diabolicalterrain.com/" target="_blank">Diabolical Terrain</a> at <a href="https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors" target="_blank">Advance the Colors</a> a few months ago. I figured they would paint up fairly quickly, so I made them "next up" on my painting desk.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKfpUQHFGpX1bPMjdaP8G8QPcMjF8nzPi2IY5oekkT5sFXYMHR2G_FJ50bOfP-5IAr5PFGB-0TRqQoFPvgVVsJw76En2mZ1LlBXmXk7c4z0y0C_wfY2lguzbBOvVVP6dlUBYLkIEBgpEIEOO7hSB5OEH5ezk6SVVWSy_7K9lyGLPYh-IBoUzlhynpk48/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20Brick02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKfpUQHFGpX1bPMjdaP8G8QPcMjF8nzPi2IY5oekkT5sFXYMHR2G_FJ50bOfP-5IAr5PFGB-0TRqQoFPvgVVsJw76En2mZ1LlBXmXk7c4z0y0C_wfY2lguzbBOvVVP6dlUBYLkIEBgpEIEOO7hSB5OEH5ezk6SVVWSy_7K9lyGLPYh-IBoUzlhynpk48/w640-h384/Corner1storyRuins%20Brick02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>One of the ruins was brick - I really liked the brick framing of the windows and dangling shutters<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The first step was to cut L-shaped pieces of styrene to base them onto. The pieces were fairly simply, so I wanted to add various bricks and rubble to the bases to pretty them up a little. I did my usual method for painting ruins. I spray painted them first with Krylon matte black. Second, I went over thoroughly a 50/50 mixture of black paint and water brushed on liberally. For the two gray stone pieces, I did a medium gray wetbrush followed by a light gray drybrush. For the brick one, I used Iron Wind Red Brown as a base with a Howard Hues Middle East Flesh dry brush.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrVCENnLUW0vvReCt-OxqnGYClQ_bI1GnOaTgVvsUB2Bt7kwRo-miXDOz9Iggoolj1vlNLylLwRA_wDF3Lx6An2xeYDHr-6m6dbz1z9yjBtya0Au16gQfquMFA_sv2auNfubzWcsiR6JWhBvqUTFiFg3MuVEH1tNczpmb6T1k9La7yIyaGYpLVCel4jA/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20GrayLarge02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="1000" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrVCENnLUW0vvReCt-OxqnGYClQ_bI1GnOaTgVvsUB2Bt7kwRo-miXDOz9Iggoolj1vlNLylLwRA_wDF3Lx6An2xeYDHr-6m6dbz1z9yjBtya0Au16gQfquMFA_sv2auNfubzWcsiR6JWhBvqUTFiFg3MuVEH1tNczpmb6T1k9La7yIyaGYpLVCel4jA/w640-h204/Corner1storyRuins%20GrayLarge02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The interior side of the largest of the the three, painted in stone with lighter colored plaster walls<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>On the interior sides of the corner ruins, part of the walls looked like they had plaster showing. I decided to use some pale colors -- light blue, green, or yellow -- to make it look like some of the paint was still showing on the interior walls. I did a white dry brush on top of the plaster to make it look faded and worn. I thought about adding some pictures or posters, but figured that realistically, those would have fallen or peeled off long ago, beign exposed in the weather. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4P51qfdtM0Hxsy6Mq2FwacNUIQDMuVaQURzb1jeo41vJvJK2cE8RKw_MFBK5DvoxnIULtpJcBO-tKbWUBUcjRfaB1nmUvlaeoBGKckPWVAOK18rvQ5vzk1Zz1JmUkPngQ8NegoUOWe4mOmNMtjxjt0Yu0w2cL5oUICtpmX_Y_rJcbRJNxqG5xu4Udvk/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20GraySmall03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1000" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4P51qfdtM0Hxsy6Mq2FwacNUIQDMuVaQURzb1jeo41vJvJK2cE8RKw_MFBK5DvoxnIULtpJcBO-tKbWUBUcjRfaB1nmUvlaeoBGKckPWVAOK18rvQ5vzk1Zz1JmUkPngQ8NegoUOWe4mOmNMtjxjt0Yu0w2cL5oUICtpmX_Y_rJcbRJNxqG5xu4Udvk/w640-h546/Corner1storyRuins%20GraySmall03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I added to the rubble that was part of the print (like the gutter) with bricks and piles of gravel<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>There was a decent amount of rubble and other details designed onto these ruins. Whether it was the boarded up wooden window or the drainpipe laying on the ground or the pieces of wood here and there, I picked out those details next. I added the bricks and coarse gravel randomly along the styrene base. Finally, the whole thing got a black wash. On reflection, it should probably have been even darker than it was. Still, I feel it "dirtied it up" a bit and made it look older and more decayed.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrUFnCQoqQdEHB_E2AZbjhkkTDnBrGYGkYOB7ihTbTfozwxI8XlFbSyr5K2vPahbxO1CiflhCd7ou2seOotfQhch7C9npNOIRR2syX2X8rUc_3D7EzJVwsFuGxanYXc8LpVhz83CzW_IA2Sz8fkg9A9UHf9UA1HQ5LQUUHZMna1wKbMkz_5p3w_9_Fz8/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20Brick03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="1000" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrUFnCQoqQdEHB_E2AZbjhkkTDnBrGYGkYOB7ihTbTfozwxI8XlFbSyr5K2vPahbxO1CiflhCd7ou2seOotfQhch7C9npNOIRR2syX2X8rUc_3D7EzJVwsFuGxanYXc8LpVhz83CzW_IA2Sz8fkg9A9UHf9UA1HQ5LQUUHZMna1wKbMkz_5p3w_9_Fz8/w640-h248/Corner1storyRuins%20Brick03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The interior side of the brick corner ruins -- I like where the plaster has peeled away exposing brick<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I finished the bases off with Woodland Scenics Mixed Turf ballast. I had originally been thinking of using a fine, blended gray ballast to represent stones, but felt the dirt would look better. Now that I am looking at pictures of them, I think they would have been helped by adding some grass, tufts, or clump foliage to represent vegetation taking root in the recesses and corners. Who knows? Maybe I will go back and add it later, now that I am thinking about it.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CxNRFZP3uJnpoitIeUx-LVxLxxDJ9Q-MIE1UvTWWG_YvETgefmRLT09bFqqCRMGGlONb7w1EiiD0YrioEF0mOWC0KDDsaWLzh2zBmkLTIcCCK0xD4seeWEZeLKVsJIoBko3jNgewZSzhWgrWJ7yR91FLeFU3bLnfX6eMnWby9V7oJlfny5gITuovWPs/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20GrayLarge01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1000" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CxNRFZP3uJnpoitIeUx-LVxLxxDJ9Q-MIE1UvTWWG_YvETgefmRLT09bFqqCRMGGlONb7w1EiiD0YrioEF0mOWC0KDDsaWLzh2zBmkLTIcCCK0xD4seeWEZeLKVsJIoBko3jNgewZSzhWgrWJ7yR91FLeFU3bLnfX6eMnWby9V7oJlfny5gITuovWPs/w640-h248/Corner1storyRuins%20GrayLarge01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The boarded up window was a cool touch on the larger gray stone ruin<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>So, what's up next? I have another, larger 3-D printed ruin that I bought at the same convention from Jarl's Workshop. I like how it is looking as I glued it together and primed it. So, look forward to that soon, along with another batch of Heavy Infantry for the Bronze Legion!</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">26</span></b></li></ul><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaM8lSgbexGfxLORzcDWAjIc3z0uJp58nfB6YvxCEnQLKeHTTWhp0xShct6ELpSnFLi-K521Qri_Pacj7EjVh1IKZjoRd1Lb2_A0L9YCfQnKfle8Q00B_qSHDlVK7Q0F9fALxCY2jnD7N03I5ORjj8xkqgM9XoWi1Pxj3uiNJNz9VT3Gj3NyAji3X0tw/s1000/Corner1storyRuins%20GraySmall02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1000" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaM8lSgbexGfxLORzcDWAjIc3z0uJp58nfB6YvxCEnQLKeHTTWhp0xShct6ELpSnFLi-K521Qri_Pacj7EjVh1IKZjoRd1Lb2_A0L9YCfQnKfle8Q00B_qSHDlVK7Q0F9fALxCY2jnD7N03I5ORjj8xkqgM9XoWi1Pxj3uiNJNz9VT3Gj3NyAji3X0tw/w640-h408/Corner1storyRuins%20GraySmall02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>These three pieces will definitely make it onto the tabletop in my next post-apocalyptic scenario<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br /></span></b><div><p></p></div>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-14999028333353689872024-01-23T21:38:00.005-05:002024-01-23T21:38:55.121-05:00Heavy Infantry for the Bronze Legion & Xenos Rampant<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemm1_-LXVd4TXTr28eJfI0MmRS3IgEYlpifmd6LOK-uCTYVHuAfWDBYao6BGQ2-W7vpiCYoVKf8Ql6qjxcElmmGtfMlrcnwtV_OBz7tl-TQfyEmcMCSMY9Z5467g0CBrsVOzW0rmqvT0qg0N6nq2MAHehNvDuYz2nQq7OyebX9ffKnuAhKchhmUzBGMw/s1000/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20All5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="1000" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemm1_-LXVd4TXTr28eJfI0MmRS3IgEYlpifmd6LOK-uCTYVHuAfWDBYao6BGQ2-W7vpiCYoVKf8Ql6qjxcElmmGtfMlrcnwtV_OBz7tl-TQfyEmcMCSMY9Z5467g0CBrsVOzW0rmqvT0qg0N6nq2MAHehNvDuYz2nQq7OyebX9ffKnuAhKchhmUzBGMw/w640-h280/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20All5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Heavy Infantry for the Bronze Legion for my Xenos Rampant 'Detachment'<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>As I continue to flesh out my <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.myshopify.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_sid=bf47f299b&_ss=r" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant</a> "Detachments" (as the rules call a force), I definitely want to get the Bronze Legion on the table in the first game. The legion began with two squads of <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/first-squad-for-bronze-legion-in-xenos.html" target="_blank">Wiley Games Space Marines</a> that I painted up back in November and December of last year (2023). I really liked how they came out, but wanted some more variety for other squads. I picked up a <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.myshopify.com/products/troopers-stargrave?_pos=1&_sid=02204dcd3&_ss=r" target="_blank">Stargrave Troopers</a> plastic kit box from Jeff Gatlin at <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Shieldwall Gaming Club</a>. These looked like they would mix well, and now that they're painted up, I feel they did.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4Ov9nP5SPPJyDPTRj4budFNw2oB8-R5D2yB_VBUhhGay_BYL8gfV2Q-U1X8lmD_3Kz44VECqEHHW9QQp8k13NbVUiItokQ_6u_TV5Ru-iFkuUuyoI7jBmYFM72KufpRePulycBzdSoNr1LyqJ4r7w6TVB3hM9aGYKvOP3s7ICVaxvZj1qEXbJC2Pfb8/s1000/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20BatchA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1000" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4Ov9nP5SPPJyDPTRj4budFNw2oB8-R5D2yB_VBUhhGay_BYL8gfV2Q-U1X8lmD_3Kz44VECqEHHW9QQp8k13NbVUiItokQ_6u_TV5Ru-iFkuUuyoI7jBmYFM72KufpRePulycBzdSoNr1LyqJ4r7w6TVB3hM9aGYKvOP3s7ICVaxvZj1qEXbJC2Pfb8/w640-h546/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20BatchA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I used the Stargrave 'Troopers' box for this 3rd </i></b></span><span><b><i>Bronze Legion </i></b></span><span><b><i>squad & glued them together myself!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I like the ancient bronze metallic craft color and black combo. I feel the black clothing accentuates the bronze colored plates. Assembling the figures with model glue wasn't too horrible of an experience. I do like how the pack numbers the arms (discreetly -- missed it on the first batch I'd assembled awhile back). So, the right hand #10 goes with the left hand #10. That's important as many of the left hands are cupping or supporting the weapon they are holding in the right. And as much as I prefer one piece miniatures (particularly metal), I guess I can live with gluing on two arms and a head. I'm sure others out there do a MUCH better job gluing these together, but hey! I actually accomplished it, so am happy.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt22yGMjktDPjsjiEIxEvOAG_N4knbJ8O3nGhuLTFGkkCdC48_iPw6WR012ZfoYEU7yt4Sy6IyLru4hhN48erDqvwQE7lCTR4Ec68Xxy_0m0PecX6W2RXjoC7cLbs6a3tnZ5DW-ZwKZ-gWoVCHvogO0RWbLRmLLJDSC-tQzRuMQd1dLbpFSGauFx-xFs/s1000/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20BatchB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="804" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtt22yGMjktDPjsjiEIxEvOAG_N4knbJ8O3nGhuLTFGkkCdC48_iPw6WR012ZfoYEU7yt4Sy6IyLru4hhN48erDqvwQE7lCTR4Ec68Xxy_0m0PecX6W2RXjoC7cLbs6a3tnZ5DW-ZwKZ-gWoVCHvogO0RWbLRmLLJDSC-tQzRuMQd1dLbpFSGauFx-xFs/w514-h640/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20BatchB.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Plastic details tend not to be as deep as deep as metals, so dry brushing only partially brings out folds<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>I like the rocket launcher weapons that come with the box. That'll let me give them heavy weapons or some other such upgrade when I finally get around to pointing out the detachment for Xenos Rampant. After assembling them, I spray painted the figures Krylon matte black and followed it up with my usual 50/50 mix of black acrylic paint and water. Next, I gave them a medium to dark gray drybrush to pick out some of the detail which might otherwise simply look all black. This also helped me be able to <i>see</i> the detail better to paint. I have my lighted magnifying lamp on my painting desk, but every little bit helps! Following that, I painted the bronze plates, followed by the flesh, which in this case was just the bottom half of the face. I painted the helmet visor Iron Wind Metals Steel, as well as the forearm band with communications gear.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYADCq-I4UQ8M1RgesrceGwBz2BA9VC3f_k8Szmva-AE9aubsUSC3xS779CqpzZhRrQIHUIR029pQdi0ugdBEbMy3IUFY22fUsZykRE_HdVfKTOGfG400hsOz1jUYSipdfWrAqkEWiXkagVVLuCfCiXRCVhyT-_3y_UkH92tFVDWg1K5r3mjmsZ7KVys/s1000/Bronze%20Legion%204%20units.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="1000" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYADCq-I4UQ8M1RgesrceGwBz2BA9VC3f_k8Szmva-AE9aubsUSC3xS779CqpzZhRrQIHUIR029pQdi0ugdBEbMy3IUFY22fUsZykRE_HdVfKTOGfG400hsOz1jUYSipdfWrAqkEWiXkagVVLuCfCiXRCVhyT-_3y_UkH92tFVDWg1K5r3mjmsZ7KVys/w640-h188/Bronze%20Legion%204%20units.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Bronze Legion assembled - 2 Wiley Games elites, 1 Stargrave heavies, & 1 Robot Vehicle<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I tricked up the comm gear with a metallic blue screen and green, yellow, and red glowing buttons. After clear coating, I would go back and apply clear gloss to the helmet visor. I felt it still needed something, so I painted red dots around each figure's waist belt, as well as on the center backpack. I'm sure something in the Troopers box is supposed to glue to that circle, but nothing jumped out at me as belonging there. So, I left the circle in the red accent and also went back and hit it with gloss, too (much like I did with the space marines figures). I was tempted to make the bronze legion's skin color an alien one, but decided they would be a human faction. I already plan on a few other different colored skinned aliens, so I didn't want to go overboard. I like how the final black wash I put on it brought out detail and depth in the face. I used watered down black vehicle wash for this batch rather than my pre-mixed black Vallejo wash. I like how it looks better on metallics. My premixed makes metallics look a little cloudy, in my opinion.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3VXdtMdxPPiXe39v1vjTa9I8MYqjYow00y2J-KZkDUOgck02DUbhLv9yLRSzvAh3CmpRG_1phyphenhyphen-SMK-aJl2OIbvtnU4Ut2U_ZEb2lWVK-_89fxIcpg2FUQZtrpid6gNfIUQjNJjc6YwvFBCRLyGc27xaWJIfAsQOqXIosEFFz6ByjOYfCYbYmZNDXEU/s1000/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20All5%2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="1000" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3VXdtMdxPPiXe39v1vjTa9I8MYqjYow00y2J-KZkDUOgck02DUbhLv9yLRSzvAh3CmpRG_1phyphenhyphen-SMK-aJl2OIbvtnU4Ut2U_ZEb2lWVK-_89fxIcpg2FUQZtrpid6gNfIUQjNJjc6YwvFBCRLyGc27xaWJIfAsQOqXIosEFFz6ByjOYfCYbYmZNDXEU/w640-h242/Bronze%20HvyInfy%20All5%2002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The legion sends its heavy infantry to investigate a bombed out settlement on a battlefield planet<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>So, what's next for miniatures? I should probably point out the Bronze Legion and see what I actually need to get them up to 24 points. My best guess would be simply another batch of these figures. I am rethinking my 1 figure = 2 points idea for Xenos Rampant, though. For some reason, I thought that I would make ALL infantry squads "Increased Squad Size" (up to 10 strength points from 5). Now, I see that isn't necessary. And if I keep some squads -- or maybe most squads -- at 5 strength points, I may need one final batch of Planet of the Apes figures. I have a pack of 10 "Planet of the Monkeys" gorillas with sub-machine gun that I bought from JS Wargamer Printing at last year's CincyCon. So, I may prime and paint those up instead. However, I want to compare them to the Eureka and Battle Valor metal miniatures the rest of the force is to make sure they don't look odd next to them.</p><p>Stay tuned and see what's next!</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">26</span></b></li></ul><p></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-23172395929469479322024-01-18T20:58:00.001-05:002024-01-18T20:58:21.251-05:00Chopper Down! Specialty Terrain Piece<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSFfGUTeaIOfEkNoKXEU6OVrmtFLNdKkQCXzvXq-l7QAosybkcHdtlRkt4GQ-OSiXUtkuD3vcTngVRsqBZ6srmQwYDLn3Ptihhxb7SYXDW1zuZOPjBrWQdBP98cvY1HG_dx84CmHAjs0_fe8sFEqSCO2t_cdknwnFoP8eVl28QGfvl3UGRRPcWgM2vTc/s1000/DownedChopper03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1000" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSFfGUTeaIOfEkNoKXEU6OVrmtFLNdKkQCXzvXq-l7QAosybkcHdtlRkt4GQ-OSiXUtkuD3vcTngVRsqBZ6srmQwYDLn3Ptihhxb7SYXDW1zuZOPjBrWQdBP98cvY1HG_dx84CmHAjs0_fe8sFEqSCO2t_cdknwnFoP8eVl28QGfvl3UGRRPcWgM2vTc/w640-h458/DownedChopper03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A helicopter has gone down in a ruined cityscape - a specialty terrain piece for an upcoming scenario<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I was trying to think of something to lure my post-apocalyptic survivor gangs back into another free-for-all after their last <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-truce-was-struck-between-rival-gangs.html" target="_blank">cooperative scenario</a>. Someone on the excellent <a href="https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?action=forum" target="_blank">Lead Adventure Forum</a> suggested a downed aircraft in the city. Each gangs wants to scavenge ammunition and tech from the wreck before the others. Since my campaign is based around the Terminator concept with the apocalypse being the war between the sentient Machines and humans, this fit in well. I decided to use as my wreck a helicopter, with the story being humans fighting back were using it against the Machines when it was shot down.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCF8rAQ5cBsQOPqicIIORZBYYgTJAG1dR31FYmgyBhIZ4F1ub0K3600AQSh-pSPbIF2mQyGHOY_pI4lEj8GXtfb8At9pkI5If-3Qfvkeb8CmztoUSR0qxCIiAYcLPFgMj95XzqQKLdmPeFKiEvmZjHPedZTIU-Oz5nMWR6_fv9almd3QEcRj6oYzLsRY/s1000/DownedChopper04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1000" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCF8rAQ5cBsQOPqicIIORZBYYgTJAG1dR31FYmgyBhIZ4F1ub0K3600AQSh-pSPbIF2mQyGHOY_pI4lEj8GXtfb8At9pkI5If-3Qfvkeb8CmztoUSR0qxCIiAYcLPFgMj95XzqQKLdmPeFKiEvmZjHPedZTIU-Oz5nMWR6_fv9almd3QEcRj6oYzLsRY/w640-h446/DownedChopper04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">`<b><i>The chopper wreck lies partially on its side, having crashed into a building and mostly destroyed it<br /></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table>The helicopter in question is one of the $2.99 ones in the bins at Menards home improvement store, where I picked up many of my die cast vehicles. I also decided this would be a perfect time to tinker with the pack of flickering tea candles I'd bought a couple months back. My idea would be that the chopper came down in an urban area, so I'd have a shell of the walls holding it up and it would be resting on the tea candle. I broke out the plastic windows (except for the front) and used wire cutters to trim away the bottom and one of the sides of the helicopter. The candle was still too large (or the wreck too small) for the candle to be essentially inserted into the underside. I decided to try slicing away the top of the candle, and that worked. I found out that really you need only the bottom half of a flickering tea candle for it to remain intact and keep flickering.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU3cjlKc0ekXljQuJouk2HA-NScIlnwmg9A_IL6jwPNamOwdQbvSwOc1fgGwyPWEQ1OyvMJccwQsWRESRFzRWycnqw9TzVECIOzDKPun6JwUwV6QMk3cuJXCCHJot-XnZHwxZY2xcPkRwt5dQLaNnQMsNHagbbtaDJYanDa3IzHGJoULDogn3PbqlBlU/s1000/DownedChopper02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1000" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU3cjlKc0ekXljQuJouk2HA-NScIlnwmg9A_IL6jwPNamOwdQbvSwOc1fgGwyPWEQ1OyvMJccwQsWRESRFzRWycnqw9TzVECIOzDKPun6JwUwV6QMk3cuJXCCHJot-XnZHwxZY2xcPkRwt5dQLaNnQMsNHagbbtaDJYanDa3IzHGJoULDogn3PbqlBlU/w640-h366/DownedChopper02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The brick pattern base and the ruins were painted and readied before gluing the chopper into place<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I used some Acheson Creations stone and wood post fence pieces to create "U shape", then added more bricks to enclose the wreck on three sides. The base was a piece of brick-patterned styrene plastic from Hobby Lobby. I cut a hole out for the candle to pop in through the bottom (so I could replace it if and when the battery died). I also added in lots of coarse ballast painted black and dry brushed gray like the rest of the stone walls to represent rubble and debris. I even recycled a few slivers of the tea candle's top as pieces of the helicopter torn off onto the ground.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuEtUxkfafktVWnZCQ7ZQFzdHwIbAu-OSFm3DIB71wc1yvWCeu_fUD_ALRKtWidOgmpBXZ7q17humehll7YCG4ReGnQGM2XB0KkDfQbzl0Y4iGAa_mRK7ZotdpLl3z0NpbtIqPTbFxP43YTC1oW9DiN3MiE90X6J7LK7Kwemsq5f69rOnFSfnQS-D8Oo/s1000/DownedChopper05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1000" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuEtUxkfafktVWnZCQ7ZQFzdHwIbAu-OSFm3DIB71wc1yvWCeu_fUD_ALRKtWidOgmpBXZ7q17humehll7YCG4ReGnQGM2XB0KkDfQbzl0Y4iGAa_mRK7ZotdpLl3z0NpbtIqPTbFxP43YTC1oW9DiN3MiE90X6J7LK7Kwemsq5f69rOnFSfnQS-D8Oo/w640-h424/DownedChopper05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Two rotor blades were "snapped off" and embedded in the walls, the others bent by the collision<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I had fun with the rotors, too. First, I trimmed off two of them and then embedded parts of them in the fence. The other two were bent at an angle to give it even more of a wrecked look. I had painted the walls and bricks first, then glued the spray painted black chopper in place. I used Tacky Glue and hopefully it holds. It seems pretty secure. I added some dark olive to the chopper here and there on the parts that would be furthest from the flames. Finally, when I was satisfied with how it looked, I stuffed in batting (pillow stuffing) and teased it out through the open windows. Then I turned on the candle and was pretty happy with the look of flames still flickering inside the helicopter.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ04Gd2q8ebXbzX7NUFk3ohFg9QP4n3G-K0qhQhczuTpCbv4C5flFmcfqC6fPbSD5Uo4vOr5WPHMFWKO_ekKpb1YWa-9A9FjTmLPbScwPilibtu5dSejHMUmT2FBNO0QerAOtGJytzbzoMtpcsq1Nh5a30T6gvoOFgOwumfEk7Po7PeEkF-eq8bdIMCkE/s1000/DownedChopper01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ04Gd2q8ebXbzX7NUFk3ohFg9QP4n3G-K0qhQhczuTpCbv4C5flFmcfqC6fPbSD5Uo4vOr5WPHMFWKO_ekKpb1YWa-9A9FjTmLPbScwPilibtu5dSejHMUmT2FBNO0QerAOtGJytzbzoMtpcsq1Nh5a30T6gvoOFgOwumfEk7Po7PeEkF-eq8bdIMCkE/w640-h422/DownedChopper01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A final look at the downed helicopter, which you will hopefully see in a few weeks in a scenario!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>All in all, I'm fairly happy with how it turned out. I won't win any contests with it, but it should add to the "cool" factor of a nicely set up tabletop! What's next, terrain-wise? I have several corner wall sections primed that I bought from <a href="https://diabolicalterrain.com/" target="_blank">Diabolical Terrain</a> at <a href="https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors" target="_blank">Advance the Colors 2023</a>. I also am getting ready another 3-D printed ruin from Jarls Workshop. So, stay tuned...more on the way! <br /></p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">21</span></b></li></ul>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-60977181886330639642024-01-17T15:14:00.006-05:002024-01-17T15:14:43.472-05:00Gibbon Monkeys for Xenos Rampant<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN91KdhWoCwXEgkhn-QHtpsgtjdjM98XO7pcHWFXOaKZgEH4ZTwuP6l1-emmcY_Ij0MjhUk-JlB6ymwQHtlrGoUrsV3SEM7igp5gghG9caCQpll3h31bE8kW17XnIZKLzhkSV_ZziLFKx_UQdDnYSL8iBL3KVzeBhY2t5j8gEu6q9oseRSNKGQI8qAw0/s1000/Gibbons1_All6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="1000" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN91KdhWoCwXEgkhn-QHtpsgtjdjM98XO7pcHWFXOaKZgEH4ZTwuP6l1-emmcY_Ij0MjhUk-JlB6ymwQHtlrGoUrsV3SEM7igp5gghG9caCQpll3h31bE8kW17XnIZKLzhkSV_ZziLFKx_UQdDnYSL8iBL3KVzeBhY2t5j8gEu6q9oseRSNKGQI8qAw0/w640-h222/Gibbons1_All6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A squad of Gibbon Monkeys from </i></b></span><span><b><i>Eureka Miniatures' </i></b></span><span><b><i>"Boiler Suit Apes" line of figures<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I had a lot of fun painting this latest batch of miniatures for my Planet of the Apes contingent for Xenos Rampant. Although <a href="https://eurekaminusa.com/collections/boiler-suit-apes" target="_blank">Gibbon Monkeys</a> are not part of the movies' established lore, they are an excellent batch of figures from Eureka Miniatures. They have lots of character and variety of poses. There's even one sitting cross-legged on a laptop, who was immediately dragooned into being fire controller for Sci-Fi artillery. I bought these years ago at a convention, and would love to pick up some more to put together a second squad of them.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz0DkLXPAId07JNYbXK6BcKrHiw1Z-2-JcOWJKJS7drFi9VFBekQuppGqzjaeit2TO_XD0H77FoE-c4m8nMCABKx91zW0ylKMRhM9IRRB9_CC1UO8oyVLCpBDE3oyVKlGRFIt3T6hiz17g4f7RFKW2jLeGV0KB7wWRA8UJ4TBDWHteCM4svQ1bz13OXs/s1000/Gibbons1_BatchA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1000" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSz0DkLXPAId07JNYbXK6BcKrHiw1Z-2-JcOWJKJS7drFi9VFBekQuppGqzjaeit2TO_XD0H77FoE-c4m8nMCABKx91zW0ylKMRhM9IRRB9_CC1UO8oyVLCpBDE3oyVKlGRFIt3T6hiz17g4f7RFKW2jLeGV0KB7wWRA8UJ4TBDWHteCM4svQ1bz13OXs/w640-h548/Gibbons1_BatchA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The squad commander and a trooper -- I love the Mac-10 machine pistols they carry!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Google Image searches revealed there are more than one different types of coloring, but I thought the light yellowish tan ones with the black and white faces would stand out the most on the tabletop. I painted them a base "Maple Sugar" craft paint base coat. Then, I did a white dry brush to bring out the details on the fur and soften their color. Next, I painted the face white and then the black on the snout, brows, and eyes. I did a medium gray dry brush to bring out the facial detail, but perhaps should have done more. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-MzzEbdLY06pCndIYsQAA7qcTTyaQdtfhRDGSvY8TSs74xI30Tw1ND8wjNnT7LGx9HQad5CKDdJouxt1q_Qr69DZBMKFrsGRnr8PcJNMfJBMe4oM5j492OY18XvNbue91xWRDkwHR8hliINX27SqTyUNhcEe1CcPdVgNKN4sh-KGQ9r0yxTDrK2XUgI/s1000/Gibbons1_BatchB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1000" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-MzzEbdLY06pCndIYsQAA7qcTTyaQdtfhRDGSvY8TSs74xI30Tw1ND8wjNnT7LGx9HQad5CKDdJouxt1q_Qr69DZBMKFrsGRnr8PcJNMfJBMe4oM5j492OY18XvNbue91xWRDkwHR8hliINX27SqTyUNhcEe1CcPdVgNKN4sh-KGQ9r0yxTDrK2XUgI/w640-h424/Gibbons1_BatchB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The coloring for the monkeys came out well, though maybe I needed more highlights on their races<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I went back and forth on what color to paint their clothes. Initially, I was thinking an olive drab, but then changed my mind to a brighter "Leaf Green" craft paint. I did a bright very pale green dry brush on the folds of the clothes, which really picked out the detail on these figures, I think. Various shades of metallic paints worked for the weapons, darkened with a black vehicle wash. I was really happy with how the color scheme turned out.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEZtd1QwKkvmBc5jEI2HIzNoGqzkIjLibpp1futTae8yW8rOv5g3ibf-LrQDqiulASKiKjflukexR6X96EnN6w6_1D1yT6hrb6UDV8m6oZ0hbHOwsdMvrM5zY7VRJI96YsmoaAAegbd3LGV4593FoXqeEbB5ekkRtXyIZyFgqiLuTcOASpbUOJFn4Rz0/s1000/Gibbons1_ArtilleryA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="1000" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEZtd1QwKkvmBc5jEI2HIzNoGqzkIjLibpp1futTae8yW8rOv5g3ibf-LrQDqiulASKiKjflukexR6X96EnN6w6_1D1yT6hrb6UDV8m6oZ0hbHOwsdMvrM5zY7VRJI96YsmoaAAegbd3LGV4593FoXqeEbB5ekkRtXyIZyFgqiLuTcOASpbUOJFn4Rz0/w640-h324/Gibbons1_ArtilleryA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The monkey on the laptop was perfect for a Fire Controller for this Reviresco 'Robot Power Gun'<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The fire controller is tapping on a laptop keyboard. Being a Mac person, I decided to make it a MacBook -- of course! I used a Pewter metallic paint for the base coat, black for the keys, and did a lighter black wash over it all. The apple symbol was done in a Pearl White to hopefully give it some glow. I think this is a really awesome figure and I'm glad Eureka included it in the pack. In Xenos Rampant, the monkey fire controller will be combined with a tracked artillery piece and a chimpanzee bodyguard into a Support Infantry unit of three figures.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOC7yCvyMhn7gaBsp6uBx14owo0kUJjP5RJoS0LwAYZnKd3OFW6tMAYdtZUOeMrYo6c3rza3n1nyz1Fr9COqyuYctfI3xJRNrhgJZf6RVs0ZwXuJ6e9f6s73dS7BQNDvWtrY2NHPVp7c2WBb-QzGn_gNbe_ynJ3yX1LlI8eIEricnIREpx9tBxmMqWLA/s1000/ChimpBodyguard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="805" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOC7yCvyMhn7gaBsp6uBx14owo0kUJjP5RJoS0LwAYZnKd3OFW6tMAYdtZUOeMrYo6c3rza3n1nyz1Fr9COqyuYctfI3xJRNrhgJZf6RVs0ZwXuJ6e9f6s73dS7BQNDvWtrY2NHPVp7c2WBb-QzGn_gNbe_ynJ3yX1LlI8eIEricnIREpx9tBxmMqWLA/w516-h640/ChimpBodyguard.jpg" width="516" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>'Space Chimp on Litter' was demoted to a humble bodyguard for the monkey fire controller<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The chimp bodyguard comes from a line carried by Brigade Games called <a href="https://www.brigadegames.com/Atomic-Cafe_c_168.html" target="_blank">Atomic Cafe</a>. It is part of a pack called <a href="https://www.brigadegames.com/Atomic-Cafe-1957-Boondockers-II-and-Space-Chimp-on-Litter_p_976.html" target="_blank">Boondockers and Space Chimp on Litter</a>. Having no need for two humans carrying the chimp in a spacesuit around, I propped the chimp up against a boulder and learned an assault rifle against it, as well. I figured he could be the fire controller's bodyguard. I decided to somewhat match the color scheme of my current chimpanzee force, and did a Iron Wind Metals base coat and a Howard Hues Middle East Flesh dry brush. The knee and arm pads I did in a metallic brown, but they don't show up in the pictures as very metallic looking. Maybe I will go back over them with a clear gloss -- we'll see. I decided against any other insignia or detail, so it is a rather plain looking figure. Still, I think the two make a good vignette when paired with the tracked artillery piece from Reviresco (<a href="https://rrb-minis-more.square.site/product/robot-power-gun/112?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true" target="_blank">Robot Power Gun - RRB Minis & More</a>). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7WPFMKFQ0HBAvm4xiCtEwJNu7P5faoxBcCrJf1bKfcUB-sB4zhgxaXp2RoAA_tiw0QJuWoY4PKToHOOMX0JVofogXuMTyhQnR4DeyTG3NbnsbkYSMfiOK2YUpeJ3MPkpyk2-dXO_UUEaXxQHHw0OBQ_kGJqsJ0app5NUA7v198Keg6yfYqKy3-ZXYqs/s1000/Gibbons1_ArtilleryB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1000" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7WPFMKFQ0HBAvm4xiCtEwJNu7P5faoxBcCrJf1bKfcUB-sB4zhgxaXp2RoAA_tiw0QJuWoY4PKToHOOMX0JVofogXuMTyhQnR4DeyTG3NbnsbkYSMfiOK2YUpeJ3MPkpyk2-dXO_UUEaXxQHHw0OBQ_kGJqsJ0app5NUA7v198Keg6yfYqKy3-ZXYqs/w640-h362/Gibbons1_ArtilleryB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The three minis make a nice little vignette that will work well as Support Infantry in Xenos Rampant<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>So, what's next for me? My next update will be a specialty terrain piece that I've been working on for my next post-apocalyptic scenario. It is pretty much done, so look for that update in the next day or so. After that, I plan on doing some more urban ruins for terrain. Not 100% sure what is next for miniatures, though. Stay tuned and see!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC5V9qoCAewC6hA_oUJvD2w0piHDkGghffXqxaUwmnS_VtgXza_PMI_HXlNCjgil0fdCo8WKUzWlUkVD1SS2Eo_Ng50-2vXQ_S5w6CZl5oW7zf8Iy1c1N_MTY20eqL8vIaoW6nKjw7OXz4CDX9yZMa7J5_7_luBKG0Zsn1sAne1HfRL_uoU8estwaHC8/s1000/Gibbons1_All6straight%20on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="1000" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKC5V9qoCAewC6hA_oUJvD2w0piHDkGghffXqxaUwmnS_VtgXza_PMI_HXlNCjgil0fdCo8WKUzWlUkVD1SS2Eo_Ng50-2vXQ_S5w6CZl5oW7zf8Iy1c1N_MTY20eqL8vIaoW6nKjw7OXz4CDX9yZMa7J5_7_luBKG0Zsn1sAne1HfRL_uoU8estwaHC8/w640-h216/Gibbons1_All6straight%20on.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I'll field the squad of Gibbons as Light Infantry (and forward observers) in Xenos Rampant<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">21</span></b></li></ul><p><br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-6287368185730607442024-01-15T19:20:00.007-05:002024-01-16T22:03:28.630-05:00New Boardgame: Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDmknSzf21q-OE4CIt8zKhKAUBz_JWKK9ajP9QpV9e9gVqJuARskGf-K7pegwog8RlqQ1NySsqOs6wkJ7Wx1cIOx10HyDVe4waE3DbmxYJWwpbMpZF0U3XQg6Ztz1hGDpJC44EMYBQNJsy1Mafl3_NyMiNVe5MrJ8XH_oswj-dBOYDsJGcgx7mcSODzs/s1000/ACME%20board%20close.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1000" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDmknSzf21q-OE4CIt8zKhKAUBz_JWKK9ajP9QpV9e9gVqJuARskGf-K7pegwog8RlqQ1NySsqOs6wkJ7Wx1cIOx10HyDVe4waE3DbmxYJWwpbMpZF0U3XQg6Ztz1hGDpJC44EMYBQNJsy1Mafl3_NyMiNVe5MrJ8XH_oswj-dBOYDsJGcgx7mcSODzs/w640-h576/ACME%20board%20close.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East by GMT games covers the same period as AH's Civilization<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>One of my presents to myself (used with Christmas money) was a new, multiplayer boardgame. Many years ago, we enjoyed extremely long-playing games such as Britannia, History of the World, and Civilization. No longer being able to play all night long, we slowly switched to more Euro style games. Some may still take a few hours to complete, but all in all, with streamlined mechanics they tend to play much faster than the old dinosaurs I remember fondly.<p></p><p>I saw <a href="https://www.gmtgames.com/p-836-ancient-civilizations-of-the-middle-east.aspx">Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East by GMT Games</a> at the local game store and was intrigued. I read several reviews online and checked its Boardgamegeek rating (7.6 out of 10). I decided to pick it up and read through the rules. Streamlined yes, but there are a lot of steps and rules. Would it play well? Would it be the 21st century version of Civilization (considering it dealt with the same time period)? I convinced the Sunday evening gang to give it a try. On the day of the game, I re-read the rules, set out the board with initial placements for six civilizations and even dealt them their hand of Fate cards.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-3U5Bu4Wvt7cmL9rAcJMAgXLAgiRCARQvLZuasT3BMq2yFzo4Ny8vuYtZte4M2iNMNury5Fm3vNoyRXc0GyiUVjwPMU5XNDvAuGpkbR4CnWZoWSfF2vJn9hwvAejM9P9Q1pJx7WjKyzuQnnXBb1-uI1wkjSwgDAHKZTPXUuYhyknI_U7pZBAyVLdaME/s1000/ACME%20players.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="1000" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-3U5Bu4Wvt7cmL9rAcJMAgXLAgiRCARQvLZuasT3BMq2yFzo4Ny8vuYtZte4M2iNMNury5Fm3vNoyRXc0GyiUVjwPMU5XNDvAuGpkbR4CnWZoWSfF2vJn9hwvAejM9P9Q1pJx7WjKyzuQnnXBb1-uI1wkjSwgDAHKZTPXUuYhyknI_U7pZBAyVLdaME/w640-h258/ACME%20players.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My fellow "Ancient" players gathered around the board game table figuring out how to play<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>It took about a half hour or so to run through all the rules, and the guys were patient and asked clarification questions. So, we got started actually taking the first turn around 6:30pm. We had very few rules questions, actually, for a first play-through. We quickly found out that the Fate cards are <b><i>nasty</i></b>! A civilization can be gutted and lose half of its circular disks representing population on one card. One of the cruelest of the night was when I played the Biblical flood of "40 Days and 40 Nights" on my friend Allen controlling Assyria. I was stunned how badly it affected him. Of course, I got my comeuppance when his brother Joel hit me with a sea version of my river flood and then Keith hit me with a different river flood. <p></p><p>Everyone enjoyed it, though. We resolved to play it again, but perhaps when we have more time allotted than a standard Sunday evening gaming time (3-4 hours). I like that the game has an irregular mechanism for how many turns an "Epoch" will last. Our first epoch ran long, and I timed it right to have a couple victory point lead at the end of it. We did the transition to Epoch 2, ran through most of our first turn of it, and then decided to call it at 10pm. Definitely an interesting game, and one that will see all player civilizations suffer the slings and arrows of Fate cards. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO9abmbGGbFJrEhnu6NbbVa2MPAw32uYxnY1-GINVsRmAKqRTig5K6_mEX6muArIbqzQbs19-DRkD1SG9SWv5CYAWs0g70g6VdVDzWYEPrsi-RwOXy-9mxJADGwOvAcMPora9MlPakIe6DxcMc9fYPHfneVTX5hvv5Bns2TWNahz9YAqqhpyyg32rsfQ/s1000/ACME%20setup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1000" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO9abmbGGbFJrEhnu6NbbVa2MPAw32uYxnY1-GINVsRmAKqRTig5K6_mEX6muArIbqzQbs19-DRkD1SG9SWv5CYAWs0g70g6VdVDzWYEPrsi-RwOXy-9mxJADGwOvAcMPora9MlPakIe6DxcMc9fYPHfneVTX5hvv5Bns2TWNahz9YAqqhpyyg32rsfQ/w640-h342/ACME%20setup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The starting positions for six civilizations all set up and waiting for my players to arrive<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I look forward to our next game of it!</p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">14</span></b></li></ul><p></p><p></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-89531856729920302952024-01-09T18:52:00.004-05:002024-01-09T18:52:52.851-05:00Two New Corner Ruins for Post-Apocalyptic (or Sci-Fi)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXkT1X1OTGoz7Y8A5BQePeXwpsWUiuC89xyiGNBXoJfrpceVMpQmzLoYTlTPxehGILB5FZKGELx8F4yNkkkouiQKtxg8_P94DyhIeL7dUrAPdgHRnLbpmYSJAwq5a3jb7mpWrzYIAoleq4NG1r89GQEEcrAzv7CP5gFcL9U5O80WbgIBcCDPM2Rp1ABo/s1000/CornerRuins%202B.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1000" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXkT1X1OTGoz7Y8A5BQePeXwpsWUiuC89xyiGNBXoJfrpceVMpQmzLoYTlTPxehGILB5FZKGELx8F4yNkkkouiQKtxg8_P94DyhIeL7dUrAPdgHRnLbpmYSJAwq5a3jb7mpWrzYIAoleq4NG1r89GQEEcrAzv7CP5gFcL9U5O80WbgIBcCDPM2Rp1ABo/w640-h638/CornerRuins%202B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I bought these two 3-D printed corner ruins at ATC 2023 from my friend Rusty of Jarl's Workshop<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Here are a few shots of some corner ruins I recently finished up. My friend Rusty Parker, who has a 3-D printing business called Jarl's Workshop, sold these to me at Advance the Colors 2023 because I liked the <a href="https://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/ruined-3-d-printed-buildings-for-post.html" target="_blank">first one</a> I painted up so much. They are originally from WOWBuildings, who sells the STL files. The kit is a six story corner ruin, but I decided to add some variety by lopping off a level or two on these two builds. Plus, my first one leaned a bit more than I liked when it got all the way up to six stories tall. Maybe that was my fault for not using some steel bases or something to wait it down on the bottom, but I am glad I made the decision to do 4- and 5-story versions. It should provide more variety on the tabletop.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBeYQwKCi9H8QkRJbkclN4dHXBnhse4VXtGGVii2pSmdKWJBhwVepi5dj-cxRx2y7SUGmbQC_Dyg1TqaUAYFZOR_6n8MQD9MnDoUvGXsg0YVJMRj16GWDRWUsEMK9CyvGey4T-PWzlniumQCz0GnablgaxQFwjwDIDRlnGe3p-UHJQpuBowjFSJAbgY8/s1000/CornerRuins%202C.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBeYQwKCi9H8QkRJbkclN4dHXBnhse4VXtGGVii2pSmdKWJBhwVepi5dj-cxRx2y7SUGmbQC_Dyg1TqaUAYFZOR_6n8MQD9MnDoUvGXsg0YVJMRj16GWDRWUsEMK9CyvGey4T-PWzlniumQCz0GnablgaxQFwjwDIDRlnGe3p-UHJQpuBowjFSJAbgY8/w430-h640/CornerRuins%202C.jpg" width="430" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I used large bricks (Pegasus Terrain?) to simulate tumbled rubble on the base of the corner ruin<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I cut my styrene plastic bases that I epoxied the ruins onto wider to also combat the lean. While I was at it, I added a lot more rubble on the bases, too. I want it to represent large blocks that that fell off the upper floors and now lay in piles on the ground around it. I used large red bricks that I bought at <a href="https://www.dragonsguildhall.biz/" target="_blank">Dragons Guildhall</a> in Beavercreek, OH -- which I believe come from Pegasus Terrain. I have long since thrown away the tag that came on the bag, so I can't be sure until my next trip there! <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHGirmQ9ephrNT7uHWb2vDE6hpKtfu8EPZh0359fRx-bKOpp2Cjhe7rPMXX7lj24Gbl3kev3Fs-5m7OWi56mZ3V_FFOQbcQOJH3ftcXwG_aIgnvkaFqiyfMLzlcZKwDHpTEm1bbXSVF6jGnXqqnN6grEuBQdhc7sc-We_vzDmrYIIEyXAl3UmzW9Kisk/s1000/CornerRuins%202A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="942" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHGirmQ9ephrNT7uHWb2vDE6hpKtfu8EPZh0359fRx-bKOpp2Cjhe7rPMXX7lj24Gbl3kev3Fs-5m7OWi56mZ3V_FFOQbcQOJH3ftcXwG_aIgnvkaFqiyfMLzlcZKwDHpTEm1bbXSVF6jGnXqqnN6grEuBQdhc7sc-We_vzDmrYIIEyXAl3UmzW9Kisk/w602-h640/CornerRuins%202A.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>These are great terrain pieces and really add to the look of a ruined, post-apocalyptic city<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I did my usual treatment - spray painting the ruin with Krylon matte black paint and following it up with a 50/50 mixture of acrylic black paint and water. Then I did a dark gray wet brush and a light gray dry brush over the surface. I then added small red bricks and coarse gray ballast (from Woodland Scenics) to each of the floors to represent rubble piled up. For the ballast and small bricks, I went over them with a dark black wash. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi117-Xvnc7i6WgE8jv3qzgt_kJEEdeLmjVqZPxpupSlinLoey0sW-7bfnCQThG_Q7D5Wh04XxgSbrzWMtNccUTdWXLI4MwsP1ITLBqIdd_Xa7Lm9IIiXOz_ANah8u5J9_O-vMu1BW_s9JKbklf-ZHm9xoe-ViXFID7NWz8qoqyZ-W0KU9wPWqPyIk92kc/s1000/CornerRuins%202D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi117-Xvnc7i6WgE8jv3qzgt_kJEEdeLmjVqZPxpupSlinLoey0sW-7bfnCQThG_Q7D5Wh04XxgSbrzWMtNccUTdWXLI4MwsP1ITLBqIdd_Xa7Lm9IIiXOz_ANah8u5J9_O-vMu1BW_s9JKbklf-ZHm9xoe-ViXFID7NWz8qoqyZ-W0KU9wPWqPyIk92kc/w390-h640/CornerRuins%202D.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A good view of the small bricks and coarse gray ballast I added to each level of the ruin<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>You do have to glue the various levels together ("some assembly required"), but they fit together well and were no problem. Rusty sold them to me at a good price and I will probably (eventually) buy even more of them from him. I want to work on some more of the other ruined terrain that I picked up in the second half of the 2023. So stay tuned for more of those intermixed in with my Xenos Rampant figures!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulK1Zw51xlBHY-kXdIi-ZHG39LflJNpqM5jAiH0KulrTN7eANtpqx7fbrr7OOZ2stHM72MNsBHo5NI6OguN7iqkqYl1d0m1cPAMCfjIUk66lvEVTNpGJlAiq4ommQsJXE9i9O0g8c04F6a3TAeWE8uLljmTie-FU1hxqkAe5YqIVBGQmjF_eWAIqH/s637/6Story%20RuinFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulK1Zw51xlBHY-kXdIi-ZHG39LflJNpqM5jAiH0KulrTN7eANtpqx7fbrr7OOZ2stHM72MNsBHo5NI6OguN7iqkqYl1d0m1cPAMCfjIUk66lvEVTNpGJlAiq4ommQsJXE9i9O0g8c04F6a3TAeWE8uLljmTie-FU1hxqkAe5YqIVBGQmjF_eWAIqH/w202-h640/6Story%20RuinFront.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The original corner ruin -- all leaning six stories of it...!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b><u> </u></b></p><p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /></p><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">14</span></b></li></ul>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-7737233354749343852024-01-06T17:53:00.002-05:002024-01-06T17:53:36.310-05:00Filling Out the Ranks of Survivors for Xenos Rampant Squads<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-e67xzCm9kzEdXIs-CZiUGycxpt-jlZoIdmdmeVlOvOYdOrqRQoVMkVZGLZiHLxLUgzkKIoFltYULbVYMYLAXVLOSLcpAUjyTLiI5NdNZEPWb8rTSiHbXknPjDNyRsWOMuseP7GcKKiRqpjOSsgPWKulNXFvKaJaa5Eze5aa22pRUTKmObzd7h3-UmY/s1000/Reinforcements%20FTroop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1000" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-e67xzCm9kzEdXIs-CZiUGycxpt-jlZoIdmdmeVlOvOYdOrqRQoVMkVZGLZiHLxLUgzkKIoFltYULbVYMYLAXVLOSLcpAUjyTLiI5NdNZEPWb8rTSiHbXknPjDNyRsWOMuseP7GcKKiRqpjOSsgPWKulNXFvKaJaa5Eze5aa22pRUTKmObzd7h3-UmY/w640-h490/Reinforcements%20FTroop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>F Troop gets reinforcements to bring them up to 2 squads for 'Xenos Rampant'<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My first blog post of 2024 covers what I finished over winter break. Since it is my goal to host Sci-Fi skirmish games using <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_psq=xenos+ramp&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant</a> rules this year, I have been fleshing out some of my post-apocalyptic survivor gangs. My goal is to bring them up so I have two complete squads of five figures for each gang (my planned base 10-point squad size for my games). I selected three survivor gangs and my Planet of the Apes figures for the first upgrades.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SaQJRUNXdNdlIpiJoGUitEVmi07dqgcLxq_aOIZW0_grpMElPL3c1sSvAUrCxRcekLb5XSvWAjrgSb5n64GOr9QRTM4GX3n7ykUQeYAVF7eWmYAJF9HFlZE7xaWdzWvyMQfjfqtHuWndM3zTEUf4GhoXi2XEoKfhQrmiA1fsFlnbEOY_Jh9kFPhqhOM/s1000/Reinforcements%20Nightstalkers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1000" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8SaQJRUNXdNdlIpiJoGUitEVmi07dqgcLxq_aOIZW0_grpMElPL3c1sSvAUrCxRcekLb5XSvWAjrgSb5n64GOr9QRTM4GX3n7ykUQeYAVF7eWmYAJF9HFlZE7xaWdzWvyMQfjfqtHuWndM3zTEUf4GhoXi2XEoKfhQrmiA1fsFlnbEOY_Jh9kFPhqhOM/w640-h524/Reinforcements%20Nightstalkers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Nightstalkers were one of my survivor gangs that easily transition to Xenos Rampant Sci-Fi<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>First up were three more miniatures for the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2022/03/new-post-apocalyptic-team-night-stalkers.html" target="_blank">Nightstalkers</a>. I had only two metal <a href="https://www.battlevalorgames.com/" target="_blank">Battle Valor Games</a> miniatures that I used for this unit left over, so I supplemented the third one with a Stargrave Trooper miniature painted in the same basic color scheme. It's always a bit problematic matching colors and washes when you add to an existing force later. After their final wash, these guys look a bit darker. So, I imagine my wash is a bit heavier black than it was when I first did this force. The plastic Stargrave trooper looks close enough, and can be considered an officer figure which explains the different armor and kit.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShGHG6fq7_cXqxUQlqHdIwbajIzJQzlL_pGMH7XLTOm-DGRgt7gVxg52avSaZtMZyoYosz8spqmJun3OL0BsKX81PFN2vwtN1Kx9Rl2HdAHQ_Dvjum3M6vsestTKqXwzOXK2iKXDbCfDM0_JA1l7DfEK39aI0YKql9CSBB8459xYrQpdwymZbXjvxn6U/s1000/Reinforcements%20BassReeves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1000" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShGHG6fq7_cXqxUQlqHdIwbajIzJQzlL_pGMH7XLTOm-DGRgt7gVxg52avSaZtMZyoYosz8spqmJun3OL0BsKX81PFN2vwtN1Kx9Rl2HdAHQ_Dvjum3M6vsestTKqXwzOXK2iKXDbCfDM0_JA1l7DfEK39aI0YKql9CSBB8459xYrQpdwymZbXjvxn6U/w640-h420/Reinforcements%20BassReeves.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Bass Reeves get 3 more troopers to beef them up to 10 figures - love those Foundry figures!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Next up were three more miniatures for the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2021/12/new-post-apoc-gang-bass-reeves.html" target="_blank">Bass Reeves</a> survivor gang. I think these will make good mercenaries or light infantry under the Xenos Rampant rules. These figs are <a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/street-violence" target="_blank">Foundry Street Violence</a> metal miniatures that I picked up from a flea market vendor. I really like how they paint up and wish I had bought more of them way back when. I still have some left over, but in my opinion, Foundry are always top quality. I matched the tan duster color as best I could, and of course, made them African-Americans like the rest of the Bass Reeves. I really like how the colored metallic paints look on sunglasses. I will likely continue doing "mirrored sunglasses" like that rather than use all black frames and lenses going forward.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z6kivu1CSq4uIuZsDar2zsjMPPCKE118qnaWFUSbQZhxHOOdcQFrTlmUJQz95GlLufwuirqQi8aVyh0DcIOYBSbGkWRz9uyMnSX3ihYLQpDSRuG2RaFo4_cMvoLwbNQ_ZY0cdKSeyjFQFldj979xLpfB_jjXlxvo2_5tSNx51r8T3oBPNOGxqKNapSI/s1000/Reinforcements%20FTroop%20Rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1000" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z6kivu1CSq4uIuZsDar2zsjMPPCKE118qnaWFUSbQZhxHOOdcQFrTlmUJQz95GlLufwuirqQi8aVyh0DcIOYBSbGkWRz9uyMnSX3ihYLQpDSRuG2RaFo4_cMvoLwbNQ_ZY0cdKSeyjFQFldj979xLpfB_jjXlxvo2_5tSNx51r8T3oBPNOGxqKNapSI/w640-h510/Reinforcements%20FTroop%20Rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I really like 'Torch' - the Wiley Games resin figure with the flamethrower<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I painted two more figures for <a href="https://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2018/08/f-troop-more-post-apocalyptic-figures.html" target="_blank">F Troop</a> since I originally did 8 (rather than 7) gang members when I did first painted up these guys. I had only one Sgt. Major Miniatures figure left over, so I supplemented a <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Wiley Games</a> resin miniature I had purchased recently. This figure is called <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/build-your-gang-miniatures/products/resin-28mm-miniature-post-apocalypse-torch" target="_blank">"Torch,"</a> and wears a 20th century army helmet, which helps him blend in with the rest of the gang. I do like the Wiley Games figures. They paint up well, and have a nice amount of detail without going overboard. They look better proportioned than the Reaper Bones figures, too, in my opinion.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP6jzzdTcIHOjLusFzwzYGsWJhM_cva0TFRg2uPlMB5Bj4I76C8Nxn_0HoROIG0flaIZ-rkpttxAlyoRSAoYj42s9S62oK95rvZh4G9nANnCPhppYMJLXtXsVMe8cHoBzDjDdNjMvSOfBvP2j5KaljZKEdOl1sRVqO6Ow3YQZ2OI70zPlxbe699OMp84/s1000/TwoSquads%20FTroop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="1000" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlP6jzzdTcIHOjLusFzwzYGsWJhM_cva0TFRg2uPlMB5Bj4I76C8Nxn_0HoROIG0flaIZ-rkpttxAlyoRSAoYj42s9S62oK95rvZh4G9nANnCPhppYMJLXtXsVMe8cHoBzDjDdNjMvSOfBvP2j5KaljZKEdOl1sRVqO6Ow3YQZ2OI70zPlxbe699OMp84/w640-h166/TwoSquads%20FTroop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>F Troop assembles into 2 squads of 5 figs to battle it out on a ruined planet using Xenos Rampant<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Once again, I think I struggled a bit matching colors of the original survivor gang. I used a dark olive drab as a base coat, dry brushing it with a lighter tone. After seeing the results, I am thinking now that maybe I started with a lighter olive drab? Not sure. I don't think it is a huge deal, though. Uniforms worn by different members of a unit could undergo varying amounts of weathering or sun bleaching, depending on how long they'd been in the field. Plus, I really like how "Torch" came out. The mix of various metallic paints really sets off the figure, I think.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpXqKqGbANOTm6WZZHIvRNytUF5XFJwSGUu4iEuftiCE7g9vhwjv9uFvwWDsJsnWU9dBuHm_iGRI8ywhw-tqG-EDjXWV0WTiczVD2XXCuy_D5AqvI0AWMEshf0aBW2uSzBgS1-iQiTunJ2No95Cg6kxS51NpEg7UbhtHSy0x4htoVbbMObHweqYfg_GU/s1000/TwoSquads%20BassReeves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="1000" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpXqKqGbANOTm6WZZHIvRNytUF5XFJwSGUu4iEuftiCE7g9vhwjv9uFvwWDsJsnWU9dBuHm_iGRI8ywhw-tqG-EDjXWV0WTiczVD2XXCuy_D5AqvI0AWMEshf0aBW2uSzBgS1-iQiTunJ2No95Cg6kxS51NpEg7UbhtHSy0x4htoVbbMObHweqYfg_GU/w640-h190/TwoSquads%20BassReeves.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>The Basss Reeves will make good mercenaries or light troops, adept at ambushing from terrain<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The final batch were from my Planet of the Apes figures. I had three chimpanzees from Eureka Miniatures left over, and three gorillas from Sgt. Major Miniatures. Note that I specify Sgt. Major rather than the current producer, Battle Valor Games, because I believe these figures are literally holdovers from more than a decade ago. My Battle Valor Games order was a couple years back (I think...? Jason, do you remember when we ordered??). The casting seems to be similar quality as Sgt. Major, so I guess I don't need to differentiate. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid52aW7oUVIGp9no1qFnN5stA-d6pXKND6mdSkwALQ47SA6qknmBpccsMAATyuGUFNXV966P8BCELz0Mum7HLLVMTU7nxnvXCPs_78CaE99hU0isCQsuZi261-ib88OyH22yOkSBhlutA7Cr09s84gLaY1aqGB1NFaCU9t-EdbsLmH5t0Gfd4vzbtxaM/s1000/TwoSquads%20Nightstalkers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiid52aW7oUVIGp9no1qFnN5stA-d6pXKND6mdSkwALQ47SA6qknmBpccsMAATyuGUFNXV966P8BCELz0Mum7HLLVMTU7nxnvXCPs_78CaE99hU0isCQsuZi261-ib88OyH22yOkSBhlutA7Cr09s84gLaY1aqGB1NFaCU9t-EdbsLmH5t0Gfd4vzbtxaM/w640-h180/TwoSquads%20Nightstalkers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Did you know underneath the helmets, the Nightstalkers are blue-skinned aliens?<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Once again, I struggled a bit matching colors. I did my best, though. I think the chimpanzee uniform matches fairly well. Not sure about the hair and skin tones of the apes, though. I like the colors I used originally, so it was worth trying to replicate them. I DO have quite a few other Planet of the Apes style figures in my unpainted lead/resin pile. So, look for more of these soon. I am particularly excited about painting up the Eureka Gibbons pack. These are really cool figures. Since they're smaller than the chimps and gorillas, maybe I will field these as Light Infantry in Xenos Rampant? In fact, I would actually like to buy a second pack of these, but likely won't see Eureka at a show again until maybe Historicon 2024 in July. So....if anyone has a second unpainted pack laying around they are willing to part with, contact me please!<br /><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V_FDIWe70-wd8P4dQ6Ebgzq-XJn4rqSuga0YobST375F-fVioGYxeGLNbNkCHlMp97b4vaZV2zZg5p1An_uC-r57zxsU7TMB5RdwBeUtFIB8I3zS-nee6SaTAVAqagHRRpOm4cB5p392QB-0O686hFWGKbQrv9bpLgI5rSBxMOeicuwLC3B3VT_BPrw/s1000/Reinforcements%20Gorillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V_FDIWe70-wd8P4dQ6Ebgzq-XJn4rqSuga0YobST375F-fVioGYxeGLNbNkCHlMp97b4vaZV2zZg5p1An_uC-r57zxsU7TMB5RdwBeUtFIB8I3zS-nee6SaTAVAqagHRRpOm4cB5p392QB-0O686hFWGKbQrv9bpLgI5rSBxMOeicuwLC3B3VT_BPrw/w632-h640/Reinforcements%20Gorillas.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Three new Sgt. Major Miniatures Gorillas fill in the ranks of the troop<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I am posting photos both of the new additions, as well as them combined with the originals into 5-man squads for XR. The Planet of the Apes figures will eventually become its own force of 4-6 squads. The Nightstalkers are combining with the Stargrave figures for the "blue-skinned aliens" force. I think F Troop and the Bass Reeves are likely to be either mercenary forces or supplement squads for a different force, though. Either way, with each XR squad readied for the tabletop, I get closer to being able to host a game for our Sunday evening gaming group!<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbO4rKHjlERq8b-iuRphcNVigfSw0KWfzzd78xNanYgsc5GjQpjfdcEuP3L3ZIOamvCxB7UOn110bFp5qPaz0qm0zxdJb0z0eEGhu9xsejsauNZkBDqTXKI92kptYJWC2s6YOcKV2kZl6R4w2lDD9XSvEC2mJSwSlFZkebv5qthNkmEidhGHdmFgIXHE/s1000/Reinforcements%20Chimps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1000" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbO4rKHjlERq8b-iuRphcNVigfSw0KWfzzd78xNanYgsc5GjQpjfdcEuP3L3ZIOamvCxB7UOn110bFp5qPaz0qm0zxdJb0z0eEGhu9xsejsauNZkBDqTXKI92kptYJWC2s6YOcKV2kZl6R4w2lDD9XSvEC2mJSwSlFZkebv5qthNkmEidhGHdmFgIXHE/w640-h566/Reinforcements%20Chimps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Three more Eureka Miniatures chimps beef up my</i></b></span><span><b><i> 'Planet of the Apes' troop count<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>This year, I have also decided to do what I've seen others doing on their blogs -- track my miniature painting progress and purchases. Starting in 2024, I will list at the bottom of each blog entry the number of figures purchased, followed by how many painted to that point for the year. Note -- this is starting at zero, of course! The previous years' lead (and plastic or resin) pile is still there. Hopefully, I'll get around to cataloging it this year, as I have been doing for my unpainted terrain.</p><b><u>Miniature Painting & Purchasing Tally for 2024 </u></b><br /><ul><li><b>Miniatures purchased in 2024: <span style="color: #cc0000;">15</span></b></li><li><b>Miniatures painted in 2024: <span style="color: #38761d;">14 </span></b></li></ul><p><b><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></b></p><p><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9Gfw27zQ7Q3_GkUjD-MSIZ7T6SHD3NI2n-zn5kCA3SlIcSGYApvMMOiPDPyvqgtP8uEKvtpdgRAm2O4xcN8XWIEyXuV7J0HxCoGvPuJM_wbZR4lP8nHdY4fE7hM6d25W14WMfNhh2Pk07_-CmHMT3pQe1qAYxIHBJHAIW_MeVf0i26tCRoZGjPzXa28/s1000/TwoSquads%20Gorillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="1000" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9Gfw27zQ7Q3_GkUjD-MSIZ7T6SHD3NI2n-zn5kCA3SlIcSGYApvMMOiPDPyvqgtP8uEKvtpdgRAm2O4xcN8XWIEyXuV7J0HxCoGvPuJM_wbZR4lP8nHdY4fE7hM6d25W14WMfNhh2Pk07_-CmHMT3pQe1qAYxIHBJHAIW_MeVf0i26tCRoZGjPzXa28/w640-h144/TwoSquads%20Gorillas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A mounted gorilla officer leads two squads of gorillas through the city, searching for humans<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfhgYQx4KzkamGPmf5OK-O0qdtwTInOrgRIFik4fzGjFjjh1tlYw93JLNWnXzH2_hEKXNGIHrPsoVFiveAADVdzAE5aS-p04LBO2ozqMVVjUjh7fYEpgbO-i-Qzk4Q6F-xuNGpxSxc5YsvBaoZAK2nLbwoivEyeK6fUrKwG1AwKadzZE-LaCV6-2r8Ik/s1000/TwoSquads%20Chimps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="1000" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfhgYQx4KzkamGPmf5OK-O0qdtwTInOrgRIFik4fzGjFjjh1tlYw93JLNWnXzH2_hEKXNGIHrPsoVFiveAADVdzAE5aS-p04LBO2ozqMVVjUjh7fYEpgbO-i-Qzk4Q6F-xuNGpxSxc5YsvBaoZAK2nLbwoivEyeK6fUrKwG1AwKadzZE-LaCV6-2r8Ik/w640-h140/TwoSquads%20Chimps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Yes, that's a cigar-smoking chimpanzee officer leading two squads of Eureka Minatures chimps<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-89196097798745773742023-12-27T16:52:00.002-05:002023-12-27T16:54:30.014-05:00Killer Rabbits of Caerbannog<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NXplPO-jrg0y_lCRNAbu-wTNXLJBlIvzexfSl23iImxuVYiXw0zsUTjTXHz7slW1zknVe1edRSF9QhOtmnshpVV89iebP_9luh17oOevK4u1bXmC1_WeBITGEP36Ra35nbiVw0Tq_6CSKx98_L_MWpl-m9Iw79MIXD8pH-NWSycXZGO_VgzoOstJ4dM/s1000/RabbitGroup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NXplPO-jrg0y_lCRNAbu-wTNXLJBlIvzexfSl23iImxuVYiXw0zsUTjTXHz7slW1zknVe1edRSF9QhOtmnshpVV89iebP_9luh17oOevK4u1bXmC1_WeBITGEP36Ra35nbiVw0Tq_6CSKx98_L_MWpl-m9Iw79MIXD8pH-NWSycXZGO_VgzoOstJ4dM/w640-h380/RabbitGroup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A bloodthirsty nest of rabbits with parts of victims, lurking by the cave of Caerbannog<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My last post of 2023 is a somewhat whimsical one. For her latest Saga army, Jenny had purchased a pack of <a href="https://badgergames.com/shop/bad-squiddo-games/animals-bad-squiddo-games/bsg-faf007-bunnies/" target="_blank">bunnies from Bad Squiddo Games</a>. In Saga, units accumulate fatigue as a result of combat, excess movement, etc. I have always liked to use scenic items that blend in with the tabletop -- shields, dropped weapons, spears, etc. Jenny decided she wanted to use the pack of 8 bunnies as her fatigue markers. And if they're going to be rabbits, why not model them after the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog? <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="374" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJC5o7Qt40g" width="449" youtube-src-id="QJC5o7Qt40g"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The inspiration for the fatigue markers...</i></b> <br /></p><p>Yes, Monty Python fans, I'm referring to the scene where the "harmless little bunny" cuts down a number of King Arthur's knights. I figured it would make a nice Christmas present to paint them up for her. Rather than make all eight identical, I Googled various rabbit colors and did them up for some variety. Once they were done, I asked her, "Are you SURE you want me to make these into killer bunnies?" She was. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6FC-MzCY4JivMCLnuB2_laTXWUV1LVaGmGjWmuQ14yqy39y1LGc9BdmcmI1aQt__8ZzYvDjpMCG41TF_3KpLWh9bsmZc7CWNZTfJYIDjbg4sxmV9fvf8EezI4oiJK2tAXV7ruDfqdrSeUd4azlofP1lmfr2Vez9Cy84r5mkQHRRMHJ5yM3Llgv3ulbo/s1000/RabbitBatchC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1000" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6FC-MzCY4JivMCLnuB2_laTXWUV1LVaGmGjWmuQ14yqy39y1LGc9BdmcmI1aQt__8ZzYvDjpMCG41TF_3KpLWh9bsmZc7CWNZTfJYIDjbg4sxmV9fvf8EezI4oiJK2tAXV7ruDfqdrSeUd4azlofP1lmfr2Vez9Cy84r5mkQHRRMHJ5yM3Llgv3ulbo/w640-h418/RabbitBatchC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>They may look like harmless little bunnies, but...<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><p>Step two was finding a couple old plastic figures and chopping off hands or feet. These were placed on the bases after the flocking was done. I then painted them up with suitably gory amounts of blood. I also painted the rabbits' mouths and a few paws as bloodstained. I used Iron Wind Metals "Blood Red" for the main area with highlights of bright red to give it more depth.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyuOnRqPLbek-iEKZekZ_1kuU7KLgQlvzQ53TNsQovgEEyUs8W1Ety2-u9q57L9jwY6tUqyphp74dsafr2IjwC42jcsEbM3q5AXgXvdOu4JcjBl9IEAUzDs3koA20-gOcBOQlAr3CrIp4SVr2w1MLZmSNB_5gG-xemxrN5Zj8WrIIGLbqZWin0KE0vSU/s1000/RabbitBatchD.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1000" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyuOnRqPLbek-iEKZekZ_1kuU7KLgQlvzQ53TNsQovgEEyUs8W1Ety2-u9q57L9jwY6tUqyphp74dsafr2IjwC42jcsEbM3q5AXgXvdOu4JcjBl9IEAUzDs3koA20-gOcBOQlAr3CrIp4SVr2w1MLZmSNB_5gG-xemxrN5Zj8WrIIGLbqZWin0KE0vSU/w640-h348/RabbitBatchD.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The two colors of red and dismembered hands and feet made the little vignettes suitably gory<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Jenny was happy with pack of her killer bunnies, so it was a success as a Christmas present. If you end up playing a game of Saga against her Iberian army, you may get a chuckled out of her whimsical humor. If you're interested in doing something similar, Bad Squiddo Games makes quite the variety of animal packs. I have purchased their Ravens to use as fatigue markers as well. Check them out at <a href="https://badgergames.com/" target="_blank">Badger Games</a>!<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBfbdvbv5DOgxwNbIuZ6OOBonb_dlkZuNlkDjXoNm-zEGgWV5KIZJ7Yal2Wu0UWxYodymcZnqQ_q00frBgta_Ohh8pDSnn8nRUPsWudDWJgWxQrhVwLQsg4PdYbwwFRAYjhKRPXzK0OKbi8Vihr2Smw8EKxxULyoG_Nh9AEJIrf5zS7VjdTNZ8FUNMVM/s1000/RabbitBatchA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1000" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBfbdvbv5DOgxwNbIuZ6OOBonb_dlkZuNlkDjXoNm-zEGgWV5KIZJ7Yal2Wu0UWxYodymcZnqQ_q00frBgta_Ohh8pDSnn8nRUPsWudDWJgWxQrhVwLQsg4PdYbwwFRAYjhKRPXzK0OKbi8Vihr2Smw8EKxxULyoG_Nh9AEJIrf5zS7VjdTNZ8FUNMVM/w640-h366/RabbitBatchA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Just one rabbit accounted for 5 (or was it 3?) of King Arthur's knights, imagine what two would do...<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Z69sZTWU_8DPKMInDWJH2uUIPLRe3KLGUxecjEpyeOqppJYB5sFiSu0dOCZrP_0kTBUpgnX-HvVH8K4LdvNynO5r6sqBZ7tq_iwDEq2PqwrnJh_cVP9an-4B0a4ofrx_gItPGcF2IhIbks6xmWK8BatqwpU1ym56EhKLoolRKm215-1OjSA3nUkYKQ/s1000/RabbitBatchB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1000" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Z69sZTWU_8DPKMInDWJH2uUIPLRe3KLGUxecjEpyeOqppJYB5sFiSu0dOCZrP_0kTBUpgnX-HvVH8K4LdvNynO5r6sqBZ7tq_iwDEq2PqwrnJh_cVP9an-4B0a4ofrx_gItPGcF2IhIbks6xmWK8BatqwpU1ym56EhKLoolRKm215-1OjSA3nUkYKQ/w640-h332/RabbitBatchB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Yes, that's a carrot one of the bunnies has...maybe a palate cleanser (or desert) after their meal?<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-27711117716427289632023-12-23T16:44:00.000-05:002023-12-23T16:44:01.976-05:00Year in Review: Three Threads for 2023<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="620" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDzaS13kWqA2bQA8moMYYnxD7eSZ_L7S3uSz8Kz8ReRCpGFA3RkPn499bxQXDXaFAUFeR_OvVtvulwNxMJZqSKCWaRhWwS44gao42mYve3tCPpRDyOYITk269G5ZgnPWgrfC9ssMyPWzxbNye3KJ952gAxVoOJOG_X1nQlHdS-ZJ3iIJVrcyIWknz/w620-h640/Ruined%20Church%20Rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="620" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>One theme that remained constant in 2023 was work on my post-apocalyptic terrain<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDzaS13kWqA2bQA8moMYYnxD7eSZ_L7S3uSz8Kz8ReRCpGFA3RkPn499bxQXDXaFAUFeR_OvVtvulwNxMJZqSKCWaRhWwS44gao42mYve3tCPpRDyOYITk269G5ZgnPWgrfC9ssMyPWzxbNye3KJ952gAxVoOJOG_X1nQlHdS-ZJ3iIJVrcyIWknz/s640/Ruined%20Church%20Rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b></a></div>Three main projects dominated my painting and terrain building for this past year, 2023. One thread remained constant, though at times it faded almost completely into the background. The other two surged for awhile into the spotlight, in essence battling for my attention. The one that remained constant was my post-apocalyptic campaign. The other two that saw periods of intense focus were Ancient/DarkAge/Medieval Saga and Science-Fiction gaming.<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Post-apocalyptic</b> <br /></p><p>The constant thread was my post-apocalyptic campaign. I entered the year with nearly all of my survivor gangs painted up, adding only one to the ranks in 2023. This occurred only as it became obvious that I might need to play occasionally to balance out the numbers in games. So, I reached into my <a href="https://www.battlevalorgames.com/" target="_blank">Battle Valor Games</a> purchases and created one more gang -- the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/green-dragons-new-post-apoc-force.html" target="_blank">Green Dragons</a>. They first hit the table in February. They were an Asian-American gang, and saw action in the second scenario we played in the campaign, <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/finally-second-post-apoc-game-i-smell.html" target="_blank">"I Smell a Rat."</a> </p><p><span> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfdcOBiAazFY3gz9ctBt14kgQUPgqJytk5uDt7lE8S0ZaHMaMwx2D2ymJwHmkM69V-OjQVxjdmgOJ1MzS2fl_XRESE4WIcY7u4ZbnfQKFlGaCwV-UxGjEWn9TeZx3iDUT2sGouZAcgFiSy9ZMwpRFPZRxJ_1Su56LiaDtj23ZBDFM_66FobLI-1lAoXA/s640/BarbedWire_FromAbove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfdcOBiAazFY3gz9ctBt14kgQUPgqJytk5uDt7lE8S0ZaHMaMwx2D2ymJwHmkM69V-OjQVxjdmgOJ1MzS2fl_XRESE4WIcY7u4ZbnfQKFlGaCwV-UxGjEWn9TeZx3iDUT2sGouZAcgFiSy9ZMwpRFPZRxJ_1Su56LiaDtj23ZBDFM_66FobLI-1lAoXA/w640-h360/BarbedWire_FromAbove.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I made some modifications to Monster Fight Club's chain fences (like the thin strand of barbed wire) <br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Most of my efforts on this project were in terrain building. From barbed wire compounds to burnt-out vehicles, I cranked out the tabletop scenery. Those were probably my two favorite additions to the scenery. The <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/06/barbed-wire-compound.html" target="_blank">barbed wire compound</a> was a store-bought purchase from Monster Fight Club scenery, using two of their "Chain Link Fences" boxes. Of course, being me, I couldn't just use them straight out of the box. I modified them fairly heavily and these are one of the best additions to my terrain collection this year, in my opinion. We have used it in two scenarios so far, <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/07/searching-abandoned-army-base.html" target="_blank">"Searching an Abandoned Army Base"</a> and the most recently, <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-truce-was-struck-between-rival-gangs.html" target="_blank">"Where the Dark Things Gather."</a></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRQoS0xy-GNPYR_BBtJkdo_K5FKgMusu1NIBX9TcLnTMsIPzBrqSIJFMlKX0D4qO7LrtsQqTB6E8K3uSntz0msXZa3uUqOGnmpAuR5YGGnu5X44LlGspcO0b9GSHboDs9QRmKqEn_yFSCac54nonqIqKql_j_8TBRrniobP-lNAP0YXG1u7vRHwI4/s640/YellowTruck01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="640" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRQoS0xy-GNPYR_BBtJkdo_K5FKgMusu1NIBX9TcLnTMsIPzBrqSIJFMlKX0D4qO7LrtsQqTB6E8K3uSntz0msXZa3uUqOGnmpAuR5YGGnu5X44LlGspcO0b9GSHboDs9QRmKqEn_yFSCac54nonqIqKql_j_8TBRrniobP-lNAP0YXG1u7vRHwI4/w640-h392/YellowTruck01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I was really pleased with these die cast vehicles that had been set aflame turned out<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I was also very happy with my addition of <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/04/burned-out-vehicles-for-post.html" target="_blank">damaged and burnt out vehicles</a> for the desolate urban areas in my post-apocalyptic world. I had done some research on how to get the effect of a burnt out vehicle and was shocked that the consensus was to actually set on fire die cast models. First, I used pliers and wire cutters to remove the wheels and much or all of the plastic. Then, on a warm April evening, I swabbed them down with rubbing alcohol and lit them on fire. Thankfully, no neighbors were outside to see what the amateur pyromaniac was doing. I was fairly happy with how they turned out. The ash-like char seemed to never be sealed in by numerous clear coats, though. So, I still have to handle them carefully. I would end up doing two more batches of damaged/burnt vehicles, but who knows? Maybe one day I'll make some more!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXW2mIlxPe3_F2ZEqTG51w4RD9ioNVs7NO94YvISVl58LfqLBl3gLFpvJfKEGqTUjzGNZ4YKIKPdUBcbPx_g4r8BXebJ-wYrL7oFshBjYj-N1pXk93PgNGtnHgl-tOrn0jgwMXAATt_Hx8fMB4b73k2OmseqYvdAdnnJQMK2O8Q6tl4Z6Pd438Z-A/s640/6Story%20RuinCloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="349" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXW2mIlxPe3_F2ZEqTG51w4RD9ioNVs7NO94YvISVl58LfqLBl3gLFpvJfKEGqTUjzGNZ4YKIKPdUBcbPx_g4r8BXebJ-wYrL7oFshBjYj-N1pXk93PgNGtnHgl-tOrn0jgwMXAATt_Hx8fMB4b73k2OmseqYvdAdnnJQMK2O8Q6tl4Z6Pd438Z-A/w350-h640/6Story%20RuinCloseup.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My favorite Jarls Workshop building was the six-story corner ruin (with some of my own bits added)<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I also constructed a number of new buildings for the an urban, post-apocalyptic battlefield. My favorites were the ones I bought from <b>Jarls Workshop</b> (Rusty Parker) at the previous year's Advance the Colors 2022. They turned out great, and I would end up buying more from him in October at the 2023 convention. My favorite was the<a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/ruined-3-d-printed-buildings-for-post.html" target="_blank"> six-story corner remnant</a> that I jazzed up with wooden beams and bricks. I bought more of these this year, but have yet to assemble them and get them ready for the tabletop. They will probably be the first terrain that I create in 2024, though! Rusty's 3-D printed buildings paint up very quickly and I highly recommend them. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8MBxjxJAA84gdELrufskV4vFCovS_2EC44I0-3TFjoXv0timuAL-AkDPtdMWNfFh-rkXg-K6N5Q3h28lr-oQ0wlRXhMPdhtFyhqFQwBECS6dHj-d5F_AodJXk4r-7rFfbWgTtFbtT9fIpq1RRUCtbWPFMCBDgG7o78g49Z2f3nYUpw_0oJCc0ET6/s639/PostApoc02_FT%20By%20Van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="639" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8MBxjxJAA84gdELrufskV4vFCovS_2EC44I0-3TFjoXv0timuAL-AkDPtdMWNfFh-rkXg-K6N5Q3h28lr-oQ0wlRXhMPdhtFyhqFQwBECS6dHj-d5F_AodJXk4r-7rFfbWgTtFbtT9fIpq1RRUCtbWPFMCBDgG7o78g49Z2f3nYUpw_0oJCc0ET6/w640-h498/PostApoc02_FT%20By%20Van.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>We got in four games over the course of 2023 of my post-apocalytpic campaign<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Finally, we got in four post-apocalyptic games over the course of the year. That was way under what I was hoping, but it did remain constant throughout the year. I am happy with how the <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/products/fistful-of-lead-core-rulebook" target="_blank">Wiley Games Core Rules</a> are working out for these skirmishes. Each player selects four characters for that scenario from the 7-8 that I had created for their survivor gang. Sometimes, characters who are wounded have to miss the following scenario or die of their wounds (only one character so far...sigh, mine!). The players have gotten the hang of using Renown Points to purchase new Traits and upgrade their force. I am having fun with running the scenarios, and will probably step back from playing in them with the Green Dragons unless we have a very small turnout. Look for more games in the coming months -- especially during January and February when our usual Sunday evening host will be out of town.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9ICvb6QO2Rgo0t6uVeaWnV-7OLHqERYkY88RmBEIbT_cBvt0u3Qz6Hyrlva2MIhxVj_xEqywLZQbcT0mUlUgO48St0Ds2gpiNx8HW_VDSN7GD5Thaea2RGmnUSc-u35xrRoSv28bLiaWhszvzl2fSuBVmWSTPlKdQhh9s0POt9PvAQZebqV9w9S0Fs/s638/3RuleSets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="638" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9ICvb6QO2Rgo0t6uVeaWnV-7OLHqERYkY88RmBEIbT_cBvt0u3Qz6Hyrlva2MIhxVj_xEqywLZQbcT0mUlUgO48St0Ds2gpiNx8HW_VDSN7GD5Thaea2RGmnUSc-u35xrRoSv28bLiaWhszvzl2fSuBVmWSTPlKdQhh9s0POt9PvAQZebqV9w9S0Fs/w640-h284/3RuleSets.jpg" width="640" /></a><b> <br /></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Science-Fiction Gaming</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">As the year closes, Sci-Fi gaming is the one I am focused on, now. It was also how I began 2023. I'd picked up <a href="https://www.snarlingbadger.com/spacestationzero" target="_blank">Space Station Zero</a> from Snarling Badger Studios, intrigued by the possibility of co-op skirmish as crews explore a derelict space station on the edge of the galaxy. I went all in for a few months, creating a playing surface of metallic looking tiles. I also made various bits of <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/01/more-terrain-for-space-station-zero.html" target="_blank">Sci-Fi scatter terrain</a> that would work great for either the interior of a space station or on a planet's surface. Some were store-bought from Mantic Games, Acheson Creations, while still others were scratch-built from wooden pieces at craft stores. Jazzed up with metallic paints and various metal scatter consoles from <a href="https://rrbminis.com/" target="_blank">RRB Minis & More</a>, they set the stage for a new period of gaming in a new year.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGqvbCRY6RM74kzhlHnnHPN0DLpFpcI-6Q5gWUA87yZGpSjyIEZohnJAqkJpXVS3M4aKDnpvQK3_e4zNZAJg5iTcGNcnB7crSCr3lAsHwL4xO7pYh1eoG6b6saC2LX-jkNQcG1BFCAMRDrFeFQOqiC_2JN37sg5yqqD7RnZsZ4jg6qxEDc1inhCbb/s640/SSZ_01DockBay%2003DiscoveryStart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGqvbCRY6RM74kzhlHnnHPN0DLpFpcI-6Q5gWUA87yZGpSjyIEZohnJAqkJpXVS3M4aKDnpvQK3_e4zNZAJg5iTcGNcnB7crSCr3lAsHwL4xO7pYh1eoG6b6saC2LX-jkNQcG1BFCAMRDrFeFQOqiC_2JN37sg5yqqD7RnZsZ4jg6qxEDc1inhCbb/w640-h452/SSZ_01DockBay%2003DiscoveryStart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Our one and only game of Space Station Zero (so far, to be fair) using my game mat tiles & terrain<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Except it never really went very far. Jenny and I played <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/01/first-game-of-space-station-zero.html" target="_blank">one scenario of Space Station Zero</a>. We had fun, but after playing, I felt that its scope and scale wouldn't fit in as well for our Sunday evening gaming sessions. Even switching from co-op to competitive play mode in the rules, I felt that we'd struggle with so many players to have a game session for what was originally designed as a solo miniatures gaming adventure. Jenny and I swore we'd play the next scenario some winter evening when we had nothing else to do, but never got around to it. I'd painted my crew -- Dave and the rest from the spaceship <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/01/the-discovery-crew-for-space-station.html" target="_blank">Jupiter in 2001: A Space Odyssey</a> -- but it looked like the <i>Jupiter</i> was grounded back here on Earth.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsgLoovCBGzI79-Y7fQz8zetIfVXTEec54ggW41TDIL1Loh9J_hfd7T7CuyfLLuHhj5SvpoGrdw_m7FArEHLkuNLwP3y71ymwaXFEGExLfOjMRCCkF1g32eXLjc3wkCoCBKW1r7u-2kDvLMT1heGufWylYsXxOst02L-A3IsoWg45GmqMbUVIAwVVRj4/s639/TerminatorsTwo01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="639" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsgLoovCBGzI79-Y7fQz8zetIfVXTEec54ggW41TDIL1Loh9J_hfd7T7CuyfLLuHhj5SvpoGrdw_m7FArEHLkuNLwP3y71ymwaXFEGExLfOjMRCCkF1g32eXLjc3wkCoCBKW1r7u-2kDvLMT1heGufWylYsXxOst02L-A3IsoWg45GmqMbUVIAwVVRj4/w640-h592/TerminatorsTwo01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i></i></b></span><span><b><i> JS Wargamer Printing </i></b></span><span><b><i>'Machine Wars - Exterminators' very cool 3D printed Terminators<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;">In August, Sci-Fi gaming showed another flicker of life. Keith ran a <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/08/first-star-wars-skirmish-using-galactic.html" target="_blank">Star Wars scenario</a> using Wiley Games <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/galactic-heroes/products/galactic-heroes-2nd-edition-printed" target="_blank">Galactic Heroes</a> rules. He had a lot of the Wizards of the Coast pre-painted Star Wars figures. I was intrigued. We knew the rules. Both Keith and Mike S had tons of figs, but school had just started up again and I was hitting my busy point in the year. Sci-Fi gaming seemed to be an empty void once again until just last month. I decided to paint up one of my purchases from CincyCon 2023, <a href="http://wargamerprinting.com/" target="_blank">JS Wargamer Printing's</a> <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/ill-be-back-some-skeletal-steel.html" target="_blank">3-D printed Terminators</a>. This, and the purchase of rules books from the "Rampant" series at Advance the Colors 2023, convinced me to give <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_psq=xenos+ramp&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant</a> a try.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWEeBejQAZbCXn0_OyC5mzQhbZLYvkNL0uZcCedZp5rRHRxfADJoOyv7CctpSvVb1I541Xo0Apl7bR4JPyrHCJXf9lroEZMaFgL3dPF5lFb18rMMhyi4E1IxqTeFm8o1Dwydj3u0m_FgiiZSiDxiCuIb8emrr2HIJ5gDSRmDQcWj2VhXb6d1PIP2xPU8/s640/RobotsMechs_All02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="640" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWEeBejQAZbCXn0_OyC5mzQhbZLYvkNL0uZcCedZp5rRHRxfADJoOyv7CctpSvVb1I541Xo0Apl7bR4JPyrHCJXf9lroEZMaFgL3dPF5lFb18rMMhyi4E1IxqTeFm8o1Dwydj3u0m_FgiiZSiDxiCuIb8emrr2HIJ5gDSRmDQcWj2VhXb6d1PIP2xPU8/w640-h252/RobotsMechs_All02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I was really pleased at how these various robots and droids came out with their metallic paints<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>This is a bigger size game than either Space Station Zero or Galactic Heroes. Each player will likely control 4-6 squads of figures, making it just a bit under Saga sized force, in my planned scale. Since then, I have been busy cranking out sets of Sci-Fi miniatures. After the Terminators (for a Machines force, of course), came a couple batches of <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/some-cool-looking-robots-and-droids-for.html" target="_blank">droids or robots</a>. I continued on with some <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/build-your-gang-miniatures/products/miniature-pack-sci-fi-alpha-crew" target="_blank">3-D printed space marines bought from Wiley Games</a>. I called them the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/first-squad-for-bronze-legion-in-xenos.html" target="_blank">Bronze Legion</a>, and bought and painted up a second squad's worth of the figures. And, for those who follow my blog regularly, you know that has continued apace with some <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/how-about-some-blue-skinned-aliens-for.html" target="_blank">Blue-skinned aliens</a> and a squad of <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/12/battle-droids-2nd-batch-of-bronze-legion.html" target="_blank">Star Wars B1 Battle Droids</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDYhpQoxtFeynBLIEqDqZruNIKuE1fAWUkm66f3FuSX-N4fqJk5eEW2OauR4FqB4HcjzwTdExuy_qCjIQ2jFL3akTLwgN-tSp7H_VwH6piH8He427B9BnuMENJBg3q9yFSdGVSEOOGJqLjtkF9K8l1QWp9oOA2NtOTilH-NvV13D_86XdsZdP30G-MOo/s640/SciFi_Andorians_CloseupTwoRoof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="640" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDYhpQoxtFeynBLIEqDqZruNIKuE1fAWUkm66f3FuSX-N4fqJk5eEW2OauR4FqB4HcjzwTdExuy_qCjIQ2jFL3akTLwgN-tSp7H_VwH6piH8He427B9BnuMENJBg3q9yFSdGVSEOOGJqLjtkF9K8l1QWp9oOA2NtOTilH-NvV13D_86XdsZdP30G-MOo/w640-h406/SciFi_Andorians_CloseupTwoRoof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Aliens from the Strargrave Mercenaries box and actually painted to match one of my survivor gangs.<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I'm anticipating my first game of Xenos Rampant in January. If not, at least by February. It's kind of cool that I started and began 2023 with Sci-Fi. I'm a big fan of the various Star Wars streaming series, so it is almost unusual that it hadn't found its way to the tabletop for me.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNUdLUcb6Gm63DTk8moN2HR_oXXRtmNhK-3dGYNTz_ifUTFcxPHVGBDWiOZYVMRtxHNyrv0k25jdigY05Bx1H0P4Fjs3RqKnfAPJYLpu0T4W0z1AH6CllIuHVJ9kX0nUlj2aRDNaKozHuQMoSHASO8Pk7-HiQ1zNa0IZsJrJWPXw7ZTsB2UUk2zEZ/s640/Thracians_AllRear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="640" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNUdLUcb6Gm63DTk8moN2HR_oXXRtmNhK-3dGYNTz_ifUTFcxPHVGBDWiOZYVMRtxHNyrv0k25jdigY05Bx1H0P4Fjs3RqKnfAPJYLpu0T4W0z1AH6CllIuHVJ9kX0nUlj2aRDNaKozHuQMoSHASO8Pk7-HiQ1zNa0IZsJrJWPXw7ZTsB2UUk2zEZ/w640-h156/Thracians_AllRear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>It seems I never choose a simple army to paint, and that was definitely the case for 2023's Thracians!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Saga Ancients/Dark Ages/Medieval Skirmish</b><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The third thread of my year of gaming was playing <a href="http://www.studio-tomahawk.com/en/saga/" target="_blank">Saga</a>, the skirmish miniatures game from Studio Tomahawk. In fact, it took over the majority of my painting and gaming from about late summer through <a href="https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors" target="_blank">Advance the Colors 2023</a>. Two main reasons for this was that I had undertaken painting a new army, the Thracians. Also, I was painting up prizes and prepping for my two tournaments I was going to run at ATC 2023. I had queried local and regional Saga groups and they gave a thumbs up to adding a Friday Age of Ancients tournament to my 3rd annual Saturday Age of Melee one. Ancients includes the six armies each from Age of Hannibal and Age of Alexander. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwsZ1aVRHr_Wu2wfVA4aPSLFq9czjpNiLUcypD8m4FHzdVsEbzC3q75XQF1WukLZDVXzGDJTSNkMI8ywwg-n8tiTPzYJCXuLDy2ZzucWJgegOsA7RRpm0HhmpTEKXzL-huss56qEPdz94Red6Zfi46KwwE-i2GKjaA-50OrK16IRjedcMxRa4qojE/s640/ThracCav_AllFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="640" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwsZ1aVRHr_Wu2wfVA4aPSLFq9czjpNiLUcypD8m4FHzdVsEbzC3q75XQF1WukLZDVXzGDJTSNkMI8ywwg-n8tiTPzYJCXuLDy2ZzucWJgegOsA7RRpm0HhmpTEKXzL-huss56qEPdz94Red6Zfi46KwwE-i2GKjaA-50OrK16IRjedcMxRa4qojE/w640-h198/ThracCav_AllFront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>At least the Thracians had only one unit of mounted -- unlike an entire army with the Mongols!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>In fact, the Thracians I was painting up were from the Alexander book, and had caught my eye for their interesting "Loot" mechanic. They were also an army almost no one was talking about, and I enjoy painting the fringe armies. Greeks and Macedonians were sure to be popular choices from that book, but I wanted to do something a bit different. Naturally, if they're an army that I am picking they MUST have complex patterns or something to make them a challenge to paint, right? Of course! Greek pottery gives us a wealth of primary source material on the geometric (and assumed) colorful cloaks that the Thracian warriors wore. I borrowed my friend Mike's Osprey book on the army and sketched out about a dozen simplified versions of the patterns to use on my own miniature Thracians. With 28mm minis, we want to give the effect of something -- not necessarily a 1:1 recreation of it. Too much often ends up being, not surprisingly, too much.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0Lt4zB5W9BaVGiuEV1mtxvMsX_tHAUQPNrvpVEK3k42ny4Cldfc8a0GClKaNyww2WVXdihuBNOYrHIjNjs77rBEH-f9cm1NRuYOBp8g-Ws862sYJ3llft48BSnjNI2fmTRlEQV_VIUUbpQlv-5gYio7UJnvZbqwxfpPrK7irjR86j4fLWT4wwHNA/s640/Cincy23vsNormans_FailedPictCav%20charge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="640" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0Lt4zB5W9BaVGiuEV1mtxvMsX_tHAUQPNrvpVEK3k42ny4Cldfc8a0GClKaNyww2WVXdihuBNOYrHIjNjs77rBEH-f9cm1NRuYOBp8g-Ws862sYJ3llft48BSnjNI2fmTRlEQV_VIUUbpQlv-5gYio7UJnvZbqwxfpPrK7irjR86j4fLWT4wwHNA/w640-h462/Cincy23vsNormans_FailedPictCav%20charge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>One of my three victories with the Picts at CincyCon 2023 - this one against a Norman foe<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>As December comes to its end, I am not strictly done with the Thracians. I have about one batch of javelin-armed warriors to paint up. I also have yet to do the custom fatigue markers I will create for this army. I borrowed some spare heads from friends who have plastic kits (where they provide options for players to use). I will mount these heads on the markers because the Thracians were known as a head-hunting tribe. Luckily, I already had suitable markers created for the loot tokens from a past gaming project.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH81VFhRvCWPopUfKWJWqR34IYrlTuhMeQCJOxyEfsaBOlYlU7kL1JjV_DdZtODaoYHBZvW8yJxnNie8E9nx36aB2TK2_4xVL5PeMG4cV4B_fTCaoheCARaBjKcefwO1fXpE7yzNUCACdmVPEpZDJ5KrArINXwwmMiD-OUm4Aw-FA68frjgapzarlLhs/s640/Saga2024Melee_Group04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="640" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH81VFhRvCWPopUfKWJWqR34IYrlTuhMeQCJOxyEfsaBOlYlU7kL1JjV_DdZtODaoYHBZvW8yJxnNie8E9nx36aB2TK2_4xVL5PeMG4cV4B_fTCaoheCARaBjKcefwO1fXpE7yzNUCACdmVPEpZDJ5KrArINXwwmMiD-OUm4Aw-FA68frjgapzarlLhs/w640-h376/Saga2024Melee_Group04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>View of the action at ATC 2023 weekend, which saw more than 30 participants from near & far<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Our monthly Saga Sundays at the Guardtower East continued, but attendance seemed to die down a bit, this year. We were down from 12-16 attendees to the 6-10 range, most months. Unfortunately, the trips to Beavercreek and the Dragons Guildhall also decreased, on my part. I probably made it only about 4-5 times this year instead of being a regular. Honestly, the reason for this was likely the increase in the number of tournaments we had in the area. The year started off with a <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/02/fun-weekend-at-ft-wayne-in-saga.html" target="_blank">Saga tournament run in Ft. Wayne, IN</a>, in February. The tournies continued in March with <a href="https://cincycon.org/" target="_blank">Cincycon 2023</a> -- where my Picts were victorious overall. I did not make it to Adrian John's next tournament at DayCon, but did actually participate in a small one at Historicon in July. In September, I also drove north to Port Clinton, OH, for Rusty and Jim's <a href="https://www.firelandsgames.com/hold-the-line" target="_blank">Hold the Line</a> convention. That was followed by the success at Advance the Colors, with <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/10/warlords-gather-from-near-and-far-to.html" target="_blank">14 players in my Ancients Saga tournament and 24 on Saturday</a>. So, lots of tournaments probably meant fewer people at our monthly game days, I imagine.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE-gNdD9EjlL_2kWApZSoyu6j2XLop0WIUpJOQ68zfO_y5T0DWYpL2UYfr3OXmGyhLjeMxGLfx-tvfhyUDpwlV1vM-DtxAlViHiG68bAok-XGoeB15AuN2ddSf6Hieu6XgM3nwFVNioYL5i-a9HEMittBUD1K6DBYP4eJKHpM6fsRTi61qAeTOkwtnE0/s640/StrathclydeWarlordCombo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="640" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE-gNdD9EjlL_2kWApZSoyu6j2XLop0WIUpJOQ68zfO_y5T0DWYpL2UYfr3OXmGyhLjeMxGLfx-tvfhyUDpwlV1vM-DtxAlViHiG68bAok-XGoeB15AuN2ddSf6Hieu6XgM3nwFVNioYL5i-a9HEMittBUD1K6DBYP4eJKHpM6fsRTi61qAeTOkwtnE0/w640-h396/StrathclydeWarlordCombo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>One of the six warlord stands I painted up and gave away as Saga prizes in 2023<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>One thing that my friend Mike has cautioned about is getting to the "burn out" stage with these rules, like we eventually did with DBA <i>(De Bellis Antiquitatis)</i>. This is my fifth year of playing Saga. We played DBA for a couple decades, so it is nowhere near the same longevity. However, I do see a similar vibe with a tournament at every convention beginning to happen with me and Saga. I have also noticed my enthusiasm for hosting new episodes of my <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sagaohio" target="_blank">Saga Ohio Podcast</a> waned over the course of the year, too. Mostly, this is because school is always so busy -- "180 days of triage", I call the school year. Possible burn out IS something to keep an eye out for when scheduling my gaming and painting, though.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Obviously, this isn't every bit of gaming that I did in 2023. It is a good sampling to reflect upon, though, and I hope readers enjoyed it. As we head towards 2024, my production seems to be picking up speed. What will 2024 bring? Hopefully, more faithful readers of my Lead Legionaries blog like yourselves! Happy New Year!! 😃<br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-87368506422152956102023-12-22T13:15:00.001-05:002023-12-22T13:15:12.805-05:00Battle Droids & 2nd Batch of Bronze Legion<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCj1rQMZPYwsfa81IyKeWkCPd39T8pD6wmZGrXZpc3B1HVDHDKsu9koNAStsIYI0p6_xSlBPwg3N0pRH8FyvZEzzxCNIH0zrWDIsZP6quuCQTOALeQ8OMG50aHCdfLNFhg4qH74apZtYfOE76e-fdImFiW-GEn5Wj3OYH3N4DMLJHNDe0Qqy1ZUk4y2DE/s1000/BattleDroids%20vs%20BronzeLegion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="1000" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCj1rQMZPYwsfa81IyKeWkCPd39T8pD6wmZGrXZpc3B1HVDHDKsu9koNAStsIYI0p6_xSlBPwg3N0pRH8FyvZEzzxCNIH0zrWDIsZP6quuCQTOALeQ8OMG50aHCdfLNFhg4qH74apZtYfOE76e-fdImFiW-GEn5Wj3OYH3N4DMLJHNDe0Qqy1ZUk4y2DE/w640-h236/BattleDroids%20vs%20BronzeLegion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My 2nd squad of the Bronze Legion faces off against Star Wars Legion B1 Battle Droids<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Now that it is winter break from school, my hobby production is picking up its pace. The last time I was at the <a href="https://www.dragonsguildhall.biz/" target="_blank">Dragons Guildhall</a> in Beavercreek, OH, I picked up a box from the Star Wars Legion line. I know its figs are a bit overscale, but these were <b>B1 Battle Droids,</b> so I figured it'd be okay. I mean, how tall is a battle droid supposed to be, really? </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEcPZvneMsf3HFckpunxnP0B0QaigvbhLtsCNVuQs-t16fmDTFFsI8A4mYgRLgQr2vR5Kg5hz5jXt72qQM866XW8rpZ27fk_UMe5h88Bv6p93Pdc9pJkI68Vx3K7MBjdLKSuRKHs8LEco-QTRl-X-INnCMEKiUEYenzHEEAAcl9FBxBhk_6p6aO2ACo/s1000/BattleDroidsGroup02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1000" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEcPZvneMsf3HFckpunxnP0B0QaigvbhLtsCNVuQs-t16fmDTFFsI8A4mYgRLgQr2vR5Kg5hz5jXt72qQM866XW8rpZ27fk_UMe5h88Bv6p93Pdc9pJkI68Vx3K7MBjdLKSuRKHs8LEco-QTRl-X-INnCMEKiUEYenzHEEAAcl9FBxBhk_6p6aO2ACo/w640-h514/BattleDroidsGroup02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The B1 Battle Droids will supplement my Machines force for Xenos Rampant, finishing it up<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>When I got home, I opened up the box, and smacked my forehead, "Oh, no!" Nothing that looked like a droid was attached to the sprues -- WAY too many individual pieces for me to glue together. I took them to our regular Sunday night gaming session and handed them over to my friend Keith, who is skilled at assembling these fiddly types of models. He gave them back to me the next weekend and said it had taken him all of 15 minutes. For me, it would have been hours of frustration, maybe a little screaming, and possibly a broken droid or two...!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBtLQPM_bzH-99p9yLqRDyf92kaMgsHG4xq8htRa2FTs9jyYZTMQVTtbpfJGeAGy31uH0FOeCNUFjAQPBgaXJJMTCcpnTZAvt8Zo9NJY0Y5xOoEOwJyutg1xxDzEdPKvFLofIZmM3TESGph5CRhO-vcaRtwR8pMX8-2YN-DXVpIvtB0Q1B03iZ7uU2-c/s1000/BattleDroids%20Batch01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1000" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBtLQPM_bzH-99p9yLqRDyf92kaMgsHG4xq8htRa2FTs9jyYZTMQVTtbpfJGeAGy31uH0FOeCNUFjAQPBgaXJJMTCcpnTZAvt8Zo9NJY0Y5xOoEOwJyutg1xxDzEdPKvFLofIZmM3TESGph5CRhO-vcaRtwR8pMX8-2YN-DXVpIvtB0Q1B03iZ7uU2-c/w640-h304/BattleDroids%20Batch01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I like the 'Imperial Gold' metallic paint I used on the droids, and the figs themselves look very cool<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>They seemed VERY spindly and fragile. So, I gave them a spray prime of Krylon matte black followed by a 50/50 water and acrylic black paint mixture. I figured I would need all the layers I could get to keep these mechanical ankles from snapping! Once they were done, I gave all four a head-to-toe ( or armored boot?) base coat of gray metallic craft paint. Then I did something I rarely do. I painted each miniature individually. First, I used an "Imperial Gold" craft paint to paint some of the metal parts of miniature. I left enough of the gray metallic in the recesses and on various other parts of the miniature to give a nice contrast, though. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu2USyiudHjUQwvZjFC493bOC-elQPayrK1_tr3OF2gZfAiUpy005yVjMjyZ3ekMt_qanhKGEEMjFzsiKYp_a2Myp-Rbxoua_q94QzihOZt3_02VhZYpEX8QnyMBbCjdQimWlMEbA7mmJ1yKXbtlAWnC0WKtYIYnLTGLUH9cPt0CMogF86YjFQ1QrkTU/s1000/BattleDroids%20Batch02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1000" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu2USyiudHjUQwvZjFC493bOC-elQPayrK1_tr3OF2gZfAiUpy005yVjMjyZ3ekMt_qanhKGEEMjFzsiKYp_a2Myp-Rbxoua_q94QzihOZt3_02VhZYpEX8QnyMBbCjdQimWlMEbA7mmJ1yKXbtlAWnC0WKtYIYnLTGLUH9cPt0CMogF86YjFQ1QrkTU/w640-h274/BattleDroids%20Batch02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Unlike most of the time, I painted these figures essentially one at a time because it seemed easier<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The backpacks were done in a metallic brown, while I added a deep metallic red for their eyes (sensors?) and as glowing components on their weapons. For the eyes, I also added in a dot of a metallic pink in the middle of the red to hopefully give an impression of a more brightly glowing center of the sensor. I did their backpack antennae in silver so that it would stick out from the rest of the miniature. Finally, after all four miniatures were done, I went over the entire figures with a black wash, weapons and all. I wanted the figures to gleam a bit, so I didn't use a particularly dark wash -- just enough to add some depth and shadow. All in all, these went fairly quickly. Each figure took more than an hour to do all the detail on, but it was easier to do them one by one. All four poses are different, so going from one figure to another at the same stage really wouldn't have helped with efficiency much. I'm happy with how they turned out!<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhVveWpntt_Ti8RGyeTMYE1T8jfUMcEWIhMGuvqSp6x1b1JdV4HMQFX2HE2Zp4wsVzNBFzThcVqqSqumb29ZkUDM5XEfzn41bEuHBmam86ypWf9d1ehP29YxZ8snPuXBURSQNsHmvzPiPgXLwhbbgIXuQElq9VvNW2U-KsmfPIlcAxoy-OaQVgWRppqU/s1000/BattleDroidsGroup01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="1000" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhVveWpntt_Ti8RGyeTMYE1T8jfUMcEWIhMGuvqSp6x1b1JdV4HMQFX2HE2Zp4wsVzNBFzThcVqqSqumb29ZkUDM5XEfzn41bEuHBmam86ypWf9d1ehP29YxZ8snPuXBURSQNsHmvzPiPgXLwhbbgIXuQElq9VvNW2U-KsmfPIlcAxoy-OaQVgWRppqU/w640-h264/BattleDroidsGroup01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>With only 4 droids in the box, I'm not sure what category of troop type they'll be in Xenos Rampant<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I also completed a second squad of the Bronze Legion for <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_sid=c417386f8&_ss=r" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant</a>. I went with a completely different approach this time. I painted the entire figure black first, then added the bronze metallic. Last time, I did the opposite -- bronze first, then adding the super-fine detailed lines for the black. Which was easier and faster? I think this way was, at least marginally. I also did not do multiple layers of the bronze as I knew the effect I was going for. I was counting on the final wash to flow into the recesses and do that highlighting step for me. Otherwise, it was the same basic plan for the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/first-squad-for-bronze-legion-in-xenos.html" target="_blank">first batch</a> of miniatures. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHie8Ot5gzOAT0JGBNur5kFf1aoSTncdkH1mPByU0G7iZlrND24av2FBqJGCJGuAef4PfeSNxL1r1E5twjscEKwC2RkXknA0Kp28Y6kuIN2jBHKI1bmRC1Ce_8OUNE5qyHuQaCDZeZxQ-F3weckd6XmE67NQ-OW5HuhdT1KOXCUu2SnO_3h0N4sKm1qw8/s1000/BronzeLegion%202ndBatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="1000" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHie8Ot5gzOAT0JGBNur5kFf1aoSTncdkH1mPByU0G7iZlrND24av2FBqJGCJGuAef4PfeSNxL1r1E5twjscEKwC2RkXknA0Kp28Y6kuIN2jBHKI1bmRC1Ce_8OUNE5qyHuQaCDZeZxQ-F3weckd6XmE67NQ-OW5HuhdT1KOXCUu2SnO_3h0N4sKm1qw8/w640-h306/BronzeLegion%202ndBatch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The second squad of the Bronze Legion reporting for duty, getting that force closer to the tabletop<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Since I'd ordered five of the <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/build-your-gang-miniatures/products/miniature-pack-sci-fi-alpha-crew" target="_blank">Wiley Games marines</a> for this squad, I didn't have to do a Reaper figure in this batch. They were all from the same 3-D printed line. I definitely like the Wiley Games miniatures. They are heftier and seem less fragile. I am not as worried about them snapping at the ankles or having arms break. If you haven't checked out their line of figures (they are most well known for their Fistful of Lead rules), I encourage you to do so.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQOEdZmY2k-M0XsX9bNDzinePMRHZD_v11jMGccvo97kZCQdYTCoFzsywRM8AZbMAq6MqVqg5tPGQ7Lb0Y9GdD4orym0U2j9Izp1NwWnKDox4zl7n1_PBFO91UzW_2VnVElzhlsGSDIU6mfOgBAItMAPLnR95UfKG6XlZThF1eI-1S4g_FoG0LziicXU/s1000/BronzeLegion%20BothSquads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQOEdZmY2k-M0XsX9bNDzinePMRHZD_v11jMGccvo97kZCQdYTCoFzsywRM8AZbMAq6MqVqg5tPGQ7Lb0Y9GdD4orym0U2j9Izp1NwWnKDox4zl7n1_PBFO91UzW_2VnVElzhlsGSDIU6mfOgBAItMAPLnR95UfKG6XlZThF1eI-1S4g_FoG0LziicXU/w640-h192/BronzeLegion%20BothSquads.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Two squads of the Bronze Legion guards a power station on an Earth-like planet<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>So, the Bronze Legion has two squads ready for its force. The Battle Droids were intended for the Machines army, so it is basically the first ready for the tabletop. Could I be just a few weeks away from hosting my first Xenos Rampant game? My friend Keith has LOTS of Sci-Fi forces painted up, so I could host a game tomorrow using his, if I wanted to do so. Check out his <a href="http://orcafinnbasement.blogspot.com/2023/12/well-now-it-is-xenos-rampant.html" target="_blank">Orcafinn's Basement blog</a> for the incredible variety of minis he's painted up. I particularly like his Tyrannids and they will likely appear in my first game.<br /></p><p><br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-9167649200744153082023-12-12T20:07:00.006-05:002024-01-02T17:11:33.232-05:00Where the Dark Things Gather - Post-apoc Scenario #5<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsHjRW5TPtZ6zkh6gCErn4wfXpmnpokrfSE30oXe32kjGsRIz5_NochhlQP68Wfde0ml5Y3N_Xks-TqE7jA0fONyV_jG2K9uzPVcPyYbCfbZyLdv1aGtdf7KUFEb-P-s1lsj4Zl-p2nM9flbOej_jzTCgpvLuYxVfUYwE8_9rdEoLK5w__30so6RCqY0/s1000/Scen06%20BloodBroNightstalker%20Cooperation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="919" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwsHjRW5TPtZ6zkh6gCErn4wfXpmnpokrfSE30oXe32kjGsRIz5_NochhlQP68Wfde0ml5Y3N_Xks-TqE7jA0fONyV_jG2K9uzPVcPyYbCfbZyLdv1aGtdf7KUFEb-P-s1lsj4Zl-p2nM9flbOej_jzTCgpvLuYxVfUYwE8_9rdEoLK5w__30so6RCqY0/w588-h640/Scen06%20BloodBroNightstalker%20Cooperation.jpg" width="588" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A truce was struck between rival gangs to investigate who was snatching their people<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>For weeks, the local survivor gangs in the area had been talking about their encampments being stalked at night. Sentries disappeared at night and no trace of them could be found. Unwary women and children out too early in the morning or late in the evening were snatched up by what the locals began to call the "Dark Things." Those who had caught sight of them, described them as manlike, hairy, and dark. Every time anyone tried to follow their trail to hope to discover clues of their missing people, the trail was lost. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6UNsOTyt97S-8fSwVCBlmC2OdYGDBuxTbxdJQC7EfgwmcOA8Fo5U2Q27A2naVCFcXFLCu9zh_DRFvGur7rPCTYQy4LMzlT20uRT7zHkxtROQyICZU2KDpx2Jlz77VJ6BXuElrGnFD14OCgKv-7Pe4LGcAa8KolS49NgaDWr0hmyN0qNQHYcZQ_YKdIg/s1000/Scen06GatheringOfGangs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1000" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6UNsOTyt97S-8fSwVCBlmC2OdYGDBuxTbxdJQC7EfgwmcOA8Fo5U2Q27A2naVCFcXFLCu9zh_DRFvGur7rPCTYQy4LMzlT20uRT7zHkxtROQyICZU2KDpx2Jlz77VJ6BXuElrGnFD14OCgKv-7Pe4LGcAa8KolS49NgaDWr0hmyN0qNQHYcZQ_YKdIg/w640-h472/Scen06GatheringOfGangs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Players would select 4 gang members from their team of survivors to join the expedition<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>At first, some survivor gangs blamed it on each other. The <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2021/12/new-post-apoc-gang-bass-reeves.html" target="_blank">Bass Reeves</a>, in particular, were singled out as they also tended to be "dark and hairy." Worried about what might happen if the other gangs seized upon them as the culprits, Big Bass devoted all his resources and intellect to investigating the disappearances and attempting to track them. Finally, one of their scouts was able to follow a faint trail back to what appeared to be a research facility, or perhaps a prison. Several of the "Dark Things" were actively patrolling its perimeter, including along sandbags lining the roof. Cages stood out front and back, each with one or two people inside. The Dark Things entered and exited the steel doors from time to time.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvIph9AoSOSwGPL95uQVbc3DZ7ngGKoXy3CXWWdgpvPiecoXWg668QlFbVNub4TJjGD6Kr3fCB8GaIfOcuLbZR84bvWwwUb8dH3WTxt0csE7C4lZgKhiIL1wyVykTvHxljLEiIvIdmj8uBq4JgjvHEo-6f8ItCCaG7jCwjhjFqym1ZdJwCJPKJpWKR4M/s1024/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-12%20at%205.15.32%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="738" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvIph9AoSOSwGPL95uQVbc3DZ7ngGKoXy3CXWWdgpvPiecoXWg668QlFbVNub4TJjGD6Kr3fCB8GaIfOcuLbZR84bvWwwUb8dH3WTxt0csE7C4lZgKhiIL1wyVykTvHxljLEiIvIdmj8uBq4JgjvHEo-6f8ItCCaG7jCwjhjFqym1ZdJwCJPKJpWKR4M/w462-h640/Screen%20Shot%202023-12-12%20at%205.15.32%20PM.png" width="462" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Big Bass, leader of the Bass Reeves survivor gang, worked behind the scenes to negotiate the truce<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>At that point, Big Bass took a risk and visited the encampments of the rival gangs in the area. He gave each a sketch of the location and facility made by his scout. He proposed a truce and a joint expedition to the research facility. The goal would be to get their people back, if possible, and find out who and what these creatures were. Not all of the gangs agreed. The Green Dragons' leader Ting was terse, "I will let you leave with your life, Bass, but don't come back. We know it's you taking our people - get lost!" The Barbarozas drew their weapons on him, and it was only the very ugly-looking shotgun he had pointed at the Barbaroza's leader which kept gunfire from breaking out.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP3t0pe18BCqmit4Bt-n_IklDQN37RpLyRuyh-uVPi6rIm7ucB6-uLTvDzoqpN45VlHBl-tpg_hu3Y1mlY_Dil2SbK18ZdM3VVjtYaXIoNB7pjwHye_t701af5pbmVUGAFEQyWB8mTVXrgxqiqIPlwphS_Qb2uLPnUby_hyGYR6V-RHmwJ_krXR0IMSI/s1000/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20Approach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1000" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP3t0pe18BCqmit4Bt-n_IklDQN37RpLyRuyh-uVPi6rIm7ucB6-uLTvDzoqpN45VlHBl-tpg_hu3Y1mlY_Dil2SbK18ZdM3VVjtYaXIoNB7pjwHye_t701af5pbmVUGAFEQyWB8mTVXrgxqiqIPlwphS_Qb2uLPnUby_hyGYR6V-RHmwJ_krXR0IMSI/w640-h414/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20Approach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Three of the Bucknuts creep cautiously forward, out of the woods, and towards the fence<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Big Bass was encouraged, though, that leaders of the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2021/11/the-blood-brotherhood-repost-of-some.html" target="_blank">Blood Brotherhood</a>, <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-bucknuts-post-apocalyptic-gang.html" target="_blank">Bucknuts</a>, F Troop, <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2022/03/new-post-apocalyptic-team-night-stalkers.html" target="_blank">Nightstalkers</a>, and <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2021/11/followers-of-dark-prophet-scout-bots.html" target="_blank">Followers of the Dark Prophe</a>t sent a message saying they would meet at the proposed rendezvous on the full moon. Each leader was to bring three men, so no one would be suspicious of a planned double-cross by a rival gang. After a day's travel, they reached a hilltop overlook where they could see the L-shaped building in the valley, surrounded by a chain link fence. The gate on its rollers appeared to be stuck more than halfway open, as grass had drown up around it. In the back, the two corners of the fence had gaping sections bent open. The Dark Things obviously used these to exit and enter the woods on either side.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSMR7377O4oSp6l_tKOvn5BZKDnf78ms208ged1YlD8HLVk7VAF-zNcbncEbCe9vAXx7DMhtf8qVfrfIivd0R4jOk20Yav2y_tZJl4dsYTmLWeFN5HRtqZATqUJW8wD-m_sv0zRMCsA5la73nX481FB1pcDrXSWMIwMNtBQy4JixdwNvXwSEeb1LJnlg/s1000/Scen06%20Nightstalker%20Column.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1000" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSMR7377O4oSp6l_tKOvn5BZKDnf78ms208ged1YlD8HLVk7VAF-zNcbncEbCe9vAXx7DMhtf8qVfrfIivd0R4jOk20Yav2y_tZJl4dsYTmLWeFN5HRtqZATqUJW8wD-m_sv0zRMCsA5la73nX481FB1pcDrXSWMIwMNtBQy4JixdwNvXwSEeb1LJnlg/w640-h530/Scen06%20Nightstalker%20Column.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Nightstalkers approach in column, hoping their optics and armor spot any foes and protect them<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>After a quick pow-wow, it was decided F Troop would approach along the treeline running beside the road towards the front gate. The Bucknuts would approach from the opposite side towards the back part of the building. The Blood Brotherhood and Nightstalkers would approach one of the other sides, and the Bass Reeves and Followers of the Dark Prophet the other. The six survivor gangs would close in on the facility from all four sides like a vice, hopefully preventing any escape. They decided to approach in daylight, as the Dark Things were obviously comfortable operating at night and no one had any night vision equipment. Coordinated, the six gangs crept closer and closer, keeping out of sight of the four massive Dark Things toting assault rifles on the sandbagged roof. They looked like massive gorillas, but walked upright like men and wore clothes and boots. These were nothing any of the men or women had heard of before or since the war against the machines. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzojCNwdxK9rkoN_Ph00EQt0v7PkirWTlt4H-dccosWn-C-UUapfGYDnF3dfSNFYwncXSJKE4pVLaPXTOmSn-KtV-4R3BFsaEuFG5OQs4zklkWAaU9qoANrwO_rZs8dYwXBTdkb0GwmdhSKx2XmQWftiTivvA07PTQcnxEPm3gykwWpYqhWkgEbDeYPfs/s1000/Scen06%20Table1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="1000" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzojCNwdxK9rkoN_Ph00EQt0v7PkirWTlt4H-dccosWn-C-UUapfGYDnF3dfSNFYwncXSJKE4pVLaPXTOmSn-KtV-4R3BFsaEuFG5OQs4zklkWAaU9qoANrwO_rZs8dYwXBTdkb0GwmdhSKx2XmQWftiTivvA07PTQcnxEPm3gykwWpYqhWkgEbDeYPfs/w640-h340/Scen06%20Table1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Fenced-in facility, with 4 Dark Things atop the roof. F Troop would lead the approach along the road<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The Nightstalkers approached in a column towards the back corner of the open fence. The optics on their helmets clearly revealed a well-trodden path from the facility into the woods. As Hunter Ryker swept his gaze to his left, he spotted movement in the trees. He called out a quick warning and pointed, "Dark Thing -- in the trees, 3 o'clock!" As his compatriots swiveled their heads to the left, a long burst of automatic rifle fire rang out and dust kicked up around the first three men in the column. Ryker and Commander Zander both went down. "I'm good," Ryker said, more in surprise as he picked himself up. He could see dents from the slugs in at least three places on his armor pads. Meanwhile, Zander stayed down, shook his head and grunted, "I'm hit!" </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU8FMoP4sHD7SGdJ6EJlyjrtlOzxwRk9xuU7MhWWUeuXEihx37G6HcPXj9gxTWFZSjeJ07HoI8CGpSfU9JCiCKAqBVaONmyDfMZ_4ZavMqmLPrs4CrQ9PsIPBJt2-QNzhPF2MAQkNsJFKBvPqW1KdfFZiFfUJlRZ6UxfIg__sp2MVUP21bNPu06lfpec/s1000/Scen06%20ChimpScoutInTree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="834" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCU8FMoP4sHD7SGdJ6EJlyjrtlOzxwRk9xuU7MhWWUeuXEihx37G6HcPXj9gxTWFZSjeJ07HoI8CGpSfU9JCiCKAqBVaONmyDfMZ_4ZavMqmLPrs4CrQ9PsIPBJt2-QNzhPF2MAQkNsJFKBvPqW1KdfFZiFfUJlRZ6UxfIg__sp2MVUP21bNPu06lfpec/w534-h640/Scen06%20ChimpScoutInTree.jpg" width="534" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A chimpanzee scout in the trees opens up on the column of the Nightstalkers as they approach<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>We use <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/products/fistful-of-lead-core-rulebook" target="_blank">Wiley Games' Core Rules</a> for our post-apocalyptic games. The Nightstalkers have Light Armor as a team trait, and Keith rolled VERY fortunately. Needing an 8+ on a d10 to deflect the hits with his armor, he was 2-for-2. I was controlling the Dark Things and had actually rolled the Wounds before we remembered his armor save. Zander should have been "Out of Action" and Ryker wounded. However, the drawback of burst fire (which allows a shooter to hit multiple targets) is that there is a chance for being out of ammunition. After the shots, I checked and the Chimpanzee Scout had indeed emptied his clip. He hopped down out of the tree and withdrew deeper into the woods so he couldn't be shot at with the visibility rules.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MR4nw1LI8EWcP881Zs0WNo0G9hHVSGfb-ooqlxVL41-lZwJNnLutsliKPXfwcuHzrYCBkCe__YIpCQMcxInnqDUrmOUjDan6hCnlfSx7Z-0od2beFh9gjpWqdwr9kgJJz942F-WgHYz7ghswxN6uIWUnUtXSYnA-x2F5hK332k3Yo1UO6o8vsXacjc8/s1000/Scen06%20GorillaGuards.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1000" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MR4nw1LI8EWcP881Zs0WNo0G9hHVSGfb-ooqlxVL41-lZwJNnLutsliKPXfwcuHzrYCBkCe__YIpCQMcxInnqDUrmOUjDan6hCnlfSx7Z-0od2beFh9gjpWqdwr9kgJJz942F-WgHYz7ghswxN6uIWUnUtXSYnA-x2F5hK332k3Yo1UO6o8vsXacjc8/w640-h314/Scen06%20GorillaGuards.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Gorilla guards on the rooftop proved tough to hit, being in heavy cover and initially at long range<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>All Hell began to break loose. In addition to the four gorillas with automatic rifles in heavy cover on the roof, there were four chimp scouts in the trees at the corners of the battlefield. One of the Followers of the Dark Prophet went down wounded from another ambush shot from the trees. One of the gorilla guards took out Coop, the leader of the Bucknuts. We then recalled all the gang leaders have the"Nine Lives" trait. This reduces the first out of action result to "Wounded." Coop went down wounded until a Recovery roll could be made. However, it became apparent that simians were NOT good at trigger control. Three of the chimps and one of the gorillas were out of ammunition and had to spend a turn reloading after their first shots.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5DDlm5ehtNmAGKEF0meh9ZEXIMMgyUmQhvdeuxwUeNvELcZuJhcDQgAc5Rc0VVZtNUkk-urbR8Z-TQoXMszrS4-gWdL3ET-re5Spo8-vTM3xjeYRWHXY3pG8TAEN-f5BOIHZ2xLTWoRS2HKIl6l0mfgE_9w_xAXkPlOskTYcbP_bn2LtGxulQ70q4yg/s1000/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20NightBloodBro%20ThruGate01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1000" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5DDlm5ehtNmAGKEF0meh9ZEXIMMgyUmQhvdeuxwUeNvELcZuJhcDQgAc5Rc0VVZtNUkk-urbR8Z-TQoXMszrS4-gWdL3ET-re5Spo8-vTM3xjeYRWHXY3pG8TAEN-f5BOIHZ2xLTWoRS2HKIl6l0mfgE_9w_xAXkPlOskTYcbP_bn2LtGxulQ70q4yg/w640-h586/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20NightBloodBro%20ThruGate01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Unfazed by the hail of automatic rifle fire, the Nightstalkers & Blood Brother dart towards the fence<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>One of the mechanics of the Core Rules is the order of activation. Players are dealt a hand of playing cards equally to the total number of figures they control. Some suits or numbers allow free actions, such as any "6" allowing a free reload. A Queen of Hearts grants an automatic wound recovery, or an Ace can be used as whatever card the player chooses. As good as the Dark Things' luck had been on shooting (the players were conspiring at several points to confiscate my orange, 10-sided die!), misfortune began to strike the simians. First, so many out of my out of ammo rolls were failed (only a 20-30% chance). And, on the following turn, I received no "6" cards or aces. This gave the survivor gangs a chance to catch their breath while more than half of the Dark Things had to reload. Not only that, all of the players with wounded figures seemed to have been dealt a Queen of Hearts or an Ace and were soon back on their feet!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQP79fIt6MLqqRc3LmzhhWJjPrA4v5vmxVBMdI-64YhaKA34gmrkK_6sqUryzekdVqHDbSE2iQSmdM58GxQEFDr6dsbNYH4D9V_FD3XzED0Pupt1kZfK37LYtR5LEnfAL-pGRMJqIDtw1iBrRc4WD_BIVXKIIBVmRF-1FYiHcNhP_v8XQabd7qnPYlT8/s1000/Scen06%20Chimp%20MeleeAttack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQP79fIt6MLqqRc3LmzhhWJjPrA4v5vmxVBMdI-64YhaKA34gmrkK_6sqUryzekdVqHDbSE2iQSmdM58GxQEFDr6dsbNYH4D9V_FD3XzED0Pupt1kZfK37LYtR5LEnfAL-pGRMJqIDtw1iBrRc4WD_BIVXKIIBVmRF-1FYiHcNhP_v8XQabd7qnPYlT8/w640-h384/Scen06%20Chimp%20MeleeAttack.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A chimp knocks Pvt. Hippie out of action, but Pvt. Lombardi of F Troop bravely rushes to the rescue<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Although two of the chimp scouts withdrew into the woods, one remained in the trees to keep shooting. I figured that, with a -1 for light cover and another -1 for the chimp's "Stealthy" trait, he'd be okay. However, the Followers of the Dark Prophet charged towards the shooter aggressively, narrowing the range to Short. Oops! The "10" on a d10 to be hit just dropped to a "7"!! Allen is know for his "in your face" aggressive tactics and he was the first to fire back and take out a chimp. The out of ammo chimp who'd wounded an F Troop soldier decided on another tactic, though. He charged the nearest enemy -- Private Hippie. One of the chimp traits is "Brawler," meant to reflect a savagery in hand-to-hand combat. I also played a "2," which allowed me to roll two dice and choose the best result. The ex-National Guardsman went down, out of action, to the howling, angry chimp.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDQ4eov8WKBpiocWx4oScTe-J-LZdZMxAs5Y3siSt5-_QNrNm80nnYUF5lX4WyHkX3oodFYrls01XonDWvxhCaVJdrrapIaS_gh3uiGWhrfbi_fIjZCD8rdujbXeVvf76ygjgoCD3F8Fh59RG5e70aiYRgdflTycajqcWyNnGu3UqrMgCuMW_QBA-hEI/s1003/Scen06%20BloodBro%20Investigates.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDQ4eov8WKBpiocWx4oScTe-J-LZdZMxAs5Y3siSt5-_QNrNm80nnYUF5lX4WyHkX3oodFYrls01XonDWvxhCaVJdrrapIaS_gh3uiGWhrfbi_fIjZCD8rdujbXeVvf76ygjgoCD3F8Fh59RG5e70aiYRgdflTycajqcWyNnGu3UqrMgCuMW_QBA-hEI/w638-h640/Scen06%20BloodBro%20Investigates.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Blood Brotherhood advanced quickly through the fence and took position against the wall<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Rather than be cowed by its savagery, the veterans of F Troop stepped back and gunned down the creature. On the opposite side of the table, the Bass Reeves had steadily been taking a shot at the closest gorilla guard on the roof, then ducking into the woods to avoid return fire. Eventually one of the shots hit home, and the force of the Dark Things continued to dwindle. Things were equally bloody on the Bucknuts' side of the table. Brutus and Jackie O were sprayed by gunfire from the gorilla and Brutus went down hard, out of action. The team's medic, Wrich, crept over to where his leader Coop lay, and eventually was able to heal him and get him back into the fight.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRxbXYWdmRZQK0RKW-FXsJzFOBISz7AuABZh0NGwrw7V5u-J55icPlEZnBEBM-A1LKofhIj3lf1I4AbpWz1iDQ5wxCiIkVAIcUI4cyM-8XGrYLm2NDRWIeUJwqzFp3bKUODQvs3-QYlT57l2ExuvhfAI0hGWCNkCmNhgV1sD8OkA2OaD1J_7DUOXz6rg/s1000/Scen06%20Standoff%20ChimpVsBucknut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRxbXYWdmRZQK0RKW-FXsJzFOBISz7AuABZh0NGwrw7V5u-J55icPlEZnBEBM-A1LKofhIj3lf1I4AbpWz1iDQ5wxCiIkVAIcUI4cyM-8XGrYLm2NDRWIeUJwqzFp3bKUODQvs3-QYlT57l2ExuvhfAI0hGWCNkCmNhgV1sD8OkA2OaD1J_7DUOXz6rg/w640-h380/Scen06%20Standoff%20ChimpVsBucknut.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Chimp scout (not really armed with a flame thrower!) faces off against the Bucknuts' Jackie O<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Jackie O decided to deal with the chimp who had retreated back into the woods towards the team's rear. She moved into the woods, but the clever scout was on "Opportunity Fire." True to ape form, he pulled the trigger and sprayed the woods till his clip was empty. Jackie O managed to avoid the fire and her return burst rattled the scout (shock marker). The chimp was enraged by the bullets whistling past his ear and charged. He walloped Jackie O, but her armor saved her from a wound. She then was able to get a clear shot and knocked him to the ground, wounded. This exchange was another sign that the simian die luck was fading. In melee, I had three die rerolls between the Brawler trait and my "2" card, The highest I could manage was a "6" on a 10-sided die. Still, Jackie had rolled a "1", so I should have had a chance to put her out of action. Nope. Another "1" -- just a shock marker!<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ9Sn6oBECRvVhslVDdfbV1FzRxcsLvcuna2hRYg_xYrbnSVBe5cbUvczXmiQDTNquGOTbWP13J87nRTcmpHCj8ktzE62UK_h-WLvi6CGOoOZv6Us2JKGXq531_0imwS6Vq1ITKCReb8hs8GJcoH92P5HZaG-CjrywtB92EPRqbM2oI5u_hACATzwN0c/s1000/Scen06%20StayAwayFromWindows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="582" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ9Sn6oBECRvVhslVDdfbV1FzRxcsLvcuna2hRYg_xYrbnSVBe5cbUvczXmiQDTNquGOTbWP13J87nRTcmpHCj8ktzE62UK_h-WLvi6CGOoOZv6Us2JKGXq531_0imwS6Vq1ITKCReb8hs8GJcoH92P5HZaG-CjrywtB92EPRqbM2oI5u_hACATzwN0c/w372-h640/Scen06%20StayAwayFromWindows.jpg" width="372" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Building provided no protection to the chimp leader & orangutan once the men reached the windows<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>As the survivor gangs closed range, their fire on the chimp scouts and gorilla guards was proving much deadlier. Soon, three of the gorillas and all four chimps were out of action. The remaining gorilla darted to the hatchway in the middle of the roof and descended into the complex. The battle began to shift, with the survivor gangs moving closer to the walls of the facility. The Nightstalkers and Blood Brotherhood moved to the windows and spotted a chimp leader and a huge, hulking orangutan. Before the simians could react, the Blood Brotherhood sprayed the room with gunfire. The orangutan jumped in front of his leader and was riddled with bullets, out of action. The leader fell wounded, too. <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN2pgoxGf-XqfDrhEWh8k4E4jxoI2H7ruh2h3n-EiidtRrrsW1R5XwgMkSO0ASBjauN7RClKJ9tNYJ_j1t1cJf8j_WoKZs9NC8xmPYN3fvNhz6J1iKGe3j4OJOhZtAWt7AlqIfzS3JaTC5iI-0xBqDIw5B5t7Y6SbJru2cOqkk4iLvWK3bF-pmJuLr0A/s1000/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20ProphetAtDoor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN2pgoxGf-XqfDrhEWh8k4E4jxoI2H7ruh2h3n-EiidtRrrsW1R5XwgMkSO0ASBjauN7RClKJ9tNYJ_j1t1cJf8j_WoKZs9NC8xmPYN3fvNhz6J1iKGe3j4OJOhZtAWt7AlqIfzS3JaTC5iI-0xBqDIw5B5t7Y6SbJru2cOqkk4iLvWK3bF-pmJuLr0A/w640-h456/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20ProphetAtDoor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Escape out the front door is cut off for the Dark Things by the Followers of the Dark Prophet<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This started a cascade of bloodshed for the Dark Things inside the facility. The Nightstalkers opened up on full auto down the hallway, and more simians fell. What should have been their fortress proved to be a killing field. Eventually, unbeknown to the players, all survivors were heading towards the back door. They could tell enemies were outside the two front doors by the pounding on it as F Troop and the Followers of the Dark Prophet tried unsuccessfully to break in.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlmwfV_RTMRIJXfxx9_c4aCcR8DdeMOO3qWb0OmNynmR3AmqSXfRO9ufTkNu-hWsWPRLIo3uovJSkQvaebkhvRlDMLhrUgdw4RdIcI-HmmGGsD-nFJKF-BGo87r5WvYJApRSdZnNc8Xf3mt4LYRzzQCJw0BCKOsUEChgh0ql_p5FOhUrRBIanK27941U/s1000/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20BloodBroAtWindow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1000" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlmwfV_RTMRIJXfxx9_c4aCcR8DdeMOO3qWb0OmNynmR3AmqSXfRO9ufTkNu-hWsWPRLIo3uovJSkQvaebkhvRlDMLhrUgdw4RdIcI-HmmGGsD-nFJKF-BGo87r5WvYJApRSdZnNc8Xf3mt4LYRzzQCJw0BCKOsUEChgh0ql_p5FOhUrRBIanK27941U/w640-h444/Scen06%20Bucknuts%20BloodBroAtWindow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>With his brothers providing covering fire, Brother Foresight gets ready to slip through the window</i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Meanwhile, the Bass Reeves had entered through the rent in the fence on their side of the facility. They quickly recognized some of their children inside the wooden cages who'd been snatched by the Dark Things. One by one, they began to release the terrified kids and order them to dart out the fence towards their fellows waiting outside. Just as they released the second pair of captives, the metal double doors at the back swung open. Out leapt one of the gorilla guards, using the steel door as cover. He fired a long burst at the Blood Brotherhood clustered outside the window, hitting both the Grand Master and Brother Willpower, who fell to the ground wounded.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsDN3mMgeodclJHPvXWIhVaNHn7wL39ZbcHm1jTAkNjizol-xIY_GjSKCfssr5wNUHBBH5n5wLI6cAy2pfBiUxlquntYPKpYX_9KJLesbCs4b0LRqvkuOIwuOr0Q9GIu0cUNbKTFB6mWswux3iyxxr6GEI1qnB9S8fbBAvVpOiqEZYGlrIAEbydl1oJE/s1000/Scen06BassReevesAtCages.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1000" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsDN3mMgeodclJHPvXWIhVaNHn7wL39ZbcHm1jTAkNjizol-xIY_GjSKCfssr5wNUHBBH5n5wLI6cAy2pfBiUxlquntYPKpYX_9KJLesbCs4b0LRqvkuOIwuOr0Q9GIu0cUNbKTFB6mWswux3iyxxr6GEI1qnB9S8fbBAvVpOiqEZYGlrIAEbydl1oJE/w640-h488/Scen06BassReevesAtCages.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Bass Reeves begin to free the captives from the wooden cages the Dark Things were keeping them in<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>A few second later, another gorilla guard and then a smaller and more elderly looking orangutan hurried out. The gorilla fired at the survivors, but the orangutan headed for the pathway to the forest. Shouts from the survivor gangs alerted everyone to the attempted escape and multiple shots rang out. "Got him!" shouted Coop as the orangutan fell to the ground. Meanwhile, Brother Willpower shrugged off the effects of his gunshot wound, and stood to his feet. He hobbled over to the Grand Master, and applied first aid to him, bringing him back to his senses and up on his feet.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n9iiumED7ONaYg5bykXpgqe7PqBmtTQHWJ-kgVkUgHP6-3GOXFrGSLgjYn2x74qEw7PuCN8Sy829eNB8J5HuCdRoFcMj-2Nhy3qPwLux7E6_c6XqYFycBXSrmj3VE0EosDq0JpIVzAltjUCP-HNIoMu5hgNl0XdAYP_A4qtubGMmTIo1EREzi2R-ppw/s1000/Scen06%20SurvivorsAssault.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1000" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n9iiumED7ONaYg5bykXpgqe7PqBmtTQHWJ-kgVkUgHP6-3GOXFrGSLgjYn2x74qEw7PuCN8Sy829eNB8J5HuCdRoFcMj-2Nhy3qPwLux7E6_c6XqYFycBXSrmj3VE0EosDq0JpIVzAltjUCP-HNIoMu5hgNl0XdAYP_A4qtubGMmTIo1EREzi2R-ppw/w640-h418/Scen06%20SurvivorsAssault.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Gorilla guards burst out of the back door spraying the area and knocking down three surivors<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Next to fall were the gorilla guards who'd tried to cover the
escape of their leaders. What had started out as a hazardous looking
rescue mission for the survivor gangs, ended up as a turkey shoot. One
by one, the gorillas and chimps were gunned down. We called the game
when all that was left was a single chimp with two shock markers inside the facility. All
captives had been freed from the cages, and the survivors could now go
in and find their snatched fighters from the cells inside. The allies warily prowled the corridors and rooms of the combination research facility and prison, looking for clues. They were able to decipher that the Dark Ones
were a product of the facility, and had apparently somehow overcome their
creators and taken control. Best guess was that they
were created during the war with the machines as a "super soldier"
weapon to use against them. <br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK_NBpfuV8sgwd9mksXwXNfCgFhOfNImkxh_HQHIvoFmPu4P4Q0w-ZqUCdIbPEUuSRa0qjjsIcyuAkTscXqPwyaDPrXl89pflDF_yH_AXqa7yVMCZ1nqCxdipyfdMCJ7VwobrJlB8Ph4_XkV_R4OrhFmZjIvjsPRKFRltexVzAkVBIknntp43Rr7im0A/s1000/Scen06%20Orangutan%20Escape.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1000" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBK_NBpfuV8sgwd9mksXwXNfCgFhOfNImkxh_HQHIvoFmPu4P4Q0w-ZqUCdIbPEUuSRa0qjjsIcyuAkTscXqPwyaDPrXl89pflDF_yH_AXqa7yVMCZ1nqCxdipyfdMCJ7VwobrJlB8Ph4_XkV_R4OrhFmZjIvjsPRKFRltexVzAkVBIknntp43Rr7im0A/w640-h420/Scen06%20Orangutan%20Escape.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>An orangutan attempts to escape through the gauntlet of gunfire from the survivors, but falls<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Something had obviously occurred, though, allowing the simian soldiers to overcome their masters and kill them. Refuse strewn in the facility and outside led to another grisly guess. The people the Dark Things had been snatching? Those captives were food, and were butchered and eaten by the out-of-control simian biological weapons. Luckily, their rescue had come in time for each gang to rescue the one night guard from each of their gangs that had been snatched. Much as their curiosity tempted them to linger and discover more clues, they guessed that heavily trodden paths indicated that the Dark Things had spread out to other encampments. Some could be returning at any moment. So, it was agreed to pack up their things and go. The truce was renewed and grudges put on hold for one more day. The gangs carried their wounded out and back into the hills, splitting up to go their separate ways.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq3Sl9QFWbntdn7epYE8jPOh_LlJz6oac-RS2ekil8cS45idU_wc1YaZzAs5l9ABzVqOLRFy43jdMUTC86bJntEPCd2dzDrrNLy-WG7mypdE86lwkNk8Mla2W-ZlDOg5Pj6eibhxAGuGCgt7pXQkTDfDov2DnvGJ8ciW1cHXywXVC9ZMKwLe2nQ3xFNA/s1000/Scen06%20ChimpLeaderOrangutan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1000" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq3Sl9QFWbntdn7epYE8jPOh_LlJz6oac-RS2ekil8cS45idU_wc1YaZzAs5l9ABzVqOLRFy43jdMUTC86bJntEPCd2dzDrrNLy-WG7mypdE86lwkNk8Mla2W-ZlDOg5Pj6eibhxAGuGCgt7pXQkTDfDov2DnvGJ8ciW1cHXywXVC9ZMKwLe2nQ3xFNA/w640-h504/Scen06%20ChimpLeaderOrangutan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The bio-engineered apes were the product of a "super soldier" program meant as a weapon against the machines <br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The fifth scenario of my post-apocalyptic campaign was a success, I felt. The players had fun and overcame their past grudges against each other. They cooperated well to take down the guards. I think this alliance was also forged and tempered early by my great shooting and wounding rolls to start the game. In the end, only three players lost fighters as out of action. All rolled well enough to save them and have them available for later games in the campaign. I liked the co-op feel of this game and will probably do another like it sooner or later. I think the next will be a free-for-all, though. I just have to figure out an objective for the next game with some immediacy to encourage them to give up their trust and detente and aim their guns at each other, again! Stay tuned for more adventures in the post-apocalyptic world of the war against the machines...!<br />Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-26153285269489839822023-12-07T22:28:00.003-05:002023-12-07T22:28:41.842-05:00How About Some Blue-skinned Aliens for Xenos?<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvhiF0LRMA-GqJNmDYYyitLFyf1GbG333kmRiPPMFCM7f9Tk6UyDT-xhyphenhyphenYBRCdg_p9KBVCiKWshqJdUTHwlGT-j3gAD8vx5HAwWq-YbqEa_Yy1ai4alz8T9VlyKftgYnhOOGcpMA7ABsSZZvKdAsw1pRmO5gat5trPgRIysxMUN-Fn9z7sR8VfKYP2CI/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_Group3down2up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1000" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvhiF0LRMA-GqJNmDYYyitLFyf1GbG333kmRiPPMFCM7f9Tk6UyDT-xhyphenhyphenYBRCdg_p9KBVCiKWshqJdUTHwlGT-j3gAD8vx5HAwWq-YbqEa_Yy1ai4alz8T9VlyKftgYnhOOGcpMA7ABsSZZvKdAsw1pRmO5gat5trPgRIysxMUN-Fn9z7sR8VfKYP2CI/w640-h446/SciFi_Andorians_Group3down2up.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My next squad for Xenos Rampant Sci-Fi games - from the Stargrave Mercenaries box<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I am continuing to paint up squads for my <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_sid=93a3f8a7f&_ss=r" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant</a> project. This was my first batch of plastic miniatures from one of the <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/mercenaries-stargrave?_pos=1&_sid=55f3fc278&_ss=r" target="_blank">Stargrave Mercenary boxes</a>. Thanks to my friend Keith Finn giving me the correct glue to assemble the heads and arms to the torsos, I was able to actually put these together myself! You have to remember, I am the guy who likes to brag that the only thing I have successfully super-glued is my fingers to each other...haha! They are posed in front of another <a href="https://www.miniaturebuildingauthority.com/default.asp" target="_blank">Miniature Building Authority</a> building -- 10720 Arcade, from their Middle Eastern Series. This resin building came pre-painted, though I added some color in the mud bricks showing through and also the roof tiles. I also finished it off with a brown vehicle wash that I feel really gave it a warm glow.<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDYhpQoxtFeynBLIEqDqZruNIKuE1fAWUkm66f3FuSX-N4fqJk5eEW2OauR4FqB4HcjzwTdExuy_qCjIQ2jFL3akTLwgN-tSp7H_VwH6piH8He427B9BnuMENJBg3q9yFSdGVSEOOGJqLjtkF9K8l1QWp9oOA2NtOTilH-NvV13D_86XdsZdP30G-MOo/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_CloseupTwoRoof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1000" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDYhpQoxtFeynBLIEqDqZruNIKuE1fAWUkm66f3FuSX-N4fqJk5eEW2OauR4FqB4HcjzwTdExuy_qCjIQ2jFL3akTLwgN-tSp7H_VwH6piH8He427B9BnuMENJBg3q9yFSdGVSEOOGJqLjtkF9K8l1QWp9oOA2NtOTilH-NvV13D_86XdsZdP30G-MOo/w640-h406/SciFi_Andorians_CloseupTwoRoof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I used "Alien" heads for the torsos, and decided to paint them with blue skin and red eyes<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I bought this box of miniatures from <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/" target="_blank">Shieldwall Gaming</a> this past September at the <a href="https://www.firelandsgames.com/hold-the-line" target="_blank">Hold The Line convention</a> in Port Clinton, OH. I actually glued them together a few months back, thinking I would use them for games of <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/rule-books/products/galactic-heroes-2nd-edition-printed" target="_blank">Galactic Heroes</a>, or maybe <a href="https://www.snarlingbadger.com/spacestationzero" target="_blank">Space Station Zero.</a> So, I made sure to include guys holding briefcases or devices in one of their hands. I do like that you can mix up the weapons in these packs, but I still am not a fan of having to assemble my figures. At least these seems solid enough and won't snap at the knees like one of my <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/ill-be-back-some-skeletal-steel.html" target="_blank">3-D printed Terminators</a> did!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk4Q3BDd2nqZ4duhenq5dwB2hj5dpzOWprSTEf1JWryi6EWLLYt3qiRLZF9bKmFCQHpm0XZ12OcMw_FVOVCRlR1Kdc7g8aUvajLdLiGrpuO6b00zpJ8_oGhkDaRzf1bPq1pj06kKxxgFvSiZuCrqQV58Im3JRcYtJu3DB0XQevUIFkDAoe0fHxOhyuSw/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_GroupAngled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1000" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk4Q3BDd2nqZ4duhenq5dwB2hj5dpzOWprSTEf1JWryi6EWLLYt3qiRLZF9bKmFCQHpm0XZ12OcMw_FVOVCRlR1Kdc7g8aUvajLdLiGrpuO6b00zpJ8_oGhkDaRzf1bPq1pj06kKxxgFvSiZuCrqQV58Im3JRcYtJu3DB0XQevUIFkDAoe0fHxOhyuSw/w640-h588/SciFi_Andorians_GroupAngled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The squad (Andorians from Star Trek?) deploy near the Miniature Building Authority arcade<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>From what I can see, forces in Xenos Rampant tend to have 4-5 squads. I figured it would be helpful to use my already painted up and ready for the tabletop post-apocalyptic survivor gangs as "cores" to build a force around. One of the most Sci-Fi looking of my gangs is Keith's <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2022/03/new-post-apocalyptic-team-night-stalkers.html" target="_blank">Nightstalkers</a>. I will likely need to paint up several more of them in metal to make that into two squads. They look a bit like the Stargrave Mercenaries, so I decided to do my best to mimic the color scheme of the Nightstalkers for this squad.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04CqGnBpTlK0mtnut4fn74o9wkMBi2ndpo9Hhj6NxgFdBfHO_VeSzCzmc-57tA0t8zwyZhqj0Ndb3Qe4VyK9hatNSUnurn-o4XFMVoO9eyk5ADZQpHk5r8cDsBzt6oLD5VIxB6s0kQAdTBdg0udXfVyBi7ZUZ3Tg0u3xque1Li4RxsUBr3twP68bhkvY/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_GroupFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04CqGnBpTlK0mtnut4fn74o9wkMBi2ndpo9Hhj6NxgFdBfHO_VeSzCzmc-57tA0t8zwyZhqj0Ndb3Qe4VyK9hatNSUnurn-o4XFMVoO9eyk5ADZQpHk5r8cDsBzt6oLD5VIxB6s0kQAdTBdg0udXfVyBi7ZUZ3Tg0u3xque1Li4RxsUBr3twP68bhkvY/w640-h320/SciFi_Andorians_GroupFront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>I was originally going to use these for smaller skirmishes, so chose hands holding various equipment<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I thought these would paint up relatively quickly, but there were a lot of straps, ammo pouches, armor plates, and other details to put on. I began with a base coat of craft paint Khaki for their uniform. The web gear, holsters, and equipment or ammo pouches were done in a lighter craft paint called Wild Rice. Of course, these being 28mm figs, each color first got their own lighter dry brush shade over top (Howard Hues Khaki and white, respectively). The armor plates were done in metallic brown, which to me looks more golden-bronze. Think San Francisco 49ers football team helmet color. The weapons were done in Metallic Gray with highlights of the metallic brown and silver.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepXLl0wpXcJLmuzBw8_MMsLZEFCaeSmzir1w9PQv6LJLI2HLMC1T2uv4Hwc5KkKUk9BmKV4SJq4PyCbmp_mcmCwt6-NuA_o7am2EcZiDfUKaTD51v7X-3yx06UsACj1EbxUVlWuSlH-0fwPnhiT3o7w7TqAxm6oXGLObOzA6zfb4-zhxYCMYZU6sDYWo/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_GroupRear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepXLl0wpXcJLmuzBw8_MMsLZEFCaeSmzir1w9PQv6LJLI2HLMC1T2uv4Hwc5KkKUk9BmKV4SJq4PyCbmp_mcmCwt6-NuA_o7am2EcZiDfUKaTD51v7X-3yx06UsACj1EbxUVlWuSlH-0fwPnhiT3o7w7TqAxm6oXGLObOzA6zfb4-zhxYCMYZU6sDYWo/w640-h360/SciFi_Andorians_GroupRear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>"What was that...?" Squad turns to check out a noise from inside the arcade, showing their backside<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>When assembling the figures, I had chosen humanoid alien heads because...well, why not? So, how to make them look suitably alien? I decided to go with a light blue skin. I went with a base coat of sky blue and a wash of a deeper blue. For the eye sockets, I applied more of the blue closer to full strength and with less water. I then did my usual black oval for the eye -- and for an even more alien effect -- went with red eyes. I really like how they turned out! What are those blue-skinned, Star Trek aliens? Andorians? Well, no antennae here, but that was the effect I was shooting for!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1000" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVmDaOBxTBF5hk9dknE1iFJ35Wy1qdwL3e2OqjYDHRMgBqavaCVfZD0rywuF1Ib5Jmu2VvCh8NK9isfkWCbwy0ywzGJEyUIdseFtEKdzBpEOj6VVMKI9pBNfTnheyFRf2UNC3AwJfusT2r4au6jN6eO9P8Wa_IMe_JOntKJun8OQ8gQmhxTNY1NjqXes/w640-h474/SciFi_Andorians_GroupRearArcade.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The squad regroups at the rear of the MBA pre-painted arcade (although touched up a bit by me)<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVmDaOBxTBF5hk9dknE1iFJ35Wy1qdwL3e2OqjYDHRMgBqavaCVfZD0rywuF1Ib5Jmu2VvCh8NK9isfkWCbwy0ywzGJEyUIdseFtEKdzBpEOj6VVMKI9pBNfTnheyFRf2UNC3AwJfusT2r4au6jN6eO9P8Wa_IMe_JOntKJun8OQ8gQmhxTNY1NjqXes/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_GroupRearArcade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b></b></a></div>Finally, it was time for the washes -- three different shades, in this case. I used my normal dark brown wash on the khaki uniform and lighter web gear and equipment. Next, I did my usual black wash on the armor and dark brown boots and straps. Finally, the weapons got a really dark black vehicle wash. I really like how that makes the weapons look a totally different shade than the rest of the figure. All in all, I was very happy with how this batch of figures turned out...well, other than them taking considerably longer than I thought they would! My usual Sci-Fi basing scheme of Fine Blended Gray Ballast (with a dark wash over it) and craft bricks finish them out. I hope you like them!<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaRGAMVnBPDeCwKDy5uCujaSDJmnZ4Ltgupc4rENdZMlI7Lq0eUn_xEIw2vaAcLbA9KCaB6eBb03gpFVi91HfQPFEJjWzV0t4l-aahjmkMzmaP7KqvgbryznRKY2HBwPryLPlV3tKxjUf1ltJnxccJxYDYgWUB2ET1qukhWdrgGyYTZwjJxsIZ7q71fw/s1000/SciFi_Andorians_GroupTopRoof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaRGAMVnBPDeCwKDy5uCujaSDJmnZ4Ltgupc4rENdZMlI7Lq0eUn_xEIw2vaAcLbA9KCaB6eBb03gpFVi91HfQPFEJjWzV0t4l-aahjmkMzmaP7KqvgbryznRKY2HBwPryLPlV3tKxjUf1ltJnxccJxYDYgWUB2ET1qukhWdrgGyYTZwjJxsIZ7q71fw/w640-h360/SciFi_Andorians_GroupTopRoof.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A better shot of the roof of the Middle Eastern Arcade, with several Andorians on lookout<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH82_icYhYaVa2SgfhrrSBo1gIpK6EqVm0NfJlnsqDFg07yboUt6Y5eaA6Xw6KyqD5lx0tbTyy8O29iiR1D3_0q1rTd8S8EhiYz3ZyHoFgIJ6TVPoAfL8Im-2bzeTjuHhbPJdUE-cyb899bTDDj6wASHgjj-ZWqaVDJCPuyKyeFppxwJZKwuKTBOWF/s640/NightStalkers_GroupC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="640" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH82_icYhYaVa2SgfhrrSBo1gIpK6EqVm0NfJlnsqDFg07yboUt6Y5eaA6Xw6KyqD5lx0tbTyy8O29iiR1D3_0q1rTd8S8EhiYz3ZyHoFgIJ6TVPoAfL8Im-2bzeTjuHhbPJdUE-cyb899bTDDj6wASHgjj-ZWqaVDJCPuyKyeFppxwJZKwuKTBOWF/w640-h486/NightStalkers_GroupC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Here is the post-apocalyptic survivor gang, Night Stalkers, I was trying to match this batch with<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-79807519428502674792023-11-28T21:38:00.000-05:002023-11-28T21:38:27.776-05:00First Squad for the Bronze Legion in Xenos Rampant<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOg1XOUuiSiqyIiLdoCDn-rQF9SJsA5jYJz7SfpwZHngJw7oktTXVm900DXKGxIjLlssFr5R1GL_fTUEuHWfTGaU8sA9WzbD-YHuIC3znIF-EAicaIE-5GzCtZtOcHQLuTAN8T9nsfYrVMdxExFomJmsMvyXAWqT-XLh4VmQV0qNoh6vd6NjRzthMOPE/s1000/BronzeLegion_MarineBatch01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOg1XOUuiSiqyIiLdoCDn-rQF9SJsA5jYJz7SfpwZHngJw7oktTXVm900DXKGxIjLlssFr5R1GL_fTUEuHWfTGaU8sA9WzbD-YHuIC3znIF-EAicaIE-5GzCtZtOcHQLuTAN8T9nsfYrVMdxExFomJmsMvyXAWqT-XLh4VmQV0qNoh6vd6NjRzthMOPE/w640-h316/BronzeLegion_MarineBatch01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My first human (humanoid?) squad for Xenos Rampant Sci-Fi skirmish - the Bronze Legion!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I want to paint up a number of forces for <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_sid=add7ec50c&_ss=r" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant Sci-Fi rules</a>, so plan on switching back and forth between different types of figures. I started things off with the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/ill-be-back-some-skeletal-steel.html" target="_blank">Terminator 3-D printed figures</a>, so now thought I'd switch to a human (or humanoid?) force. Most of these figures are from <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Wiley Games</a> intended for their <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/rule-books/products/galactic-heroes-2nd-edition-printed" target="_blank">Galactic Heroes</a> rules. I purchased one of their <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/build-your-gang-miniatures/products/miniature-pack-sci-fi-alpha-crew" target="_blank">groups of five figures</a> (for the price of four) which included two Marines, as well as a Marine sergeant and captain. The fifth miniature was from Reaper Bones and was a Science Fiction figure called XXXXXXXXXX. He had armor so I thought he wouldn't look completely out of place alongside the Wiley marines.<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OkO3LZB-CgMPSl0nIRc4UPIR3ELpTujUZCjmPgFFwDt-ABhm90M9DFmL0FIzRy3rtHo7AvwFcu97xs0W46JXnWLLtL0Fx7X5CFXQNb_kXwR3SzlfOSMWBc3GG7VISkfyty6oVRkSXoMmtKLiKezxdz147fwJUzS7HoNSJzt8eVsdCafTAjYPJXQpOpc/s1000/BronzeLegion_Marines%20A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="1000" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OkO3LZB-CgMPSl0nIRc4UPIR3ELpTujUZCjmPgFFwDt-ABhm90M9DFmL0FIzRy3rtHo7AvwFcu97xs0W46JXnWLLtL0Fx7X5CFXQNb_kXwR3SzlfOSMWBc3GG7VISkfyty6oVRkSXoMmtKLiKezxdz147fwJUzS7HoNSJzt8eVsdCafTAjYPJXQpOpc/w640-h306/BronzeLegion_Marines%20A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>These resin figures are from Wiley Games and are billed as "Marines" - I love the helmet & armor!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I'd recently picked up a new metallic craft paint called Ancient Bronze, so thought I'd try it out on these figures. It was much brighter after drying than in the bottle. Almost a copper tone. However, I did a dark black wash on them and really liked how it toned down the color. It was closer to matching what the color looked liked before application. To try for a nice 3-D look, I then watered down the paint some and applied it over the highlights of the armor pieces. I followed this up with full-strength Ancient Bronze towards the center of the highlighted area in hopes of giving a light-shining-on-armor look.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb3nz7PykcXWyJV-W6FBXDmjF6kto6sjs2TVc6PUfENz4_bB4fQv-3XuUHL9URLcnC-8Wbs8rWLqMnyd4qw0cbnxueA9RHj5cixynezyfjwPHV1IN3jjTNJnS7jhQYKg-26DhYHDX_l0pSPmzn8AaggrLhlSEtFQDKCOoUjq4WV3jcK9p1n8nq7GYc-o/s1000/BronzeLegion_Marines%20C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1000" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXb3nz7PykcXWyJV-W6FBXDmjF6kto6sjs2TVc6PUfENz4_bB4fQv-3XuUHL9URLcnC-8Wbs8rWLqMnyd4qw0cbnxueA9RHj5cixynezyfjwPHV1IN3jjTNJnS7jhQYKg-26DhYHDX_l0pSPmzn8AaggrLhlSEtFQDKCOoUjq4WV3jcK9p1n8nq7GYc-o/w640-h594/BronzeLegion_Marines%20C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I mixed in this Reaper Bones figure 'Gavin Markus, Novacorp Hero' to beef the squad up to five<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The hardest part was next when I painted recessed areas and deep crevices in the armor black. My thought was that their was a black uniform underneath the armor showing through in areas between the armor plates. For some tinier areas I pulled out the black micron pen and color tiny dimples and other recessed areas with that. It was at this point that I was very thankful I had decided to paint up five figure squads for Xenos rampant, with each figure being 2 strength points. Doing the black on a batch of 10 figures would have been quite the grind. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M3MtKPwS0Z20VEfwRyZB2SW1dbiW7qYmba09F6a19DtFR_Czt1oQYbZPN3IuAArihJGX-rdobVbwqTpreK1L-NXHBSH4Vx52NhyHhbj8vnS6HhyphenhyphenynHmOHAVUMRhYwiLz4eQ0aTWau5F8SuJjYtBHefM5m5RQVYbQYsROPFg5GaAimatZNXE20pRP5NU/s1000/BronzeLegion_Marines%20B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="1000" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M3MtKPwS0Z20VEfwRyZB2SW1dbiW7qYmba09F6a19DtFR_Czt1oQYbZPN3IuAArihJGX-rdobVbwqTpreK1L-NXHBSH4Vx52NhyHhbj8vnS6HhyphenhyphenynHmOHAVUMRhYwiLz4eQ0aTWau5F8SuJjYtBHefM5m5RQVYbQYsROPFg5GaAimatZNXE20pRP5NU/w640-h292/BronzeLegion_Marines%20B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I did several layers of a new metallic bronze paint and wash for the effect of the armor<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>I wanted the visor of the helmet to look like a dark, smoked plexiglass. I used Iron Wind Metals Steel for that, and really like how it looks. After I was done with dullcoate spraying them, I painted the visors with a brush on gloss paint. For the weapons, I painted them a dark metallic craft paint with accents in a metallic brown. Once I was satisfied with the accent work, I did a dark black wash over it. Finally, it was time for some red accents. The marine captain has a kilt of sorts around his waist, which I did in a Moroccan Red craft paint. I also added red accents on their chest armor and belts.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxknYoNSR7C0hkTCt71P5o6YHXxgKvfsb0oGINE3h1bhyO6Vh4l6Uw50J3c3DnkKKmkK8tO_2rZ9-54EwyQtFTPq61qBzOof3VY6oBE2JQ2we6wlOCH3emmSLLhYEE9rTUztZbfl3BKwXiiC8P4mHbYaX5FM2ryUB9fDZ9hnKR0IwX3luQVEE2XZeY2nI/s1000/BronzeLegion_MarineBatch01Above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxknYoNSR7C0hkTCt71P5o6YHXxgKvfsb0oGINE3h1bhyO6Vh4l6Uw50J3c3DnkKKmkK8tO_2rZ9-54EwyQtFTPq61qBzOof3VY6oBE2JQ2we6wlOCH3emmSLLhYEE9rTUztZbfl3BKwXiiC8P4mHbYaX5FM2ryUB9fDZ9hnKR0IwX3luQVEE2XZeY2nI/w640-h512/BronzeLegion_MarineBatch01Above.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A squad of the Bronze Legion investigates an abandoned research station<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The Reaper figure has quite a bit more detail with a backpack of some sort. He has taken his helmet off and wears some sort of headset underneath. Once I was done with the four marines, I took another hour or so to finish off his detail, including his human skin, hair, mustache, and eyes. Thankfully, his sizes matches up well with the marines even if he isn't an identical fit. The flocking on the bases was done similarly to the Terminators. I paint the base a medium gray, then glue a couple bricks to it. I then paint the base with white glue and sprinkle Fine Woodland Scenics Mixed Gray Ballast over it. Once dry, I apply a black wash to the base (out of the tub, I think it is too bright). If the wash makes it too dark, I do a light gray dry brush over it again to pick out the texture. Finally, I add some patches of grass and a dried grass tuft to complete what I like to think of as an urban battlefield look.</p><p>I really like how the Bronze Legion, as I am calling them, came out. I took advantage of Wiley Games' Black Friday sale and ordered another squad's worth, which should be coming within a week. I have also been flocking up Jenny's new Saga army (Iberians from Age of Hannibal) that she sent out to Ted B to get painted. Still, I feel like I am being incredibly productive of late, what with 2/3's of her army already flocked, the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/silent-slumbers-motel-resin-building.html" target="_blank">Silent Slumbers Motel</a> MBA building completed, and <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/11/some-cool-looking-robots-and-droids-for.html" target="_blank">Droids and Robots</a>, and now these marines. Hopefully, this burst of productivity will continue! Stay tuned to see!!<br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-6127502271976921532023-11-24T19:40:00.000-05:002023-11-24T19:40:00.472-05:00'Silent Slumbers' Motel - Resin Building from Miniature Building Authority<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hz3W4jXz2pUqga6JPk3J6F_u3aMA5-PedMjJCHRVx67zKMQSJln6vIjoGxnGMrmh4EsSB40wSJl7YWXPfLG5F5hgVHwnkJPRlxORw_HvxOFczqhOUMpEb1VdSCA0k9EhMbserL6xbPqO_39krFqMcto5wbC7kgRhxrQXUIp1wyfZQkv1HKIA8Xrih9E/s1000/SlumbersMotel_GangTakeoverClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hz3W4jXz2pUqga6JPk3J6F_u3aMA5-PedMjJCHRVx67zKMQSJln6vIjoGxnGMrmh4EsSB40wSJl7YWXPfLG5F5hgVHwnkJPRlxORw_HvxOFczqhOUMpEb1VdSCA0k9EhMbserL6xbPqO_39krFqMcto5wbC7kgRhxrQXUIp1wyfZQkv1HKIA8Xrih9E/w640-h480/SlumbersMotel_GangTakeoverClose.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Santanas take over my Two Story Shanty Hotel from Miniature Building Authority<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>This is one of the heftiest buildings I have ever built and painted up. From <a href="https://www.miniaturebuildingauthority.com/" target="_blank">Miniature Building Authority's</a> amazing line of resin buildings, the <a href="https://www.miniaturebuildingauthority.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DIR-231A&cat=22" target="_blank">Two Story Shanty Hotel</a> comes with upper and lower levels, roof, stone staircase, and balcony railings. It's a fairly heavy hunk of resin, but incredibly detailed down to cans and other trash in the hallways outside the motel room doors. I took my time on it and worked on it here and there over a few months until finally finishing it today.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOerIKZBsdQbV1_zAeXTIjIs1JB39Zwx9xTs6vIszJy72qM2K22QQMwo697_ctJWe4unEcR-uF_NqWAlWFV-Zvx6LjSYRuOscIRIr9bWG1MSMhlOqR9GQjJuvJ0PHRbBAKN2thOgPVQnVs4mRP07N3zLuahbG23ACwutwjmVT8lI5GS8UMPrwdq0UxPq4/s1000/SlumbersMotel_RearView2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1000" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOerIKZBsdQbV1_zAeXTIjIs1JB39Zwx9xTs6vIszJy72qM2K22QQMwo697_ctJWe4unEcR-uF_NqWAlWFV-Zvx6LjSYRuOscIRIr9bWG1MSMhlOqR9GQjJuvJ0PHRbBAKN2thOgPVQnVs4mRP07N3zLuahbG23ACwutwjmVT8lI5GS8UMPrwdq0UxPq4/w640-h402/SlumbersMotel_RearView2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>This hotel is a hefty hunk of resin, but very solidly built and has LOTS of details<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I bought it last year at <a href="https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors" target="_blank">Advance the Colors</a> (2022) and was honestly hoping to have it done before <i>this</i> ATC. Alas, it was not to be. That incredibly busy period from late Spring through October was consumed with getting things ready for that convention. I wanted to paint the hotel up as generically as possible so that it could be used for different periods. The air conditioning units affixed to the back of each room definitely dates it to the 20th century forwards. However, the weathered and aged stone construction means it could be used in a number of settings. Heck, with Star Wars liking for desert planets, this wouldn't really be out of place in a Sci-Fi game, either!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ueNJ5U0GRl4cfL9uLybsd0ToTpUnHbxXorB8vMc4OCij-2FCWpifu5yyHyKYcYqf22ZI5VN8Hzwobum8tVwP3qxPANkXdx3st9n3NWbXF4OyhrD6G8j0gzj2Lr9KkMQV4NRpsce95yhSaBkI0wRJyDNj_X4Co8QhwFdq-uIhtq2DOMuOx-bSfqQvjQM/s1000/SlumbersMotel_3Pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1000" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ueNJ5U0GRl4cfL9uLybsd0ToTpUnHbxXorB8vMc4OCij-2FCWpifu5yyHyKYcYqf22ZI5VN8Hzwobum8tVwP3qxPANkXdx3st9n3NWbXF4OyhrD6G8j0gzj2Lr9KkMQV4NRpsce95yhSaBkI0wRJyDNj_X4Co8QhwFdq-uIhtq2DOMuOx-bSfqQvjQM/w640-h494/SlumbersMotel_3Pieces.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Once you glue the balcony railings on, it is a three piece building - upper & lower story and roof<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The first step in getting this ready for the tabletop was to glue the two balcony railing pieces to the upper and lower levels. I also glued the stone staircase to the side of the lower level, placing it so it would help hold the upper level in place. To help with that, I cut a piece of curved wooden molding and epoxied it to the front of the building. I attached it to the lower level, but half of its height extends to the upper level so that it will also help keep the upper level stable and in place. I considered magnets, too, but felt that the weight of the piece, along with the staircase and sign holding it in place on two of its sides made this unnecessary. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichBhJ1L477m_HhUi4UyTAYLl6WunRy5vlBhAmbd7-YSuglkTsF2ltnlAik5200CVqh-kb7OaMCVwYJF2VGwB3h3jgmPV8pDt4dcEqYP2YIAIGG9gbzA81iBcI1sqpHNbnfTosScxgxB_mstWWDL13NMr243QhugJDXTVLVVtDVJ2jnHzl4j5HwJuBjC0/s1000/SlumbersMotel_Stairway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1000" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichBhJ1L477m_HhUi4UyTAYLl6WunRy5vlBhAmbd7-YSuglkTsF2ltnlAik5200CVqh-kb7OaMCVwYJF2VGwB3h3jgmPV8pDt4dcEqYP2YIAIGG9gbzA81iBcI1sqpHNbnfTosScxgxB_mstWWDL13NMr243QhugJDXTVLVVtDVJ2jnHzl4j5HwJuBjC0/w640-h620/SlumbersMotel_Stairway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The stone staircase glues to the side of the lower level and its top step helps hold the upper in place<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Once all the epoxying was done, I spray painted the three levels (lower, upper, roof) with Krylon Matte black, and followed that up with a 50/50 mixture of black acrylic paint and water. This helps the paint sink into all grooves and crevices, as well as giving a thick surface for the paint to adhere to and prevent the wear and tear of scratches or gouges. I decided to begin the painting with the interiors of the motel rooms themselves and work my way outwards. I chose four somewhat pastel colors to wetbrush the four rooms on each level in. I then painted the tiled floors in a contrasting color. Next, I picked out the interior door and window trim in a darker version of the pastel color. So, each room had its own color scheme.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEj1qp37vfI0b5ehzMGKeyrl7xarecSKfsMIfdyjOa-9iCqAz5eGOwsBm3hsWN3ak4iCSDip76kZ88y3Pf2_-z3wiMm29fKMqGGP6tFGQpk9vZLCNKE0PgZsLlUYLBF52CMrejiWjyiB_UizgzzNfOgoOQkVjNH-A2V2EgMGgQKPGHn-rNi0kFR9P1s0Y/s1000/SlumbersMotel_RoomInteriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="1000" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEj1qp37vfI0b5ehzMGKeyrl7xarecSKfsMIfdyjOa-9iCqAz5eGOwsBm3hsWN3ak4iCSDip76kZ88y3Pf2_-z3wiMm29fKMqGGP6tFGQpk9vZLCNKE0PgZsLlUYLBF52CMrejiWjyiB_UizgzzNfOgoOQkVjNH-A2V2EgMGgQKPGHn-rNi0kFR9P1s0Y/w640-h304/SlumbersMotel_RoomInteriors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I began painting the interior rooms first and then worked my way outside<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Next up were the blinds and doors, which I did with a base coat and dry brush. Finally, when all was dry, I moved on to the exterior surface of the building. I did its base coat in Howard Hues Camo Brown. This was applied in a thick wet brush, covering most of the surface, with only an occasional crack left in black. This was also applied to the tops of the walls separating each interior room. Once dry, I dry brushed the exterior in Howard Hues Colonial Khaki. I really like the way it came out, giving a warm, earthy feel.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gItUisrrLc0fg-sdkLOgBoKXyr0V-HMigcBOL4t8J-g2aWCD-5fauJ9pEYLEhGDTFh9I1bFWudV7diJ0DFdlnGKa57DWkuFw3K_Nv7DPRgbrgbL_7Jt2xD15R1Grc97q3E9apSp7TFIKBDw8fC16wXfQk4H2V0OKPqP-MGpD6c68qGuU9lBp9mUsSSA/s1000/SlumbersMotel_GangTakeover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1000" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gItUisrrLc0fg-sdkLOgBoKXyr0V-HMigcBOL4t8J-g2aWCD-5fauJ9pEYLEhGDTFh9I1bFWudV7diJ0DFdlnGKa57DWkuFw3K_Nv7DPRgbrgbL_7Jt2xD15R1Grc97q3E9apSp7TFIKBDw8fC16wXfQk4H2V0OKPqP-MGpD6c68qGuU9lBp9mUsSSA/w640-h376/SlumbersMotel_GangTakeover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The front of the motel - this is a quality model and can likely be used in many periods & settings<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>It was on to the numerous details next, which included the air conditioning units on the back wall of every room, power wires running to each unit, the exterior window trim and doors, metal door handles, metallic plates anchoring the power wires, and even the trash in the hallways. The floor of the hallway was done in to look like concrete with a dark gray base coat and light gray dry brush. Once all the very significant details were completed, I applied a brown wash using watered down Vallejo vehicle wash. I am always happier with how anything dry brushed look when I finish off the exterior with a darker wash. I feel it "softens" the edges of the brush strokes and makes it look smoother overall.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA823h-VfhyphenhyphenLkS8ioxZgmbZkWTE0L-poIx-imnzTMEbT8Yd8c42bd5seQLfg6aW9g_4GPbWYVuBmwMVzMq6JDEJHfT-UYiPdDSuaFl9tnvHKSKpjbinuZe2Z2PndFD_b0OpYLuu5Xs6OJpGIZ4U7CPoY00PzMQenPZA0avv3ZLfJl642nUMNi9k2OVnzQ/s1000/SlumbersMotel_Back%203:4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1000" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA823h-VfhyphenhyphenLkS8ioxZgmbZkWTE0L-poIx-imnzTMEbT8Yd8c42bd5seQLfg6aW9g_4GPbWYVuBmwMVzMq6JDEJHfT-UYiPdDSuaFl9tnvHKSKpjbinuZe2Z2PndFD_b0OpYLuu5Xs6OJpGIZ4U7CPoY00PzMQenPZA0avv3ZLfJl642nUMNi9k2OVnzQ/w640-h598/SlumbersMotel_Back%203:4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>A three quarters view of the hotel back and good look at all the detail molded into this model<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The last thing I did was the roof. It had been done in black base coat like the other sections. I did a red brown wet brush next, followed by a dry brush of the more orange tone Howard Hues Middle Eastern flesh. Once dry, I applied a dark brown wash over this, as well. The motel was almost open for business! I designed a sign on my computer to go over the long piece of molding I had glued to the bottom level. I went back and forth on naming the hotel. I was tempted to name it "Suite Dreams" -- liking the irony if it was used as a hotel of ill repute in a bad section of town. However, I know how wargamers are and someone would invariably point out the rooms are far too small to be suites! Wanting to forestall that banter, I decided instead to go with "Silent Slumbers Motel." This also has a slightly ominous tone for a location in the bad section of town!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheICeMfQeydwE-FIQ52j6p_xavpiRUlLPS_Zxw3CHUGrsDJNPSSYNIovB8zaVSfmdFytoPP8RP6X7VkJuXUVLxAzR_VvD7ZXRupkxdvKT8fpWKNZNdMyafBnVTrE_KU7rYDKr5yqoO1ODF0Jv4MJPdR6UR2CtxHNpmHP7svN5OnjYbPmIwKBlhGwwctf0/s1000/SlumbersMotel_Corridor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="847" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheICeMfQeydwE-FIQ52j6p_xavpiRUlLPS_Zxw3CHUGrsDJNPSSYNIovB8zaVSfmdFytoPP8RP6X7VkJuXUVLxAzR_VvD7ZXRupkxdvKT8fpWKNZNdMyafBnVTrE_KU7rYDKr5yqoO1ODF0Jv4MJPdR6UR2CtxHNpmHP7svN5OnjYbPmIwKBlhGwwctf0/w542-h640/SlumbersMotel_Corridor.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The detail goes all the way down to the trash strewn in the corridors<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Miniature Building Authority terrain is always high quality and looks amazing on the tabletop. I encourage folks to shop with Kirk -- he's a great supporter of our hobby and a nice guy all around! Look for a few more of my MBA purchases to follow the motel onto this blog. I have more cool buildings I purchased from MBA, and hope to begin working on them soon!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCOoTtliC1K6oGQ9XQbMmGEvQDFDdjDTUXIYik_-Bp-ksrMKDv2HPoNp1DFEo8aGMOlX5FlEVVIm2j_oRTuKzX3-r2vwaZbCtst2jwpzadSgr2Kkx535ZTdjSAgcZqSYyU72o5khaN-M-RLsGX7IAjMP1R5mlzXHxvbc6z51QylH3BDgN69uqi_tlCXI/s1000/SlumbersMotel_GetAroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1000" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCOoTtliC1K6oGQ9XQbMmGEvQDFDdjDTUXIYik_-Bp-ksrMKDv2HPoNp1DFEo8aGMOlX5FlEVVIm2j_oRTuKzX3-r2vwaZbCtst2jwpzadSgr2Kkx535ZTdjSAgcZqSYyU72o5khaN-M-RLsGX7IAjMP1R5mlzXHxvbc6z51QylH3BDgN69uqi_tlCXI/w640-h568/SlumbersMotel_GetAroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>"Get a room!" the rest of the Santanas may have shouted to Margarita and Julio...<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-90720518170405670432023-11-20T19:14:00.002-05:002023-11-20T19:14:14.287-05:00Some Cool-looking Robots and Droids for Sci-Fi Games<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWEeBejQAZbCXn0_OyC5mzQhbZLYvkNL0uZcCedZp5rRHRxfADJoOyv7CctpSvVb1I541Xo0Apl7bR4JPyrHCJXf9lroEZMaFgL3dPF5lFb18rMMhyi4E1IxqTeFm8o1Dwydj3u0m_FgiiZSiDxiCuIb8emrr2HIJ5gDSRmDQcWj2VhXb6d1PIP2xPU8/s1000/RobotsMechs_All02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="1000" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWEeBejQAZbCXn0_OyC5mzQhbZLYvkNL0uZcCedZp5rRHRxfADJoOyv7CctpSvVb1I541Xo0Apl7bR4JPyrHCJXf9lroEZMaFgL3dPF5lFb18rMMhyi4E1IxqTeFm8o1Dwydj3u0m_FgiiZSiDxiCuIb8emrr2HIJ5gDSRmDQcWj2VhXb6d1PIP2xPU8/w640-h252/RobotsMechs_All02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Selection of Droids & Robots from three different manufacturers recently finished up for Sci-Fi games<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>These have been sitting on my desk base-coated for several months, now -- perhaps longer! I began working on them when I was painting droids or robots for enemies in <a href="https://www.snarlingbadger.com/spacestationzero" target="_blank">Space Station Zero</a>. With my interest beginning to tail off and my painting schedule for last year's Saga tournaments picking up, they simply sat their dormant and patiently waiting for their turn. Now, that I have a renewed interest in Sci-Fi miniatures with my purchase of Osprey Games' <a href="https://shieldwallgamingclub.com/products/xenos-rampant-science-fiction-rule-book?_pos=1&_sid=608bca159&_ss=r" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant </a>(which I picked up from Shieldwall Gaming Club). I based them all on circular bases and pulled them into the painting queue.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8ZaygLGQoIjYZQhkb_ntTTv3LHxchEIKEXJ3MS7gXbIfXeXjvoik3cM9S4ymx7JlLu-VOyX_1LbqSNpl00QaB3BvmABrnqXMTVgLJ-WSlrsYY9GxUvQXaYAzNBYJcafvAuWVaW6Il_fDxf_rtITmLLRcRpkwl_S6qBHEN3WaclF3eDRKrZ2lXX7zYHE/s1000/RobotsMechs_CrabBots01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="1000" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8ZaygLGQoIjYZQhkb_ntTTv3LHxchEIKEXJ3MS7gXbIfXeXjvoik3cM9S4ymx7JlLu-VOyX_1LbqSNpl00QaB3BvmABrnqXMTVgLJ-WSlrsYY9GxUvQXaYAzNBYJcafvAuWVaW6Il_fDxf_rtITmLLRcRpkwl_S6qBHEN3WaclF3eDRKrZ2lXX7zYHE/w640-h236/RobotsMechs_CrabBots01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The three miniatures assembled - called Vatacina Sentinels and Purifiers on the Aberrant webpage<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The three on the left in the metallic green, red, and blue are from Aberreant Games for their <a href="http://www.aberrantgames.com/darktomorrow.html" target="_blank">Rezolution</a> Science Fiction Miniatures Combat Game. I don't know a lot about the rules, other than the website says they represent a dystopian 2175 A.D. future. I picked the miniatures up from Bryan Borgman at his flea market at the <a href="http://leadlegionaries.blogspot.com/2023/01/gang-rumble-in-short-north-columbus.html" target="_blank">Origins Game Day</a> this past January. Look at the website for Aberrant, I got an amazing deal. I swear he was selling these packs for $1 each. On their website now, they list for nearly $20 per figure! That said, I ended up failing miserably at putting them together and handed them off to my friend Keith. He's more adept at super glue, model cement, and other types of bonding agents. He did a fine job on putting them together, and I had to admit they looked a lot cooler than they had unassembled in the packed! I wish I had bought more, now...!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzdBf4HiqXRoXXw84RSo5n2BxSWsVFbGXvPsL4YBux4MCRuPizf6qE6Bu98isO0z5fwLOpWreXRM22enmXfOFKexzSBgFBl7zSXMtxUZJhy10WZaLKsj3lKBvH_NKeLmQzEXgyAW8QFxjd6GpqCh0c0brolZdTVHYk0z-5Ts7TKgOMSXXv3XqjDWI2js/s1000/RobotsMechs_CrabBotsRear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="1000" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzdBf4HiqXRoXXw84RSo5n2BxSWsVFbGXvPsL4YBux4MCRuPizf6qE6Bu98isO0z5fwLOpWreXRM22enmXfOFKexzSBgFBl7zSXMtxUZJhy10WZaLKsj3lKBvH_NKeLmQzEXgyAW8QFxjd6GpqCh0c0brolZdTVHYk0z-5Ts7TKgOMSXXv3XqjDWI2js/w640-h248/RobotsMechs_CrabBotsRear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i>Love the look of these -- kind of like a cross between Star Wars droids and Starship Trooper arachnids<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The miniatures resemble a cool-looking cross between the Starship Troopers arachnids and Star Wars battle droids. I painted them a base white way back when I started getting them ready. Recently, when I began working on them again, I changed my mind. I based those that were unbased on round magnetic bases and spray-painted them Krylon black instead. Following that up with my usual 50/50 acrylic black paint and water, I waited from to dry, then painted the entire surface with a dark metallic color. I then gave them a very dark black wash to see if I wanted to keep them a dark metallic. I decided instead that they would look better in brighter metallics. I chose my three current favorite metallics, a red, green, and blue. I left some portions the dark metallic and others I did in an accent color. I picked out various other details, such as tubing and silver blades. All in all, I was ecstatic about how they looked. Once again, at a buck apiece, I wish I'd bought more!<br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYWK0E-itTWKFh2Uh0ZZ3ZFAIDTG0-wGoPV887qVbfAq6bZc1kSoLFbqJC0cK8v1BDHI6B0d1o_W0KXq6Q0v38kjLHI7NJSr47wXzjf7NhPI5P9grjm3KGYaR5jQUdeIMJjZ2-0o3d03E1Xqq-1ob28Q13U0tu789xCJlh_BjM2qx26cOIK-8Zng5TmQ/s1000/RobotsMechs_MechArtyFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1000" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYWK0E-itTWKFh2Uh0ZZ3ZFAIDTG0-wGoPV887qVbfAq6bZc1kSoLFbqJC0cK8v1BDHI6B0d1o_W0KXq6Q0v38kjLHI7NJSr47wXzjf7NhPI5P9grjm3KGYaR5jQUdeIMJjZ2-0o3d03E1Xqq-1ob28Q13U0tu789xCJlh_BjM2qx26cOIK-8Zng5TmQ/w640-h302/RobotsMechs_MechArtyFront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Tracked robots (or droids) from Wiley Games, Reverisco, and Aberrant Games<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The next batch is from three different sources. The futuristic artillery piece is from Reviresco Miniatures, the large, tracked robot is from Wiley Games, and the tiny droids are also from Aberrant's Rezolution line. The Wiley Games bot is called <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/products/resin-28mm-miniature-scifi-b3ast" target="_blank">B3EAST</a> and is a resin figure for only $5. He needs to be glued together, but that seemed to be fairly easy to accomplish. I decided to try some white metallic paint with red accents for this one to give it a more retro look than the crab-like Vatacinas. It took a couple coats, but it finally covered my original all dark metallic paint, and I like the way it turned out. The <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/build-your-gang-miniatures" target="_blank">Wiley Games minis</a> are very affordable, and I recommend them to anyone who wants to pick up some interesting or odd figures.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIO2q5C0htjV791Lhyphenhyphene86K1ktuDBo5Ls96d4vLXopmjWfGZZpf8AKYcGMiGGNA88tdaUP4P1PGNgPjyBtz7Xi-E1AyHOMvjD2ey1n0Hx6Ky29gLZTkrxEZ4tF5Jr96oocapZpFjXPCns8eUTINMYnI1Dc_jN012_i_a1RsYtkr6M57emqM4i61C5QS4/s1000/RobotsMechs_MechArtyRear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="1000" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJIO2q5C0htjV791Lhyphenhyphene86K1ktuDBo5Ls96d4vLXopmjWfGZZpf8AKYcGMiGGNA88tdaUP4P1PGNgPjyBtz7Xi-E1AyHOMvjD2ey1n0Hx6Ky29gLZTkrxEZ4tF5Jr96oocapZpFjXPCns8eUTINMYnI1Dc_jN012_i_a1RsYtkr6M57emqM4i61C5QS4/w640-h290/RobotsMechs_MechArtyRear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The Droid/Robot artillery pounds away at their human enemies from the cover of a ruined building<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The <a href="https://rrb-minis-more.square.site/product/robot-power-gun/112?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=true" target="_blank">Reverisco Robot Power Gun</a> was rather more interesting to put together. No matter which way I placed the pieces, I had some left over. Maybe it was meant that way to give you some variety? Reverisco is very old school metal minis. They tend to be on the clunky side and not as cleanly sculpted as more modern day miniatures. However, once painted up, it definitely looks cool and will be a good addition to a Sci-Fi force. Xenos Rising has support artillery as a troop type, so this will be perfect. <a href="https://rrbminis.com/" target="_blank">RRB Minis & More</a> has other Reviresco Sci-Fi gun types, so check out their site and pick up some! I just did a search on their site for "Reviresco" to see what they had.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M2mzpjwSIF-BfMaUvkHdD3ANl-m2y15QT784bw1QrM9pbr9bsLNm8ZjxbOGgoPbJOAeiI5mPBoMB69ZmOpmmfv5KQAEqsph-Ok0u3k2pKbdLwDu7afGcLU4xvTujoXj4m2GQhnCn11eirBl_KkgJdS0-y2PIa77ZFhH2CuCquUW8tBnhYgwkJO3yM9o/s1000/RobotsMechs_All01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="1000" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M2mzpjwSIF-BfMaUvkHdD3ANl-m2y15QT784bw1QrM9pbr9bsLNm8ZjxbOGgoPbJOAeiI5mPBoMB69ZmOpmmfv5KQAEqsph-Ok0u3k2pKbdLwDu7afGcLU4xvTujoXj4m2GQhnCn11eirBl_KkgJdS0-y2PIa77ZFhH2CuCquUW8tBnhYgwkJO3yM9o/w640-h206/RobotsMechs_All01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Another look at the whole batch of cool-looking robots and droids, ready for the tabletop!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> The tiny droids were in one of the packs I picked up from Bryan at his flea market table. I like the way they look and -- shocker -- wish I had picked up some more! All in all, I'm very happy with how this batch of mechanoids turned out. I look forward to using them in games of Xenos Rampant, and who knows? Maybe I'll start playing Space Station Zero again and they'll show up as the enemy in there...<br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-43521055511611417982023-11-08T20:22:00.003-05:002023-11-08T20:22:26.313-05:00"I'll be back...!" - Some Skeletal Steel Terminators<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsgLoovCBGzI79-Y7fQz8zetIfVXTEec54ggW41TDIL1Loh9J_hfd7T7CuyfLLuHhj5SvpoGrdw_m7FArEHLkuNLwP3y71ymwaXFEGExLfOjMRCCkF1g32eXLjc3wkCoCBKW1r7u-2kDvLMT1heGufWylYsXxOst02L-A3IsoWg45GmqMbUVIAwVVRj4/s1000/TerminatorsTwo01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1000" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsgLoovCBGzI79-Y7fQz8zetIfVXTEec54ggW41TDIL1Loh9J_hfd7T7CuyfLLuHhj5SvpoGrdw_m7FArEHLkuNLwP3y71ymwaXFEGExLfOjMRCCkF1g32eXLjc3wkCoCBKW1r7u-2kDvLMT1heGufWylYsXxOst02L-A3IsoWg45GmqMbUVIAwVVRj4/w640-h592/TerminatorsTwo01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>My first specifically-painted miniatures for my Sci-Fi project, a couple of T-101 Terminators<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I'd been going back and forth on what rules set I want to use for some Sci-Fi gaming. Originally, I had picked up <a href="https://www.snarlingbadger.com/spacestationzero" target="_blank">Space Station Zero</a> to play that with the guys on Sunday night. However, after playing one game of it here at the house with Jenny, I am not 100% sold on it being a good game for as many players we're going to have regularly. I bought the rules because the concept sounded interesting -- your crew is marooned on a massive, derelict space station that you are exploring. I liked <a href="https://www.snarlingbadger.com/reigninhell" target="_blank">Reign in Hell</a>, another rules set by <a href="https://www.snarlingbadger.com/" target="_blank">Snarling Badger Studios</a>. I was hoping the rules would essentially be Reign in Hell with missile fire weapons (since Reign in Hell is all melee -- no missile fire at all). However, it uses a completely different system for both activation and combat resolution.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9ICvb6QO2Rgo0t6uVeaWnV-7OLHqERYkY88RmBEIbT_cBvt0u3Qz6Hyrlva2MIhxVj_xEqywLZQbcT0mUlUgO48St0Ds2gpiNx8HW_VDSN7GD5Thaea2RGmnUSc-u35xrRoSv28bLiaWhszvzl2fSuBVmWSTPlKdQhh9s0POt9PvAQZebqV9w9S0Fs/s1000/3RuleSets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="1000" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1U9ICvb6QO2Rgo0t6uVeaWnV-7OLHqERYkY88RmBEIbT_cBvt0u3Qz6Hyrlva2MIhxVj_xEqywLZQbcT0mUlUgO48St0Ds2gpiNx8HW_VDSN7GD5Thaea2RGmnUSc-u35xrRoSv28bLiaWhszvzl2fSuBVmWSTPlKdQhh9s0POt9PvAQZebqV9w9S0Fs/w640-h284/3RuleSets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The three different rules sets I was considering for my loosely-planned Sci-Fi project<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Another candidate was the <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Wiley Games</a> Sci-Fi rules <a href="https://wiley-games.myshopify.com/collections/rule-books/products/galactic-heroes-2nd-edition-printed" target="_blank">Galactic Heroes</a>. Inspired by Star Wars themed threads on <a href="https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?action=forum" target="_blank">The Lead Adventure Forum</a>, I was planning on running Star Wars games using those rules. We already use the Core Rules from that stable for my post-Apocalyptic campaign, so the players would be familiar with the mechanics. That's good and bad, though. Would games simply feel like the same thing with different miniatures? Many years ago, we got into that rut when we were using H.O.T.T. (Hordes of the Things) for a number of different miniatures games. On the plus side, Keith had donated to me a bunch of the prepainted figures from the Wizkids Star Wars line. So, I'd already have figures if I went with that.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH_lCWm5uBolRHnenoQK7LlF2rPHljFbNw_yiXURR3cphyKZ8IKFm4hE5i3xgzxG_JsGyDpoon73ODQo8E-0yzY8kYmuB-bBJpE9ugTKwOyZzJd3MJDP1Wp453sHE5D9cpOuMx7kA5BFgoq5QWHf7OO3ci7SssZwTS1-oJqKBKMgg4Crq485wYoAKCuM/s1000/TerminatorsFour01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH_lCWm5uBolRHnenoQK7LlF2rPHljFbNw_yiXURR3cphyKZ8IKFm4hE5i3xgzxG_JsGyDpoon73ODQo8E-0yzY8kYmuB-bBJpE9ugTKwOyZzJd3MJDP1Wp453sHE5D9cpOuMx7kA5BFgoq5QWHf7OO3ci7SssZwTS1-oJqKBKMgg4Crq485wYoAKCuM/w640-h316/TerminatorsFour01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The 3-D printed "Exterminators" packs contain a variety of poses and weapon types<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>At <a href="https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors" target="_blank">Advance the Colors 2023</a>, I purchased a couple sets from the "Rampant" rules series from Daniel Mersey and released by <a href="https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/osprey-games/wargames/" target="_blank">Osprey Games</a>. Their Sci-Fi variant <a href="https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/xenos-rampant-9781472852366/" target="_blank">Xenos Rampant</a> caught my eye. Upon returning from the convention, I'd first read through the 2nd Edition of Lion Rampant (Medieval/Dark Age warfare). I was definitely intrigued by the system. The mechanics seemed fun and easy to pick up. I have also read numerous posts online from folks who love the Rampant system, so I thought it might be worthwhile playing one of their games regularly on Sunday evenings. Since we already play Saga for Dark Ages, I figured it'd make more sense to go with a different genre or period of gaming for the Rampant series. That way, it will both feel and looks different.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfsZE_XRz0_kPk2uNjW5X6Nl0vgcrxlR13pVFM7PiIZgk1L5_PmoBvNxQwpscxnEFVgIzdXY7Di9FQVhNi-DOJZ4Komfci80yAbzr1DfUgzMUssftcOut2J5k1gz6Ric9URn43u6aLDvmmdZVeYfm8uO4iJTq-2U3ppFFlJKAxuWn-mOuqL0qlhpv1Is/s1000/TerminatorsAll01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="1000" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfsZE_XRz0_kPk2uNjW5X6Nl0vgcrxlR13pVFM7PiIZgk1L5_PmoBvNxQwpscxnEFVgIzdXY7Di9FQVhNi-DOJZ4Komfci80yAbzr1DfUgzMUssftcOut2J5k1gz6Ric9URn43u6aLDvmmdZVeYfm8uO4iJTq-2U3ppFFlJKAxuWn-mOuqL0qlhpv1Is/w640-h226/TerminatorsAll01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>1st batch of 12 Exterminator figures from JS Wargamer Printing (run by Cincy gamer John Leahy)<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>So, after examining each of the three finalists, I chose Xenos Rampant. My friend <a href="https://orcafinnbasement.blogspot.com/2021/01/covid-19-world-war-three.html" target="_blank">Keith has many figures already painted up</a> that are usable for the system. Xenos is more of a "miniatures agnostic" rules set. It is meant to be adaptable to whatever figures you own or want to play with. I chose for my first batch of figures to painted up for the system 3-D printed ones that I purchased at CincyCon 2023 from John Leahy. He and his wife started a company called <a href="http://wargamerprinting.com/" target="_blank">JS Wargamer Printing</a> and sell a huge line of miniatures. These include lines inspired by Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Warhammer 40K, and (crucially) Terminator. I bought two packs of his <a href="https://wargamerprinting.com/product/machine-wars-exterminators/" target="_blank">"Machine Wars - Exterminators."</a> For all of his lines, John changes the name of the figures so they are not technically marketed as copyrighted lines, but they are all immediately recognizable. I believe they are designed and the STL files sold by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/join/papsikels" target="_blank">Papsikels Miniatures</a>. I can't confirm that as John was very busy at CincyCon and I couldn't talk much shop with him!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLj9xascxR5eNMjqHyylr6Pqftw9F8AZHxfVIaGCEqAZfC00cb1qjP5xBZB0e4u2MPi3uvgFPRyx-nEwrlkHRlRvjTmcYAyKSWj9mkCTU5FuqfYDpr3wavxMj4jbLL4rwOC4c_ynYLPGTerWgwskPVaRFFgO2-dEr_nZX3YixISldF2NTOvRg1OyqNxbo/s1000/TerminatorsSix02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLj9xascxR5eNMjqHyylr6Pqftw9F8AZHxfVIaGCEqAZfC00cb1qjP5xBZB0e4u2MPi3uvgFPRyx-nEwrlkHRlRvjTmcYAyKSWj9mkCTU5FuqfYDpr3wavxMj4jbLL4rwOC4c_ynYLPGTerWgwskPVaRFFgO2-dEr_nZX3YixISldF2NTOvRg1OyqNxbo/w640-h360/TerminatorsSix02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>I found 3-D printed figs fragile - one snapped minor handling and is now scrap for casualty markers<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Like all 3-D printed miniatures, they ARE fragile. Very fragile, if you ask this metal miniatures enthusiast! John warns of this on his website, though. In this batch of 13 Exterminators, one of them did break at the ankles and ended up being useless except for scrap for casualty markers and such. Although John Connor may be hoping the Terminators end up being that fragile on the tabletop, I certainly do not! I'd hate to be repainting and replacing figures on a semi-regular basis and hope this was not a failed experiment...! <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAaqmjOLR4kbWXh55RECkTEc3jGyLuyXnxLhGt6MyHQ6fStuQGpVBvcmobPCh_SksAmPWFaYEITY0eIFaOIa4Qzh0BnpXY_lYHOYAvUin_lTxf2eznGxdTRU4a6414oTFHG-b0dgUZJ-3xjYf6WLSa5M6OneR9KttWHwYviGH9Ts-sMsinEpk5QO-x5g/s1000/TerminatorsSix01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="1000" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAaqmjOLR4kbWXh55RECkTEc3jGyLuyXnxLhGt6MyHQ6fStuQGpVBvcmobPCh_SksAmPWFaYEITY0eIFaOIa4Qzh0BnpXY_lYHOYAvUin_lTxf2eznGxdTRU4a6414oTFHG-b0dgUZJ-3xjYf6WLSa5M6OneR9KttWHwYviGH9Ts-sMsinEpk5QO-x5g/w640-h356/TerminatorsSix01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The other half of the dozen figures I painted up in this batch<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The Exterminators did paint up VERY easily, though. I spray-painted them Krylon Matte Black, then went over it with my usual 50/50 solution of black acrylic paint and water. Next, I painted them a "Metallic Gray" (dark metal) base coat. Once it had dried, I dry brushed them silver. I touched up various other colors on the weapons, eyes, and other other metallic components. I did a dark wash on the weapons so the skeletal looking figures stayed shiny, but the weapons were a darker metallic. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wAcNyBF1_AgZbe9VbejU0Q3CCQqIOe1pXZm4UxVmYXhNYnqx-nVbXZIYHt-E4ZlsTIAKB7j43FXKsaJ6YrPp84sJDesLRNmtOBchzsjiwBNvkvRnqo1OByUCyXRxtxbWpg_-dfZCk4mVtRMzeDP3_bVRfs8sr7CUoEEG7d5RuolOmGQlda8F66ZE210/s1000/TerminatorsAll02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="1000" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wAcNyBF1_AgZbe9VbejU0Q3CCQqIOe1pXZm4UxVmYXhNYnqx-nVbXZIYHt-E4ZlsTIAKB7j43FXKsaJ6YrPp84sJDesLRNmtOBchzsjiwBNvkvRnqo1OByUCyXRxtxbWpg_-dfZCk4mVtRMzeDP3_bVRfs8sr7CUoEEG7d5RuolOmGQlda8F66ZE210/w640-h206/TerminatorsAll02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Another look at the first batch of Exterminators - I'm very happy with how they look!<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>For basing, I used the wealth of leftover plastic circular bases that come with the Gripping Beast Saga army packs. I normally use square wooden ones for Saga, so have lots of these left over. I applied magnetic sticky base bottoms from Litko Aerosystems to the plastic bases and am fairly happy with how they worked. I used 5-minute, two-part epoxy to glue the Exterminator feet to the plastic bases, and they seemed to hold well. I jazzed up the bases with small rocks and bricks, then applied Woodland Scenics Blended Gray Ballast to the bases. I did a dark wash over the ballast, then actually dry brushed it lighter gray to bring some depth back up. Some more Woodland Scenics turf, burnt grass looking tuft, and spray clear coats and they were ready for the tabletop.</p><p>So, what's next? I have been acquiring some large, well-armed, robot looking figures over the last year or so, and they have <b><i>finally</i></b> made it to the front of the queue. They'll hopefully make for good support for the Exterminators and round out my first faction for a game of Xenos Rampant. Stay tuned for more!<br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3380546227614123930.post-48412700034145344142023-10-31T21:29:00.008-04:002024-01-02T17:16:52.534-05:00More Post-Apocalyptic (Wrecked Cars & Dead Trees)<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUS6tRvaMYOttmM_quonPwC-1jFY1wkvZHndZ_frj86FgYI7uDlMqhOpV_Yri785NjzReQP217AFHKQYkqR0hwqzCR8z-Yw5Z0wHOGispw-hJzyjzj5WQsgEZToJdwxuXtxwIYexkWmtdc92r6EFEtqEEG0pk0MpdPoe5dudkBXm2d4edKpgzxALV_CU/s1000/CarsWrecked01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="1000" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUS6tRvaMYOttmM_quonPwC-1jFY1wkvZHndZ_frj86FgYI7uDlMqhOpV_Yri785NjzReQP217AFHKQYkqR0hwqzCR8z-Yw5Z0wHOGispw-hJzyjzj5WQsgEZToJdwxuXtxwIYexkWmtdc92r6EFEtqEEG0pk0MpdPoe5dudkBXm2d4edKpgzxALV_CU/w640-h156/CarsWrecked01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Mantic Games resin wrecked vehicles painted up rusted and dilapidated for post-apoc games<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>With Advance the Colors 2023 behind me, I now seem to have more time for finishing up things I'd begun (or wanted to start on) earlier. First and foremost were four wrecked vehicles that I want to use for scatter scenery in my post-apocalyptic games. I picked them up at the Guardtower East during one of our monthly Saga game days. <p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJbXFXX9GfODnv05y03MEIGypV07TJNmpyaBFM5IJ1Ntj2Ymzd0Nla3tZhKx3BcMQFs-dvBh3-b0VEha0Lf5hnsUrXP2D2t3ituRgVuN80lSHeV8ZGhWD9AQNhkB5jSJ5w8FRLE4u3BL1fI80sf5-oSX2uJ8VO6Lp53KfTXYUhlYVrRvonjPH20is0Wo/s1000/PickupsWrecked01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="1000" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJbXFXX9GfODnv05y03MEIGypV07TJNmpyaBFM5IJ1Ntj2Ymzd0Nla3tZhKx3BcMQFs-dvBh3-b0VEha0Lf5hnsUrXP2D2t3ituRgVuN80lSHeV8ZGhWD9AQNhkB5jSJ5w8FRLE4u3BL1fI80sf5-oSX2uJ8VO6Lp53KfTXYUhlYVrRvonjPH20is0Wo/w640-h198/PickupsWrecked01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><b><i> Biggest complaint was that the window for the back up the pickup had to be glued in and didn't fit<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>These were made of a gray resin or plastic and came with two pickup trucks and two cars. Each type was identical, and the pickup required one piece of assembly. The back window of the pickup needed glued into place with the truck's bed. Only it wasn't that simple. Try as I might, I simply couldn't get it to fit smoothly. There had obviously been some warping or distortion that went on in the casting process. I ended up having to epoxy the windows into place as close I could. I then filled the gaps with green stuff. I was fairly happy with how I did with the green stuff. It is definitely something I am still a learner on.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNkq_vpX4qVn8MdaTBmiPqiFtIJ2yIONs8ilHhHbMJcTvsxhK8UYEDPkbu7mTQ_18yMB6MLNkx-TfCEmajOnaoiB11UHHikSo9nBgNKxhiy7OOtomZmdChyjHwsjHxPYnlTCwGCjbV-UFBQ7pdVpBzmlS-1vZiAtF0ZbsN43snADJsnP3mwzsBsP2wzA/s1000/CarsWrecked02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="1000" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNkq_vpX4qVn8MdaTBmiPqiFtIJ2yIONs8ilHhHbMJcTvsxhK8UYEDPkbu7mTQ_18yMB6MLNkx-TfCEmajOnaoiB11UHHikSo9nBgNKxhiy7OOtomZmdChyjHwsjHxPYnlTCwGCjbV-UFBQ7pdVpBzmlS-1vZiAtF0ZbsN43snADJsnP3mwzsBsP2wzA/w640-h172/CarsWrecked02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The models come dented to simulate a wreck, but all the rust and wear and tear was painted on<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I spray painted each vehicle with Krylon matte black, following it up with my usual 50/50 acrylic black paint and water. I then epoxied it to a styrene plastic base, though I was tempted to leave it un-based and free standing. It might even look better on the tabletop that way, but I detest holding onto things while painting something, with the chance of rubbing off paint. Or paint the bottom and then painting the top. Basing something up and holding onto that base is always preferable.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfPDrwmsovzpBoFYw5QKPGHrHIxOsWAo7crIyWVsA69mt38OSSw4Jz7ljaPy6HpoEdqyi_brVtAOQVZg2yEsU_1q4udM4XAY9nBJmHgIjeR7N6AZE97cIngcVVTYv-1rBfNxCoFsWIJVEiHQc-X85xgxj2GDRw8RbIg5X8foUB0yzKSVdXiwxP-i5qHw/s1000/PickupsWrecked02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="1000" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfPDrwmsovzpBoFYw5QKPGHrHIxOsWAo7crIyWVsA69mt38OSSw4Jz7ljaPy6HpoEdqyi_brVtAOQVZg2yEsU_1q4udM4XAY9nBJmHgIjeR7N6AZE97cIngcVVTYv-1rBfNxCoFsWIJVEiHQc-X85xgxj2GDRw8RbIg5X8foUB0yzKSVdXiwxP-i5qHw/w640-h224/PickupsWrecked02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The windows are solid, so I used my brushwork to make them look broken and busted, too<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Next, I did the base color for all four vehicles, leaving black gaps in the seams of the body panels, doors, etc. I'm not sure why I went with brighter colors for the vehicles over the trucks, but I did. I followed this with a dry brush of white or lighter color of the base. Next, I did a three part rust effect, beginning with a dark brown, adding in patches of a rusty, leathery brown, and then finishing it off with an orange clay color. Since the windows were solid, I had to paint cracks to make them look busted up, too. I painted the chrome areas a steel color, then pewter and silver highlights. Of course, each vehicle got a dark black wash to look appropriately abandoned and dirty.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXh66R4fCGu9U1IVG8mgPTuiXQYMWwB3t4RTwcRj3iYNs-Sper1tt61jVaJM_t2mEdHgMj0yWvIMvk-LYrx6NopEYJ0hRRVxL5GFJnSMTytq2OLJx4JFxCQK1Edj7WRLcQSk1pXL3PoSE-GClivsgsG2WmOF7nxHy-YE0hFX9QDAXdUKyPQA6JQ7CUw/s1000/BigDeadTrees02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1000" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXh66R4fCGu9U1IVG8mgPTuiXQYMWwB3t4RTwcRj3iYNs-Sper1tt61jVaJM_t2mEdHgMj0yWvIMvk-LYrx6NopEYJ0hRRVxL5GFJnSMTytq2OLJx4JFxCQK1Edj7WRLcQSk1pXL3PoSE-GClivsgsG2WmOF7nxHy-YE0hFX9QDAXdUKyPQA6JQ7CUw/w640-h382/BigDeadTrees02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>3-D printed trees from Rusty Parker of Jarls Workshop. I decided to make them "dead" for post-apoc<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The next thing I finished off were two 3-d printed trees that I'd picked up as prizes from the Hold the Line Saga tournament in Port Clinton, OH. Rusty Parker of Jarl's Workshop printed them off and had numerous ones he'd painted up for terrain for the tournament. He had flocked them to look like trees in bloom, but I thought their bare branches would make them excellent dead trees to add to the smaller ones I'd painted up earlier. In a post-apocalyptic landscape, the dead trees at a nice desolate vibe.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiZ_Gosf_RDUQ5Fy38WETB2325cBUj_FefQvU4WXRMor0sgBWUNZQ_1H4r9c4jjX9Q_rp9PncNOWmfXytEHUJBrt8Danvi1ysRxcZuyEo2BIE5b9_FEILOXw1dpyseUkHGbfDR7zaI3r8ag8npgShYWHv9mHKoVbyftiWg5SBgly9fPQ-D8Gkq9-Z8Eo/s1000/BigDeadTreeCloseup2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="832" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZiZ_Gosf_RDUQ5Fy38WETB2325cBUj_FefQvU4WXRMor0sgBWUNZQ_1H4r9c4jjX9Q_rp9PncNOWmfXytEHUJBrt8Danvi1ysRxcZuyEo2BIE5b9_FEILOXw1dpyseUkHGbfDR7zaI3r8ag8npgShYWHv9mHKoVbyftiWg5SBgly9fPQ-D8Gkq9-Z8Eo/w532-h640/BigDeadTreeCloseup2.jpg" width="532" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>Closeup of the one of the dead trees with my 28mm Planet of the Apes gorillas patrolling nearby<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>These were very easy to get ready for the tabletop! I simply spray painted them black, did my usual 50/50 acrylic follow up, and then dry brushed them. I applied the first dry brush thickly -- more of a "wet brush." I used the Camo Brown from Howard Hues. Next, I did a dry brush of Howard Hues Khaki. A black wash finished them out, and they were ready for flocking. There is an area between the branches that looks like vegetation, so I flocked that with Woodland Scenics "Burnt Grass" flocking. Otherwise, I did a fine brown ballast around the roots and applied a Turf Earth over top of that. A couple more patches of burnt grass and some tufts, and they were done. Of course, they are taller than the box which I stored my smaller dead trees would hold! I will sit them on their sides until I think of a better idea.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgoMNsKSdEYxfEd7TAnMHLO_ybmVo0nqEHXFjZsblI_TJHPTpq5ulfQISdOBGsH8liR7CdJa4RHnR9O7A8VchHU6GJ5E2O5mb8aE9XUtb7-1nhc2Wz5xHkD5KMTQS4ZzPai5VLDK9aLohS7jJKdt4PX05mo-k1SP61xwOHr_DgPcMMWdGPoh7PJAfsXE/s1000/BigDeadTrees01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1000" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgoMNsKSdEYxfEd7TAnMHLO_ybmVo0nqEHXFjZsblI_TJHPTpq5ulfQISdOBGsH8liR7CdJa4RHnR9O7A8VchHU6GJ5E2O5mb8aE9XUtb7-1nhc2Wz5xHkD5KMTQS4ZzPai5VLDK9aLohS7jJKdt4PX05mo-k1SP61xwOHr_DgPcMMWdGPoh7PJAfsXE/w640-h432/BigDeadTrees01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> <b><i>The smaller dead trees in back are from Mantic Games' Terrain Crate line, 'Gothic Grounds'<br /></i></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>These two mini-projects took less time each than a normal batch of Saga miniatures, so it was nice to feel they were painted up quickly! Hopefully, the speedy progress will continue!<br /></p>Mike Demanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11594509803103430420noreply@blogger.com2