This figure is the “Master and Commander” special figure from Warlord Games that came with the Black Powder rules.

I will be using this figure as a Universal Sailor miniature for Silver Bayonet.

The figure has a small likeness to Russell Crowe and the pose matches the above shot from the movie.

The movie is set in April 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on H.M.S. Surprise, a British frigate led by Captain Jack Aubrey. His mission is to find and deal with the French ship Acheron, which poses a threat to British shipping. As they face rising tensions and challenges, Aubrey and his crew are motivated by courage and loyalty.

The Acheron is in the Atlantic near South America, heading to the Pacific to help Napoleon’s war efforts. Aubrey soon discovers that the Acheron is larger and faster than the Surprise, making it a tough challenge in their first battle.

Despite facing challenges like bad weather and crew disagreements, Aubrey leverages Maturin’s scientific knowledge to navigate their difficulties, ultimately strengthening their partnership by blending their differing viewpoints.

Aubrey’s determination to achieve a challenging goal leads to conflict with his friend Dr. Stephen Maturin, who advocates for a more practical approach. Their differing views create tension, as Aubrey believes in the power of perseverance, while Maturin is concerned about the associated risks.

Sounds a bit like Silver Bayonet to me!

Bloodthirsters are like the rowdiest fans of the Blood God, always ready to party and unleash some serious primal rage. Their insatiable thirst for blood goes way beyond mere human comprehension—honestly, it’s more like they tripped over their own need for a snack and ended up in a frenzy that leaves even the bravest warriors wondering if they really want to stick around for the after-party.

These fierce beings pack a punch strong enough to rival ancient Primarchs, who, let’s face it, had their own flair for drama and commanding legions. Every time Bloodthirsters hit the battlefield, it’s like they’re throwing the ultimate chaotic bash, seeking not just a win, but the very essence of life in the form of blood—talk about a messy cleanup! They leave behind a trail of destruction that makes you wonder if they ever thought to just, you know, order a pizza instead.

They are formidable and bestial warriors, striking fear with their imposing appearance, featuring canine-like faces that reflect a savage nature, bloodied manes symbolizing their ferocity, and sharp horns rising menacingly above their heads. Clad in the impenetrable Brass Armour of Khorne, they possess a defense that effectively shields them from both magical assaults and ranged attacks from opponents.

The significant span of their leathery wings allows them to ascend with a daunting grace and then dive resolutely into the fray, generating gusts that instill dread among their foes. In the chaos of combat, they wield massive Axes forged in the searing heat of Khorne’s wrath, each weapon infused with the essence of a caged Greater Daemon, enabling them to deliver catastrophic strikes. Furthermore, they adeptly handle the long Gorewhip, which permits them to lash out at adversaries from afar with lethal accuracy.

Among their ranks, the most esteemed Bloodthirsters of Khorne are recognized for wielding the legendary Firestorm Blades, weapons that blaze with an unholy fire, intensifying the terror within their already formidable armament in the unyielding quest for bloodshed and destruction.

Only those with a knack for daemonic lore can make sense of the rather dramatic Bloodthirster hierarchy, which is split into eight super exclusive hosts—each one more elite than the last, like a demonic tiered cake of chaos!

Every Bloodthirster runs their own gang of daemons, all sporting unique abilities that scream “I’m here to cause trouble!” Seriously, underestimating even the scrappy eighth host is a huge mistake; they may be the underdogs of the daemon world, but they’ve still got more muscle than any mortal warrior on a caffeine high.

This quirky hierarchy creates a battlefield buzzing with tension and respect, as each Bloodthirster polishes their ego while trying to outshine their peers in the never-ending quest for bloodshed and, of course, ultimate bragging rights.

This was the only Khorne Daemon that I had painted . It wasd a little bashed around with his two wings needing to be glued back on, some painting here and there and he is now bigger and stronger than ever! Not like thoser pussy plastic things you see oin the table these days he is all metal so beware or he will crush your plastic “litterally”!

These are the figures you have just to say you have them and never really use.

The artilleryman (on the left) can only be used effectively in one scenario, and the Occultists (two on the middle and right) are quite an under-powered character IMHO.

U’Zhul the Skulltaker, also known simply as U’Zhul, “The Skulltaker,” “Khorne’s Champion,” the “Blooded Wanderer,” and the “Slayer of Kings,” is a mighty Daemonic servant of Khorne, feared and revered across the realms of Warhammer.

This fearsome character, famed for his never-ending zeal in battle, is basically the poster child for Khorne, the god of war, blood, and a bit of a slaughterhouse vibe. With every dramatic swing of his extra-cursed blade, he’s on a hilarious quest to collect the skulls of his enemies like they’re rare trading cards, each one a quirky trophy adding to his spooky display, a delightful little reminder of how he totally crushed it in the latest skirmish!

His presence on the battlefield is like a surprise party for everyone—except the guests never leave! As the ground gets soaked with the imaginary ketchup from those daring to challenge him, each battle turns into a slapstick routine where the only thing dying is the punchline. The cries of the not-so-lucky ones become the hilarious soundtrack that fuels his endless craving for fun and games!

Clad in armor that gleams with the remnants of past conquests, he charges forth, a whirlwind of death and destruction, driven by a singular purpose — to serve his dark master’s creed and revel in the chaos of war. Each step echoes like a clumsy tap dancer in a library, while the air around him crackles with tension, as if everyone is nervously waiting for the punchline of a bad joke.

The sun glints off his metallic garb, casting reflections so bright they could blind the unsuspecting foes, who probably just wanted to enjoy a quiet afternoon. With exaggerated bloodlust in his eyes and an unyielding resolve that rivals a toddler refusing to share toys, he feels the pulse of the battlefield, a comedic symphony of clashing steel and anguished cries, calling him deeper into the fray, where glory and doom are just two sides of the same poorly thrown sandwich.

U’Zhul’s unending craving for a good old-fashioned brawl is like a kid in a candy store, as he bounces around the battlefield with a not-so-secret agenda to show off who’s boss to anyone brave (or foolish) enough to step up. His mere presence sends enemies into a panic, as he leaps into action, a whirlwind of absurd chaos, leaving behind a delightful mess of havoc while desperately trying to earn some brownie points with his dark master.

Each swing of his weapon is like a scene out of a bizarre comedy, making it clear to everyone that their day just took a nosedive into hilarity the moment they step into his chaotic playground. The atmosphere is thick with awkwardness as he trips over his own feet, eyes twinkling with mischievous delight, thoroughly enjoying the bewilderment he’s causing among his confused pals and hapless foes.

With every clang of metal, he becomes more convinced that he’s the star of a hilariously bad action flick, as if the mere thought of chaos fills his belly like an all-you-can-eat buffet, transforming him from a regular guy to the delightfully ridiculous, over-the-top harbinger of doom just trying to grab his boss’s attention with some truly outrageous stunts.

Again, Guru’s all about heavy metal, and this U’Zhul? It’s not some flimsy piece of plastic; it’s like the bodybuilder of toys—strong and resilient, just like a power chord! And guess what? He’s so cool that he doesn’t even need to roll around on a fancy Juggernaut Daemonic Steed named Khul’tyran—because honestly, who has time for modern plastic when you can just rock out to the true blood god of heavy metal like a total legend?

Remembrance Day stands as one of the most significant days on our commemorative calendar. It is a solemn occasion when we collectively acknowledge the profound sacrifices of those who died or endured hardships while serving in wars, conflicts, and peace operations, highlighting the weight of their commitment to freedom and peace.

Observed annually on 11 November, this date serves as a stark reminder of the tragedies wrought by war and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. It marks the anniversary of the Armistice of 1918, which terminated hostilities in World War I, a catastrophic conflict that profoundly reshaped nations and irrevocably altered the course of history.

Although the war did not officially conclude until 28 June 1919 with the Treaty of Versailles, the lasting scars it inflicted on humanity echo through time. In Australia and many other countries, people observe a minute of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a moment set aside for reflection on the immense cost of conflict and the lives irretrievably lost’

It is a period dedicated to honouring our service personnel who perished or suffered in the service of Australia, ensuring that their legacy is preserved in the collective memory of future generations, who must carry forth the sacred duty of remembrance and strive tirelessly for a more peaceful world.

I am one of the lucky ones whose family and friends that fought for Australia in various conflicts all returned. Yes they returned, but they were significantly changed by their ordeals.

My Great Grandfather returned from the Great War with lungs burnt by mustard gas, my Grandfather who fought at Kokoda jumped out of his skin whenever he heard a train whilstle or emergency siren. My good friend returned from Vietnam suffering from Agent Orange that impacted not only his own health, but also his children and Grandchildren.

As wargamers we are often wrongly “called out” for glorifying war, but let us never forget our forebears who fought for our countries in war. They were not pieces of plastic or metal to be moved around a tabletop and to be thrown in boxes and forgotten until next time. They were OUR HEROES.