I put together another lot of trees on hexagonal bases for the dinosaur game.
The price and the detail are superb, and are now my “go to” for these type of trees.
I used the smaller bushes and jungle trees on the bases of the dinosaurs.
I picked up both the small bushes and the “jungle trees” from Amazon.
On Wednesday I am working with a mate who is helping me cut the hexagonal shaped hills.
In any good dinosaur game you cannot have just the dinosaurs being deadly can you. Well I can’t!
I did pick up the Mantic Alien Jungle kickstarter plants some time ago, but these will take some time to paint, and I am running out of time.
I still have lots of “magic mushrooms” left over from my “Mouse Metropolis” now doing the rounds of US games days thanks to fellow blogger Mark Morin
I had six hex bases left over awaiting the arrival of the next batch and enough mushrooms to fill them up, so these would do on a temporary basis. Like any good researcher I headed back to the primary sources in this case Jurassic Park!
In “Jurassic Park,” two poisonous plants are Dutchman’s Pipe and West Indian Lilac, both toxic if eaten. The book also mentions Crichton’s serenna veriformans, known for its beauty. Additionally, a Triceratops becomes ill from West Indian Lilac.
Serenna veriformans is a fictional plant from the first novel and movie. It has toxic spores, which contain beta-carboline alkaloid, a substance that irritates the skin and can be deadly if ingested, being 50 times more poisonous than Oleander.
The presence of this dangerous plant by the pool shows that the park’s creators didn’t conduct enough research enough.
I am thinking of treating these like the exciting things in 40k, such as Catachan’s dangerous plants like Brain Leaf, Barbed Venomgorse, Canak Floater, Catachan Mantrap, Spitting Cactus, and Sporetrees.
More terrain like spitting lava pools later.
Picked up the rather average printed 3D war machine, but with a few touch ups it has came out OK.
I am now about to start working on the terrain for “Fighting Dinosaurs” so this will keep me busy for the next week or so.
Still under-the-weather so just a quick touch up of another figure from the bits box. I really like this one and cannot understand why it was consigned to the “box of oblivion”. Anhyway a repaintof the shield and the flesh has brought him back to life,
These warriors would enter a frenzy, or “berserkergang,” before battle, biting their shields and howling in animal skins, usually bear or wolf, to scare enemies. It was believed they gained the strength of these animals and could transform into them, appearing in dreams or visions.
They were fierce fighters who, in their berserker rage, could kill anyone in their way and would keep fighting even when badly hurt, with some (the Ulfheadnar) going into battle without armor.
They are mentioned in many Viking sagas, and their name is thought to come from “Bear-Sark,” referring to the animal skin they wore, or “Bare-Sark,” indicating that they fought without armor. This gives us the modern English word “berserk.”
Berserkers were believed to follow Odin and partake in sacred initiation rituals, often wearing animal skins due to Odin’s shape-shifting abilities.
I have picked up some figures from Mark Ferguson at Proxy Wargaming and intend to put these together and paint them up soon for “Exploit Zero”.
A teaser:
I plan to use this one as the “Shiver” or Psycher and the one below as the “Razor” or assassin.
A little better today but still I haven’t take on too much
I found these whilst looking for some other bits and pieces and decided they looked to good to continue hiding away. So a few touch ups and Bob’s your Auntie.
Eastern Roman archers, known as sagittarii, played an important role in the Eastern Roman army during the late Roman and early Byzantine periods. These skilled archers were not only trained in the art of precision shooting but also adept at riding, which allowed them to maneuver effectively on the battlefield. Often used as cavalry, they provided vital support to both infantry and cavalry units, allowing for strategic flexibility during engagements.
Their ability to strike from a distance enabled them to weaken enemy formations before a direct confrontation, making them a key asset in various military campaigns across diverse terrains and against a range of adversaries. By integrating archery with cavalry tactics, the Eastern Roman army could execute complex maneuvers that contributed to their overall effectiveness in warfare.
The Notitia Dignitatum, a vital document from the late Roman Empire, mentions many archer units, including mounted archers known as equites sagittarii, primarily found in the Eastern Empire and Africa. These skilled archers played a crucial role on the battlefield, utilizing their mobility and precision to launch arrows from horseback, allowing them to engage enemies effectively while maintaining a tactical advantage.
Furthermore, the presence of these units highlights the diverse military strategies employed by the Romans, adapting to various terrains and adversaries, especially in the challenging landscapes of North Africa and the Eastern provinces, where archery was an essential component of warfare tactics.
The versatility of the equites sagittarii not only underscores their importance in the Roman military structure but also reflects the broader cultural and technological exchanges between civilizations during this period, as archery techniques evolved through interactions with local practices.
Will be playing the next few days by ear so not sure what if anything I will get done.
Three days ago had this years flu injection and you guessed no sick as a dog………………………with the bloody flu.
So no post today!
Steve came along with a 1/60th scale version of La Haye Saint for us to play Silver Bayonet on. Mark organised a four player
Dave M’s French had their hands busy with a large number of British and French dead rising up right next to him.
Unfortunately I didn’t take a photo of the whole table but it covered the whole 900X900 Silver Bayonet table.
Some of Steve’s Prussians defend a gateway.
With the Kings German Legion finally booted from the farmhouse, three French companies and a few sneaky Prussians decided it was time to play hide-and-seek for a rather pesky relic that was making the dead from both sides rise up and throw a not-so-friendly zombie party for the living.
Prussians entering the main gate.
Steve;s French being bravely lead by……………………………..the Doctor!
Hugh’s French squad was so aggressively tenacious that they had Dave M and Steve dancing on the back foot like they were trying to win a bizarre game of musical chairs, while Guru’s French team meandered around like they were on a leisurely afternoon stroll in the park!
Dave’s French. The Vivandière on the right proudly boasts a reputation that skyrocketed when, after finally venturing out into the courtyard, she was “greeted” by one of my charming French “gentlemen” who swooped in like a knight in not-so-shiny armor and took her down. War’s a riot, isn’t it?
My French taking cover in the barn.
Pussy Boots struts onto the battlefield, flaunting a whopping twenty hit points like a diva at a fashion show, making it nearly impossible to take down. The real giggle here? Don’t do all the heavy lifting for your fellow players; otherwise, they’ll swoop in at the last second and snag the glory—like a cat stealing your warm spot on the couch right when you’re about to sit down!
My priest just decided to play a game of “Guess How Many Hit Points” with Pussy Boots, and, surprise, surprise, he’s taken a cool 5 hit points off the top—like it’s some kind of divine catnip sale!
A chaotic free-for-all erupts between Guru’s French and Steve’s Prussians, where my Leader plays the role of a superhero, knocking down three foes faster than a cat on a hot tin roof! Meanwhile, the rest of the gang scampers off in a wild chase for the elusive boots, probably thinking they’re the next big fashion statement!
Each turn, a hilariously random number of not-so-dead soldiers would stumble up (well, kind of) and shuffle around the field, hilariously searching for brains—because who doesn’t love a little midnight snack?
More pesky French wannabees.
The Priest finally caught up with “pussy boots” and, with the grace of a holy whirlwind and a maximum roll worthy of a circus act, took him out rather convincingly. Nope, no barefoot strolls for Father Severus Surius (Papal Delegate of the Holy Office of the Inquisition) anymore; his feet are back in holy footwear, much to the delight of the entire congregation!
A great game and thanks to Steve, Dave and Hugh for an enjoyable game and to MM as DM who came up with a great scenario. Steve what a wonderful piece of terrain to play over.
Went to Arcanacon for the first time in a few years and wow, just wow! The objective was to catch up with some old friends and have a game or two of Silver Bayonet.
Warhammer Fantasy, Infinity and Lord of the Rings playing upstairs.
Awesome Infinity terrain
Lord of the Rings table.
Smaug – the one figure army
Downstairs was the main 40k tournament:
Some of the 110competition tables in play
Painting tables
Some of my favourites at the painting competition.
Kill Team competition
40k tables stretch on into the sunset.
Lotsa traders
The BFG guys pod casting live
More Kill Team
Warsurge – a great new games system where literally anything can fight anything across time and space!
Even an onsite tattooist!
The Gaming Arena with their dedicated gaming tables.
Bring and buy stand
More 40k games in progress.
Another trader from whom I bought some static grass.
More 40k.
It was great to catch up with some old mates and roll some dice -more on that in an other post.
Today is just a quick post as I need to pack up ready to go to a Convention tomorrow.
I had this Italian M 41 Fiat – Ansaldo Command Tank in the bits box because it was missing the turret. I decided I was going to throw it out and then I thought maybe they produced a turret-less command version. There are several model versions available including this one from Mirliton.
The M14/41, named for its weight and production year, was also called the “M41” and saw 752 units built, surpassing the M13/40.
Although not quite correct it will pass the 24 inch test which is all I am after.
By early 1943, it was outdated and replaced by the improved M15/42, which featured a stronger engine, better armor, and a more powerful 47 mm gun. The new gun was introduced in 1942, replacing the M35, and most M14/41s were upgraded in the field.
Tomorrow an update on Arcanacon.
The Black Brunswickers were a volunteer force formed by Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick, in 1809. This regiment was made up of elite German gentlemen and was nicknamed ‘Death or Glory’ because of their unique death’s head hat badge and strong commitment to duty. They faced heavy losses at the battle of Quatre Bras, and at Waterloo in 1815.
The Sieg oder Tod! (Victory or Death!)
Most unit members wore black uniforms, but light infantrymen and uhlans wore green. The Black Brunswickers also had these silver skull badges on their hats.
The big question I needed to decide was do I build the force using the British or the Prussian lists. Both could be argued equally but in the end I decided on the British.
Some of the units easily have British equivalents. Going through them in turn:
The Brunswick artillery consisted of both a foot and horse battery so are a direct equivalent.
Foot Artillery
Horse Artillery
Doctors were the same across most countries, although the French were more organised.
There were no Heavy Cavalry or Highlanders in the Brunswick army so neither of these can be used.
The Leib Battalion would be classed as a Grenadier
Infantry were the basis of all Napoleonic armies. Bruswick forces had both light and line infantry that were uniformed the same but with the pom pom on the Shako reversed in colour.
A Junior Officer could be displayed mounted or on foot and with a Shako or hat.
Hussars
The Uhlans and Hussars match up easily with the Light Cavalryman category
Uhlans (lancers)
Marines and Native scouts did not exist in the Brunswick Corps.
The Occultist from the Silver Bayonet or even an old fashioned with model could be used.
The Brunswick corps had an Avant Garde that could be used as the rifleman.
Avant Garde Firing
Brunswick did not have a nay so no sailors can be used.
There is no evidence of designated Sappers in the Brunswick Corps, but I could be wrong. Despite this I will probably be using one!
Supernatural Investigators and Veteran Hunters exist within in Silver Bayonet Armies and could be used.
My sample army consists of:
Leader: +1 Melee, +1Health, =1 Courage. Medic and Hard to Put Down attributes. Breastplate, 2 pistols, Heavy Weapon, Holy Symbol’
Grenadier: Oil and Torches (15 RP)
Rifleman: Salt bag (18 RP)
Sapper: Oil and Torches (12 RP)
Occultist: Silver Shot (20 RP)
Infantrymen: Silver Shot (10 RP)
Infantrymen: Iron Shot (10 RP)
Doctor: Holy Symbol (10 RP)
I hope to finish these by Sunday for a planned game.
All of the illustrations are from the Silver Bayonet Section of North Star or Perry Miniature, both of which I can thoroughly recommend.