German Type 1936A destroyer Z25 to Z35
German Type 22 Elbing Class Torpedo boat
Light Cruiser Koln
German Type 24 “Wolf Class” Torpedo boat
German Vorposten Boot Trawler
German Type 9 U-boat wolf pack
German M25 Mine Sweeper
German Type S-boot S26
German Raumboote
I just have a few more ships to base and this project will be done and dusted.
This year, inspired by Chris’s NQM rules, I plan to publish my own sets of rules that have been nearly ready for years. These rules need figures and scenery for illustrations. You may have already seen my painted dinosaurs, along with some volcanoes, hills, forests, rivers, and dangerous terrain.
The dinosaur game “Dinosaurs – a game for all ages” will be available on Amazon in eBook and paperback by the end of July.
The second book, “Scurvy Dogs – a pirate game like no other,” is done and will be available soon. Luckily, I already have all the figures and terrain from a demonstration game I prepared some years ago.
The third book, tentatively called “Channel Clash – WW2 Naval Small Actions,” is ready for play-testing, which starts this week. Most of the ships are nearly finished, with the last few done by the end of next week. I need to prepare some shoreline, minefields, rocky outcrops, and shore objectives to bombard, although only a small amount of terrain is required (just roll out the sea mat). Here is what I have started on:
Those pesky white cliffs of “done over”
These are for the attack on a strategic objective type scenario but will double up and as an attack on the Blucher/Tirpitz type fjord scenario.
The fourth book, currently just a concept, is about the Battle of the Kokoda Track during WW2. I have various Australian and Japanese figures in 28mm and 54mm, along with jungle terrain, but need some special items like Japanese bunkers. Below is the first “work in progress”, but I am not in a hurry with this scenery project as the book will not be ready until at least the end of the year. Below is my first attempt at a Japanese log bunker with detachable roof.
It still need a lot more work on the camouflage but the concept worked. I will provide more detail about the build in a separate post.
The last two nearly finished books are a set of modern asymmetric rules, and a WW! Palestine set that I don’t need any terrain for it.
A long-winded way to say I have at least started on the challenge.
The Nachtjäger are a truly terrifying and unique unit in Konflikt ’47, the “weird war” tabletop wargame based on the Bolt Action ruleset. They are a core component of the German faction, representing the pinnacle of their Soldier Enhancement Division’s horrific creations.
Their very existence, a result of DNA merged with reptiles, bats, and alligators, transforms them into fearsome, winged creatures designed for brutal combat, subtly altering the strategic considerations for Allied forces.
These monstrous units come equipped with a formidable array of special rules that truly reflect their unnatural nature and battlefield prowess. They are classified as Large Infantry, denoting their significant size compared to standard troops.
Their most chilling ability, Horror, forces immediate morale checks on enemy units they assault; failure means the enemy cannot react and must conduct any point-blank fire or hand-to-hand combat after the attacking Nachtjäger.
Combined with Flight, which grants them rapid battlefield traversal for flanking maneuvers and striking vulnerable targets, and Tooth and Claw, emphasizing their deadly natural weapons, they are built for devastating close-quarters engagements. Furthermore, their Tough and Strong attributes make them exceptionally durable and potent in combat, while IR Vision likely provides them with enhanced senses or specific situational advantages.
On the battlefield, the Nachtjäger primarily function as elite assault troops. Their unparalleled speed, courtesy of their flight capability, coupled with their devastating close-combat abilities, makes them ideal for tearing into enemy infantry and even light vehicles.
They excel in denser terrain, where they can effectively utilize cover to close the distance before unleashing their terrifying assault. Typically represented by metal miniatures, a squad usually comprises two of these formidable models, making them a truly distinctive and impactful addition to any German force in Konflikt ’47.
British V Class Submarine.
HMS Onslow “O” Class Destroyer
At the top a Fairchild “B” and bottom Fairchild “D”
Two Vosper MTB’s
This is a story of forgotten Australian heroes, the soldiers of two battalions–the 2/3 Machine-Gun battalion and the 2/2 Pioneer battalion–who were on their way home from action in the Middle East to defend Australia from the Japanese when they found themselves diverted to Java to face the vastly superior Japanese army sweeping through the Dutch East Indies.
Condemned, for political reasons, by Churchill and the Allied leadership–and by the Australian prime minister, Curtin–to a hopeless battle alongside Dutch forces bent on capitulation, the outnumbered Australians fought heroically in desperate conditions, displaying extraordinary courage and resilience. The clash of wills became more than a mere skirmish; it transformed into a testament of their unwavering commitment to their homeland and their fellow soldiers.
Despite their valiant efforts and strategic ingenuity, they were ultimately outmatched, leading to the heart-wrenching order from the Allied high command to join the Dutch surrender. While their compatriots from the Middle East campaign reached Australia under the embrace of safety, the men of the 2/3rd and the 2/2nd were marched into captivity, stripped of their dignity, and sentenced to three and a half years of hell as prisoners of the Japanese. As they endured brutal treatment and deplorable living conditions, their resilience was tested daily.
For nearly a year, their families in Australia did not know whether their missing fathers and sons were dead or alive, living with the constant torment of uncertainty and despair. Scraps of information began to trickle out, via radio broadcasts and the Red Cross, about the fate of the prisoners, many of whom ended up on the infamous Thai-Burma railway, where they faced back-breaking labor and malnutrition, while others endured atrocious conditions as prisoners in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, battling diseases and starvation in a desperate fight for survival. Several hundred never returned, their names etched in the memories of loved ones who awaited their homecoming in vain.
The full horror of what the men endured only came to light after the wasted survivors were brought home at the end of the war, their bodies and spirits scarred yet resilient. Some of these men would be key witnesses in war crimes trials against the Japanese, courageously recounting their experiences to ensure that the injustices they faced would not be forgotten and that history would remember their sacrifices in the struggle for freedom and justice.
As an Australian this book clearly demonstrates to me how Australian mateship can overcome man’s humanity to man. A powerful though not always enjoying read.
Here’s some ideas on how tho use them.
Firstly their heavy Infantry name can lead long time gamers to think they are the hammer to attack your opponent with. Unfortunately nothing could be further from the truth. Although they are tough and can fight in the front line they are best used as the anvil!
Frontline Hammer: German Heavy Infantry are ideally suited for leading a frontal assault. Their “Resilient” rule means most small arms fire will struggle to pin them or inflict casualties. This allows them to advance through open ground or suppressive fire with a degree of impunity that other infantry units simply can’t match.
Objective Grabs & Holds: Their durability makes them exceptional at seizing and holding key objectives. Once they are on an objective, your opponent will need to commit significant, specialized firepower (heavy weapons, vehicles, or close combat units) to dislodge them. This forces your opponent to react to your plans. Slow & Steady: Embrace their “Slow” rule. Don’t expect them to race across the board. Instead, plan a deliberate, measured advance. Use the “Advance” order to move and fire, ensuring they’re always putting pressure on the enemy.
Synergies and Support: Anti-Tank Support: German Heavy Infantry often come with options for Panzerfausts or Panzerschrecks. While their primary role is surviving infantry fire, these anti-tank options give them a crucial offensive punch against vehicles. Since they’ll be on the front lines, they’re often in a good position to get those vital shots.
Fire Support (LMGs): Giving a squad of Heavy Infantry an LMG (Light Machine Gun) significantly boosts their offensive output. This turns them into a highly durable and dangerous fire base, capable of laying down suppressive fire while moving forward.
Flamethrower or Close Combat Specialists: While tough to shoot, Heavy Infantry are vulnerable in close combat. Pair them with units that excel in melee, such as Schreckwulfen or even a standard veteran infantry squad, to act as a “clean-up crew” for any enemies that manage to get into assault range. Alternatively, a flamethrower team following closely behind can clear out entrenched infantry that might otherwise tie up your heavy infantry in undesirable close quarters.
Artillery/Air Support: Because Heavy Infantry advance slowly, they can be vulnerable to concentrated heavy weapons fire or sustained artillery bombardments. Using your own artillery or air support to soften up enemy positions, particularly those with heavy weapons or large infantry blocks, before your Heavy Infantry commit will significantly improve their chances of success.
Command Units: A German officer (Lieutenant, Hauptmann) can provide crucial morale boosts and enable “You Before Me” orders, allowing your Heavy Infantry to take pins without significant penalty, or rally more effectively.
Exploiting Their “Resilient” Rule: Weather the Storm: Don’t be afraid to absorb enemy fire with them. That’s what they’re designed for! Use “Down” orders when under heavy fire to further increase their survivability, allowing them to crawl forward relatively unscathed. Draw Fire: Use them as a magnet for enemy fire. By presenting such a difficult target, you can force your opponent to dedicate valuable shooting assets to your Heavy Infantry, leaving other parts of your army free to maneuver or strike. Cover is Still Good: While “Resilient,” they still benefit immensely from cover. Getting them into light or heavy cover makes them even harder to wound, frustrating your opponent and making them practically unmovable.
Mitigating Their “Slow” Rule:
Transports: While perhaps counter-intuitive for “heavy” infantry, transport vehicles like a Sdkfz 251 half-track can get them into position faster, especially across open ground. Disembark them when they’re close to their objective or about to enter a firefight.
Board Control: Plan your movements to dominate a section of the board. Heavy Infantry are excellent at holding flanks or pushing through a central corridor.
Patience: Konflikt ’47 is a game of maneuvering and attrition. With German Heavy Infantry, patience is a virtue. Let them grind forward, absorb damage, and force your opponent into unfavorable engagements.
Things to Watch Out For:
Close Combat:
As mentioned, they are not “Resilient” in close combat. Avoid letting them get swarmed by dedicated melee units like US Heavy Infantry (who often have “Tough Fighters”) or specialized close-combat units from other factions (e.g., Soviet Ursus, British Galahads).
Heavy Weapons: Indirect fire weapons (mortars, artillery) and high-AP direct fire weapons (AT rifles, heavy machine guns, tank main guns) can still pose a significant threat. While “Resilient” helps, it’s not foolproof.
Flamethrowers: Flamethrowers bypass the “Resilient” rule (as they are automatic hits and direct templates), making them a severe threat. Always prioritize eliminating enemy flamethrower teams.
By understanding their strengths (durability) and weaknesses (speed, close combat vulnerability), you can craft compelling strategies that leverage the German Heavy Infantry as the unyielding core of your Konflikt ’47 force.
In the harrowing, technologically warped battlefields of Konflikt ’47, the German Heavy Infantry stands as a stark embodiment of the Third Reich’s dangerous embrace of rift-tech. These aren’t just soldiers in thicker plate; they are shock troopers clad in armor that has been fundamentally altered by the bizarre energies seeping from manipulated dimensional rifts.
This revolutionary, and ethically dubious, scientific advancement has birthed a new breed of infantry that can shrug off torrents of small arms fire, fundamentally reshaping the dynamics of close-quarters combat.
The secret to their unprecedented resilience lies deep within the rift-tech integration. Instead of mere physical reinforcement, their armor systems are infused with exotic properties derived from other realities. Imagine energy fields that subtly deflect incoming projectiles, or material compositions that somehow absorb and dissipate kinetic impact with uncanny efficiency.
In game terms, this translates to their defining “Resilient” special rule, making them incredibly difficult to wound with conventional weaponry. This means enemy fire simply bounces off, or fails to penetrate, allowing German Heavy Infantry to spearhead assaults with an almost unnatural imperviousness, drawing the brunt of enemy attention and surviving where normal men would fall.
However, the immense power of rift-tech is not without its significant drawbacks, both for the soldiers themselves and the strategic thinking behind their deployment. The sheer bulk and complex internal mechanisms of their advanced suits render these elite troops inherently slow. They lack the agility and rapid maneuverability of standard infantry, making swift flanking maneuvers or quick objective grabs virtually impossible.
Their tactical role shifts from nimble aggression to a relentless, grinding advance – a methodical push that relies on their incredible durability to simply outlast and overwhelm the enemy. This deliberate pace means they must be carefully positioned and supported, as a misplaced unit can quickly become a static target.
Furthermore, while their rift-tech armor is an almost impenetrable shield against bullets, it offers surprisingly less protection in the chaotic brutality of close combat. The very nature of melee, with its unpredictable strikes and grappling, seems to bypass the specialized energy dissipation properties of their suits. This vulnerability in hand-to-hand fighting prevents them from being truly invincible, forcing commanders to carefully consider their engagements and provide crucial support from other units.
The German Heavy Infantry, therefore, represents a grim fusion of conventional military doctrine with the terrifying, unpredictable power of rift-tech – a force designed to dominate through sheer durability, but one that demands precise tactical management to overcome its inherent limitations and truly unleash its potential.
German Heavy Infantry, with their unique combination of resilience and slow movement, require a specific tactical approach to truly shine on the Konflikt ’47 tabletop. They aren’t your typical skirmishers or rapid assault troops; they are an anvil against which your opponent’s forces will break.
Tomorrow a post on how to use them.
In the grim, alternate reality of Konflikt ’47, the German Heavy Infantry stands as a testament to the devastating potential of “rift-tech,” a revolutionary and dangerous scientific breakthrough. This advanced technology is the very essence of what sets Konflikt ’47 apart from its historical counterpart, transforming the battlefields of World War II with an array of fantastical yet terrifying weaponry and armored units.
German Heavy Infantry, specifically, benefits from rift-tech’s application in the development of incredibly resilient personal armor, allowing them to withstand an astonishing amount of punishment that would fell conventional soldiers.
The core principle behind rift-tech is the manipulation of dimensional rifts, tearing open pathways to other realities and harnessing the exotic energies or even the very fabric of those dimensions. For the German Heavy Infantry, this translates into advanced materials and energy fields integrated into their armor suits.
This isn’t merely thicker steel; it’s armor imbued with properties that somehow deflect or dissipate kinetic energy, shrugging off small arms fire with unsettling ease. This often manifests in game terms as the “Resilient” special rule, meaning that standard weaponry struggles to penetrate their defenses, requiring an exceptional shot to even wound them. This makes them invaluable as the spearhead of an assault, soaking up enemy fire and drawing attention away from less protected units.
However, the advantages of rift-tech often come with a cost, both in-universe and in game mechanics. While incredibly tough, the heavy armor worn by German Heavy Infantry makes them inherently slower than their standard counterparts. The sheer weight and bulk of the suits, combined with the complex internal systems, impede their movement, limiting their ability to rapidly redeploy or flank enemy positions.
This inherent slowness means that careful tactical planning is crucial when deploying these formidable troops, as they are not units for rapid encirclement or quick objective grabs. Instead, they excel in a methodical, grinding advance, pushing forward inexorably and holding ground with an iron grip.
Furthermore, while rift-tech armor provides unparalleled protection against incoming projectiles, its effectiveness can be diminished in the brutal confines of close-quarters combat. The chaotic and often unpredictable nature of hand-to-hand fighting can bypass the specialized deflecting properties of the armor, leaving the wearer vulnerable to a well-placed blow or a concentrated attack.
This vulnerability in close combat ensures that even these heavily armored titans are not invincible, forcing players to consider their engagement ranges and support them with units that excel in melee or can provide suppressing fire. The development of rift-tech truly redefined warfare for the German forces, providing them with a distinct and often terrifying edge, yet demanding new tactical considerations to fully leverage its powerful, and sometimes problematic, capabilities.
The Nachtalben aren’t your typical World War II soldiers. In the alternate 1947 of Konflikt ’47, the discovery of Rift-tech after the atomic tests didn’t just lead to advanced weaponry; it unlocked the secrets of genetic manipulation. The German High Command, always pushing the boundaries, used this knowledge to create the Nachtalben.
These aren’t mindless brutes either, they’re an evolution of the earlier, more monstrous Nachtjäger project. The goal was to produce intelligent, disciplined soldiers who combined human tactical prowess with enhanced physical capabilities.
Imagine special forces operatives, but with heightened senses, superior strength, and a chillingly unnatural resilience. Their primary role within the German forces is often that of elite reconnaissance and infiltration units, capable of operating undetected in the most dangerous environments.
So, what does this translate to when you’re playing a game of Konflikt ’47?
Nachtalben are renowned for their speed. Rules like Fast mean they can cover ground quickly, outflanking enemies, seizing objectives, or rapidly reinforcing a beleaguered position. This makes them incredibly flexible on the battlefield.
Unlike regular infantry, Nachtalben are notoriously difficult to put down. Their Tough rule reflects their enhanced physiology, allowing them to shrug off hits that would incapacitate lesser troops. This means they can advance through suppressive fire or absorb surprising amounts of damage in an assault, making them a durable spearhead for your attacks.
The IR Vision rule is a game-changer for Nachtalben. This special ability allows them to ignore penalties for low visibility conditions, like darkness, smoke, or dense terrain. They can effectively see and fight clearly where other units would be hampered, giving them a significant advantage in night fighting scenarios or when facing enemies relying on cover.
While often equipped with advanced weaponry, the true strength of Nachtalben often lies in their close-quarters prowess. Their enhanced strength and agility make them devastating in an assault. They can quickly close the distance and engage enemy units, often emerging victorious from bloody melees. This makes them perfect for breaking fortified positions or clearing out entrenched infantry.
As an Elite unit, Nachalben also benefit from higher morale and better discipline. They’re less likely to break under pressure, more reliable in executing complex orders, and can often rally from difficult situations that would shatter a lesser squad. This makes them a dependable core for any German force.
In short, the Nachalben offer a compelling mix of speed, durability, and offensive power, embodying the “weird” in “Weird War II.” They’re a truly unique unit that adds a distinct flavor.
More weird war tomorrow.
More command figures to use for Konflict 47 and 7-TV pulp.
Vampire Count, General reflecting on the situation, and officer swatting flies.
What self reflecting German Weird War army would be without their vampire?
He had only two brass balls!
More Konflict 47 tomorrow?