The Occultist is a unique Silver Bayonet unit available for recruitment by the British and other major factions like Austria and France in the game, known for their deep connections to the mystical arts.
This character acts as the magical expert for the unit, providing a range of powerful abilities that help the warband face challenges and formidable foes that go beyond the limitations of standard muskets and sabres.
The Occultist is often viewed as a key figure in battle, capable of shifting the tide with their arcane knowledge. They possess the Spells attribute, allowing them to perform three distinct magical effects: first, they can swap Fate Dice to influence critical rolls, providing strategic advantages in moments of uncertainty; second, they can enchant a weapon to make it more powerful, temporarily boosting its magical potency, which can turn an ordinary blade into a formidable weapon; third, they have the ability to curse an enemy to reduce its effectiveness, striking fear into the hearts of opponents.
However, using these powers comes with a significant cost, as casting a spell requires the Occultist to risk taking damage and succeed at a check. This balancing act ensures that their strong abilities do not come without repercussions, introducing a layer of strategy and risk management during heated battles, where every decision can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The careful consideration of when to unleash their magic adds depth to gameplay, making the Occultist an invaluable asset in any warband.
Britain: Bones of Albion is a captivating supplement for the Napoleonic-era gothic horror skirmish wargame The Silver Bayonet, created by the imaginative Joseph A. McCullough and published by the esteemed Osprey Games. This expansion delves deeper into the dark and mysterious landscapes of Britain during this tumultuous period, introducing players to an array of chilling new scenarios, eerie creatures, and sinister factions. With richly detailed lore and comprehensive rules, it invites players to explore not only the strategic elements of skirmish battles but also the haunting narratives that unfold in the shadows, making each game an immersive experience steeped in horror and intrigue.
There is much to like and also some significant disapointments.
The plot is awesome and centres around a Druidic circle of stones prepared on the isle of Anglessey to repulse the Roman invaders. The story begins on the isle of Anglesey, the heart of Druidic power in Britain. A powerful Druidic circle of stones has been meticulously arranged for a devastating ritual—a spell intended to utterly destroy the invading Roman legions.
However, before the Druids can complete the ceremony and unleash the magic, the Romans launch a swift and brutal attack. The Druids are slaughtered, the ritual is halted, and the Romans, fearing the latent power, dismantle the circle and scatter the stones as spoils of war across the length and breadth of the captured province of Britannia.
Two hundred years go by. The stones are forgotten, covered by Roman towns, forts, and fields. Then, one stone is discovered, maybe during a local dig or when an old building falls down.This act breaks two hundred years of peace. The stone quickly releases a small part of the original ritual’s power, marking its possible return to its true purpose.
The urgency and power of the original spell—to destroy the foreign occupier—is now awakened, not just in Britain, but upon an unprepared, fractured Europe struggling with the decline of the Roman Empire. The discovery sets off a desperate race to find and reassemble the remaining stones, either to complete the destructive ritual or to contain the unleashed, ancient magic before it tears the continent apart. a spell to destroy the Roman invaders.
The scenarios are much the same as we have come to expect, but because they are based on actual locations in Britain such as:
Medibogdum
A Roman fort in the lakes District. Had a large following of Mithraism which unfortunately was not included in the scenario.
The Ferns
The Fens, or Fenlands, are a large, flat, low-lying region in eastern England that was once a marshy wetland and well known for its spooky legends. Common myths surrounding the Fens include will-o’-the-wisps (like the Lantern Man), which lure people to their death, and creatures such as boggarts, phantom dogs like Black Shuck, and spirits of the Viking Great Army. The scenario is located in the marsh near Ely Cathedral.
Tre’r Ceiri
Tre’r Ceiri is one of the best-preserved Iron Age hillforts in Britain, located on the eastern peak of Yr Eifl (The Rivals) on the Llŷn Peninsula in north-western Wales. Known as “town of the giants,” it was built around 400-200 BC and continued to be inhabited during the Romano-British period (c. AD 150–400), with around 400 residents at its peak. Its main features include extensive stone walls and the remains of about 150 stone houses, showcasing the ancient communities that lived there.
Lud’s Church
Lud’s Church is a deep, mossy chasm in the Back Forest at the Peak District National Park in Staffordshire, England. This 100-meter gorge was created by a massive landslip and is rich in history and mythology.
Lud’s Church is a deep, mossy chasm rich in folklore, with legends stretching from history to myth. It is most famously associated with the medieval Arthurian tale as the likely location of the Green Chapel in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Historically, it was a secret meeting place for the persecuted religious group, the Lollards, which led to a tragic local story about a girl named Alice being killed during a raid. Other myths suggest it was a hiding place for outlaws like Robin Hood and Friar Tuck and Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Brough of Birsay
The Brough of Birsay is a dramatically situated tidal island off the northwest coast of the Orkney Mainland, only reachable on foot via a causeway at low tide. This windswept spot is a vital historical nexus, containing the layered remains of a high-status Pictish settlement (7th-8th century) and an extensive Norse village (9th-12th century), which includes the ruins of longhouses, a sauna, and a 12th-century Romanesque church. Furthermore, the site is steeped in folklore, most notably as the traditional, temporary burial place of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, the martyred Viking Earl whose cult turned Birsay into a major pilgrimage site in the 12th century, with tales of miracles and heavenly lights surrounding his grave before his relics were moved to Kirkwall.
Wayland’s Smithy
Wayland’s Smithy is a highly atmospheric, two-phase Neolithic chambered long barrow in Oxfordshire, built around 3600 BC near the ancient Ridgeway path and the Uffington White Horse. Initially a smaller timber structure housing 14 bodies, it was later covered by the large, trapezoidal mound and impressive sarsen stone façade visible today. The name and enduring fame come from Anglo-Saxon folklore, which linked the mysterious ancient tomb to Wayland the Smith, a powerful, invisible smith-god from Germanic mythology. Legend holds that a traveler could leave a horse and a silver coin at the site, and the mythical smith would secretly re-shoe the horse by the next morning, a belief still reflected today by visitors who leave coins as offerings among the stones.
Alfred’s Castle
The history of Alfred’s Castle is rich with layers of occupation and later romantic association. Originally a defensive earthwork, the site began with Late Bronze Age linear ditches, followed by the main Iron Age univallate hillfort construction around the 6th century BC. After its abandonment, the enclosure was re-used by Romans who built a farmhouse within its bounds between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Despite its origins in deep prehistory, the name “Alfred’s Castle” is a Victorian-era invention, stemming from the fort’s proximity to the supposed location of King Alfred the Great’s victory over the Danes at the Battle of Ashdown in 871 AD. This popular, though historically unsupported, connection links the ancient earthwork to the famous Anglo-Saxon king, giving the Iron Age fort its more renowned, legendary title.
Isle of Anglesey
Celtic Corner
The Isle of Anglesey, or Ynys Môn, holds a history stretching from ancient prehistory, being littered with Neolithic burial chambers like Bryn Celli Ddu, to its pivotal role as the “Mother of Wales” for its fertile farmland. Its most enduring historical fame, however, comes from its deep connection to the Druids; during the Roman conquest of Britain, Anglesey became the ultimate stronghold of the Celtic priests, known for their fierce resistance and sacred groves. Roman historians recount the dramatic invasion of 60 AD, where General Suetonius Paulinus’s forces crossed the Menai Strait to slaughter the Druids and destroy their holy sites, a decisive moment that broke the back of Celtic spiritual power in the west. Following the Romans, the island was a strategic target for Vikings, and later served as the capital for the native Welsh Princes of Gwynedd at Aberffraw, before falling under the control of English monarchs who constructed the imposing Beaumaris Castle.
All of these scenarios create a deep sense of atmosphere and heaps of opportunities for making very evocative terrain. I like this aspect of the book very much. I am disappointed with the scenarios themselves because they could have been tied with the myths and legends of the locations a lot more. The scenarios could have been in any location and are similar to the other expansions in this sense.
The choice of mainland Britain as a site for a supernatural crisis during the Napoleonic Wars is questioned, given the island’s lack of combat. I am a bit puzzled why a supernatural threat from the harvesters would arise in a peaceful area rather than a war-torn continent. It just seem to create an internal “historical” incongruity. The game tries to resolve this by introducing an ancient Druidic curse and a two-pronged invasion, blending gothic horror with historical elements but just does not fit with the overall them of The Silver Bayonet. Not a deal breaker but annoying as much more could have been done to address this.
The absence of a Druid option for the British faction is a significant missed opportunity, preventing the game from fully integrating its unique supernatural origin—the ancient magic binding the Albion undead—into the unit mechanics. Instead of a grizzled soldier, a Druid could be justified as a powerful Specialist unit: an eccentric expert, reclusive scholar, folk-magic practitioner, or even a miraculously long-lived descendant of the original curser. Including such a character would offer the British forces unique abilities focused on nullifying or manipulating the ancient magic, allowing players to engage directly with the cause of the horror rather than just the symptoms. This addition would create more dynamic, lore-driven tactical options and fully lean into the game’s “pulp horror” side.
I know you can get around this by paying the extra to include a “Follower of the old gods” but having special related Druid skills would have been nice.
I loved the setting, but disliked the formulaic scenarios that could have been more linked to the story and the locations. Not sure that I will be investing in other expansions as I think I can do better myself without the outlay. What about the exotic location of Haiti with vodoo practitioners, Iwa spirits, ancestor spirit worship, raising the dead, dru induced zombies, vodoo dolls – I could go on! More exciting than what we were fed this time around.
Setting and story line was great – but a real missed opportunity IMHO!
A Vivandière (or later, more commonly, Cantinière) in the Napoleonic era was a woman officially attached to a French military regiment, serving as a sutler or canteen keeper.
Their main job was to provide extra food, drinks (usually wine or brandy), and small items (like tobacco and writing supplies) to the soldiers, ensuring that their needs were met beyond the bare essentials. This support was particularly important during long marches and extended campaigns, where soldiers might find themselves far from proper supply lines.
The official army supply system often delivered only basic rations, which typically consisted of simple bread and salted meat, making the additional provisions from these suppliers essential for troop morale and comfort. These extra comforts not only helped sustain the soldiers physically but also played a crucial role in lifting their spirits, fostering camaraderie, and maintaining their fighting resolve in challenging conditions.
Initially, only a few male soldiers, known as vivandiers, had the right to sell goods to the regiment, which included a variety of provisions essential for the troops’ sustenance. These men, tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that their fellow soldiers had access to food, tools, and other necessities, were often busy with their military duties and engagements on the battlefield. As a result of this demanding schedule, they were permitted to marry, a decision that not only provided them with companionship but also allowed for a more efficient management of their vending responsibilities.
Consequently, their wives took over the vending duties as vivandières, stepping into roles that required them to be resourceful and resilient. These vivandières played a crucial part in the daily life of the regiment, managing supplies, catering to the soldiers’ needs, and establishing a supportive environment that helped maintain morale during times of hardship.
They were legally authorized to accompany the army, which differentiated them from unauthorized “camp followers.” A 1793 law solidified their official status. They were often viewed as integral members of the regiment.
Cantinières were well-known for their extraordinary courage, often fearlessly venturing directly onto the chaotic battlefield, even while under heavy fire, to provide much-needed food and drinks, usually at no cost, to uplift and encourage the weary troops.
Their presence was a vital source of morale among the soldiers, reminding them of home and the support waiting for them. In addition to their role as providers, they also served as field nurses, dedicating their time to tending to the sick and wounded, offering comfort and care during the most challenging times, often using their own supplies and resources to treat the injured, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the soldiers’ well-being.
They often wore a unique, feminine version of their regiment’s uniform, usually consisting of a fitted jacket adorned with intricate insignia and a knee-length skirt layered over trousers, which provided both elegance and practicality. This distinctive attire not only showcased their individuality but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the members of the regiment.
Their most recognizable accessory was the tonnelet, a small barrel carried over the shoulder to serve alcohol, which symbolized hospitality and festivity. This barrel was often ornately designed, reflecting the pride they took in their appearance and their role within the community. As they moved through various social gatherings, the attire and tonnelet became a defining element of their identity, drawing attention and admiration from those around them.
The term Cantinière, which means canteen, started to replace Vivandière around the French Revolution (1793), reflecting shifts in both terminology and social roles during this tumultuous period. Both terms are used interchangeably, yet Cantinière became more common during the Napoleonic Wars, signifying the evolving nature of support roles within the military.
These women were not only tasked with providing food and supplies to soldiers in the field but also played a crucial part in boosting morale and caring for the wounded. Their contributions were vital, often requiring them to navigate the challenges of warfare while displaying immense resilience and dedication. Thus, while the terms may appear similar, the Cantinière took on a distinctive identity that resonated with the spirit of the time, underscoring the essential role women played in supporting military efforts.
Tomorrow the last of the Austrian 1809 Jaeger regiments
With the new campaign book coming out I thought I should start building my British The Silver Bayonet list. Unfortunately my recent bring and but successes has meant my choices are somewhat limited.
This was not a big issue as i had already decided to build the core of my list around the 85th Rifles.
A Supernatural Investigator that will also double up as a Doctor.
An Occultist
A Marine
A Sapper
A Sailor
and maybe a Highlander.
The four additions are just to add some variety from game to game and should fit in with some of the new additions that are sure to be in the campaign book.
The list at this stage is a Leader (sword and two pistols) and 5 riflemen (5X18=90). This doesn’t leave many points for something else like an Artilleryman (10), Doctor (10), Grenadier (15), Infantryman (10), Marine (12), Sailor (12), or Sapper (12). My preference is always to start with the maximum number of seven figures so I may have to drop one of the riflemen and take an Artilleryman, a Doctor, and an Infantryman
I am eagerly awaiting for my pre-order of figures and the campaign book to arrive. In the meantime I will continue with the riflemen.
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.
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.
The third and final unit of skeletons is now completed. This time armed with spears.
“The Silver Bayonet” treats skeletons as generic “monsters” and so what they are armed with is irrelevant, but is does enable me to sort out the individual units.
This time a unit with spears to go with the swordsmen and archers.
These were as difficult to put together as the previous lot as their are no significant joining points which makes assembly easier. I much prefer the French Partisans and Italians from Wargames Atlantic than these.
Despite this I was happy with the outcome.
Each sprue had one figure that needed the legs gluing on as well and I had left these to last. All eight were a pain in the ………………!
I also added a light wash of GW Plague Bearer Contrast to give them a bit of an old mouldy look.
The unit leader
With the three units of ten now complete there were still two left over figures on the sprue.I decided to use them as a command base for no other reason than because!
Skeletons have been part of mythology for a long time, symbolizing death and the certainty of dying. In ancient Greek tales, skeletons are seen as animated warriors, like in Jason and the Argonauts, where they are raised by dark magic to fight.
Perhaps the oldest story of animated skeletons is found in the book of Ezekiel Chapter 37.
The Lord’s hand was on me, and He took me to a valley filled with dry bones. He showed me around, and I saw many dry bones on the ground. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I spoke what I was told. While I was speaking, I heard a noise, a rattling, and the bones joined together. I saw tendons and flesh appear on them, and then skin covered them, but they still had no breath.
Then he told me, “Prophesy to the wind; tell it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, wind, from the four corners and breathe into these slain, so they may live.’” So I prophesied as he instructed me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up—a vast army.
New International Version (my paraphrase) Ezekiel Chapter 37: v4 – 10.
Although it symbolizes the spiritual condition of the exiled Israelites, it is also the earliest instance of animated skeletons I can find. This highlights that animated skeletons, like all myths, convey a message – BUT NOT THESE CREATURES!
Well in the “book of Guru” there is one myth, and that is that Guru will smite all animated skeletons with mighty dice rolls! The real message is Guru should replace his dice!
These ten archers are from the Wargames Atlantic box set. A bit of a pain to put together as well as a bit fragile.
Some more finished in a little while. I am struggling with the four winds at the moment.
