Hellfire Heroes is another Guru Pig rule set in the midst of play testing.
Thus time we using British army 2009 versus Tier 3 Insurgents.
Scenario: Checkpoint:
Narrative: Your squad has been tasked with establishing a new checkpoint along a known insurgent supply route. Your goal is to secure the area, show a presence, and deter enemy activity. The insurgents, however, have no intention of letting you disrupt their operations and will attempt a quick ambush to drive you off the road.
Modern Force Objective: Secure the checkpoint. The game ends in a Modern Force victory if they have at least one figure within 2 inches of the center of the checkpoint marker and have no enemy figures within the same radius for two consecutive turns.
Insurgent Objective: Disruption. The insurgents win if they have caused at least two casualties to the modern force and successfully withdraw at least one of their teams off the board.
Forces:
Modern Force: One Section, consisting of two Fire Teams. All teams are Regular quality.
Insurgents: Three Fire Teams. All teams are Irregular quality.
Battlefield Setup: A 3’x3′ board with a dirt road running through the center. The road has a checkpoint marker in the middle. The rest of the board is open desert with scattered rocks and dunes providing light cover.
Deployment: The Modern Force deploys within 6 inches of a board edge. The Insurgents may deploy their teams anywhere on the board outside of 12 inches of the Modern Force’s deployment zone.
Special Rules: Standard ROE and Collateral Damage rules are in effect.
British Squad 1 manning the checkpoint.
Second British squad on over watch on a hill behind the checkpoint.
Insurgent Squad attempting outflanking maneuver.
Insurgent Squad ready to provide fire support.
Insurgent MMG support squad receives two suppression points from shooting.
More firing and additional suppression tokens effectively eliminates the squad,
The British at the checkpoint receive a casualty seriously jeopardizing the mission
The rules required a few more tweeks but the core mechanisms are working well.
The Veteran Hunter is a highly valued and elite soldier option within The Silver Bayonet: A Wargame of Napoleonic Gothic Horror, a skirmish game that blends Napoleonic warfare with supernatural threats. This soldier type is explicitly defined by their extensive experience battling the creatures of the night, making them much more than just a regular line infantryman.
Their substantial recruitment cost of 30 points reflects their superior training and survival instincts, placing them among the most costly non-Officer figures a player can field, alongside unique national figures like the Russian Werebear. This high cost is justified by their reliably strong combat stats and their exceptional flexibility in a monster-heavy environment.
A core advantage of the Veteran Hunter lies in their excellent combat values, typically boasting a +2 to both their Melee and Accuracy rolls. This means they are equally dangerous whether firing a precision shot with a rifle or engaging a brute monster with a sabre and bayonet.
Furthermore, their Defence of 14 and Health of 12 give them respectable staying power, allowing them to absorb more punishment than lesser soldiers before becoming fatigued or falling. Crucially, the Veteran Hunter comes with the ability to choose an additional Officer Attribute, a rule-breaking allowance that players almost universally use to boost their access to specialized equipment, a necessity for confronting supernatural enemies with specific weaknesses.
The expanded access to the Special Armoury is the Veteran Hunter’s defining trait. While most common soldiers are severely limited in the esoteric gear they can carry, a Veteran Hunter can load up on essentials like Holy Symbols, Silvered Weapons, or Cold Iron shot. This means a single Veteran Hunter can be geared up to counter multiple monster types—a vital tactical consideration when facing a mix of undead, were-creatures, and demons.
They act as the unit’s specialized arsenal, ensuring that when the officer’s unit discovers that an enemy is immune to conventional lead or steel, the Veteran Hunter is the one who can step forward and deliver the one attack that truly counts. As such, they are often the most crucial figure to keep alive in campaign play, as their continued survival means greater flexibility against the escalating supernatural horrors.
The Highlander is a pivotal troop type specifically available to the British forces in The Silver Bayonet: A Wargame of Napoleonic Gothic Horror. Set during the chaos of the Napoleonic Wars, the game features elite, clandestine units from various nations—the Silver Bayonets—tasked with hunting down the vampires, werewolves, and other monstrous entities that the bloodshed has awakened.
The Highlander represents a soldier drawn from one of the famed Scottish regiments, such as the 42nd (Black Watch), bringing a unique and essential skillset that balances the unit’s need for both disciplined soldiery and raw, fearless combat ability in the face of the supernatural.
The primary battlefield role of the Highlander is that of a tough, courageous melee specialist. Unlike standard line infantry, they possess a naturally higher Courage attribute, making them significantly more reliable when facing the terror and madness inflicted by the various creatures and occult forces encountered during investigations.
This bravery is crucial in a game where a failed check can see a soldier flee or freeze in fear. Furthermore, they are typically excellent in a brawl, excelling in close-quarters fighting where their strength and traditional weapons shine. A Highlander is often armed not only with a musket, but also a formidable weapon like a heavy claymore or a Lochaber axe, making them the ideal choice for anchoring a battle line or charging headlong to dispatch a monster that has closed the distance.
On the tabletop, the identity of the Highlander is immediately recognizable through the distinctive uniform of the Highland regiments, most notably the kilt. Players constructing their Silver Bayonet units often customize these models—sourced from historical ranges like Victrix or Perry Miniatures—to represent their unique battlefield experience.
This customization can include painting specific regimental tartans or adding accoutrements such as bags of salt or cold-iron shot, reflecting the anti-supernatural gear their character has acquired. While other nations may field champions or berserkers, the Highlander provides the British unit with a disciplined, yet ferocious, man-for-man fighter who serves as the sturdy backbone for any monster-hunting expedition.
In the gothic-horror skirmish game The Silver Bayonet, the Doctor is a vital support specialist who enhances a squad’s survival and strategy. Although not a front-line fighter, their ability to heal wounded teammates is crucial, as permanent injuries can be devastating.
By keeping experienced soldiers in play, the Doctor helps maintain the unit’s strength during the campaign against supernatural threats from the Napoleonic Wars.Beyond healing in battle, the Doctor’s abilities enrich the game’s story. He can defend himself with a pistol and handgun if needed, but it’s best to avoid combat.
The thematic background of the Doctor can also vary, adding a personal touch to each player’s unit. A Doctor might be a hardened military surgeon, grizzled by the horrors of both conventional warfare and the terrifying supernatural entities that stalk the battlefield. Their equipment, typically a silver scalpel and a pistol, reflects their specialized, defensive role, ensuring they can protect themselves while focusing on their primary duty: keeping the squad alive.
Choosing to include a Doctor requires a strategic trade-off, balancing raw firepower with invaluable resilience, making the Doctor a consistently tactical and worthwhile choice for any Silver Bayonet force.
I like to include a doctor and the leader with Medic attribute sitting behind the main body of troops healing as required.
More Silver Bayonet characters over the next few days.
This was not planned and only happened on the spur of the moment when our whale watching tour was postponed to another day due to bad weather. The exhibition was far more than the entombed warriors and included a broad range of items covering many aspects of the Qin legacy. I have only been able to include a small cross section of the photos I took.
Charioteers sword with jade handle
Bronze pottery
Uniform weights and measures were introduced by the Chin
Ornate ceiling tiles
Jade jewellery items
Han Dynasty warriors. I had only seen pictures of these. The size of these which are less than half the height of the Chin reinforces the massive undertaking by the Chin Emperor.
Han Cavalry
Han Warriors
Chin Chariots (1)
Chin Chariots (2)
Chin warrior
Chin bowman
Chin Crossbowman
Chin bow and arrow
Chin warrior and horse
Chin Warrior
The ever changing colours on this display portrays the colurs the infantry were originally painted in.
Chin General
Display portraying the mercury lake
I’m the cool one in the middle!
A great day. The Museum of Western Australia is a must see if you are in Perth. The architecture of the buildings is worth the visit alone,
Dominic Lieven’s “Russia Against Napoleon: The True Story of the Campaigns of War and Peace” is an important and insightful historical work that re-establishes Russia’s vital role in the defeat of Napoleon, an aspect often overlooked in traditional narratives. The book boldly challenges the long-held Anglo-French perspective on the Napoleonic Wars, which frequently portrays the catastrophic 1812 campaign as merely an unfortunate outcome dictated by “General Winter,” while significantly downplaying the critical and strategic contributions made by Russia in the subsequent campaigns of 1813 and 1814. By providing a more nuanced understanding, Lieven reveals the complexities of military strategy, diplomacy, and the indomitable spirit of the Russian people during this tumultuous period. As a noted historian of Imperial Russia, he utilizes newly available Russian archives to present a comprehensive and detailed history, told not just from the perspective of military leaders but also reflecting the viewpoints of the Tsar’s court, the army, and the common citizens whose lives were deeply affected by these historic events. Through this thorough examination, Lieven invites readers to appreciate the full scope of Russia’s involvement and sacrifices during the Napoleonic Wars, ultimately reshaping our understanding of this pivotal chapter in European history.
A main point of Lieven’s book is that Russia’s victory was not just due to luck, weather, or geography; it was the result of deliberate strategy and careful planning. Instead, he shows that the Russian state had a clear and strategic approach, meticulously crafted by its leaders. Tsar Alexander I and his advisors were not just confused figures scrambling in the face of adversity; they were skilled strategists who thoroughly understood the complexities of war and diplomacy. They successfully managed the intricate diplomatic efforts of the anti-Napoleonic coalition, forging essential alliances while simultaneously navigating the delicate relationships between various European powers. Furthermore, they adeptly handled the logistical challenges of coordinating and supporting half a million troops across Europe, ensuring that resources were allocated effectively and that troops were supplied consistently. The story goes beyond the well-known battles of 1812, like Borodino, which, while pivotal, were only part of a larger narrative. Lieven highlights the often-overlooked campaigns of 1813 and 1814, where the Russian army played a crucial role in pushing the French forces back across the continent and ultimately into Paris, showcasing not just resilience but also tactical brilliance that would shape the outcome of the war in favor of the coalition.
The book should be praised for its impressive depth and meticulous detail. It closely examines the complex relationship between Russia and France, starting with the pivotal Treaty of Tilsit in 1807, where the two nations formed an uneasy alliance that set the stage for future conflicts. Lieven skillfully combines diplomatic actions, intricate intelligence operations, and the stark realities of battlefield command, providing readers with a multifaceted view of this historical period. Although it is a thoroughly researched academic work, it has an engaging narrative and dramatic scope, not unlike Tolstoy’s War and Peace, which the subtitle thoughtfully references to draw connections. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions and compelling characterizations that bring the historical figures to life. However, some readers feel that the long list of Russian generals and names, while crucial for an accurate portrayal of events, can make the text feel dry or hard to follow for those not familiar with the era, often requiring additional research to fully appreciate the intricacies of the relationships and events described. The balance between scholarly analysis and storytelling is a delicate one, and while many find it enriching, others may struggle to keep track of the numerous important figures involved.
”Russia Against Napoleon” has been lauded as an instant classic and a necessary corrective, succeeding in its goal of restoring Russia to the center of a pivotal moment in European history. By accessing primary Russian sources and challenging Western, Soviet, and nationalist myths, Lieven provides a deeper understanding of the Imperial Russian state’s capabilities and resilience. The book’s ultimate conclusion is that Russia’s victory was a product of calculated political leadership, highly effective military strategy, and national endurance, the consequences of which cemented Russia’s role as both a major European power and a complex geo-political force for the following two centuries.
”Russia Against Napoleon” is an authoritative and essential history that successfully shifts the narrative balance of the Napoleonic Wars. It offers a powerful and comprehensive case for Russia’s decisive role, making it a mandatory read for anyone seriously interested in the era.
The Austrian Jäger-Bataillons were the elite part of the light infantry arm of the Austrian army during the Napoleonic Wars. Jäger, which means “hunter” in German, were skilled light infantrymen, often recruited from foresters and hunters in provinces like Bohemia, Moravia, and Tyrol. They were trained for skirmishing, sharpshooting, and operating in difficult terrain, providing a valuable contrast to the slow-moving line infantry.
The nine Jäger-Bataillons are now completed
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 1
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 2
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 3
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 4
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 5
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 6
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 7
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 8
1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 9
The Jäger-Bataillons are now completed after only about fifty years time!
The first Jäger-Bataillon I painted and the first “real” metal unit I ever painted was the 1809 Austrian Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 2 shown above. I am really pleased that it is still in my collection!
Although this book isn’t about military history it is about one of my other passions.
Deborah Cadbury’s The Dinosaur Hunters (also known as Terrible Lizard) is a popular and engaging history of early paleontology that captivates readers with its vivid storytelling and well-researched details. It tells the true story of the fierce rivalry between two prominent 19th-century British scientists, Gideon Mantell and Richard Owen, whose contrasting personalities and ambitions ultimately led to the remarkable discovery of the world’s first dinosaurs. Mantell, a determined and often underestimated figure, was driven by a passion for fossils and a desire to make his mark in the scientific community, while Owen, a more established authority, sought recognition and prestige. Their interactions were marked by both collaboration and conflict, revealing not only the complexities of scientific discovery but also the deeply human emotions involved in the pursuit of knowledge. Cadbury should be commended for her ability to transform what could have been a dull academic history into an exciting narrative filled with drama, intrigue, and the personal struggles of these pioneering figures, making it a must-read for both science enthusiasts and general readers alike.
The book’s central focus is the compelling conflict between its two main characters. Gideon Mantell, a passionate, self-taught country doctor, was the initial discoverer of the giant fossil bones, most notably those of the Iguanodon. His obsessive dedication to his work, often conducted at great personal expense, led him toward a tragic life marked by misfortune, including the loss of his family and a crippling injury. In stark contrast stands Richard Owen, a brilliant, well-connected anatomist who enjoyed the favor of the London scientific establishment. While Owen is credited with coining the term “Dinosauria” (meaning “terrible lizard”), Cadbury portrays him as a ruthless and calculating antagonist who actively sought to undermine Mantell’s career, appropriate his discoveries, and secure all the professional acclaim for himself. This high-stakes clash between the struggling provincial genius and the powerful, morally questionable insider forms the “heroes and villains” narrative that makes the book so gripping.
Beyond the personal feud, Cadbury successfully frames the discoveries within the broader context of Victorian science and society. The narrative expertly details the emerging understanding of geology and stratigraphy—the science of rock layering—which provided the key to dating the fossils. It also explores the intense cultural and intellectual tension of the era, illustrating how the physical evidence of enormous, extinct reptiles directly challenged the prevailing literal interpretations of Biblical creation. Reviewers highlight that the book is not just about the dinosaurs themselves, but about the “human element in scientific discovery”: the sacrifices, the intense ambition, the ethical compromises, and the profound shift in understanding our planet’s history. Overall, The Dinosaur Hunters is highly recommended as a fast-paced, scholarly yet exhilarating introduction to the birth of a major science.
