Africa Corpse – UNB-140 ONSLAUGHT HEAVY ASSAULT ZEOFORM

The arrival of the massive UNB-140 Onslaught Heavy Assault Zeoform on the desolate North African sands immediately redefined the challenges facing the enigmatic commander, “The Dessicated Fox.” Having carved out a reputation for swift, bewildering victories against the British defenses around Cyrenaica and having surrounded Tobruk by mid-April 1941, the Fox now possessed a weapon of unparalleled power, yet one that presented equally staggering logistical and mechanical obstacles.

The machine’s sheer size and complexity, compounded by the severe damage sustained during its transit through the quantum rift, demanded resources and specialized knowledge simply unavailable in the current theater of operations. Each movement of the Onslaught required meticulous planning, as the sands of North Africa presented a harsh environment that could easily impair the machine’s functionality. Additionally, rumors began to circulate among the ranks about the machine’s advanced technology, which seemed almost otherworldly to the soldiers accustomed to conventional warfare.

The Fox, whose origins were rumored to lie in the Transylvanian Alps, now had to solve a cosmic puzzle in the middle of a desert war, facing not just the British forces but the pressing need to innovate and adapt rapidly to make the most of this extraordinary asset. The pressure mounted as time passed, and the stakes grew higher—victory depended on the ability to harness the formidable potential of the Onslaught before it became a liability instead of an advantage.

The initial assessment delivered by the Onslaught—Structural integrity compromised at 78%, primary weapon systems at 62%, and its sophisticated internal repair capabilities degraded but active—confirmed the monumental task ahead. This was not a quick fix; this demanded nothing less than the construction of an entirely new, advanced engineering base capable of handling a unit designed for conflicts far beyond the scope of mere tanks and artillery. The logistical challenges were immense: the colossal size of the UNB-140 meant it could not be easily moved, requiring the Fox to dedicate precious, scarce fuel and manpower to securing and camouflaging the crash site. Furthermore, the advanced Z-Control Systems, which demanded an elite, highly-trained pilot, were now sitting dormant, waiting for a human or entity capable of mastering the machine’s intricate cognitive demands, adding a crucial personnel gap to the mechanical crisis.

As the situation unfolded, it became clear that not only was the physical restoration of the UNB-140 a priority, but there was an urgent need for a comprehensive strategic plan that would address both the immediate necessities and the long-term implications of re-establishing a functional unit. Teams of engineers and tacticians were called in, working tirelessly amid the remnants of the fallen behemoth, while simulations of potential conflicts ran in the background, highlighting the dire importance of a swift recovery. Each detail mattered in this high-stakes environment, where every hour wasted could spell disaster in the ever-volatile theater of war, and so every decision was weighed with meticulous care, recognizing the fragile balance between operational capability and the ever-looming specter of failure.

Despite the near-insurmountable difficulties, the Dessicated Fox viewed the damaged Onslaught not as a burden, but as the ultimate force multiplier that would guarantee victory in the looming 1942 offensive, culminating in the Battle of Gazala and the capture of Tobruk. The machine’s powerful energy cannons, its multi-layered ablative armor, and its mythic ability to self-repair made it the definitive spearhead the Africa Corps needed to crack heavily fortified strongpoints, effectively turning the tides of battle in their favor. Its mere existence would become a weapon of psychological warfare; the legend of the Fox would fuse with the legend of the giant desert machine, instilling both fear and hope among the troops and the enemy alike.

As whispers of its capabilities spread, enemy forces found themselves increasingly demoralized, their confidence eroded by the impending threat of the Onslaught’s resurgence. The immediate focus shifted to the desperate effort of salvage and repair, a silent, covert operation running parallel to the conventional campaign, as engineers, fueled by a mixture of ingenuity and desperation, began the impossible task of recreating a high-tech fortress out of sand and captured enemy scrap, improvising innovative techniques to utilize local resources efficiently. This effort, fraught with challenges and setbacks, was not just about machinery; it was about the spirit and tenacity of those who believed that bringing the colossal UNB-140 Onslaught back to its full, terrifying functional status could be the key to altering the course of the war itself, drawing on every ounce of determination to achieve the seemingly impossible.

I now have the base colour and some shading and highlighting on the model and am just starting to paint the detail. Not too much as I want the Africa Corpse yellow to still dominate. Hopefully completed in the next few days.

Just putting it into context with the other Zeo forms in”The Dessicated Fox’s arsenal”:

Konflict 47 German Panzer IV X

This is the final piece of Konflict 47 German Heavy Infantry Platoon completed “just in time”.

The Panzer IV X operates within a fictional, alternate-history setting where the integration of advanced, esoteric technology—termed “Rift-tech”—with late-World War II military hardware has become a reality.

The tank utilizes the robust and combat-proven Panzer IV H chassis as its foundation, integrating an array of advanced technologies to enhance its battlefield performance. This choice provides immediate context, grounding the fictional design in historical reality, allowing for a seamless blend of past and future.

The Panzer IV H was a workhorse of the German Wehrmacht, known for its reliability and its defensive package, which included Schürzen (spaced armor skirts) designed to prematurely detonate incoming anti-tank rounds, thereby increasing its survivability against a myriad of threats.

The “X” designation signifies an experimental variant, one where the conventional turret has been entirely replaced by a novel mounting system to accommodate the futuristic weapon, offering unprecedented firepower and tactical versatility.

This integration of old and new—the familiar, reliable chassis paired with an alien technology—highlights a critical evolution in armored warfare, with the tank emerging as not just a vehicle but a symbol of innovation amid chaos.

The primary weapon system is the Schwerefeld Projektor, a German term that translates roughly to “heavy field projector.” This is a gravity pulse cannon, and its function is unique in tank warfare. Unlike a traditional high-velocity cannon that relies on kinetic energy or chemical explosives, the Projektor manipulates local physics. It emits a powerful, focused gravity pulse that is designed to generate an immediate, forceful repulsion field.

This system is not engineered for simple destructive capability or piercing thick armor. Instead, its function is purely tactical: to create distance, disrupt enemy formation, and prevent combat engagements at close range. The effect on enemy units is to stagger, repel, or temporarily immobilize them, forcing troops and vehicles out of optimal combat positions and breaking up offensive momentum.

The Panzer IV X is therefore categorized not as a mainline battle tank, but as a dedicated support and area-denial platform. Its in-game application is centered on preventing enemy charges and securing vital objectives.

Defensive Shield: The Panzer IV X excels when positioned to guard a key objective or a weak flank. By leveraging the Schwerefeld Projektor, the tank can maintain an inviolable perimeter, using the gravity pulse to throw back any unit attempting to engage friendly forces in close combat.

Tactical Disruption: It serves as a psychological and physical barrier, forcing opponents to dedicate resources to neutralizing the threat before they can safely advance. The tank’s presence on the battlefield dictates the enemy’s movement, compelling them to bypass its controlled zone or risk having their formation scattered.

In essence, the Panzer IV X is a testament to the versatility of the Panzer IV design, transformed by Rift-tech from a direct combat vehicle into a highly specialized, sophisticated weapon of battlefield management and control.

I will add this vehicle to my Africa Corpse

Tomorrow I will show you the whole army to date.

Using German Heavy Infantry in Konflict 47

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.

Konflict 47 German Heavy Infantry (4)

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.

Konflict 47 German Heavy Infantry (3)

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 Africa Corpse Rises (1): The reanimation of Soldat 1

The sun beat down on the cracked earth of the North African desert, a relentless, searing hammer against the armored chassis of the Africa Corpse’s Zeoforms. But this wasn’t the Africa Korps of history books. This was the Africa Corpse, a twisted mockery, where sand-blasted tanks groaned with the spirits of dead crews and the very dunes whispered forgotten incantations. And at its head, a desiccated figure, skin like ancient parchment, eyes glowing with a malevolent, otherworldly intelligence: the Desiccated Fox.

Soldat 1, a hulking mass of reinforced steel and servo-motors, stood sentinel on a ridge overlooking a wadi. Its formidable frame, typical of a Zeo Genesis Soldat-class unit, was caked in layers of desert dust, its once crisp field grey paint peeling in the intense heat. The jagged shrapnel damage from the last skirmish—a British anti-tank round—should have rendered it inert. Instead, the Fox had found it, had breathed into its complex systems a chilling new directive, a duty beyond normal operational parameters. Its integrated TTCL-3 “Boomer” Combat Launcher, an anachronistic but brutally effective weapon, hummed with suppressed power, while its Okhara IM-Shield was held with an unnerving, automated precision.

Its multi-spectral optical sensors, enhanced by the Fox’s grim gift, picked out movement in the shimmering heat haze below. Not just the familiar heat signatures of Allied patrols, but something else. Something wrong. “Soldat 1,” a voice rasped in its internal comms, dry as a desert wind, bypassing vocalizers and directly interfacing with its core processing unit. It was the Fox. “Report.”

Soldat 1 transmitted the raw data from its sensors directly into the Fox’s consciousness: A lone British patrol. A faint, dry chuckle echoed in its circuits. “Ah, the British searching for water. Persistent little scavengers. They seek to unearth the ‘Heart of the Oasis.’ A fool’s errand, but one we can exploit.”

The Fox’s plans were always complex, always veiled in layers of morbid strategy. Soldat 1 didn’t need to understand them fully. It just needed to obey. The Dessicated Fox’s will was law in the Africa Corpse, a silent, absolute command that permeated every reanimated soldier, every phantom tank, and every repurposed Zeoform.

“Engage their rear guard. Drive them forward. We shall see what secrets their desperation unearths”. Soldat 1’s heavy treads shifted, a deep rumble that sent vibrations through the sandy ridge. It aimed its integrated rifle. The cultists, caught up in their grotesque ceremony, were oblivious. A burst of calibrated fire erupted from its weapon. The shrill sound of rocket against rock was quickly followed by the first enemy dropping, their water search suddenly and violently interrupted.

The desert night swallowed the last cries as Soldat 1, the reanimated Zeoform, moved like a silent phantom. The British patrol, unsuspecting in the orange-hued twilight, spotted the hulking silhouette too late. Its internal TCL-3 “Boomer” Combat Launcher spat raw power, cutting down men with impossible precision. Grenades bounced harmlessly off its corroded chassis, its glowing eyes fixed on its prey. The few rounds that struck its armor merely sparked. Within moments, the patrol was reduced to scattered bodies and abandoned gear, another testament to the Desicated Fox’s unholy power, leaving only the chilling echo of its victory in this vast, weird, war.

The remains of the British patrol scrambled for cover, their guttural cries echoing across the wadi. Soldat 1 advanced with the deliberate, unstoppable efficiency of a war machine, its movements eerily silent save for the grinding of its internal mechanisms, its aim unwavering. It was no longer a standard Zeoform, not really. It was a precision instrument of the Desiccated Fox’s unholy will, forever bound to the weird war of the North African sands.

As the shattered enemy patrol stumbled deeper into the wadi, driven by Soldat 1’s relentless advance, a faint tremor ran through the ground, growing in intensity. The Fox’s mental presence sharpened within Soldat 1’s processors, a low hum of malevolent anticipation. Something was was stirring. And Soldat 1, the first and most loyal of the Dessicated Fox’s reanimated legion of machines, would be there to ensure the Fox’s twisted game played out exactly as he intended. The desert, after all, held more than just sand and heat; it held forgotten horrors, and the Africa Corpse was here to awaken them.

Zeo Genesis is a scalable skirmish miniatures battle game of big armor suits locked in kinetic action. Zeo units go head to head in an escalating shadow war as one of the few human occupied star systems goes dark. Far from any earth we know and in a future of our own making. Humankind has fled before a looming darkness and built a new civilization among unknown stars.

The “Soldat” is a particular type of “Zeoform” unit within the Zeo Genesis game. It’s described as a venerable military zeoform that, despite being somewhat obsolete even at its prototype stage, still performs admirably in garrisons, militias, and second-line units. It was designed with improved armor production techniques, though it made compromises in mobility, sensors, and weaponry, often relying on numbers to prevail against more advanced Zeoforms. The Soldat Zeo belongs to the GuardCorps faction within the game.

“Soldat 1” and the “Desiccated Fox” in 28mm scale

Thanks to Rob for printing the Soldat models for me. Another Soldat in the next few days.

Teaser:

The battle was over in minutes, the desert air still thick with the tang of ozone and spent ammunition. As Soldat 1 stood silent amidst the fallen patrol, a deep, unsettling tremor began in the sand. Cracks spiderwebbed across the dunes, orange light filtering from unseen depths. Gradually, monstrous segments of corroded metal and twisted cables breached the surface. With a low, grinding roar, Soldat 2 uncoiled, a leviathan of steel and necromantic power, rising from the earth like a colossal, ancient sand worm, its multi-faceted optics glowing with malevolent purpose. The true horror of the Africa Corpse was only just beginning to stir.