Command bases

  Having given Fantastic Battles a go and having come to the conclusion they are pretty darn good I decided to paint up some command bases for my multi-based forces that up until now had none. Commanders are really important in the game, the loss of them can pretty much doom your army to nuckleheaded movement and sad, sad (and kind of funny) defeat. I intend the commanders to be used for my 10mm fantasy forces.

 

First up are the commanders for the Iron Badgers mercenary company  

 

General Welchingtonne, leader and founder of the (in) famous Iron Badgers. The 3rd son of the Earl of Welchingtonne, he is a born soldier and leader with very little patience for anyone he considers below his station.

 Brother Glover, the company record keeper, padre and magic user. He never intended to join a military unit of any type, he just woke up one day in a tent belonging to the Iron Badgers after a legendary 5 week bender and has no idea how to get home. He's not even a priest, he was just wearing the cassock when he awoke. His real names Gavin...he thinks.

Captain Spalcher is the Generals right hand man and the company 'beating a man half to death for no particular reason' champion. By a country bloody mile. He is a naturally cold, hard man who has found his true vacation and plans to stick to it.

  Sargent Gifford Tappitsworth is best known for his calm, encouraging leadership style and easy manner on the battlefield. Often he can be heard geeing up the troops with phrases like 'oh come on lads, we're only outnumbered 6 to 1, we've had worse', or ' Don't just stand there, the gigantic and very angry fire breathing dragon won't kill itself, get stuck in!'. The rank and file think they like him...

  I also painted some commanders for the press ganged troops of the towns on the border of the wastes which have now been taken over by the Badgers.

Mayor Duckett, leader of the town of Wayward-Nowhere, the largest settlement bordering the wastes  He is a stickler for detail in all folk he deals with, even if he does often have half his breakfast down his breastplate.

Sargent Digby 'red fury' Dibbleswort, scourge of the wastes, or so he tells everyone. Basically he has a bit of a temper and thinks it's some kind of virtue.

  Corporal 'tally ho' Wilkinson, currently in command of the border town of Spillin-Over (population 76). Has a can do attitude and can't get on with those that don't. He tends to lead from the front, normally because most of the lads know they can push him out ahead to attract arrows.

  Sheriff 'Sparrow Hawk' Callhoon, Meanest lawman in the wastes. Known for being hard but fair. I.e. he always works hard to prove his targets guilt once he's decapitated them. In fact it was his creative police work that got him transferred to Wayward-Nowhere in the first place.

  I thought it would be an idea to do some for the Badgers current opposition and scourge of the wastes The Bastard Sons of the most black'ed Crow

  Ol' Papa Crow is the devious patriarch of the Crows, ruling over his extended brood with an iron fist.

 Big Bear Crow, current bearer of the Crows whistling totem known as the 'dinner bell'. He is the largest of the gang, it has been rumoured he ate a whole Ogre in one sitting , making him a legendary figure among his peers.

'Dirty' Ma Crow, witch of the wastes. Ma is not really a member of the Crows, although she is believed to be the mother of more than a few of them. She lives away from the Crows, traveling where ever her gut takes her to sell her various cure all's and potions to travellers and outlaws she encounters. She also serves as Papa Crows eyes and ears in the wastes,  settlers that get a visit from Ma can expect the Crows to not be far behind.

  The black Weasel, outlaw, outcast and all round git. the man known only as The Black Weasel has been exiled to the wastes for years. He was Chased to Wayward-Nowhere after he pushed his luck too far in proper society and was chased from there by Sheriff Callhoon shortly after. He was found half dead and definitely mad by the Crows and was spared the pot as he convinced Papa he has inside knowledge of the border towns that could prove useful... 

...'till next time...

Bag o' Bastards

 

Just a little ditty to set the tone

  

  Well it has to be said that things have been interesting here at chez Sprinks to say the least. Sprinklings 2: Son of Sprinks and 3: The Revenge have seen a huge spike in their Tourettes symptoms, so much so that both now hit, kick, throw and swear compulsively and in the case of Sprinkling 2 have tics in their legs that mean they require a wheelchair most of the time. To top that off the amazing Mrs Sprinks is having considerable back troubles meaning she is also struggling to get about. However we are muddling through and the kids are taking it in stride as much as possible so it could be worse.

But on the bright side I have finished my 10mm not Mongol army I mentioned Here.  It seems like a trivial thing with everything else going on but it's been surprising just what a great refuge a few hours hobby time can be 

The Bastard sons of the most black'ed Crow ride out to commit some form of dickishness or other!.

  They are a much feared gang of inbread raiders, excelling in ambushing and riding down trader caravans, trafficking contraband, raiding isolated settlements and providing mercenaries for anyone that needs them (and can stomach having them around). They are expert scavengers motivated to feed their greatest and grossest habit, that being the consumption of human flesh which takes on the center of their disgusting religious customs. The Sons are one of many such groups across the wastes that form an uneasy network to swap information and trade stolen goods and captives. When threatened the groups band together for mutual protection and can form an impressive and powerful army...if they can work together long enough.

My basic idea for the theme of the army was basically a medieval fantasy version of the classic American biker gang, but if they were cannibal rednecks. Sort of Sons of Anarchy meets Sawney Bean with a hint of Deliverance and the hills have eyes chucked onto the mix.

The latest additions:

2 units of veterans, mixed Lance and bow to follow the Mongol list I'm using as a base for the army.

The army's nobles. Heads of the extended family that is the Bastard sons.

 A couple of wasteland great eagles raised and trained from chicks by the sons. Most people think these creatures are noble and majestic beasts, however all dwellers of the wastes know them to be pricks. The eagles are used by the Sons for scouting and tracking potential pray.

 These eagles came from a job lot of painted bits off of evilbay, I just based them.

The army is now in a playable condition, I do have extra units of light and veteran horse waiting for paint but I have the required 8 units so I'm calling them done for now.

A Burgundian force attempts not to be eaten by horse riding wasteland loonies.

 If you are wondering why the pictures have an odd black shadow in the bottom corner it's because it turns out I can't be trusted to keep a phone in one piece!.  My device took a nose dive while I was completing some basic household chores and the screen and camera lenses seem to have lost a few hit points in the process. Hopefully I will have it sorted by my next post.

...'till next time...

Q) When's a Mongol not a Mongol?

  A) When he's a Bastard son of the most black'ed Crow.

Simple really.

 I feel I should clarify. Having finished my 10mm Swiss and Burgundian Ordonnance armies i fancied putting together another force, mainly to give the Swiss steamroller a challenge. So looking through Ancient and Medieval wargaming by Neil Thomas to search for suitable opposition I stumbled soon the Mongol list. Loads of missile horse and nippy lads to stretch the Swiss line and evade their doubleduppikeblocksofdeath However, the spirit of historical accuracy reared its head and I must admit to being pretty sure the forces never actually met (I could be wrong but the map of the world would point to it being unlikely). However I really wanted a speedy force of horse botherers. So the answer seemed simple. Invent a fantasy army!.

Introducing the first batch of units for the Bastard sons of the most black'ed Crow.

I planned to collect some fantasy forces in 10mm eventually so why not build one using the Mongol list as a base?. In my head they are a mash up of modern bikers, waste land barbarians and backwards rednecks. One of many tribes (or are they extended family?) that infest the wastes running contraband, raiding isolated farmsteads, protecting their 'turf' and engaging in all other brands of banditry. 

They are pendraken sarmatians painted with modern day biker gangers in mind, hence the attempt at black leather waist coats and blue jeans on all the models. I painted the bows and banner poles red to contrast the brown horses and also as a nod to early 90's G.W., I've decided the tribe use the natural materials of the wastes so carry bitchwood weapons.

 Another reason I wanted to do an all mounted force is because I have an aversion to painting horses, so doing an army full should be a suitable 'kill or cure' remedy for my issue!. I just need to work out what I'm doing for banners and I should be able to crack on.

 Also I was looking through some old miniatures and came across my 12mm kallistra Medieval armies, which were one of the first painting projects I completed a few years back. I plan to use them to build some retinues for an upcoming project. So I decided to strip and repaint a few to see how they clean up.

 I painted a few horsemen and decided to compare them with some of my earlier attempts.

Hopefully you can tell which ones I have just painted!. The point of this I suppose is that although I'm an averageatbest painter I was surprised how much progress I have made in terms of my painting style and general standard of my attempts. It's easy to feel like you aren't getting anywhere but by comparing these paint jobs I can see I have improved and be pleased with the progress I have managed. Give it a go, you will surprise yourself.

'till next time...

Thar be movements ahoy!.

I thought it may be high time to return to my 2mm 'punk n' shot' campaign:

 Having failed to oust a Tuttinghammeshire advanced force from the town of Brickage the forces of Crivenshire have regrouped and decided to take the attack to the enemy....but a surprise awaits!...


...but first...

Rites of Spring, the sound of the revolution summer!.

  So, as i was waffling, i decided to dive into turn two of my Pike and steampunk bobbins, first the positions at the end of the last turn:

  The situation as the turn begins, Tuttinghammeshire forces are established over the Crivenshire border (circled). I decided to change things around a bit and make all moves at the same time to prevent the attack/ reaction cycle of last turn. To that end both Tuttinghamme and Crivenshire make their moves together:

To which end both forces pushed on in the east, actually moving past each other!. Crivenshire decided to contain the invading forces where they were and go on the attack at the border to try to catch them off guard. For their part Tuttinghammeshire also pushed on over the eastern border only further east, attacking the town of Whiffy in order to split the Crivenshire defensive forces. Why they chose to do this can be explained by what happened next:

Berkshire rises and declares support for Tuttinghammeshire!!

  Thats right the third shire to come to arms are Berkshire, adding to the forces of the north!, things look bleak for Crivenshire!. Berkshire waste no time in joining in the attack on Whiffy, meaning the next battle will be a two on one affair!.

 While i was up and at it i decided to draw some F.F.S cards for the upcoming battle, getting the following:

Crivenshire scouting seems to be going well for once, they get choice of deployment area, while a lucky trooper in the Tutinghammeshire force has found a spell scroll ready to use in the battle. For their part Berkshire scouts are very familiar with the battlefield, meaning they get to rejig it a bit before setting up!.

 The battle should be done soon, but you know me and my glacial pace when it comes to hobby stuff. I have decided this year i am going to go with the flow a little more, playing games and painting stuff as the mood takes, so this campaign will probably ebb and flow throughout the year. It will be nice to have something bubbling away that i can dip into when i want. It also means i can flit between projects without getting frustrated when i move away from things to something else, nothing is ever unfinished, just set aside ready to come back to later. Which is handy because i got a copy of this in the post yesterday:

Which has got me thinking about some 6mm Sci-fi stuff i could do......

......'till next time....

The daring liberation of Deric Whattingley-Smithe, part 2

 It feels ages since i posted the first part of this battle(you can find it  here  ), what with Christmas, Christmas and...oh yeah, Christmas happening things have rather gotten away from me. But do not fear an' that, here i am again to tell you all the stuff that went and happened........But first.....

Pearl Jam live at some dutch festival back in the day, i choose this because living right up to her name the Amazing Mrs Sprinks only went and got me two tickets to see this lot next year for Christmas!.

Right, on with the fisticuffs!.

  To continue on with the report the forces of Crivenshire deployed onto the field, awaiting the Tuttinghammeshire advance:

On the left irregular horse, Regulars and some war Giants were ready to advance on Brickage.

A Heifer supported by Irregular foot watched over the Whattingley-Smithe farmsted.

The right was held by a mobile force of tanks supported by Light horse and Lancers ready to take the crossroads and support the troops at the pass.

Speaking of which the pass was under the watchful eye of the Crivenshire guns with some Irregular foot in support.

Two squads of Storm Badgers special action troopers were ranging ahead to protect Brickage.

At the break of dawns first light the forces of the northern invaders appeared ready to do their worst!.

 A fast attack force of rabid Brute Hounds and not quite so rabid light horse made directly for Brickage, supported by the S.S. Saucy Jack!.

 The rest of the force used the woods by the Kelpington Cross as a pivot, Whippets  loaded with Irregular foot troops belted towards the enemy center and the farmsted supported by the giant carnivorous goats of the Red riders and some deadly Lancers.

On the Cross itself Irregular horse and some light tanks prepare to attach the guns on the hill (gulp!).

All along the Crivenshire battle line the advance is called, the Southern army races to meet the foe!:

 The Heifer moves up to guard the farm.

While on the left the irregular horse ride on while the Regulars and Giants head for the town.

 The Crivenshire guns roar....

Destroying the Tuttinghamme Irregular Horse before they can close the range!.

 Battle is joined in the center as Tuttinghamme Irregulars disembark from their transports under fire!.

 Brutal hand to hand combat is joined on both sides of the river as the fight for Brickage kicks off!.

 A bitter fire fight in the center sees troops from both sides inflict heavy losses.

 Over the river the Storm Badgers deal with the Brute Hounds!.

Crivenshire reserves are dropped at the Town gates to allow the giants and Regulars to push on.

 The Lummoxshire Red riders bring shame to their kin, falling to mere southern irregular horse!!.

The situation at the midway point, Crivenshire hold the town, farm and pass, Tuttinghammeshire just hold the cross!.

Things turn further towards a Crivenshire victory as the Light horse hunt down the Stoats to take the Crossroads.

Menouvering in the center sees the northern forces begin to be encircled.

In a last ditched attempt to grab some objectives the S.S. Saucy Jack comes about and heads for the Pass, depositing its irregular passengers in a daring attack on the enemy guns!.

The Guns roar in reply, taking out an enemy Whippet....

 ...however the attacking airborne division destroy all but one of the guns!.

 Over at Brickage the other pack of Brute hounds are taken care of!.

While the last of the Tutters armour is destroyed by the rampaging giants!.

The situation on the penultimate turn, Brickage is secured for Crivenshire, as is the farm. Light horse have the crossroads sewn up making three southern held objectives but only one detachment of guns now hold the pass. 

 The Giants continue to mop up in the center.

While a desperate final shooting phase sees the Tuttinghamme irregulars destroy the remaining Crivenshire cannon!.

While the S.S.Saucy Jack lumbers over to the crossroads under heavy fire from the Crivenshire center to blast the Southern light horse.........

...........leaving the air craft in control of the crossroads!.

Meanwhile the Storm Badgers restore calm to the town.

The Crivenshire Heifer remains where it began the battle, undamaged in control of the farm.

 But despite all that the last gasp attack on the pass has left it in Tuttinghammeshire hands!.

The final positions.

 So with two objectives each the game is a very bloody draw!. The area around Brickage remains in Tuttinhammeshire hands despite some very determined efforts by the local forces to wrestle control back for Crivenshire!.

Oh and for anyone wondering, Brickage is actually situated next to the site known as (The Amazing ones painting area of) Shitetippe:

....don't tell the locals!.

.....All that remains to do today is to welcome Mr Mark Flanagan to this mess of a blog, welcome Sir!. Please feel free to pop a quick hello in the comments, if you blog please pop a link in there too so we can all have a squiss........right, 'till next time.......