tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57839858650827122422024-03-18T12:27:12.326+00:00Irregular WarsNichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.comBlogger966125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-22864917429796451692024-03-17T20:55:00.003+00:002024-03-17T20:55:54.383+00:00An evening of Devilry Afoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With most of my <i>Devilry Afoot </i>collection painted, I'm a little happier showing snapshots of playtest games in play. Roger came round this week and we got three games played in one sitting.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our mini campaign began with a roster of three monster hunters:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Nathaniel Nightfall, the backsliding lawyer with an interest in demonology. Nathaniel was equipped with a pistol and a lantern.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Rev. Titus Hardwick, outwardly devout, but another secret backslider. The reverend carried a sword and a bible (holy item).</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Ebenezer Cromwell, the burly goodman whose animal magnetism hints at his secret lycanthropy. Godman Cromwell arrived toting a blunderbuss and enough cut up pennies to load it twice with silver shot. </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlEZlok1xHnCoZXnwRBv1pjsfzUVDIrd0oiGhKc1PhNfV5Euv6vLD7yXsUIUOAs1s7b9skG3mnCRRIbaFbFSrS_k59fIinS8Wpov6exil8jfgFVB4OLqQpxKPdrREQJhHGMOfZgaYdqyB56eOKY-WoKrn4GwXq1sUI_KuwQDo-Pd2HZlRHlWv8tpFr10/s4601/PXL_20240315_200502041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2993" data-original-width="4601" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlEZlok1xHnCoZXnwRBv1pjsfzUVDIrd0oiGhKc1PhNfV5Euv6vLD7yXsUIUOAs1s7b9skG3mnCRRIbaFbFSrS_k59fIinS8Wpov6exil8jfgFVB4OLqQpxKPdrREQJhHGMOfZgaYdqyB56eOKY-WoKrn4GwXq1sUI_KuwQDo-Pd2HZlRHlWv8tpFr10/w640-h416/PXL_20240315_200502041.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The first hunt was A Discovery of Witches, where a coven is discovered having their sabbatt on the edge of a village. The hunters were tasked with killing all three witches before the looming storm breaks. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0LaIXIDdL2kykEovJd4FJ9-JkMbnmOdoamcw0CO0lWr74p63Y0RyAY8Tt4ntp4zPCDc4LHC2D74jb_HTHsdeN4SCTikfExbcu6QeYxkwWL8by7guQx1v8O6P_vWYNHu72v_6Y9Wl-923CkLo1FsrtanmB7yphnTOJA3075tmAwwpIBwbNHy_7E7B2wk/s4283/PXL_20240315_202032950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2646" data-original-width="4283" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0LaIXIDdL2kykEovJd4FJ9-JkMbnmOdoamcw0CO0lWr74p63Y0RyAY8Tt4ntp4zPCDc4LHC2D74jb_HTHsdeN4SCTikfExbcu6QeYxkwWL8by7guQx1v8O6P_vWYNHu72v_6Y9Wl-923CkLo1FsrtanmB7yphnTOJA3075tmAwwpIBwbNHy_7E7B2wk/w640-h396/PXL_20240315_202032950.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Early on, the witches scattered and hid, transfiguring into wolf form before stalking the hunters and casting a myriad of charms at them. Nathanial really struggled to bring himself into the fray, even though his lantern light would have improved the hunters' efforts no end. When he did manage to come close, his one pistol shot went wide before he was mortally wounded by a witch. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Goodman Cromwell managed to kill one witch with a well placed hail of silver shot, before the reverend too succumbed to the witches' savagery. One of the remaining witches threw herself at the goodman, only to be bludgeoned by the butt of the blunderbuss, while a timely shot managed to kill the last witch as she fled. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Neither Nathaniel nor the reverend recovered from their wounds - presumably divine judgement on their backsliding. Ebenezer Cromwell collected the bounty on all three witches and bought himself a buff coat and a wee dog. He also accrued enough experience to earn an upgrade, improving his shooting ability.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For the second hunt, the well-kitted out Ebenezer Cromwell was joined by some new companions:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Prosperity O'Connell, a veteran soldier and a drunkard. O'Connell was a skilled duellist equipped with a sword, dagger and pistol.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Captain van Damme, a Flemish gentleman with a secret gambling problem equipped with a sword and dagger. He was accompanied by a follower:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Betty, a pistol-packing servant from the van Damme household, devoted to the captain.</span></li></ul></ul></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N7rQGxIAlZ23y5HwFE4KIeljaF0B5iD-W0mIn8RZjrRd9T_-9oanl1Xpiw3C0bjA65WCPOd49L-DvaC_Pzn8ogxoVSTUziL7fymVF9SVwcDy4ke9Mj87QTGPlAVnf1GK6v7-H2h0yA6-QZwKmag9zpgE-rPe2mXBlX0k49RGXC29LK2MCUpKnHoCfYg/s4254/PXL_20240315_210743849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3174" data-original-width="4254" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N7rQGxIAlZ23y5HwFE4KIeljaF0B5iD-W0mIn8RZjrRd9T_-9oanl1Xpiw3C0bjA65WCPOd49L-DvaC_Pzn8ogxoVSTUziL7fymVF9SVwcDy4ke9Mj87QTGPlAVnf1GK6v7-H2h0yA6-QZwKmag9zpgE-rPe2mXBlX0k49RGXC29LK2MCUpKnHoCfYg/w640-h478/PXL_20240315_210743849.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hired by a village to keep vigil over the graves of recently executed criminals, the village, and the graves are threatened by ghouls, and the risk that one or more of the recent dead will not remain that way for long.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tvSI8h0Z0-XJnU4f_2_rDwiIFKUyv-qu4ayuFxn7azKnq_m2zrhY53sP6OlrXvvK1zqpaMlCEDkA0OblJ5ptV4CdspIMsB7PTVc9q-RsbfZ6mz9xEMjREBxzXtEsqkwUUtxWD_W2kDPqmwxV6o4uERIpJGwh5khTKxLOIZvZeNfwdqxViGpoAGfpuS4/s4607/PXL_20240315_212538740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3078" data-original-width="4607" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tvSI8h0Z0-XJnU4f_2_rDwiIFKUyv-qu4ayuFxn7azKnq_m2zrhY53sP6OlrXvvK1zqpaMlCEDkA0OblJ5ptV4CdspIMsB7PTVc9q-RsbfZ6mz9xEMjREBxzXtEsqkwUUtxWD_W2kDPqmwxV6o4uERIpJGwh5khTKxLOIZvZeNfwdqxViGpoAGfpuS4/w640-h428/PXL_20240315_212538740.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Betty and O'Connell (fortified with drink) headed off to distract one ghoul, making sure it stayed away from the houses, and </span><span style="font-size: large;">both</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">proceeded to fire off their pistols. They kept the ghoul skulking in the shadows until it lashed out, engaging in a melee with O'Connell, ending badly for the ghoul. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LconR0WSBhMQQoEt0rBIZ03tsvNCCZVnQa-FtNbwegwyeY9O4SOWpNpRvdYBqLJXa5_8HhKRiGebLsxGNMmijRSL4DYxcaRKFe7kdPiSoSSNdT12UGbRNpp1-ZxaOKXvym0dauT1X-qTU4atJXHkFOCwbG84DSq3O-w8Du6FVtpmUQ3nc7m6WTp1edE/s4619/PXL_20240315_212546556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="4619" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LconR0WSBhMQQoEt0rBIZ03tsvNCCZVnQa-FtNbwegwyeY9O4SOWpNpRvdYBqLJXa5_8HhKRiGebLsxGNMmijRSL4DYxcaRKFe7kdPiSoSSNdT12UGbRNpp1-ZxaOKXvym0dauT1X-qTU4atJXHkFOCwbG84DSq3O-w8Du6FVtpmUQ3nc7m6WTp1edE/w640-h388/PXL_20240315_212546556.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On the far side of the burial area, van Damme took on the other ghoul, slaying in with a well-practiced swing of his sword. Just as it looked like the night's troubles were over, a third ghoul entered the table, heading for the graves where Goodman Cromwell waited with his dog and his blunderbuss. One shot later, and the ordeal was done, with not a revenant to be seen.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All hunters survived and the earnings of the night allowed van Damme to invest in a buff coat.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">****</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We finished the night with the Beast in the Fog scenario. Stalking a savage barghest into the high moors (high moors with decaying Roman ruins and hungry grass), the hunters were separated in the fog. Four counters were placed in the corners of the table marking possible locations of the barghest, each would activate until the real location was determined.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85VsTwkQMYHDDbIszVeR-LxQ27by2RhsnfEmQJOp6EGCEmeTl0Kn0Dl_QQEKV77Itutg41w2JKZbvQvgqOype7eDhOO7-tGjFr1jpDeuBQXc2MAYNpx1ZId2ySX3jj1oHlaDAKP4i4CYL_hqvNBzFD4a8fduyH6F-a-0ZXNrsXRz81v-NkxXu1kvUx5I/s4542/PXL_20240315_215704548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4542" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85VsTwkQMYHDDbIszVeR-LxQ27by2RhsnfEmQJOp6EGCEmeTl0Kn0Dl_QQEKV77Itutg41w2JKZbvQvgqOype7eDhOO7-tGjFr1jpDeuBQXc2MAYNpx1ZId2ySX3jj1oHlaDAKP4i4CYL_hqvNBzFD4a8fduyH6F-a-0ZXNrsXRz81v-NkxXu1kvUx5I/w640-h422/PXL_20240315_215704548.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The four hunters were deployed randomly, and all ended up either in hungry grass, or in rough terrain. A hunter rolling a 1 during activation when standing in hungry grass will fall asleep. With a d10 system, this should be unlikely.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HiJLH8UHfwl9IDYPofqBXgxab-OKFp4qc2JnCqfCSFPpOjpNvUptDfTH1B0o0UAPsP7BGqo0MG5cIRGRqSp4wIX3W87dpSqEh3X30Kp4OfzeGdNzinXjVb5Sgu85xJY6b_aptQFpSrZwQpxPBPPtwe5zqKQJn-lrXHNNJ9Bjlg2IXYeRQDs_A2BNuhA/s4624/PXL_20240315_220358929.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2514" data-original-width="4624" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HiJLH8UHfwl9IDYPofqBXgxab-OKFp4qc2JnCqfCSFPpOjpNvUptDfTH1B0o0UAPsP7BGqo0MG5cIRGRqSp4wIX3W87dpSqEh3X30Kp4OfzeGdNzinXjVb5Sgu85xJY6b_aptQFpSrZwQpxPBPPtwe5zqKQJn-lrXHNNJ9Bjlg2IXYeRQDs_A2BNuhA/w640-h348/PXL_20240315_220358929.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the first turn, all three hunters starting in the hungry grass rolled 1s to activate and fell asleep! Only Prosperity O'Connell, who had started in rough terrain, was still awake. He managing to dismiss one barghest dummy counter before making his way into the centre of the table to try to reach Betty. Before he could, the real barghest loomed large out of the fog, heading for the sleeping follower.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fh3tuwX08ppRT-ZTPT7a-ZashlZ6QTwJOw3hnSADFX95aBeiS96SmwSrDjo0onNHFB4svHIm87G4XeCB-n9EAyjJnM1EmLp8DYiDWYPjUXAeRBhqYe1hkpyXeWeh6LMRXF5H0znzILVL8N_Kmgr-bVepfBL0EVtOYx2srEiCWmtr7hz1edRWDXRRg3w/s4624/PXL_20240315_220453306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2843" data-original-width="4624" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fh3tuwX08ppRT-ZTPT7a-ZashlZ6QTwJOw3hnSADFX95aBeiS96SmwSrDjo0onNHFB4svHIm87G4XeCB-n9EAyjJnM1EmLp8DYiDWYPjUXAeRBhqYe1hkpyXeWeh6LMRXF5H0znzILVL8N_Kmgr-bVepfBL0EVtOYx2srEiCWmtr7hz1edRWDXRRg3w/w640-h394/PXL_20240315_220453306.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The barghest savaged Betty in her sleep and then turned on O'Connell. Over in the other patch of hungry grass, Cromwell's dog licked him awake and he, in-turn, woke up van Damme. The captain dashed across to the beast, but too late to save O'Connell. van Damme wounded the beast, but then he too was taken out of action. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Once more, Ebenezer Cromwell was the last man standing (but still accompanied by his dog). Loading his blunderbuss with silver shot, he fired at close range, finishing the beast.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Prosperity O'Connell's luck ran out and he died of his wounds, but both van Damme and Betty managed to recover with little more than disfiguring scars. van Damme then proceeded to lose most of his bounty over cards the following night. So far, Cromwell has been lucky not to trigger his lycanthropy, but who knows what tomorrow night will bring.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-92195617981333796352024-03-13T15:50:00.001+00:002024-03-13T15:50:17.835+00:00More monstrous mayhem for Devilry Afoot - Troll, ghouls and revenants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've fallen a little behind in painting updates for my <i>Devilry Afoot</i> collection, so here is a little tiny avalanche of 28mm monsters...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3OQy2c-VwK2lJ5t4jcFHFmXPwfUHvRpywBVp1y1vqTvXwm3XsVj9lLIqStHNWXqbDl8bz6B-KOronarOTrkddMdNNZOyIf-7Hv1VGVcp-LgGgMZOY5VQNfVJVdlJC_hy3bm4JpDp2-z3VNDAgQJQB_IC55vNCDP-gjpdNtbcoucZn05Ky_Rt9EzgrBw/s4266/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2646" data-original-width="4266" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3OQy2c-VwK2lJ5t4jcFHFmXPwfUHvRpywBVp1y1vqTvXwm3XsVj9lLIqStHNWXqbDl8bz6B-KOronarOTrkddMdNNZOyIf-7Hv1VGVcp-LgGgMZOY5VQNfVJVdlJC_hy3bm4JpDp2-z3VNDAgQJQB_IC55vNCDP-gjpdNtbcoucZn05Ky_Rt9EzgrBw/w640-h396/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Fist up we have the most enjoyable miniature I have painted in an awful, awful long time - the troll. This resin miniature is from HarrowHyrst (available through Footsore Miniatures), shown next to a Bloody Miniatures ECW chappie for scale.. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxqdfNA1KLKNaDfn_ZjjVzYJ9JjA6PcMT4VRjeXYDeRYfx7QtoIyv0C1ydr0owCLWfCXVY-4ECQDfTP44SSmi-jfKES-TAjxpzoaxNOqeGsiSASI-wM5fc-55PImmrmZE1xU2N35pltH9wKOgxqldLsAaUcEgvvw4PMNqa-5iK2ZQWJ2PbPqAAQW31bk/s8208/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="8208" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxqdfNA1KLKNaDfn_ZjjVzYJ9JjA6PcMT4VRjeXYDeRYfx7QtoIyv0C1ydr0owCLWfCXVY-4ECQDfTP44SSmi-jfKES-TAjxpzoaxNOqeGsiSASI-wM5fc-55PImmrmZE1xU2N35pltH9wKOgxqldLsAaUcEgvvw4PMNqa-5iK2ZQWJ2PbPqAAQW31bk/w640-h192/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Great lumbering creatures, ox-tailed and with grotesque features, the trolls of northern Europe dwell in small communities in lonely mountain caves and among the rocky high places furthest from the interference of humans. While susceptible to sunlight and often dim-witted, trolls can be both malevolent and possessive of immense strength meaning that few would willingly cross their path or disturb their existence.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HYAcaLvjKkC45pBroLa1Sgpf82IPZ_sM9xrwbRn1kHenunZwODhMHbS-NEQH1zmf4mHEBNDzwJ7EV-qzh5bxDTsre2BvG32zukvNJWD4k3cyXBbKQbjY5WiRZ3vNZaDntRR9kp5kYOODrSGRs_9KPHYHI1984fPi0esDLiS6Dea6otRnlCcE-Jj4lcw/s3600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HYAcaLvjKkC45pBroLa1Sgpf82IPZ_sM9xrwbRn1kHenunZwODhMHbS-NEQH1zmf4mHEBNDzwJ7EV-qzh5bxDTsre2BvG32zukvNJWD4k3cyXBbKQbjY5WiRZ3vNZaDntRR9kp5kYOODrSGRs_9KPHYHI1984fPi0esDLiS6Dea6otRnlCcE-Jj4lcw/w640-h412/3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a war-torn land, many a desperate soul has given itself up to cannibalism to survive through a desperate winter or a city under siege. For some, that taste of human flesh leaves a lingering desire for more. Banding together in depraved associations and libertine covens, a ghoul’s macabre fascination with death emboldens them to stalk the night looking for mortal morsels or willing acolytes to lure away from the light.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf04d66UAurNXx-VkDlqu8O-LGtlbevrenJvgomqZLoTNcTHSpUfvp63GtkpK-SjIheLwGt8XxUHM3EheV_prOfpfQ7vMjG6YXptcg7Oe6xil0ypwfXkM1okw3FyG_66xsWY05RHwEnjbUldnoqC9l5a2b-PJlhtC1NVTH0DhXLyEqsG5wP6I4BXHDkEA/s4523/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="4523" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf04d66UAurNXx-VkDlqu8O-LGtlbevrenJvgomqZLoTNcTHSpUfvp63GtkpK-SjIheLwGt8XxUHM3EheV_prOfpfQ7vMjG6YXptcg7Oe6xil0ypwfXkM1okw3FyG_66xsWY05RHwEnjbUldnoqC9l5a2b-PJlhtC1NVTH0DhXLyEqsG5wP6I4BXHDkEA/w640-h268/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My two ghouls are from Heresy Miniatures. In the hand they look grand, but blown up on the screen they look a little rushed perhaps.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yT0-grIBCd_1euD442GEhK8P8q6Zb57SFdXceJxppz-SHM1KDDspCqQZLEZteNAf3V7h9fyvF-V_vIiRrVTSxBiNbNrBb76MViDa2VkK_8BX8JrAJJHln949y6Pomztd1JFTc0KiXPXM2rJ7zW4_DTX-X2A_UUBsvoiHlLwXDcqBhdJowgL-emb-SeI/s4410/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1902" data-original-width="4410" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yT0-grIBCd_1euD442GEhK8P8q6Zb57SFdXceJxppz-SHM1KDDspCqQZLEZteNAf3V7h9fyvF-V_vIiRrVTSxBiNbNrBb76MViDa2VkK_8BX8JrAJJHln949y6Pomztd1JFTc0KiXPXM2rJ7zW4_DTX-X2A_UUBsvoiHlLwXDcqBhdJowgL-emb-SeI/w640-h276/5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I always struggle to know what to do with ghoul flesh. They are living creatures for the stereotypical green-grey doesn't work for me. I ended up trying the same approach as on my 10mm ghouls and went with more raw looking purple hues.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n8I2NOd6rNdM47GkC0esY6AtQr9v5q3A4js-Ls6zRZOdCc6sI3L20I6Ty1eZuv-qRRVRKl_SHr8jUdhQJbIfF0Hycs2NeMmcPlBKbTS58LUGN8t3-Q1dGbgNVxUlB1VWWomCj8OXJvVmxuQpe4B2ZHA1Xx_exVdIITmliQ1stYbJIbQZT9oCqYIQkUw/s4368/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4368" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1n8I2NOd6rNdM47GkC0esY6AtQr9v5q3A4js-Ls6zRZOdCc6sI3L20I6Ty1eZuv-qRRVRKl_SHr8jUdhQJbIfF0Hycs2NeMmcPlBKbTS58LUGN8t3-Q1dGbgNVxUlB1VWWomCj8OXJvVmxuQpe4B2ZHA1Xx_exVdIITmliQ1stYbJIbQZT9oCqYIQkUw/w640-h382/6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Revenants were once men who lived wicked lives and are now cursed with a restless death. Mindlessly shambling through the night, revenants are drawn to the sweet smell of the living with a desire only to spread death, destruction and decay. Unable to rest naturally, the most effective response to a revenant’s repeated visitation employs the use of wooden stakes, decapitation, and reburial with specific rituals.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uocKgfSQoj6F5nP7XzuWVnh58MddL_3srjMArM_UnSJ18Oy87uVtu2kbsgdCDWDS3srPlAlj_Wzi5mM8XMnAHtA8aWhZ7Mb_CTyAlH3AyG_48qOwFQ3L2ONTg_0EJThdo4dDlI8cq771633Kirqqx0i32fxumrBaU8ZITGVTE642N_7B0RfgV8QwWts/s4020/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2484" data-original-width="4020" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uocKgfSQoj6F5nP7XzuWVnh58MddL_3srjMArM_UnSJ18Oy87uVtu2kbsgdCDWDS3srPlAlj_Wzi5mM8XMnAHtA8aWhZ7Mb_CTyAlH3AyG_48qOwFQ3L2ONTg_0EJThdo4dDlI8cq771633Kirqqx0i32fxumrBaU8ZITGVTE642N_7B0RfgV8QwWts/w640-h396/7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">These three revenants are from Antediluvian Miniatures. They are zombie conquistadors, but serve my purposes perfectly!</span></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-2001380168386024432024-03-05T16:20:00.001+00:002024-03-05T16:20:13.352+00:00Devilry Afoot - witch hunters (5) and a spectre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLbYs64irJs_kv0NZ9NAAifJM5qihq2szz8OddiVvLXMkPOHjB7T4bpB387nlkl1pE-CtV5RND-LG-44zoXeEccWl0DisugvFaX9bDPOoi4pJaH8HfrO_fPdd_JYvzoFvrd79RjZT-OxEPeQZIVqs6GVHQ3NNaHOiINRNrU754ORrJLGcbuHzAlslZZo/s4020/PXL_20240305_134056067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2538" data-original-width="4020" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLbYs64irJs_kv0NZ9NAAifJM5qihq2szz8OddiVvLXMkPOHjB7T4bpB387nlkl1pE-CtV5RND-LG-44zoXeEccWl0DisugvFaX9bDPOoi4pJaH8HfrO_fPdd_JYvzoFvrd79RjZT-OxEPeQZIVqs6GVHQ3NNaHOiINRNrU754ORrJLGcbuHzAlslZZo/w640-h405/PXL_20240305_134056067.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This week I completed my tenth and final (for playtesting purposes) monster hunter for <i>Devilry Afoot</i>. I also popped some paint on an unfortunate headless lady... <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRHFP6BMW5ocTzrk4LQz_YrS07WmZMmUVMXojGCuJP8jwZn0_-wJZHJvZL_iAVcKBnYRqa_JQ3zK4NWagvoL76NeGFCpYKZnjn1wBif2et1oQrrmSaxCrqR_Ld3prrwZA3CUU8Ld3W0cTBDGybPeaKgGtK6YChiFAY5b5Dnjpkd0cblxXPUm1jsQKA9Y/s4386/PXL_20240305_134127131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2196" data-original-width="4386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRHFP6BMW5ocTzrk4LQz_YrS07WmZMmUVMXojGCuJP8jwZn0_-wJZHJvZL_iAVcKBnYRqa_JQ3zK4NWagvoL76NeGFCpYKZnjn1wBif2et1oQrrmSaxCrqR_Ld3prrwZA3CUU8Ld3W0cTBDGybPeaKgGtK6YChiFAY5b5Dnjpkd0cblxXPUm1jsQKA9Y/w640-h320/PXL_20240305_134127131.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This chap is another moss trooper from the 28mm Bloody Miniatures line. Originally toating two hefty horse pistols/dragons, I swapped out one of his hands for a spare lantern I had in the drawer. I see him as a scholar, but equipped as he is with sword and pistol, he could also be a veteran soldier or a gentleman slightly down on his luck.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I tried a much more toned-down version of object light source painting this time, really just highlighting what is a dark blue coat up with purple nearer the warm light of the lantern. Again, I am not wholly convinced, but it is not a displeasing result. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEbtEFuFGNaQ0WdbErXMFHUQ9jTDmBN4nGNrZnXJeJbY2ay7SkJvxwxLcWzxiZdCbkzJlhfI4u1QW36gM0r5Fmi1D4K0NQq3pWWJVxcRUhJu7bqSJgIF5uZ7GLL2FRAkU8HSmeeB6iMlBwH1bC3IwpwPNAP7tEj-bC9SUrJBnlOb3pL3ie0fFkW1IM_o/s4356/PXL_20240305_134205628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2092" data-original-width="4356" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEbtEFuFGNaQ0WdbErXMFHUQ9jTDmBN4nGNrZnXJeJbY2ay7SkJvxwxLcWzxiZdCbkzJlhfI4u1QW36gM0r5Fmi1D4K0NQq3pWWJVxcRUhJu7bqSJgIF5uZ7GLL2FRAkU8HSmeeB6iMlBwH1bC3IwpwPNAP7tEj-bC9SUrJBnlOb3pL3ie0fFkW1IM_o/w640-h308/PXL_20240305_134205628.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The headless spectre is a ghost from Midlam Miniatures with her hand twisted around to hold a wee resin candle. I actually painted her twice - the first time trying to heavily dry brush her from colour to white to be all ephemeral, but that really didn't work so I went back and coloured her in again. I think the headless nature of the figure makes it pretty clear that she is at the ghostly end of the corporeal spectrum...<br /><br />In <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, spectres are ephemeral apparitions, the tormented souls of men and women killed before their time, or visions of demons summoned by witchcraft. The ethereal entities can manifest in different ways, ranging from translucent figures and misty shapes to full-bodied phantoms. As incorporeal beings, spectres may neither suffer, nor cause, physical wounds, but that does not make them any less threatening to the good living and God-fearing.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhussnsY8MnOcy3mS4TnaNbUQSBAAPXjTWEgOCdwZosF5_3IWK7AbTP9tPU1C1Decc7r2FSEKlvQVOrCnFhjPkVOReXWlUBs-Gmh-9pnWV85gLAAf1OMqtL_flAdVcXu8EDv0klx0M19S6oEXI9uMqiqBMm3Y75AOYf4mcKI4H49qC8XkJWJpzrmna2Y7U/s4086/PXL_20240305_134833811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4086" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhussnsY8MnOcy3mS4TnaNbUQSBAAPXjTWEgOCdwZosF5_3IWK7AbTP9tPU1C1Decc7r2FSEKlvQVOrCnFhjPkVOReXWlUBs-Gmh-9pnWV85gLAAf1OMqtL_flAdVcXu8EDv0klx0M19S6oEXI9uMqiqBMm3Y75AOYf4mcKI4H49qC8XkJWJpzrmna2Y7U/w640-h288/PXL_20240305_134833811.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">And finally a vanity shot of all the hunters together, two each of the five archetypes - gentlemen, goodmen, scholars, soldiers and religious - and the wee dog too. It would be very unusual to see them all on the table together in a game of <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, most hunting parties would have less than six figures in them, but I do like the look of the group shot. </span>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-17435306922029311692024-03-02T21:51:00.004+00:002024-03-05T13:14:09.404+00:00Devilry Afoot - witch hunters (4) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmss5zz8qJ2InP5FsiHWX2AW7rImOtfvyPSPvRhcMOZw9XBN_pJrV1ZQ0-NNiVtQP84vvn6VYaihJ74Iv9g2DmRdxr-erP6LY5XM9oBbBbYldbsWY3o-k3ul5MGJCppmSRUBzpA1L-upsPUdKgrfHb9tRmiZkJOlmAw3KJH-qk0H1vh7ZnR1ncF2zjjk/s4134/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2783" data-original-width="4134" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmss5zz8qJ2InP5FsiHWX2AW7rImOtfvyPSPvRhcMOZw9XBN_pJrV1ZQ0-NNiVtQP84vvn6VYaihJ74Iv9g2DmRdxr-erP6LY5XM9oBbBbYldbsWY3o-k3ul5MGJCppmSRUBzpA1L-upsPUdKgrfHb9tRmiZkJOlmAw3KJH-qk0H1vh7ZnR1ncF2zjjk/w640-h430/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The latest monster hunters completed for <i>Devilry Afoot</i> are these two 28mm moss troopers from Bloody Miniatures. They have been painted up to use as gentlemen, but could equally be soldiers.<br /></span><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0uP8yDOnxAZVX7EuLAI88WXf30JEPER94cu8AVFaf-JUPDyDwr23loQXvwnbKL5oOmzx2lNqIjNB4qkQTjgApZ3_NIGk5RkRct-3ifkm4Z8xEpnrbHkYaRWJt31CzuyHwhp1gEZWKgwSwrbv4_G2PYVXcBl0S0Yd6SWcjbpRnhPiYFEgCQZ4EgQZ31Q/s4589/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="4589" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0uP8yDOnxAZVX7EuLAI88WXf30JEPER94cu8AVFaf-JUPDyDwr23loQXvwnbKL5oOmzx2lNqIjNB4qkQTjgApZ3_NIGk5RkRct-3ifkm4Z8xEpnrbHkYaRWJt31CzuyHwhp1gEZWKgwSwrbv4_G2PYVXcBl0S0Yd6SWcjbpRnhPiYFEgCQZ4EgQZ31Q/w640-h342/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, a gentleman is man of quality, wealth and honour, whose family money has allowed for a life of leisure and the luxury to practice the more chivalrous arts of swordplay, poetry and courting. Given their standing in the community, a gentleman will start any game or campaign with additional resources and a member of his household to provide support during a hunt and other essential services during normal times.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iU9ntxLHuwyB7BlLYVLZHYBhLV_5DMOoITbdsTDF2UB_1ZadguochEHXZRXdHqWQSuLo97M2a2arRG7LYh4yf5zPmyDIkZujb4k6hk0pTHQwIbgy5U4dP86d8TeDpnCe4Q964JMx7eoNtgN-7jz78i6sdwi7qHwA5PJvafQQ9L2G7W7OqF7ZSVIsEiA/s4500/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2440" data-original-width="4500" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iU9ntxLHuwyB7BlLYVLZHYBhLV_5DMOoITbdsTDF2UB_1ZadguochEHXZRXdHqWQSuLo97M2a2arRG7LYh4yf5zPmyDIkZujb4k6hk0pTHQwIbgy5U4dP86d8TeDpnCe4Q964JMx7eoNtgN-7jz78i6sdwi7qHwA5PJvafQQ9L2G7W7OqF7ZSVIsEiA/w640-h348/3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_kqUvoOWFMdHksT-B6tffUJxRc5f1_D0uwGVSvpmW-Zd3azCW2OG4w8Why4LL3GDcksvOHfVSsesJJbeRrecpHSZwW4gR0nEAZejcHcsWxImOSsJOV-Pg8dDVLi5cZXmp1TWyrvqVTfaKH5N_4hSWi6hzEyVQYjAFeSBDRsH-p-usZwbyezNJ2orWPA/s4624/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_kqUvoOWFMdHksT-B6tffUJxRc5f1_D0uwGVSvpmW-Zd3azCW2OG4w8Why4LL3GDcksvOHfVSsesJJbeRrecpHSZwW4gR0nEAZejcHcsWxImOSsJOV-Pg8dDVLi5cZXmp1TWyrvqVTfaKH5N_4hSWi6hzEyVQYjAFeSBDRsH-p-usZwbyezNJ2orWPA/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This last shot, from one of our test games, shows a gentleman and soldier attempting to drive off a wendigo that was threatening a small frontier settlement. The gentleman's dog had already been eaten and shortly after this photo was taken, both the gentleman and soldier were also dined upon... suffice to say the scenario did not end well for the hunters!</span></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-48039764583760112322024-02-25T21:41:00.001+00:002024-02-25T21:41:13.700+00:00Mark VI Érineach Preservers - completing the squad?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOPw_dWTJXToOzmsSU0u4CBj8B0MHge4WWeONZA1v84bi_68lc1jAY7vg9P5tzsIWNP0_KJsnO_eEw9N5vz-yvlOFPnz5As16zKNjSYeecJa0r2YM3thIZRy-W7yWWes1o5QVANCQrSKkT3ltq4A1JhV61-tLFh-Qwcx49k9HYUnRbQix6t0jZwI_Wn0/s4624/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2273" data-original-width="4624" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOPw_dWTJXToOzmsSU0u4CBj8B0MHge4WWeONZA1v84bi_68lc1jAY7vg9P5tzsIWNP0_KJsnO_eEw9N5vz-yvlOFPnz5As16zKNjSYeecJa0r2YM3thIZRy-W7yWWes1o5QVANCQrSKkT3ltq4A1JhV61-tLFh-Qwcx49k9HYUnRbQix6t0jZwI_Wn0/w640-h314/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Taking a slight detour from the painting schedule, I added a sixth Mark VI preserver to my beaky marine squad this weekend. A little <a href="https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2023/10/mark-vi-erineach-preservers.html" target="_blank">background for the rest of the squad was given back in October 2023</a>. Now, a heavy-weapon toting chappie joins the crew as Brother F. I already have a <a href="https://irregularwars.blogspot.com/2023/11/erineach-preserver-support-assets.html" target="_blank">wee tech support asset and a scout sniper</a> and another five 40K 2nd edition scouts that can be scrounged out of the bits box if I ever need to add them.</span><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm not sure when they will see action. I have very little interest in what 40K has become over the last 25 years really. Ideally I'd like to use them in an over-sized game of <i>This is Not a Test</i> at some point, but should the need ever arise, I also now have enough painted marines for a Kill Team.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxOq_VEm1RK-JuW19ecjCb22kJo7GdeQ34VQQmNWSqpB-els5aOOjGFvJdh2zFHhBsaeMn57m8_0bgfP3QkQ4pR9ilIkrg8zQ3X1l5GKmAG-WDxrpsia0D0McJ3ZEZvNc96RpIwgZ7Ntt0UPlkNIhf0Sq08ObqglwIXcuZAXpct6ZaJGQbuQbSiTOTOg/s2880/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxOq_VEm1RK-JuW19ecjCb22kJo7GdeQ34VQQmNWSqpB-els5aOOjGFvJdh2zFHhBsaeMn57m8_0bgfP3QkQ4pR9ilIkrg8zQ3X1l5GKmAG-WDxrpsia0D0McJ3ZEZvNc96RpIwgZ7Ntt0UPlkNIhf0Sq08ObqglwIXcuZAXpct6ZaJGQbuQbSiTOTOg/w640-h640/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-48475117524646174652024-02-24T14:19:00.005+00:002024-02-24T14:19:38.210+00:00Devilry Afoot - Unleash the hounds!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MXNhUwWQNxtE5liDJSr_aO2GfA783jzqD4WxY_4iLXepnSv0wi4D55HZ1dUoQMyYMMvcYdaE-tlgMrk7uHlAsi7oZD6PGFrkBuTXrp1o7AEYIS9SNYIC2vXIbExVxaXWj3O7k-4mYzI8sBxJWwJtxFEwKNu59zDcRsA10kAtROzeKmamLHsuy2IcUfw/s2820/doggo%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1938" data-original-width="2820" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MXNhUwWQNxtE5liDJSr_aO2GfA783jzqD4WxY_4iLXepnSv0wi4D55HZ1dUoQMyYMMvcYdaE-tlgMrk7uHlAsi7oZD6PGFrkBuTXrp1o7AEYIS9SNYIC2vXIbExVxaXWj3O7k-4mYzI8sBxJWwJtxFEwKNu59zDcRsA10kAtROzeKmamLHsuy2IcUfw/w640-h440/doggo%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">This week I have focused on painting up canines for games of <i>Devilry Afoot</i>. To the left we have a companionable dog, loosely based on my own scruffy wee critter. On the right, the fearsome barghest. For scale I have matched them with a Bloody Miniatures pipe-puffing goodman in the photos below.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBcEtZ5AfAfMI7D4hyKg4_PnG5leFr5MqMkAnw7-xh4KqVS7D9dMyTSQq_bxX0Itm1vxXGhkvdvxUQWhJtLgwE93eRXvGCXAtjhoEehbheKXN4DGITSzF2dHk0eLOzlZP7m7OR1ijx5zXQBuNR_EC3KSvaB18zBMB4qC_vm6P_gJ7TRxFPJ2rO1AeoCQ/s4464/doggo%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="4464" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBcEtZ5AfAfMI7D4hyKg4_PnG5leFr5MqMkAnw7-xh4KqVS7D9dMyTSQq_bxX0Itm1vxXGhkvdvxUQWhJtLgwE93eRXvGCXAtjhoEehbheKXN4DGITSzF2dHk0eLOzlZP7m7OR1ijx5zXQBuNR_EC3KSvaB18zBMB4qC_vm6P_gJ7TRxFPJ2rO1AeoCQ/w640-h274/doggo%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, dogs are intended to be useful aids to a hunting party, but not necessarily savage war dogs, slabbering to tear monsters limb from limb. Hunting parties are designed to be made up of members of a normal community, not elite monster-hunters belonging to a secret society. They are unlikely to own dogs trained for hunting anything larger than a wolf and so dogs should not be intended to close with a monster. Think of them more as advanced warning systems that help the hunters to locate their monstrous foes. This perky wee fellow is from Magister Militum (now presumably OOP?).</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizvLCUhiyO9TJpTuDp9_VkPilEoACnBA9j6zGmLYreFvGDxAV7DA59reZw7JA8z6QXX1CmYL4kCDsGxRfy2YAdDmfC1oMpVmgLv9AObxDr6HCG2miamsp5pK4-0eSUBb7ePw9AQyEKSItZISTeq00dJF9xizBnZNcPV2ga3xzZ99F6tG98aNXqVWMsA4/s5094/doggo%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2196" data-original-width="5094" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizvLCUhiyO9TJpTuDp9_VkPilEoACnBA9j6zGmLYreFvGDxAV7DA59reZw7JA8z6QXX1CmYL4kCDsGxRfy2YAdDmfC1oMpVmgLv9AObxDr6HCG2miamsp5pK4-0eSUBb7ePw9AQyEKSItZISTeq00dJF9xizBnZNcPV2ga3xzZ99F6tG98aNXqVWMsA4/w640-h276/doggo%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The opposite extreme is the barghest. Sometimes known as Black Shuck, the barghest is a hellhound, summoned from the otherworld to wrack the Devil’s vengeance on man. Known for its giant black dog-like frame, and fiery red eyes, the baying calls of the barghest haunts the moors and boglands, serving as an omen of death and doggedly stalking its prey. Its ghastly appearance and ominous presence evoke a heightened fear matched only be the curse of its bite – the wounds of which are rumoured never to fully heal. The model is from Heresy Miniatures and is a truly hulking beasty.<br /><br /></span><br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-64085903595304529372024-02-21T22:20:00.003+00:002024-02-21T22:20:17.888+00:00Devilry Afoot - How will you wendigo...?<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuEOjMvlCcpZFrTZ0W4HJ3Ub88crZHP-nLO_-Jy9Z5f6WRzYaBEHulaDelIlT31pEggkneg6YidU5RBWTFeF_iBLgrG3BpoROG-iLfCd2TiJl60wvKvkQ7K7u4wVyvWUdMci9FiidWkCrLrMReQrgPVJk_Yw-3e_ZRZCobTfWWLe3wqLZplG70hmfIMM/s3180/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="3180" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuEOjMvlCcpZFrTZ0W4HJ3Ub88crZHP-nLO_-Jy9Z5f6WRzYaBEHulaDelIlT31pEggkneg6YidU5RBWTFeF_iBLgrG3BpoROG-iLfCd2TiJl60wvKvkQ7K7u4wVyvWUdMci9FiidWkCrLrMReQrgPVJk_Yw-3e_ZRZCobTfWWLe3wqLZplG70hmfIMM/w640-h470/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">When it came to adding a North American monster to <i>Devilry Afoot's</i> book of monsters, there was only ever one obvious choice; the wendigo. The big question, was how to represent one on the table.<br /><br />Wendigos, also known as windikouk, atchen and kewok among other names, are cursed, cannibalistic revenants found among the Algonquin nations. Their badly-lived lives have left them tormented in death with a hunger that can never be fulfilled. Although they are able to take on many forms, a wendigo is forever emaciated; standing grotesquely tall, its frame is draped in tattered, frost-covered skin They stalk their human prey consumed with ravenous appetite, however, with each meal their frame grows larger forcing them to hunt and feed again.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The standard wargaming trope is to have a creature with a deer or moose head. While the look is quite iconic, as far as I can tell it seems to be based on a Hollywood manifestation of a wendigo rather than anything coming from traditional beliefs. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncGXM6ofOjZhA67Flu76yyLrD-9UkJy2YqtXd-tnMXTwkdNd7Y8253bemcNVKg_LnMbFe_MxHesHHN1lnKCRIKzcQ38Y_b-mSL-PJR608J6glypo3UdRVYm-JGnC8KIm0KkvRBcQsH2T-hR3iSj8MBDs3N17kcz_wWAmQddxSf0VLCip7J2ALZL2CDbk/s4577/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2537" data-original-width="4577" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncGXM6ofOjZhA67Flu76yyLrD-9UkJy2YqtXd-tnMXTwkdNd7Y8253bemcNVKg_LnMbFe_MxHesHHN1lnKCRIKzcQ38Y_b-mSL-PJR608J6glypo3UdRVYm-JGnC8KIm0KkvRBcQsH2T-hR3iSj8MBDs3N17kcz_wWAmQddxSf0VLCip7J2ALZL2CDbk/w640-h354/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Wanting to be as 17th century accurate as I could be, I opted for this oversized ghoul from Heresy Miniatures. Admittedly he doesn't look huge next to the Bloody Miniatures figure in the top picture, but Bloody Miniatures are big boys themselves. He should probably be bigger and more rangy; maybe he hasn't been feeding much recently? The feral pointed years and sinewy body go some way to fitting the bill though.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I tried to paint him as sympathetically as possible, with a warmer than usual skin tone (a curious choice for a frozen wendigo?), Algonquin inspired warpaint, and scraps of buckskin clothing. Presumably he's wielding a moose femur as a war club, because that bone is massive!</span></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-3836144017922599092024-02-19T22:16:00.000+00:002024-02-19T22:16:22.122+00:00Fantastic Battles 28mm - Alexandrian Macedonians vs the Bacchae<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxDDFcaNXkuQ2XFIbUeXKlcpSpVMRt2P8alaubKNT1OhCQGk7ugeG-eS78zelbe_fbYwcovUz7jGWkQ5Q6HdBe5aLO28N7LNqkGtb1pbMgElvRxzE1UAGJs3-dOAAf4-cvgPNLpqnyNjqJ9Z7U0N8CtHzUke0SnxKYhsWoAo7JB3XXvDAmofegytAP9Y/s2000/PXL_20240216_204037214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxDDFcaNXkuQ2XFIbUeXKlcpSpVMRt2P8alaubKNT1OhCQGk7ugeG-eS78zelbe_fbYwcovUz7jGWkQ5Q6HdBe5aLO28N7LNqkGtb1pbMgElvRxzE1UAGJs3-dOAAf4-cvgPNLpqnyNjqJ9Z7U0N8CtHzUke0SnxKYhsWoAo7JB3XXvDAmofegytAP9Y/w640-h398/PXL_20240216_204037214.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taking the my 28mm Bacchae out to stretch their legs, I headed down to Lisburn Gaming Club last week to take on Roger's 28mm Alexandrian Macedonians in a pseudo-historical clash of (metaphorical) giants!</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDcOOZ09VrnnUFEZmwaLaEDFnO3Dw_64oXXvcL2aixwY2W9BE2OEd2XkY0z2GNHhp-l7z6qcY5PF5puGFzzHklpQEn3tMIKAFRF84_CpHlNyhsMEI-97RyySdQMt_7MgYPvr7h5mOBBvaYWRRP776CBU8GyGet6RiRIiZRRDxRDDx2pmoOfgfCa_j-p8/s2000/PXL_20240216_200241615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDcOOZ09VrnnUFEZmwaLaEDFnO3Dw_64oXXvcL2aixwY2W9BE2OEd2XkY0z2GNHhp-l7z6qcY5PF5puGFzzHklpQEn3tMIKAFRF84_CpHlNyhsMEI-97RyySdQMt_7MgYPvr7h5mOBBvaYWRRP776CBU8GyGet6RiRIiZRRDxRDDx2pmoOfgfCa_j-p8/w640-h480/PXL_20240216_200241615.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In a typically Alexander move, Alexander (top of the picture) massed his cavalry on his right and took command of one of the units of elite companions himself. The second unit, led by a captain, were overly enthusiastic and deployed far forward of the rest of their lines. A unit of Thracians led by a rogue were late, deploying behind the wood, while the main phalanx also deployed a little forward. The hypaspists on the Macedonian left, and the various small units of archers interspersed around the infantry (mostly) maintained their lines.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04ML9AehfiskStcel5Uet3dJRlMWBICX9KLTv5r3Kho9HB7vPZMaVTeDabOOne_0XYl9qTUZI49wiYSR8R7M6iteYRSyNa1aa9-11vuFj0tDtooK3WN72XKY0Y_yuHTFJh1sy0jiVRS1eQTqdKzj2vIFhpbV_UUCCBv5wfUkHjDK3lGOcxte9Su6572M/s2000/PXL_20240216_200259976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="2000" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04ML9AehfiskStcel5Uet3dJRlMWBICX9KLTv5r3Kho9HB7vPZMaVTeDabOOne_0XYl9qTUZI49wiYSR8R7M6iteYRSyNa1aa9-11vuFj0tDtooK3WN72XKY0Y_yuHTFJh1sy0jiVRS1eQTqdKzj2vIFhpbV_UUCCBv5wfUkHjDK3lGOcxte9Su6572M/w640-h356/PXL_20240216_200259976.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Dionysos had an easier time with mishaps; only the nymphs were stricken with disease. On the Bacchic left, a unit of leopards were deployed slightly forward in ambush in the woods. Next came an elephant in front of the yakshi maiden guard, a horde of satyrs, and a smaller unit of centaurs led by Papa Silenos. The nymphs (a magic using character company) held the woods in the centre, while maenads led by Pan and the erotes chariots led by Eros held the Bacchic right. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUCtMZNv52CXDboxZZAFrF0f-CVnIqpimHCN32UpOThDXLyqj-FRIlzHRrM8BiUb9TKIwudOgKgy9fT0YXEiWiEKf1xFvznyas47FgLCap7ynXAMMLj9zVR1QxybEatFzdsYmqfRKLb4F4JvMgj5nf7Q99l9f7TRctJoECv1wD58oQkfpPtbyMvvK2u4/s2000/PXL_20240216_201852396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1397" data-original-width="2000" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUCtMZNv52CXDboxZZAFrF0f-CVnIqpimHCN32UpOThDXLyqj-FRIlzHRrM8BiUb9TKIwudOgKgy9fT0YXEiWiEKf1xFvznyas47FgLCap7ynXAMMLj9zVR1QxybEatFzdsYmqfRKLb4F4JvMgj5nf7Q99l9f7TRctJoECv1wD58oQkfpPtbyMvvK2u4/w640-h448/PXL_20240216_201852396.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">As the battle opened, the enthusiastic companions continued to move forward, putting themselves in the live of fire for the mixed shooting unit of satyrs and the centaurs, both of whom peppered them with arrows. The centaurs moved forward to get into a better position and the yakshi maiden guard started to redeploy around to the right of the satyrs. The nymphs in the centre moved forward towards the edge of their woods as the fearsome Macedonian phalanx advanced. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOulYncGqFRAeF1hnhvqmDCEl0b0nWtLjr3tYY2wkVcZsFCQ4oLlD8w9umg55dHXy-cxVlXwCqoa3tKb3Fgb6P5LCoKUgCU7o8rYnipzSM-RHooX_92-xgHhyuq1Q_k4jqESAoC7DIslXrwICYG_azPRxnX3J4E4kCoKdmND0gAthfWGZ23uurzx4Ji4/s2000/PXL_20240216_201911012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="2000" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOulYncGqFRAeF1hnhvqmDCEl0b0nWtLjr3tYY2wkVcZsFCQ4oLlD8w9umg55dHXy-cxVlXwCqoa3tKb3Fgb6P5LCoKUgCU7o8rYnipzSM-RHooX_92-xgHhyuq1Q_k4jqESAoC7DIslXrwICYG_azPRxnX3J4E4kCoKdmND0gAthfWGZ23uurzx4Ji4/w640-h350/PXL_20240216_201911012.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the other flank, both forces advanced cautiously.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOpfDnWwbUUmL0Kf_Uc_ksWuSTv_0C45L8nGtKbhh8SJE_BrW1O46A5KAaYl-bdUc3TncTjVzuS01f3hiOmJcDnTRAzbnWmEyfmw7dpw_qp5_XfbS1FkSazPemjv4yRJCMvdaFU1_zqGDHd0PMHGPDKT2qWtRh_aZAuOKlopj0Gp_u1U7-dqPpPhhA1Y/s2000/PXL_20240216_204044684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2000" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOpfDnWwbUUmL0Kf_Uc_ksWuSTv_0C45L8nGtKbhh8SJE_BrW1O46A5KAaYl-bdUc3TncTjVzuS01f3hiOmJcDnTRAzbnWmEyfmw7dpw_qp5_XfbS1FkSazPemjv4yRJCMvdaFU1_zqGDHd0PMHGPDKT2qWtRh_aZAuOKlopj0Gp_u1U7-dqPpPhhA1Y/w640-h420/PXL_20240216_204044684.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Over on the left, Dionysos cast confusion on Alexander and his companions, forcing them to rush forwards into the leopards. I made two crucial mistakes at this point: 1) I had brought the leopards too far forward meaning that the companions were not inside the woods enough to suffer melee penalties, and 2) I forgot that the companion movement should have been reduced by the woods to such an extent that they shouldn't have actually completed their charge at all... These two points were to have implications. Having committed to the melee regardless, Alexander was then charged in the flank by the Bacchic elephant.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The other unit of companions also charged forward with a thud into the satyrs, while the Macedonian light horse hit them in the flank.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEplrgB-tQdlr1rjz2-xfveZ4XAnAxmI8FC_ZKprVpOTrHnIgwbuEmPLjIt0HhKZftPhy4nXpGZ6Qi9z-74IbBDKSMian6b3umVIYy_rpKfeeHiFds-yAr9XcxTbaj-eMptjTYO7zAs5p_WYyYPXA3i-vzXmCb3qTq51Lh0N0hNTFOyKNgKq_oMmF4p5k/s2000/PXL_20240216_204053721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEplrgB-tQdlr1rjz2-xfveZ4XAnAxmI8FC_ZKprVpOTrHnIgwbuEmPLjIt0HhKZftPhy4nXpGZ6Qi9z-74IbBDKSMian6b3umVIYy_rpKfeeHiFds-yAr9XcxTbaj-eMptjTYO7zAs5p_WYyYPXA3i-vzXmCb3qTq51Lh0N0hNTFOyKNgKq_oMmF4p5k/w640-h480/PXL_20240216_204053721.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the centre, the nymphs cast entangle on the phalanx, pinning it and the two attached characters into place.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkgYiJnKNime3cV7nunHxIyYuaF6Xz_FFhwEhyphenhyphen6rRrvdVkECAXtVoMgVXuQueH2OlAOTzvyYpNnB_fCm0CtUq85iJpFz9zS4G0_Hv6ZpGWkol69Brs9ivSV3ycPBh_RcjSVz-Yq6tilfzKZX2axu4dhces7KsMy5Mf0iTYfD3wiAHuwBHh6e26FpS5ZI/s2000/PXL_20240216_204104396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2000" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkgYiJnKNime3cV7nunHxIyYuaF6Xz_FFhwEhyphenhyphen6rRrvdVkECAXtVoMgVXuQueH2OlAOTzvyYpNnB_fCm0CtUq85iJpFz9zS4G0_Hv6ZpGWkol69Brs9ivSV3ycPBh_RcjSVz-Yq6tilfzKZX2axu4dhces7KsMy5Mf0iTYfD3wiAHuwBHh6e26FpS5ZI/w640-h462/PXL_20240216_204104396.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, the maenads and hypaspists sized each other up, while Cretan archers made themselves felt by the erote goat chariots.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4PPyrRYQwuRRUgQnsyAW7xcUZLiomGYs_Fe2AjfgZOukBaa7iwM36f7Zm3Ob_fx4SSeEX14EkfyaxnP4zFk6jM5bYj4U8dvzixjpgVZXNkQedhmu6DwAdASyrVOjI1iUXcSKHhkFDBvb9Sk6W-LTKvbgqoSfdVM6FyuPmvER1xKrQNkoFg2-28rvbW4/s2000/PXL_20240216_210550997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4PPyrRYQwuRRUgQnsyAW7xcUZLiomGYs_Fe2AjfgZOukBaa7iwM36f7Zm3Ob_fx4SSeEX14EkfyaxnP4zFk6jM5bYj4U8dvzixjpgVZXNkQedhmu6DwAdASyrVOjI1iUXcSKHhkFDBvb9Sk6W-LTKvbgqoSfdVM6FyuPmvER1xKrQNkoFg2-28rvbW4/w640-h396/PXL_20240216_210550997.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Having messed up with the leopards, they broke and scattered after a single round of melee, allowing the companions to turn to face the elephant alone - not theat it did them much good, scattering soon afterwards and carrying a mortally wounded Alexander from the field. The centaurs came to the aid of the satyrs as the Thracians emerged from the long walk through the woods. The nymphs continued to pin the phalanx with entangle spells.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEp72a2SBsrSBKh-T46TEIJ022IkE9THtXMb9yJdrXtd33JvNpZ6Uhaoi2s4yN1u4Zf6jPHpYID37fGXGV_Wpoa4os1-8izOZya4ffXl4wHhs16ylwV3s9-5-vOIh9EPO5h-y3dlNViSlgs4w7u9Awy9E19wdIcMe8AZ7OWtlAu6jDQGBCbb6Yp2cctA/s2000/PXL_20240216_210558099.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2000" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEp72a2SBsrSBKh-T46TEIJ022IkE9THtXMb9yJdrXtd33JvNpZ6Uhaoi2s4yN1u4Zf6jPHpYID37fGXGV_Wpoa4os1-8izOZya4ffXl4wHhs16ylwV3s9-5-vOIh9EPO5h-y3dlNViSlgs4w7u9Awy9E19wdIcMe8AZ7OWtlAu6jDQGBCbb6Yp2cctA/w640-h434/PXL_20240216_210558099.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The maenads clashed with the the Macedonian hypaspists and a single unit of impetuous archers who were in-turn charged by the chariots.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuWQ0T1fu9pTwA7M7Zav4xwdeAQgP1qkwoMk89rRlBSaj9N_xsE4KEWZ7KlyP4M_VK5HfUSTr9teatGkKmPekv5fS-w2ci4q_QIZMxTqtUe_ORCvRmGBAy2rqCxI8497YaqyyolSoyBJuSELs8z8Jk8J1xCg2piSdlNCYOxENtWpJYuywUK1KAJ-HOk0/s2000/PXL_20240216_210608238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="2000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuWQ0T1fu9pTwA7M7Zav4xwdeAQgP1qkwoMk89rRlBSaj9N_xsE4KEWZ7KlyP4M_VK5HfUSTr9teatGkKmPekv5fS-w2ci4q_QIZMxTqtUe_ORCvRmGBAy2rqCxI8497YaqyyolSoyBJuSELs8z8Jk8J1xCg2piSdlNCYOxENtWpJYuywUK1KAJ-HOk0/w640-h384/PXL_20240216_210608238.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With most of the Bacchic army committed, the battle hung in the balance... but a really badly weighted balance.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PfQnjg4YnQP9zseSztQmyL8NgeIR72nTxG-ELhMAyWVXk6iGjzJEz44sq6CacjsxnO79kCDMrs6mDx_lXIJRGPul5vkdMlJFXHK5-qv1hZlAvT8FyHswce_6Vz7xw8YpDaMGB6KFShWOobnjSxeKmw-RycAp0wVjabr61bbjhRXTNzDm1HYVuF4UJH0/s2000/PXL_20240216_211714073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PfQnjg4YnQP9zseSztQmyL8NgeIR72nTxG-ELhMAyWVXk6iGjzJEz44sq6CacjsxnO79kCDMrs6mDx_lXIJRGPul5vkdMlJFXHK5-qv1hZlAvT8FyHswce_6Vz7xw8YpDaMGB6KFShWOobnjSxeKmw-RycAp0wVjabr61bbjhRXTNzDm1HYVuF4UJH0/w640-h396/PXL_20240216_211714073.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">In one go, the second unit of companions and the Macedonian light horse, together with the satyr horde and elephants all broke and fled. Dionysos was suddenly conspicuously lonely. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The army breakpoints now sat 9/10 for the Bacchae, and 6/10 for the Macedonians. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AEYgLHTM-mE6d2jLwD-9gyEP56kygmvXHB-Fr2-su6yL15gH3IYfRFAVwq76f-TMk4u6EwTf7FRMU9ywzB10inPfxdFOSdZu_lE3F1pvm40S2kOvZ8Q7XdjgvZji1gJwype0ltLHt611Oq7dGdU368CthU2vYf1Smq2FAt-vXrejC8ghAO4dwZaTqeM/s2000/PXL_20240216_211722437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="2000" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AEYgLHTM-mE6d2jLwD-9gyEP56kygmvXHB-Fr2-su6yL15gH3IYfRFAVwq76f-TMk4u6EwTf7FRMU9ywzB10inPfxdFOSdZu_lE3F1pvm40S2kOvZ8Q7XdjgvZji1gJwype0ltLHt611Oq7dGdU368CthU2vYf1Smq2FAt-vXrejC8ghAO4dwZaTqeM/w640-h326/PXL_20240216_211722437.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, despite their thyrsoi heavy weapons, the maenads were no match for the hypaspists, and the broke and fled, as did the archers before the chariots. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjcVLEkJjKtmNDSmpGl9cQ8yk0Z3vmz0RjAJUOtGIZH0J0JygM_yl1cHbsSAQb8lygegjjesqAkzChhaeehXXnb1nyIrUyPb_V2iMZcXkcI-06U6-etR11rQ1xR9GXx8tmTBFEuK2wtfU5F0sED-ilHyvUTv6i7ynYH6CY2lIpVpML2jC3iTWJ3NFUG4/s2000/PXL_20240216_211737887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2000" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjcVLEkJjKtmNDSmpGl9cQ8yk0Z3vmz0RjAJUOtGIZH0J0JygM_yl1cHbsSAQb8lygegjjesqAkzChhaeehXXnb1nyIrUyPb_V2iMZcXkcI-06U6-etR11rQ1xR9GXx8tmTBFEuK2wtfU5F0sED-ilHyvUTv6i7ynYH6CY2lIpVpML2jC3iTWJ3NFUG4/w640-h446/PXL_20240216_211737887.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">But it was enough to break the Dionysiac army (13/10), without quite breaking the mundane Macedonians (7/10). It was a fun game, even though I did mess up with the leopards, bringing the Baccahe to their first defeat.</span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-60572807744967358782024-02-11T22:16:00.001+00:002024-02-11T22:16:30.763+00:00Into the Woods with Devilry Afoot<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Devilry Afoot </i>is the new folk-horror game being developed as the next Irregular Wars title. Followers of this blog may have seen the gradual process of painting humans and monsters over recent weeks and months, but throughout that time, there has also been extensive playtesting with 47 experiences in the game recorded so far from players spread across Europe, North America and East Asia. The rules are still being amended and tweaked, and it is hoped that next few months will see many more games played so that an enjoyable balance can be ensured between challenge, fun, simplicity and complexity.<br /><br /> There are currently 11 scenarios in the draft rules, although I would expect there to be at least one more. This, the first after action report to be shared publicly, is an account of one game playing the “Lost in the Woods” scenario.<br /><br /><b><u>Lost in the woods <br /></u></b><i>They knew that they should not have been awake at such an hour, let alone out of doors, but neither child could sleep. It was as if something called to them through the woods which seemed, at this hour, so alive; something irresistible. When the children’s absence was noticed, the alarm was raised and a search party set out in their wake.</i></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lxnnODBe1uhH_npwWHzgU5kUXVKE1DJDFVjKgzGQmPzhfa83OszuV3qiN6obhdmwQrbL52N_emMm1tBz-KcyN8tCZ9krjv6SHyoMlUwpYthKRHWe28c_78DJ2PjekYAy0JJlj5a2dKkpbaGjivQNpajpWbg99LpEPGDFh-_o2303CXtsYEyiTB7XZjI/s4624/PXL_20240209_201130708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lxnnODBe1uhH_npwWHzgU5kUXVKE1DJDFVjKgzGQmPzhfa83OszuV3qiN6obhdmwQrbL52N_emMm1tBz-KcyN8tCZ9krjv6SHyoMlUwpYthKRHWe28c_78DJ2PjekYAy0JJlj5a2dKkpbaGjivQNpajpWbg99LpEPGDFh-_o2303CXtsYEyiTB7XZjI/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_201130708.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">For this scenario we used a search party of four hunters: three characters and a follower. Second from the left stands Nathaniel Swiftsure Esq, a much-respected member of the local gentry who hides his alcoholism behind an outwardly moral edifice of probity. Nathaniel carries a sword and is accompanied by his follower, the young Mary McLean, a servant in the Swiftsure household, equipped with a flintlock pistol worth much more than she is. <br /><br />To their right stand Sergeant Malone, a veteran of the war and skilled huntsman, carrying his trusty sword and a heavy horseman’s pistol, the dragon. Malones experiences on the front lines has left him questioning the very existence of God – a dangerous thought in these troubled times. Keeping a close eye on the rest of the party is the devout Reverend Cooke. Bearing a holy item and a lantern, Cooke secretly worships to old gods and can summon a familiar if the need arises. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXfXscMX3wDW9DqLIDyUL0nqQStLUlIASp_Vsog-B5KvfREvkcgHANPt0QUkVYMeJOdFsVJMSP5KHdnW3S5tSaoUihTTCZHalDSe2PNHv6sTJPHNSQrc3euHleyEE1kC7JF9rW-pLr17px8yia3WEGPX6bGouQOGvsv42kXyQsCCzlLs_Gfv9nuYJK6A/s4624/PXL_20240209_201153584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXfXscMX3wDW9DqLIDyUL0nqQStLUlIASp_Vsog-B5KvfREvkcgHANPt0QUkVYMeJOdFsVJMSP5KHdnW3S5tSaoUihTTCZHalDSe2PNHv6sTJPHNSQrc3euHleyEE1kC7JF9rW-pLr17px8yia3WEGPX6bGouQOGvsv42kXyQsCCzlLs_Gfv9nuYJK6A/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_201153584.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The table is laid out as an open woodland edged by a river. At the centre is an old pagan altar, and two lost innocent children. The innocents’ actions throughout the game are automated, determined by their situation.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW8nEgR0tSfWmJyw0wA7hYSzLqSFlcsEt3m809Wl4P6iWXty05L4VQPBYC_8te-nUTh6Bk2sqT29bgo7u-bnAUAFMTeVo028DQzzA3YYOzxhfaliGqAhNDcbCKrkB8geDIb5IGuxz8bW3TB0cSd3NkVdt4_Ei5Ew_29azyGkQnM_M3ZOAtXCp9KY1Edo/s4624/PXL_20240209_201228317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBW8nEgR0tSfWmJyw0wA7hYSzLqSFlcsEt3m809Wl4P6iWXty05L4VQPBYC_8te-nUTh6Bk2sqT29bgo7u-bnAUAFMTeVo028DQzzA3YYOzxhfaliGqAhNDcbCKrkB8geDIb5IGuxz8bW3TB0cSd3NkVdt4_Ei5Ew_29azyGkQnM_M3ZOAtXCp9KY1Edo/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_201228317.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Beyond the altar are two bogeymen, in this case, living scarecrows, out to snatch away the children.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHg1Ef2kFpGsms94FsoNy6DprohQgqYBmIcQ5dvnUG0ZzQz_bTElyuCG2H1MbAofEiK56dZYGyLtlxBUQpggb9tja8aDgHAgbTaEeDNRIHaXFiiht-GQHkhqyohPEvavEZzlQ4TPm_Q8mEkqvsvXiLo7_XTqX0gq5BqIyOP6VEkrU0vIauC2fjQebYR4/s4624/PXL_20240209_201251003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHg1Ef2kFpGsms94FsoNy6DprohQgqYBmIcQ5dvnUG0ZzQz_bTElyuCG2H1MbAofEiK56dZYGyLtlxBUQpggb9tja8aDgHAgbTaEeDNRIHaXFiiht-GQHkhqyohPEvavEZzlQ4TPm_Q8mEkqvsvXiLo7_XTqX0gq5BqIyOP6VEkrU0vIauC2fjQebYR4/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_201251003.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">To further complicate matters there is also a pact devil – a wee leprechaun – resting by the river, hoping to lure the innocent astray.<br /><br />The scene is set. In the darkness, the innocent, while unaware of the bogeymen, will always be drawn towards the pact devil. If one of them makes base contact, both the leprechaun and his victim will be whisked away to the otherworld. Meanwhile, the bogeymen will be erratically lurching through the woods looking to cause harm. The hunters need to rescue both children from harm in order for the scenario to be successful.<br /><br />A game, or hunt, in <i>Devilry Afoot </i>takes place over a number of turns. During each turn, all models on the table will have the opportunity to be activated one or more times. The order in which models are activated in is determined randomly by drawing initiative tokens from a bag. Each character has one token added to the bag, while different types of monsters have multiple tokens added. Hunters have the chance to activate twice each time their token is drawn, monster only act once. However, bogeymen have four tokens – whenever a bogeyman token is drawn, both bogeymen activate with their action determined by a d10 dice roll, so the monsters might get up to all sorts of mischief in between hunter actions.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrVn6MUVsPn21gD3sx7UnkghKRBvhDLFpT11TyQVTdoCR16TTlsei9FYml-o5Am_K3gb7q-hXU6OPdy6zT00scFx6i4Hgba0fWJDHkjnlRA8zsqMwiwtYFPEtV66F-zwXieF8X53trxQ2OGXTggjoqtA-dqhCwufC26MDEm-ktBFTQf4ECZey2oTKr8w/s4624/PXL_20240209_202115598.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrVn6MUVsPn21gD3sx7UnkghKRBvhDLFpT11TyQVTdoCR16TTlsei9FYml-o5Am_K3gb7q-hXU6OPdy6zT00scFx6i4Hgba0fWJDHkjnlRA8zsqMwiwtYFPEtV66F-zwXieF8X53trxQ2OGXTggjoqtA-dqhCwufC26MDEm-ktBFTQf4ECZey2oTKr8w/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_202115598.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The first turn saw the four hunters move up to put themselves between the bogeymen and the innocents. One of the bogeymen took the bait and started off towards Swiftsure (as the nearest human (with Mary approaching from its flank). The other bogeyman was still nearer the innocents and so shambled off after them. The wee girl wandered absent mindedly towards the pact devil, but the boy caught sight of a bogeyman and became alert.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnz7vvCI8EqYZUeYON3UGxwRTxxZSThTId2bKhkxHPf3g7_gpwfAvGXqRm3ATOXnYN6WjtmxeWVqU0AKf84Es9I7PFV1JSdIVZjeUOMat_jmRLaWMubDAUOPPPA0n74Bpdn_kA4JXMDIF0TRPjdxOHNuzuaniRahwi2RQz6rnzsokK4iSPa4JxcW-8Ds/s4624/PXL_20240209_203521515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnz7vvCI8EqYZUeYON3UGxwRTxxZSThTId2bKhkxHPf3g7_gpwfAvGXqRm3ATOXnYN6WjtmxeWVqU0AKf84Es9I7PFV1JSdIVZjeUOMat_jmRLaWMubDAUOPPPA0n74Bpdn_kA4JXMDIF0TRPjdxOHNuzuaniRahwi2RQz6rnzsokK4iSPa4JxcW-8Ds/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_203521515.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Swiftsure ran up to the closest bogeyman, delivering a powerful blow which caused two wounds to the beast. Mary only managed one action, so could only move closer, not actually provide any real support.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T8S7HN9tixMnJdHmdS2MvBdwFcCW-IYGgotUP1IA0cX2l0YCs_eZsimMhegIsrI-YyRnNM7dPLsMXnQKMJCVD-GeMqC83AX1PdgjDi75u7QSKK7M7HLT2X_8BfaGo4xiBsYxsRNYfDNq5vPb8Z8yEZTAEIUOFP69XiSsfBFZaKQ5nRY4iqjfHvH2SGo/s4624/PXL_20240209_203620715.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8T8S7HN9tixMnJdHmdS2MvBdwFcCW-IYGgotUP1IA0cX2l0YCs_eZsimMhegIsrI-YyRnNM7dPLsMXnQKMJCVD-GeMqC83AX1PdgjDi75u7QSKK7M7HLT2X_8BfaGo4xiBsYxsRNYfDNq5vPb8Z8yEZTAEIUOFP69XiSsfBFZaKQ5nRY4iqjfHvH2SGo/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_203620715.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">When the innocents activated next, the alerted lad moved passed the girl, making her aware of the monster threat. Both now moved towards the river bank and safety.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ab3-I4kXjR1cgab5jHc6JB9ILLTwA6c1UoWGuXoNn_4ij44EnKdBRDRWkLQeULChaQ4g3qiqty5pTg51sTmLP-_Iv4yTVYUfOFp6EdA4Hx7pfpnh2XcBVeHVojsMHaqTpONRtQ0FL4SR0DwExUIYlzkwDbqhD7yBZ6oLF3yT9XzzE_13r9lNH5J4O0Y/s4624/PXL_20240209_203638685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Ab3-I4kXjR1cgab5jHc6JB9ILLTwA6c1UoWGuXoNn_4ij44EnKdBRDRWkLQeULChaQ4g3qiqty5pTg51sTmLP-_Iv4yTVYUfOFp6EdA4Hx7pfpnh2XcBVeHVojsMHaqTpONRtQ0FL4SR0DwExUIYlzkwDbqhD7yBZ6oLF3yT9XzzE_13r9lNH5J4O0Y/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_203638685.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The second bogeyman kept on towards the innocents, passing through a patch of hungry grass.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GmsC9NIzTg7kYu6fPFbNy3XuuKyisLT4GO7aYw57TpwBAIpslxu6H7vlnNBX5Kj4WbC1tlUMoKOyfxmX9tqJxK5hyphenhyphenzfvcVyY4V07SwN3Cbim7YUQnuvfd2YcGzwde41b6bn8JsbWQ_nNqQCu-tan-yOjAnhBqvKPnhPhEIfP2MH1CQdqlnq8zxPuBlM/s4624/PXL_20240209_204308385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GmsC9NIzTg7kYu6fPFbNy3XuuKyisLT4GO7aYw57TpwBAIpslxu6H7vlnNBX5Kj4WbC1tlUMoKOyfxmX9tqJxK5hyphenhyphenzfvcVyY4V07SwN3Cbim7YUQnuvfd2YcGzwde41b6bn8JsbWQ_nNqQCu-tan-yOjAnhBqvKPnhPhEIfP2MH1CQdqlnq8zxPuBlM/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_204308385.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Rev. Cooke started moving towards the bogeyman in the hungry grass, but then got other ideas and diverted towards the pact devil.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iAI9Ml_cqEovMsOX_rjtQGrzlLO3YfQRES55y7Q25R-lfhN0EVoqxTEP61xSvVtuL4OcphqyiB7GGNNAfEWY9jgPLJPXkHZJKTSCVUnSn13lVJMtTbgCLN6xvc88suHC1aIaizS-FL5CQAIPq9MQgbURsqHQQF7LsY0cZ4BBB_BwY7mUHEGXq6u-73E/s4624/PXL_20240209_204317443.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iAI9Ml_cqEovMsOX_rjtQGrzlLO3YfQRES55y7Q25R-lfhN0EVoqxTEP61xSvVtuL4OcphqyiB7GGNNAfEWY9jgPLJPXkHZJKTSCVUnSn13lVJMtTbgCLN6xvc88suHC1aIaizS-FL5CQAIPq9MQgbURsqHQQF7LsY0cZ4BBB_BwY7mUHEGXq6u-73E/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_204317443.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The innocent made it to the safety of the river bank (technically moving off the board and completing the scenario), while Swiftsure and his monstrous opponent took poorly aimed swings at each other.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb3kFveKRfjCI2Wlh2OAsiIGOlnF4oqw8Iyc7v44LT0fk3BLKUDF1ZcOIJtoFr_GDST7x1nzqI1HVmQB_Q-WjOHCTuXDXYuokwu585GvRF-9-ZBoeYpDL9UEmm6ZkplWB1_yUyMTg9qeLF_a9CRP2_vH4n8-oh9nK95tAw4gdfTjM6AzPv83ycc1I6o0/s4624/PXL_20240209_204351817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtb3kFveKRfjCI2Wlh2OAsiIGOlnF4oqw8Iyc7v44LT0fk3BLKUDF1ZcOIJtoFr_GDST7x1nzqI1HVmQB_Q-WjOHCTuXDXYuokwu585GvRF-9-ZBoeYpDL9UEmm6ZkplWB1_yUyMTg9qeLF_a9CRP2_vH4n8-oh9nK95tAw4gdfTjM6AzPv83ycc1I6o0/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_204351817.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">That bogeyman erratically fled from the combat before Mary could bring her pistol to bear.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwrc9oq3j8Sa76iFzNMAf0bybR7Ruu1Hd6RZtakR0_1RltBeRTr5rXnER0VwkoVUoUnnpU8XFDWFAw_jVwiGPePxmJRTLoSwdMHGDWtNrHFJQGfcZWevTH9F88H_TBYZ_s_h4zDNK7imEo3FiKcN47Z-SjY9fOY-JtpBVKm1SvMn7fEC1r0Uf6GPHhN8/s4624/PXL_20240209_210408566.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwrc9oq3j8Sa76iFzNMAf0bybR7Ruu1Hd6RZtakR0_1RltBeRTr5rXnER0VwkoVUoUnnpU8XFDWFAw_jVwiGPePxmJRTLoSwdMHGDWtNrHFJQGfcZWevTH9F88H_TBYZ_s_h4zDNK7imEo3FiKcN47Z-SjY9fOY-JtpBVKm1SvMn7fEC1r0Uf6GPHhN8/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_210408566.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Rev. Cooke sidled up to the leprechaun and struck a deal, gaining a wound, but also revealing a new vice – not only is he secretly a witch, but he is now also a backslider. Should he gain followers in the future, he’ll risk losing them if they discover his secrets.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_J1MCVn-MZJCM9Hf3kKEFnZa1txdgic-pbnHyzSyfnN7715U9ww-HbewXw3jpC0PmESYi9a_wky03RL94f8EWBwdNzMmHC9cdSvu4yauz-DL5PMJFtMUAAfZ_PNbLXcbHt7JjnsATGQtKMgVkwse2fVwFfrHIrL4snRIYjHsAIN4QXVe1gtju6xTiok/s4624/PXL_20240209_210438652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_J1MCVn-MZJCM9Hf3kKEFnZa1txdgic-pbnHyzSyfnN7715U9ww-HbewXw3jpC0PmESYi9a_wky03RL94f8EWBwdNzMmHC9cdSvu4yauz-DL5PMJFtMUAAfZ_PNbLXcbHt7JjnsATGQtKMgVkwse2fVwFfrHIrL4snRIYjHsAIN4QXVe1gtju6xTiok/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_210438652.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Swiftsure and Mary pursued their bogeyman, Swiftsure making ineffectual swipes, but the bogeyman being just as rubbish in the melee. Mary managed to fire off a shot, causing another wound to the monster.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlNb4QOp1aoy5DBrKxVGB2UW8RlUJsjD6N5uvwvQz5nSoes5K5B2oM3UDtK1G3nfofvWpTVblIDI0v79eS_NIyky6AZdMeywuDCknAvc6C2t6hlITLxzQ5383Uxzvz_abOajrj4PxIkgqz-Su3zgotcviQmlQyDTouGhXZRRw3LBebHte2eYkI98F7u0/s4624/PXL_20240209_211103576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlNb4QOp1aoy5DBrKxVGB2UW8RlUJsjD6N5uvwvQz5nSoes5K5B2oM3UDtK1G3nfofvWpTVblIDI0v79eS_NIyky6AZdMeywuDCknAvc6C2t6hlITLxzQ5383Uxzvz_abOajrj4PxIkgqz-Su3zgotcviQmlQyDTouGhXZRRw3LBebHte2eYkI98F7u0/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_211103576.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">But then the bogeyman lashed out, brutally taking out Swiftsure in a single swipe. Mary was left stricken, and alone.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8t8hI9OWFgaZtlbzM8osRBzMSj7hK4BBP02TBdNpNbBU-bY6QM8JXxS2jZhUP8s3F3OzuVOyzd15J68Po2ngRhInQRip-qcsdl_TOeomNYX4rICRRJ3efMqWfd46QlaCFoCV2ypU8uvG7Feds6EE0za0NA-AE4JkJnkPGS5253VH6m6PyBePeWzbqRM/s4624/PXL_20240209_212126223.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8t8hI9OWFgaZtlbzM8osRBzMSj7hK4BBP02TBdNpNbBU-bY6QM8JXxS2jZhUP8s3F3OzuVOyzd15J68Po2ngRhInQRip-qcsdl_TOeomNYX4rICRRJ3efMqWfd46QlaCFoCV2ypU8uvG7Feds6EE0za0NA-AE4JkJnkPGS5253VH6m6PyBePeWzbqRM/w640-h480/PXL_20240209_212126223.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Malone, who had dithered about in the woods up to this point now swept in as a hero, firing off his dragon dispatching the monster in an explosion of straw and tattered cloth. The following turn, he spun around and engaged the second bogeyman who had emerged to his rear. In a struggle so quick and fierce that no photos were taken, he managed to eviscerate that monster too. <br /><br />In the post-game sequence, Swiftsure managed to recover from his wounds without suffering any permanent injuries. Rev. Cooke walked away with an improved constitution, while Malone took the lion’s share of the experience. The party earned a bounty on each of the bogeymen, and an extra reward for bringing both children back to their village unharmed.</span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-91559028197750722182024-02-09T16:20:00.002+00:002024-02-09T16:20:32.667+00:00PDEE: Pulp Underwater - When Squid Attack<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mark's last Paleao-month dispatch using his own underwater adaptation of </i>Palaeo Diet: Pulp<i>.</i></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This adventure from the Mesozoic time-travel world of the Utterley-Barkinge Company (NL) takes us back to the early Jurassic , about 100 MYA. It uses the “Predator” scenario suggestion in the PDEE rules for a bit of role reversal. This time the human hunters are the hunted, and the usual beasts (in this case, Squid, Ichthyosaurs, and others) are the hunters.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A party of six time travel tourists, including their guide, is on a walking tour through a spectacular canyon on the floor of the Mid-Atlantic Rift. Four of them are armed with spear guns (spears) and two with glaives (clubs). Those armed with spearguns will close to shooting range and shoot, when they get an Attack reaction, if possible.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s a group photo of the tour group, taken as they started out on their trek. From L-R: Vlad Putin, Donald Trump, Bashir Al-Assad (spearguns); Kim Jong-un, Binyamin Netanyahu (glaives). And on the far R end is Karl Utterley-Barkinge, the tour guide.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2QLu2yqf5z1stHcPpI7labvJUfFfX3MxavqcxhX-rpSMchHNg3XNiGYlh1A6DjRbsdBg0YN7kP549GbF9EoZVSwEOb8fEoNoYrXiRZ1StIXw-eEKFCetb5QAybihfxwfU4-Cg2WVvgwJIjE2ou0IJcIWn96fb5_XHCArBJZKH5MSo-DN4DqhXrPeeTI/s640/image0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="640" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2QLu2yqf5z1stHcPpI7labvJUfFfX3MxavqcxhX-rpSMchHNg3XNiGYlh1A6DjRbsdBg0YN7kP549GbF9EoZVSwEOb8fEoNoYrXiRZ1StIXw-eEKFCetb5QAybihfxwfU4-Cg2WVvgwJIjE2ou0IJcIWn96fb5_XHCArBJZKH5MSo-DN4DqhXrPeeTI/w640-h206/image0.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are the predators who fancy snacking on these interlopers: 3 x Ichthyosaurs, 3 x Squid (all Pack predators), 1 x Ammonite (Apex predator), and the customary starfish (special rules: is in permanent lethal Predate mode for wounded or dead tourists, always moving 1S per activation towards the closest).</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSevAyhU4ZPJY9FLjdxxX0Fn7OnLw1jIkXAfn4M-M4qW56QDLGgE625JNUqIM19xSzz5B4HwwCPjAOaLrrGrmqdvzQYkGQf65bdMsCLK3ciZITvcXUWOtQO1LFoLXV7-T0Q6LbnuZP_jkWjMT7vAprgnFvSQI0qKlLYOo3jbhqaUEQbpTwXz8jtRFIFrw/s640/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="640" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSevAyhU4ZPJY9FLjdxxX0Fn7OnLw1jIkXAfn4M-M4qW56QDLGgE625JNUqIM19xSzz5B4HwwCPjAOaLrrGrmqdvzQYkGQf65bdMsCLK3ciZITvcXUWOtQO1LFoLXV7-T0Q6LbnuZP_jkWjMT7vAprgnFvSQI0qKlLYOo3jbhqaUEQbpTwXz8jtRFIFrw/w640-h344/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The tourist figure is for scale purposes.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The table cloth is 900x1350mm (3’x4’6”). That is 8 Lopes, or 12 Ambles, or 18 Skulks. The tourists must traverse the length of the table to reach safety at the far end. Their air supply will last 10 + 1D6 turns (calculated seperately for each figure on turn 9 if necessary). Each tourist must attempt to activate on 1-3 dice after all other turn activity has finished. They may only use their successes to move or stay put, not to attack, shoot etc. If they leave close contact with a predator they suffer a free hack.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All terrain features are impassable to both predators and prey.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s the tabletop, with KUB leading his group on at the near end. Their destination is the shelter dome at the far end. The Squid are at lower R, the Ichthyosaurs are in the middle, close to the starfish. The Ammonite lurks at upper L.</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWorA6VKT8Kft1BVKjqUlu7m3jaCm8AijqJgaXpjWknvmwUsr_5rmedl-3Gcfj7fvS6LkG-drU9zyedvlXrgM5kaIDye0l-5v1kOna5OEcjFRkeFMJigSRkTaLQ7FLNCrjW7_uz-oOHRMyUPgr-e7vqeUefiK8zXOxdceO2WjMCjPuN_J-LzMhff66hyphenhypheno/s640/image0%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="586" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWorA6VKT8Kft1BVKjqUlu7m3jaCm8AijqJgaXpjWknvmwUsr_5rmedl-3Gcfj7fvS6LkG-drU9zyedvlXrgM5kaIDye0l-5v1kOna5OEcjFRkeFMJigSRkTaLQ7FLNCrjW7_uz-oOHRMyUPgr-e7vqeUefiK8zXOxdceO2WjMCjPuN_J-LzMhff66hyphenhypheno/w586-h640/image0%20(1).jpeg" width="586" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All predators initially activated using 1 dice only. All passed but did not move. So the tourists moved. Their various dice fails meant the group began to spread out, just as you’d expect from this party of psychopaths and narcissists, and they showed no signs of cooperation.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Action began on turn 2 when the first Squid failed an activation, and Netanyahu, the closest tourist, Attacked towards it. The squid then moved into contact and wounded Netanyahu. An identical chain of events led the second Squid to wound Bashir Al-Assad after he missed his shot. The third squid joined the attack on Assad but failed to cause another wound, and Assad reacted to the new attack by wounding the Squid. Plenty of blood in the water, and the Giant Starfish stirs. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two of the Ichthyosaurs also failed 1 activation dice each, and the closest tourists reacted with a Move Away (Trump) and Attack (Utterley-Barkinge). The Ichthyosaurs circled around Utterley-Barkinge, provoking 2 x Alarmed reactions as he fell back towards the others. The third Ichthyosaur succeeded on 3 activations and loped around the L flank of the tour party. Planning mischief no doubt.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Ammonite moved slightly, to lurk in an ambush position.</span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZHEFobpFwbrbk8uhT6omyYsI1xl9n6Am8pLPbCyEoVq_9NSVNvHAb1ijGBsB8fLgCMyGrx90xwygT0cNLY-nIzSCI5WVYjiYsklYTUiqjjWp4_sq7jWmWttnQSwW2ifJJoGorAkivOR5EhvbRlH6OTTKq3ebWMM7EjP36efTGimK8KLO1CnYQ4qt8Hk/s640/image1%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZHEFobpFwbrbk8uhT6omyYsI1xl9n6Am8pLPbCyEoVq_9NSVNvHAb1ijGBsB8fLgCMyGrx90xwygT0cNLY-nIzSCI5WVYjiYsklYTUiqjjWp4_sq7jWmWttnQSwW2ifJJoGorAkivOR5EhvbRlH6OTTKq3ebWMM7EjP36efTGimK8KLO1CnYQ4qt8Hk/w640-h480/image1%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the end of the turn the four tourists not in combat all moved forward and stayed closer together than previously. But there was no move to help the two tour members battling the Squids.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Squid #1 killed Netanyahu, after failing an activation dice which allowed Bibi to attack first, but he failed. Squid #2 killed el-Assad, no problem. Squid #3 used two activations to attack Kim Jong-un, but first had to take an attack from him as it came within M of him while ambling. Kin wielded his glaive skilfully, landing a well-placed blow but failing to convert it I to a second wound. But Squid #3 had 1W already, so Kim actually brings down the first predator. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then the Ichthyosaurs began their attacks. The first to go fluffed 1/2 activations. Utterly-Barkinge, the closest tourist, got an Attack reaction and shot at the Predator but missed. It moved into contact. The second Ichthyosaurs got a triple activation and and skulked up behind Utterley-Barkinge, causing 1W. The third Ichthyosaur, out on the L, also got 3 activations and cruised in towards Kim Jong-un as he was standing next to his trophy Squid. Kim Roared (blew bubbles?) as the Ichthyosaur came within M, but unintimidated it pressed the attack, but failed to wound Kim. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Elsewhere the Giant Starfish continued creeping towards the closest casualty, and the Ammonite stayed in ambush.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are only 3 tourists to move this time. Two are dead, and another (Utterley-Barkinge) isn’t going to try to break off with two Ichthyosaurs in contact. Putin, Trump, and Kim all move forwards past U-B and the Ichthyosaurs, ending in a tight - dare I say mutually supporting? - formation. </span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR8Zb13A-iRUOhOvtLAJvJppAVMMjFCNsp3qCZLw64okpqsuBTfX2Aa1se0Rpfxe3Vp0XQzIGwW-LuPcmZhbpPR4mK4oXNw6M5nqmIw3JXnHAuZNQ7k4hM5ULCIECtRy_Ru-vliwE8HoW8eoarHC6LuNtu9vZ6INq3remO9rt9FeAyc-5BhD9F458Axk/s640/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="640" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaR8Zb13A-iRUOhOvtLAJvJppAVMMjFCNsp3qCZLw64okpqsuBTfX2Aa1se0Rpfxe3Vp0XQzIGwW-LuPcmZhbpPR4mK4oXNw6M5nqmIw3JXnHAuZNQ7k4hM5ULCIECtRy_Ru-vliwE8HoW8eoarHC6LuNtu9vZ6INq3remO9rt9FeAyc-5BhD9F458Axk/w640-h430/image2.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The two remaining Squids both fail 1/3 activations this turn, but no tourist is in LOS to react. The Squids move under cover, parallel with the tourists and on their R.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Ichthyosaurs resume their attacks. The first, already in contact with Utterley- Barkinge, fails 1/2 activations. U-B gets a Flee reaction, so must take free hacks from both Ichthyosaurs. He is torn to shreds with total 4W including the one he already had.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The second predator then succeeded on 2 activations, skulking into contact with Kim Jong-un and causing 1W. The third Ichthyosaur failed 3/3 activations, stranding the Ammonite this turn, tho the Starfish and remaining tourists can still activate. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Putin and Trump run for it, abandoning Kim. And yes, I rolled contingency dice for their reactions. It’s funny (!) how these things work out. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEdsH59dA_jfBmq0NNnypAHsltoKBE9HYuhvuWH9GscrMwxP61zAaSFO4jQpGhVTYJrx3xJfxTWMyjGA7hPPVG-xnlop2ZxQwfxNc16I5NueEfvLYzQMrH70TVep2cEUBbp3KR9eVL315i7QpILFbM19lmjzLPG3yoJX1JSeRfjzqujEhtSLQMzTS1k0/s640/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="640" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEdsH59dA_jfBmq0NNnypAHsltoKBE9HYuhvuWH9GscrMwxP61zAaSFO4jQpGhVTYJrx3xJfxTWMyjGA7hPPVG-xnlop2ZxQwfxNc16I5NueEfvLYzQMrH70TVep2cEUBbp3KR9eVL315i7QpILFbM19lmjzLPG3yoJX1JSeRfjzqujEhtSLQMzTS1k0/w640-h362/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the photo above, at top R the Ichthyosaurs are working over Utterkey-Barkinge (dec’d) and Kim Jong-un (1W). In the C our two heroic tourists are heading for the exit (at L). But what is that at bottom R?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Ammonite gets a triple activation. It skulks into contact with Trump, but somehow fails to wound him. He reacts by Attacking the Ammonite, but fails. </span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYJGK2KspS8bUJSUxsdheABHLTq1ukbnSruZrcyAmDmnLux_gZP4gcUofQVjxobOs18ngB2GFjKBavUYTeFreZHXwTmbi7FDhsk8I83s_DNi97KWVLxfrrJKqexrcPLRTROW-FVDLEbPaLRu8wTD7eC2mz-qWGfbBSWG8zDsL4G-tl8mSgoOwOIThmN8/s640/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYJGK2KspS8bUJSUxsdheABHLTq1ukbnSruZrcyAmDmnLux_gZP4gcUofQVjxobOs18ngB2GFjKBavUYTeFreZHXwTmbi7FDhsk8I83s_DNi97KWVLxfrrJKqexrcPLRTROW-FVDLEbPaLRu8wTD7eC2mz-qWGfbBSWG8zDsL4G-tl8mSgoOwOIThmN8/w640-h480/image4.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now it’s the Squids’ turn. Squid #1 fails 1/3 activations, and Putin, the nearest Tourist in LOS, reacts by resting. The Squid then jets towards him. Putin turns and Attacks (shoots) as the Squid gets within L, and he kills it with a successful 2W well-placed blow. Squid #2 also gets only 2/3 activations, and moves forward but more circumspectly. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Ichthyosaurs now get back to work. The fight between the Ichthyosaur and Kim Jong-un continues inconclusively. The next one moves around to the L, bypassing the Ammonite. It comes within reaction distance of Putin who flees away from it. The last one joins the attack on Kim, surviving a Roar reaction by him as it approaches, and delivers another 1W, consigning Kim to his ancestors. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the end of the turn Putin resumes his movement towards safety. Trump - another contingent roll - decides to risk turning his back on the Ammonite and running too. He takes 1W from the free hack, and only a single move activation. </span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTuXRHcLODYJd_Dw5Xyf2Wez2M-uXNLTVXJHBJvkR5_OQYClrDVWbXAZrqAa4Gw9jiBkuyfqYsUTphGr0K5IZgETpdIQvLjBsOh2Mk9lIi2Nnwf166sZQROSLxUTyULm7pbX6QIdMaDym1Y4RDsCS4jE6SZzsXf718IjrvkOo_EWW6pf2u8_TP4XWJ4M/s640/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTuXRHcLODYJd_Dw5Xyf2Wez2M-uXNLTVXJHBJvkR5_OQYClrDVWbXAZrqAa4Gw9jiBkuyfqYsUTphGr0K5IZgETpdIQvLjBsOh2Mk9lIi2Nnwf166sZQROSLxUTyULm7pbX6QIdMaDym1Y4RDsCS4jE6SZzsXf718IjrvkOo_EWW6pf2u8_TP4XWJ4M/w640-h480/image5.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Trump and Putin should be able to make the Dome if they can survive this turn, and activate to move again.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The nearest Ichthyosaur gets a triple activation. Skulk, skulk, attack. It dishes Trump a second wound, and he is dead. But then the Ammonite rolls a double activation fail. So Vlad Putin gets to move again, rolls well, and makes the safety of the dome.</span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvSj_Cdz6MXdZHAONwaNUB4u10qKxo6GbVl4fjdjh34dxv2J010yzNR-0BQI4fIMXBJ7dVYjAQDcg8ekks2nywvudQkGOBHrsVVkYaFVxc1_0SRimi-gXsOZv7WCybLMm4ieZhfab1tJh59cu4uSO5IKykSzFH3NB8NE8QIvBcaNFjrI7g8D2SkRh7eY/s640/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="640" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvSj_Cdz6MXdZHAONwaNUB4u10qKxo6GbVl4fjdjh34dxv2J010yzNR-0BQI4fIMXBJ7dVYjAQDcg8ekks2nywvudQkGOBHrsVVkYaFVxc1_0SRimi-gXsOZv7WCybLMm4ieZhfab1tJh59cu4uSO5IKykSzFH3NB8NE8QIvBcaNFjrI7g8D2SkRh7eY/w640-h328/image6.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The game was over in only six turns so the question of air supply didn’t arise. Five of the six tourists were killed by the predators, and two predators (Squid) were killed.</span></span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-65496812017818924412024-02-08T12:30:00.000+00:002024-02-09T12:30:59.507+00:00Palaeo Diet: Pulp - the Totally Legitimate Antiquities Corp digs Nongprue<div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mark continues his </i>Palaeo Diet<i> month with another Pulp game:</i></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We last met this dodgy outfit back in January 2021 when they pulled off a smash & grab raid on the priceless artefacts of Tel el Pattaya. Now they are back, with different “archaeologists”, to survey the ancient Mayan ruins of Nongprue in deepest Central America. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here is the team who will be undertaking this absolutely above-board and fully approved work -</span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAn9zDo2QwXdo3MZ4xEo6EpwXsvbpVGI1hupFxYNtQBxjVh-hMXaDIgvZNIxcE_ApABn-Qo3eWPqJPlyS2mp61xk9V6zsYdQkS-v1dHJRN3HjwQS6sPMPY2GlJ1Fu8bWjmR-WFc8p0-vltfqNU3VbgZXxYJfx1k0_kiIaGuWoHy6jno96d1r0RUl6TQM/s640/a%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="640" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAn9zDo2QwXdo3MZ4xEo6EpwXsvbpVGI1hupFxYNtQBxjVh-hMXaDIgvZNIxcE_ApABn-Qo3eWPqJPlyS2mp61xk9V6zsYdQkS-v1dHJRN3HjwQS6sPMPY2GlJ1Fu8bWjmR-WFc8p0-vltfqNU3VbgZXxYJfx1k0_kiIaGuWoHy6jno96d1r0RUl6TQM/w640-h402/a%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Front row L-R: Lara Garrod (who is a Naturalist), Angelina Kenyon (Occultist), and Lyra Belacqua (Addict), the Adventurers. Behind them, some local “Hounds” they have hired as troubleshooters. “It’s just an expression snowflakes”, says Angelina, the Adventurers’ leader. “Get over it. They’re all called Pablo, or Sanchez, something like that.” She added “it’s not like they are Goons or anything.”</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The adventurers and hired help are all are equipped WYSIWYG. </span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here is the trouble they may need to shoot -</span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMrIRAvkBWqYaItGT10a_6SHJxuhRtFgACHqt0UtYuN4gPg87gHksYhcTC02nn66RT8hbhWzBWzme0NG87ew1KDyMmoc50I8xeaL9IZrA6yvd1j004zXGK1byFweVCBI1BX9ab6McrrjYph5eoWP0-T6efhAcaQF9q7mi7VfG5dsw1Q7NGsTRvqeDvHU/s640/a%20(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMrIRAvkBWqYaItGT10a_6SHJxuhRtFgACHqt0UtYuN4gPg87gHksYhcTC02nn66RT8hbhWzBWzme0NG87ew1KDyMmoc50I8xeaL9IZrA6yvd1j004zXGK1byFweVCBI1BX9ab6McrrjYph5eoWP0-T6efhAcaQF9q7mi7VfG5dsw1Q7NGsTRvqeDvHU/w640-h480/a%20(2).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the rear, some Giant Armadillos with thagomisers, spirit guardians of the Nongprue site. In front, Great Mummies and Lesser Mummies, resurrected Mayan nobles and proles, all armed with bows (bows or atlatls). Mummies who get Attack reactions will shoot if possible.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Armadillos and Mayans will appear when triggered, usually at 1L from the trigger event. They are triggered by Adventurer activation fails and wounds suffered, artefact collection, and so on. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ancient ruins of Nongprue contain some remarkably well preserved step-pyramids, a ceremonial platform, and various stelae. But the Adventurers are here for the portable loot, represented by 7 yellow tokens distributed around the site. They have to collect as many of these artefacts as possible, and get them off the site via the same access point as they entered. It’s the only way in and out to the helicopter pad. One Adventurer can carry up to 3 tokens. </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s a high level view of the scene, possibly taken by Lyra Belaqua’s Flying Monkey drone (which I didn’t use in the end. Maybe next time). The hunters / adventurers are coming in through the entry point at the bottom edge. Some of the yellow artefact tokens are visible. Those not in view are in jungle patches.</span></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS_i3EJ7B9JWot9LJhQnuotDuxivYHqUZA2bfZqsflkOBiZla2FmFQetnFfWOccZEg2XRetu630rg0F2msuUClvheN4QAB6i58WFShIedV9UC7khVWfYGtELeMShlhAzqYCdGhnXOfR5gYo73SGjkYbQuHsy7vMUcFkKLpmAgaGn7gOvAV99LGbUWrwg/s640/a%20(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRS_i3EJ7B9JWot9LJhQnuotDuxivYHqUZA2bfZqsflkOBiZla2FmFQetnFfWOccZEg2XRetu630rg0F2msuUClvheN4QAB6i58WFShIedV9UC7khVWfYGtELeMShlhAzqYCdGhnXOfR5gYo73SGjkYbQuHsy7vMUcFkKLpmAgaGn7gOvAV99LGbUWrwg/w640-h452/a%20(3).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">*************</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">The three adventurers decided to start of climbing the blue pyramid, as it’s a likely spot to find an artefact, and may be a coign of vantage for spotting more. Lara leads off, a lope and 2 skulks takes her to the top. Angelina and Lyra follow - all have started with 3 successes. Now the Hounds attempt to activate. Two succeeded and moved around the E side of the pyramid. Two others failed on one dice, and followed their employers, stopping to the foot of the stairway. The last failed two dice and stayed put for now</span></span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnBqLXFIA9I0ZJDdi1u5sP5NAC3ZWjPHurAWFoiTTceavIuveXiQeKSe0_ZQS3svGhsayJOg8KkA30QZ1tMOY9lQTpenj6aTZm5qS9sA-GILZwCT7m1ydv2pGDbRQVjak82bA3mMHpN7u67Rlhg7luoUuucbLyZi6C6x1MeSFkmAGoJvshTDdGma7rJM/s640/a%20(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnBqLXFIA9I0ZJDdi1u5sP5NAC3ZWjPHurAWFoiTTceavIuveXiQeKSe0_ZQS3svGhsayJOg8KkA30QZ1tMOY9lQTpenj6aTZm5qS9sA-GILZwCT7m1ydv2pGDbRQVjak82bA3mMHpN7u67Rlhg7luoUuucbLyZi6C6x1MeSFkmAGoJvshTDdGma7rJM/w640-h480/a%20(4).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lyra pocketed the artefact found on top of the pyramid, while the others took in the view, noting the positions of a further 4 other artefacts. But fails by Lara and Angelina meant two Defenders materialised - both Armadillos as it happened. The two hounds at the foot of the stairway spotted one of the Armadillos, and took shots at it with their rifles. The first shot hit, and the Armadillo moved away. The second shot also hit, and the beast retreated off table with 2 wounds. One of the other Hounds was able to shoot at the other Armadillo (which didn’t hear the prev gunshots), wounding it, and the beast moved away. </span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W0wtBtVBTyrJYpFDIPhP9JuSU-3speHuCnt6H8AOU73nICrL9l3XyzthbulowkYJMaT04pFDWW6DEH_WAgwh4smOdBYMpLfPFrE9bgCFCaDEOCTvvJdQj-4a1OeYWscK5oFk528y2qRWi_uPQwuHPeLWD9dlRAo3gTmyNU5ohP4kIWx7vJRnuVjrZ1c/s640/a%20(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W0wtBtVBTyrJYpFDIPhP9JuSU-3speHuCnt6H8AOU73nICrL9l3XyzthbulowkYJMaT04pFDWW6DEH_WAgwh4smOdBYMpLfPFrE9bgCFCaDEOCTvvJdQj-4a1OeYWscK5oFk528y2qRWi_uPQwuHPeLWD9dlRAo3gTmyNU5ohP4kIWx7vJRnuVjrZ1c/w640-h480/a%20(5).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The hunters will now split up, each to collect one of the artefacts spotted from the top of the pyramid. They will take 1-2 Hounds each. Lara descended to the bottom of the pyramid, W side, but a fail meant she had to stop there, and a Great Mummy materialised 1L away, between her and the artefact she was hunting. It lunged towards her, but was too far away to make contact. Then Angelina moved down the N side of the pyramid, but also stopped at the bottom because she had had to travel further. Lyra moved down the E stairway, also stopping at the bottom because of a fail. Another Armadillo appeared 1L away and lunged towards her. </span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Hounds all failed an activation so ambled to their designated masters, except one, assigned to Lara, which was able to take a shot at the Mummy but missed. The Mummy reacted by Summoning a Lesser Mummy, which appeared halfway between the Great Mummy and Lara. </span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIovQufmSwUgrUHQsxuopZNT2WhYiDlGASHZjLQSjkxNg8kZWVkIYRamNlC3q5oxzzIkFDDzUgXAiA9-H7x2xh5dHbl6XXCB9e9v3kquCMlj4LDE6wTzP5NojxJ3aS0JlWIXtA0gXT-lxvGSzMF38GnGnHJqDVAuCim1TZdR3xpxrGgOy95eUgM2LY_40/s640/a%20(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIovQufmSwUgrUHQsxuopZNT2WhYiDlGASHZjLQSjkxNg8kZWVkIYRamNlC3q5oxzzIkFDDzUgXAiA9-H7x2xh5dHbl6XXCB9e9v3kquCMlj4LDE6wTzP5NojxJ3aS0JlWIXtA0gXT-lxvGSzMF38GnGnHJqDVAuCim1TZdR3xpxrGgOy95eUgM2LY_40/w640-h480/a%20(6).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now it’s turn 4</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the W side of the pyramid: Lara activated on 2 dice, and used her pistol to shoot at the Mummies, causing 1 W to the Lesser Mummy, which Summoned another Lesser friend. Then in response to noise of the gunshot both Mummies summoned another Mummy. There are now 5 of them. Her second shot missed, and the Lesser Mummy that was the target Cursed her. Then all five Mummies responded to the second gunshot noise. 1xRoar, 4xLunges. Lara failed all 3 dice (all are Stress dice because of the curse) on her reaction to the Roar and retreated up the pyramid steps. The Lunging Mummies cannot reach her. </span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lara’s 2 Hounds activated next. One failed a dice and so hung around (it cannot reach her because of the Mummies blocking the steps). The other successfully activated and moved into contact and attacked the Mummies, destroying the nearest Lesser Mummy but taking 1W itself. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICSXTdnzsjNwwpeKwt5lrVBdQYZyxZOPNZZh_kh7kgyqNYJuupJH4XBPeEyFH-stP8Ap-P4iNHJEMisxzOwBnQvRx9Gp4g0PBch8na5xjeGlmAj4I9KkpbHt8B7GLf7v09uPA2_94nVZcsndJAZeyl71VUHkG7Z6maiFKFhheiekx2ZGvczI4zewcH5g/s640/a%20(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="640" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICSXTdnzsjNwwpeKwt5lrVBdQYZyxZOPNZZh_kh7kgyqNYJuupJH4XBPeEyFH-stP8Ap-P4iNHJEMisxzOwBnQvRx9Gp4g0PBch8na5xjeGlmAj4I9KkpbHt8B7GLf7v09uPA2_94nVZcsndJAZeyl71VUHkG7Z6maiFKFhheiekx2ZGvczI4zewcH5g/w640-h620/a%20(7).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over on the E side: Lyra failed 2/2 activations and a Great mummy appeared 1L away from her. And the Armadillo attacked her, causing 1W. Lyra fired her rifle into the air, hoping to force it to go away, but it attacked again, and Lyra Bellacqua is dead. Her Hounds, temporarily without a master, will activate last. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmn2SUgo-S7XOU0GSu9EoaLdDk29MF0QIrXQNUEBNVPxZr2Ozk1NROmqc_i2jN4qriLTNuxkjHCEwFRdKfPyToKzHTE35yHIH6WpmFLRArc6pgNjBhVBE22QaT3Ti6_EMg16bR8559Aw2CXfWMdWdTp72-QLtoVOphJdmry-FgKw2bqVYo2jj5egtrLU/s640/a%20(8).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="640" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmn2SUgo-S7XOU0GSu9EoaLdDk29MF0QIrXQNUEBNVPxZr2Ozk1NROmqc_i2jN4qriLTNuxkjHCEwFRdKfPyToKzHTE35yHIH6WpmFLRArc6pgNjBhVBE22QaT3Ti6_EMg16bR8559Aw2CXfWMdWdTp72-QLtoVOphJdmry-FgKw2bqVYo2jj5egtrLU/w640-h446/a%20(8).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the N side: Angelina activates on 3 dice. She isn’t taking any chances with the wounded Armadillo so close, and skulks all the way over to the 2nd Artefact on the ceremonial platform. Her Hound ambles after her. The Armadillo rests.</span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxL4Yw1ztyNjahfzPtBVAD4KO35hNHriUMF1h3uanp2RcP4mo2UAUt2RhCpb8UsGQEpiZrGh5bs1AZR8WmVWfXl-lYYNNNWAr1dSoYE87aF0BhXuiml0wYgqiblSDbgSsV_DRUYcdtxyiljlhhuq2KSxHnzODJ_veGNLgIIeo6yvkug4QPypXcFqS2B0/s640/a%20(9).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxL4Yw1ztyNjahfzPtBVAD4KO35hNHriUMF1h3uanp2RcP4mo2UAUt2RhCpb8UsGQEpiZrGh5bs1AZR8WmVWfXl-lYYNNNWAr1dSoYE87aF0BhXuiml0wYgqiblSDbgSsV_DRUYcdtxyiljlhhuq2KSxHnzODJ_veGNLgIIeo6yvkug4QPypXcFqS2B0/w640-h480/a%20(9).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The two Hounds formerly attached to Lyra both activate successfully. I rule they will shoot at the Armadillo that killed Lyra. All shots miss, and the beast gets varied reactions but in the end moves away leaving the Hounds unscathed.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Turn 5 now. The hunters are in a tricky situation. One is down (with an artefact in her pocket). One is stuck atop the pyramid, and Cursed, with several Mummies chasing her. Only one has reached another artefact, but not yet collected it. </span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On top of the pyramid, Lara succeeds with two (stressed) activations and frees herself from the Curse. Her Hounds both attack the Mummies, one fails (but survives the Mummy’s reaction), the other, already wounded, is killed without inflicting any damage.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the ceremonial platform, Angelina pockets the artefact (a Greater Mummy appears 1 L to her S), and she Ambles SW towards the next Artefact, carefully keeping away from the Mummy. Her Hound ambles after her but strays too close to the Mummy, which … Moves Away.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The two Hounds of the late Lyra climb the pyramid to join Lara. I rolled a contingent dice to see if Pablo, the brighter Hound (wearing the purple shirt) will search Lyra’s pockets first. Yes. The artefact transfers to his pocket. </span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Turn 6.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Angelina, moving carefully towards her next artefact, fails 1 activation, and a Lesser Mummy materialises. Luckily it’s not blocking her path so she keeps moving. But her Hound attacks the new Mummy, causing it 1W. </span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lara, atop the pyramid, gets 3 activation successes. She moves across and down the opposite (E) stairway. The two ex-Lyra Hounds, now Lara’s Hounds, follow.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lara’s former hound, last seen attacking the cluster of Mummies at the bottom of the W stairway, transfers to Angelina who is the closest adventurer in LOS. It keeps attacking the Mummies though. Neither side lands a glove on the other.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So here is an overview of the position after 6 turns.</span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUbNUkW19PQaQxfg7jyRwdUVXjJ6m7FM51GFwBxdYqg_JqZ7ipqogtUOL5ynJqBsIil3Kjkp8OJT5j8seSTh9_76rBp3uFOd3QLlgXyH32O_mGrthP2H861utWsg_mLvMi671zdAA35ipJPbQCYtN9pFTbxmLxRUWgSAix7gFlT_KeHoRg5BKW3MrUik/s640/a%20(10).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUbNUkW19PQaQxfg7jyRwdUVXjJ6m7FM51GFwBxdYqg_JqZ7ipqogtUOL5ynJqBsIil3Kjkp8OJT5j8seSTh9_76rBp3uFOd3QLlgXyH32O_mGrthP2H861utWsg_mLvMi671zdAA35ipJPbQCYtN9pFTbxmLxRUWgSAix7gFlT_KeHoRg5BKW3MrUik/w640-h480/a%20(10).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Angelina and Lara, the surviving adventurers, are marked with white dice. The surviving Hounds are marked with red dice. Mummies are marked with yellow dice. The Armadillos are visible enough to not need markers. Red tokens show wounds.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2/7 artefacts have been collected. Angelina has one. Pablo the purple-shirted Hound (red 2 spot dice) has the other. So far he hasn’t handed it over to Lara his new boss. He’s probably been too busy.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Turn 7. Angelina and Lara try and salvage some kind of win from this sticky situation.<br /><br />Angelina activates, ambles over to the next Artefact, and pockets it. She now has two. A lesser Mummy appears 1L away, but in a position where it is unlikely to cramp her actions.<br /><br />Both her Hounds are in combat contact with Mummies. The one in LOS activates successfully. It backs away and shoots at the Mummies, focussing on one that is already wounded, and downs it with a second wound. In response to the first (failed) gunshot the target Mummy Roared, but the Hound was too far away to notice.<br />The responses of the other three Mummies in proximity, to the noise of the shots, was a Lunge + 2 x Attacks, and the Hound was killed.<br /><br />The other Hound also successfully activated, and tried the same trick, stepping away and shooting at its wounded Mummy adversary. The first shot missed, and the Mummy Roared, forcing the Hound back 1S. A Greater Mummy further inside the Jungle also reacted to the noise, and Attacked but was too far away to make contact. The Hound fired again, a lucky shot which added a second wound, so the Greater Mummy is now 2W. It lunged at the Hound, wounding it.</span></div><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKwsLRVtW5k-9eDc84iVKZ-rKIfWJOB2xvAmHsT32zEvYbdBWnZ-ypJUd_6xcEpyqu3hR9-MHuf7kwAy3yw_vbIWxrmcnxG0msWzG3fUcV3r2DrU7bTNW_Li6kan3T5MuIw-tpQVozn72nHIp0Df8_dfem9nHtb9HoIA9AXMxbOo20-viH2IXM4hgkjU/s640/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKwsLRVtW5k-9eDc84iVKZ-rKIfWJOB2xvAmHsT32zEvYbdBWnZ-ypJUd_6xcEpyqu3hR9-MHuf7kwAy3yw_vbIWxrmcnxG0msWzG3fUcV3r2DrU7bTNW_Li6kan3T5MuIw-tpQVozn72nHIp0Df8_dfem9nHtb9HoIA9AXMxbOo20-viH2IXM4hgkjU/w640-h412/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the other side of the pyramid, Lara succeeded in a triple activation, and skulked past the Armadillo and around the rock pile towards another Artefact. One of her Hounds skulked towards the beast. It couldn’t contact the Armadillo so it shot at it, causing 1W. The beast moved off table, Alarmed. The other Hound (Pablo) ambled after Lara, attracting no attention from any beasts.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhBxsJe1dfLSHsDMdOwe0y3r9lVyC5sGqktw9RAYZSW0F9i4mR0Z1-XNxKEgG35Lzwg8oHyPWmJ4xPkskB1Us9RBpGdB7sV2bb4IhP-fwIeC4U-GJZW55xtIse909aCUbCPgKJlYzxp4pyPXW-qDc2OnLKEJfTNhqr4SO5pRnqOzdLIeof23SrobzWwM/s640/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhBxsJe1dfLSHsDMdOwe0y3r9lVyC5sGqktw9RAYZSW0F9i4mR0Z1-XNxKEgG35Lzwg8oHyPWmJ4xPkskB1Us9RBpGdB7sV2bb4IhP-fwIeC4U-GJZW55xtIse909aCUbCPgKJlYzxp4pyPXW-qDc2OnLKEJfTNhqr4SO5pRnqOzdLIeof23SrobzWwM/w640-h426/image2.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn 8. Lara activates first, but fails 1/2 dice. Another Armadillo appears, at the same place the other one just left the table. Lara moves into contact with the artefact, but cannot collect it this time. Hound Pablo stays with her. The other Hound ambles towards her, attracting the momentary interest of the new Armadillo, but it rests.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angelina also fails 1/2 activations. But no new beast appears (rolling to see what kind of beast saw all dice come up the same). However the nearest beast, the Lesser Mummy that materialised last turn, activates and make a Lunge move, but is way too far off to be a threat. Angelina skulks off towards a nearby jungle patch, which she feels could be hiding an Artefact. Her remaining Hound, who is out of LOS and fighting a Greater Mummy, breaks contact and Ambles towards Angelina, ending up in the jungle patch.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pli5SH2wC1w-VjI7qms2iAEpn5zCxeCS-9BnWf-oHkxXBLaidEEoHRDw2d49rx3Pr6B7LHDtXv7q_MpkFoDVe-32kt7MOXub2hUJe2PvY_6gM876igkUTWcNTJi_ieZ9c783YsYlGD8VviFRDqGA-vTJx4UhmqRCHQHv7r2OB1deuydh0rG_F7gucjI/s640/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="640" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pli5SH2wC1w-VjI7qms2iAEpn5zCxeCS-9BnWf-oHkxXBLaidEEoHRDw2d49rx3Pr6B7LHDtXv7q_MpkFoDVe-32kt7MOXub2hUJe2PvY_6gM876igkUTWcNTJi_ieZ9c783YsYlGD8VviFRDqGA-vTJx4UhmqRCHQHv7r2OB1deuydh0rG_F7gucjI/w640-h396/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve used coloured dice for figure ID again in the photo above. White for Angelina (lower L) and Lara (mid R). Red for Hounds. Yellow for Mummies, with Y6 for a greater Mummies and Y1 for Lesser. And nothing for the Armadillos. I just noticed an R5 dice in the foreground - it is an error.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn 9. Angelina activates successfully this time, skulking into the jungle and reaching an Artefact. Her only remaining Hound skulks towards the nearest beast, the wounded Lesser Mummy on the N side of the jungle patch, but cannot quite make contact.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lara fails 3/3 activations. The nearest beasts are the two Armadillos and the Greater Mummy near the rocks. The Armadillos are not interested, getting Move Away and Rest</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reactions. The Mummy also gets Move Away. Lara’s hounds stay with her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn 10. Angelina pockets the Artefact. She now has 3, the maximum she can carry. Giving the Mummies a wide berth she heads for the table exit point.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclxHlGlpy0ikYgAFL9ByLkbxt99N1O9EUvF9ykCckoToZrhCQ2odutf22C6x0gSLHakz0v_dPeSEWux8PYpru5orSmgGKSWB03n2GKtDRqNC77XJ7H1m4ShPvBZ8-WaW0o6Qb8GJfJEihV2cerkRpV23zNAKB2l_FjyGuHBLBfzrUxFkxU1oN_eAVg_A/s640/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="640" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclxHlGlpy0ikYgAFL9ByLkbxt99N1O9EUvF9ykCckoToZrhCQ2odutf22C6x0gSLHakz0v_dPeSEWux8PYpru5orSmgGKSWB03n2GKtDRqNC77XJ7H1m4ShPvBZ8-WaW0o6Qb8GJfJEihV2cerkRpV23zNAKB2l_FjyGuHBLBfzrUxFkxU1oN_eAVg_A/w640-h332/image4.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lara also moves into contact with her Artefact and collects it. Her 1 activation fail brings on another Lesser Mummy, at 1L towards the red pyramid, which as it happens is where she wants to go next. Pablo stays with her and so does her other hound, but he starts howling. He wants his mummy. Luckily no beast can hear him.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qMUAiUMMElgDA_1B9JPFw2uKObvfvH8cvMssKY2rP3dA6DtV0ShOnKX90qhYzK8JuSzkIy-0dTJUTZvQ7tD8CmGpat6z3HkLNri_KnD9NZxjdODiXDgIxULftV_fMPfu80uaYK8B9TyxosUIZ9DI-Um2Ym3b_Tuw0AQge8-NasweXqxYxXLbd9LqZqE/s640/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qMUAiUMMElgDA_1B9JPFw2uKObvfvH8cvMssKY2rP3dA6DtV0ShOnKX90qhYzK8JuSzkIy-0dTJUTZvQ7tD8CmGpat6z3HkLNri_KnD9NZxjdODiXDgIxULftV_fMPfu80uaYK8B9TyxosUIZ9DI-Um2Ym3b_Tuw0AQge8-NasweXqxYxXLbd9LqZqE/w640-h480/image5.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn 11. Lara decides to forego the Artefact she can see on the red pyramid. It’s too risky. She fails 1/3 activations, and another Lesser Mummy appears next to the red pyramid. So off she goes, heading in the other direction, towards the exit. Pablo sticks with her but the other Hound heads towards the Armadillo.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq2i0lMRNhxo0QEzBcYOmE73TTfOkm1w6zsteR94b8WVlJWpy4pHTm57OllM9bUXWkL-iQ3X2cHVs05EaXLLyq7T833PEVJfb97JFp7bRSBGCVwYH48E4YSiOtDfIHDmkqDJpUHaojM12KfTcU11JyWa5o0bcIMXk79ny4mUZLzHhwAJNaPOCyoN0yRk/s640/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq2i0lMRNhxo0QEzBcYOmE73TTfOkm1w6zsteR94b8WVlJWpy4pHTm57OllM9bUXWkL-iQ3X2cHVs05EaXLLyq7T833PEVJfb97JFp7bRSBGCVwYH48E4YSiOtDfIHDmkqDJpUHaojM12KfTcU11JyWa5o0bcIMXk79ny4mUZLzHhwAJNaPOCyoN0yRk/w640-h480/image6.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Angelina fails 2/3 activations. Only 1 new beast, a greater Mummy, appears. And her luck holds, it’s behind her. Of the two closest beasts that react to her fails, one gets Move Away, and the other gets Attack, and closes in but cannot contact Angelina. Her Hound, way over on the other side of the jungle patch, ambles back through the trees to catch up.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRnzJr9UBiSkIpnsN4jNYOnJuzcNQYBQuYAr7zwn4-aVjrQuf_2cDPC6QsOZTX9YiFs9AHMQG7dFux9xVtiv3MpC9SUWnYGpO4vJrqUHRKCbWDyyAPAjMRq2E2c-wX8TkdoWrqRotBW0BYbnJ-3regVDSzlt17Eq9IpFMYjMFzUAAXTtVzSapKzSLvcE/s640/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRnzJr9UBiSkIpnsN4jNYOnJuzcNQYBQuYAr7zwn4-aVjrQuf_2cDPC6QsOZTX9YiFs9AHMQG7dFux9xVtiv3MpC9SUWnYGpO4vJrqUHRKCbWDyyAPAjMRq2E2c-wX8TkdoWrqRotBW0BYbnJ-3regVDSzlt17Eq9IpFMYjMFzUAAXTtVzSapKzSLvcE/w640-h480/image7.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn 12. Lara gets a triple activation, all sixes. I’ve been waiting for a sign from the dice Gods like this: Lara shoots Pablo in the back. He falls - wounded or dead doesn’t matter - and Lara searches him and takes the Artefact he looted from Lyra. Lara has been suspicious for a while, but has been waiting the moment to strike. Then she keeps moving for the exit. Meanwhile her other Hound attacks the Armadillo, fails to wound it, and the beast flees off table.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tUyzBfObW1DYAD8PIwnGGtfNRzPFPpBJXJTTSSB6C40cMQr9tSDWqEGjNp9llg4JkyjJtmwpk3IPu7z8_cYIghLdb13uxm0tvvCvReXs2gF6TSf3XBwujAoj_tU2HHzWpTJ_DHnOo03np5Jt8lXWPw2H1A1Hh5sjlgvSGb7msVpfBP-lu_tV7f72Sbo/s640/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="640" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tUyzBfObW1DYAD8PIwnGGtfNRzPFPpBJXJTTSSB6C40cMQr9tSDWqEGjNp9llg4JkyjJtmwpk3IPu7z8_cYIghLdb13uxm0tvvCvReXs2gF6TSf3XBwujAoj_tU2HHzWpTJ_DHnOo03np5Jt8lXWPw2H1A1Hh5sjlgvSGb7msVpfBP-lu_tV7f72Sbo/w640-h508/image8.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Angelina’s luck seemed to have run out as she fails 2/3 activations. The nearest beast, a Lesser Mummy, attacks but fails to wound her. The next closest gets a Lunge reaction but it’s much too far away. Angelina runs for it, and both beasts fail to pursue her. Her faithful Hound activates successfully and stays between her and the other beasts.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VmzqUoRNcLt8dWkQosUnpBxOfXjbSHMOJDGIYIpN67O8UQ4UJ25PzzduBJaMHKpz4g5Bkqj1S5UBnMIZx8TZS_XMqpO4RWSDn2pYbQu12lFfTgfWpBOMPD-PHPmZdoHOjEWj6oT5Y7dDWonvQugoPrFt3CR7cE7E6gLXGhMO_vnoAHEx5c7zHjP1Vy4/s640/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VmzqUoRNcLt8dWkQosUnpBxOfXjbSHMOJDGIYIpN67O8UQ4UJ25PzzduBJaMHKpz4g5Bkqj1S5UBnMIZx8TZS_XMqpO4RWSDn2pYbQu12lFfTgfWpBOMPD-PHPmZdoHOjEWj6oT5Y7dDWonvQugoPrFt3CR7cE7E6gLXGhMO_vnoAHEx5c7zHjP1Vy4/w640-h480/image9.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I played the final couple of turns, involving only figures that could affect the result. Lara got through the exit gate in turn 13, with no further problems. Angelina did the same, with a successful triple activation and 3 x Lope actions, as no beasts were in range & LOS to object. The two surviving Hounds, one looking to each adventurer, also made it.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1wCYNc8Z5bCEfa-5jcdHk5-ktdzWpKdx6XGPdDF1NGWEdjLt3V9NllzmWqRwqCXMk5T2cUv77LTCd5thYzSACxnKCmmdZ0aDcpkWKr8-ScUuFylscqzYo9D_vV5EV8mI15rP4gt_BszJ1Odrlx-nHcs1pH5IUeoNn3u2_ZQhidz9N__EMlWTtxSvEck/s640/image10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1wCYNc8Z5bCEfa-5jcdHk5-ktdzWpKdx6XGPdDF1NGWEdjLt3V9NllzmWqRwqCXMk5T2cUv77LTCd5thYzSACxnKCmmdZ0aDcpkWKr8-ScUuFylscqzYo9D_vV5EV8mI15rP4gt_BszJ1Odrlx-nHcs1pH5IUeoNn3u2_ZQhidz9N__EMlWTtxSvEck/w640-h452/image10.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" id="m_-5045676306232867410AppleMailSignature" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Angelina and Lara have gotten away with 5/7 Artefacts, for the loss of 1/3 adventurers and 3/5 Hounds (unfortunately a contingency roll showed Angelina’s wounded Hound also died shortly after). But on the bright side, less Goons (oops - Hounds) to be paid. It’s a solid win for the TLAC.<br /><br />And now for a treetop-hugging helicopter to Bogotá, then a private jet to the Caymans. Back to the real world again!<br /><br />Cheers from Pattaya<br />Mark</span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-56718185446440961512024-02-05T19:11:00.000+00:002024-02-05T19:11:14.316+00:00Devilry Afoot - Bogeymen<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ4QQTNXOCSHwaIuNCGGpGzaKz9ANN85rLWXghoP2ECPRn0AmEPb11n6UUe6X37JLPcuTPcBUkbh-rwkrYBDArAVMdl5FOfj85Xy7tYhUBQ5Rkc1uc9L6NNXRoodyoYCLuVpNIQbck37nLm7iFnxpPA69EbezspvPSwKCAGPf0ppDOFViG2cghHbGK7s/s2700/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1842" data-original-width="2700" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ4QQTNXOCSHwaIuNCGGpGzaKz9ANN85rLWXghoP2ECPRn0AmEPb11n6UUe6X37JLPcuTPcBUkbh-rwkrYBDArAVMdl5FOfj85Xy7tYhUBQ5Rkc1uc9L6NNXRoodyoYCLuVpNIQbck37nLm7iFnxpPA69EbezspvPSwKCAGPf0ppDOFViG2cghHbGK7s/w640-h436/0.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Bogeymen are literally walking nightmares. These elusive and malevolent figures can appear in various guises, from a spectral entity, or shape-shifting monster, to a wicked old woman or living scarecrow. Conjured by parents as a tool to foster obedience in their children, it is unclear whether their manifest form is the result of demonic possession, a witch’s projection or the physical embodiment of collective fear. Their unknowable motivation and the unpredictability of their actions make them something worthy of their reputation.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJCdR0rLV5-k5YBSkXVpbstC05dF-Kf2UeNrrRjq9srgVVsS94GcA0M4dosbTuuzP2SMvi8jFgLqhGtI5RKDsut2M32JKE6yLdkDYj_VBoxy0x3gYBzeWGsMe4HmP3VpfAqCC8UxBwzzzX6huSioj1-6DlIVtu_TQXhv2orv3nIJVRZZ_UXgK24KC-z0/s4206/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="4206" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJCdR0rLV5-k5YBSkXVpbstC05dF-Kf2UeNrrRjq9srgVVsS94GcA0M4dosbTuuzP2SMvi8jFgLqhGtI5RKDsut2M32JKE6yLdkDYj_VBoxy0x3gYBzeWGsMe4HmP3VpfAqCC8UxBwzzzX6huSioj1-6DlIVtu_TQXhv2orv3nIJVRZZ_UXgK24KC-z0/w640-h224/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">These two 28mm bagheads/living scarecrows are from Crooked Dice. They are not entirely period accurate - what 17th century gentleman would be caught dead in such long trousers? But at the end of the day, these are nice sculpts and any 17th century gentleman caught, may well end up dead.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoGT24jHoUazo9CqLd6x4oyrGYLElYVYseHAxw0xITyfgrdcIE-kJbdu1bzuCXYWrlobXZwXmYl7MB7M4uNMcazPRkwg5FP8mwHU1F_XTii7esQDwUZff3qmQzVteSDNiO-f7nawCUucaLPADnPSNbS8U6hytqnR_UPXdHGK3Hw-E24L83hjFlgZN6Qk/s4507/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="4507" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoGT24jHoUazo9CqLd6x4oyrGYLElYVYseHAxw0xITyfgrdcIE-kJbdu1bzuCXYWrlobXZwXmYl7MB7M4uNMcazPRkwg5FP8mwHU1F_XTii7esQDwUZff3qmQzVteSDNiO-f7nawCUucaLPADnPSNbS8U6hytqnR_UPXdHGK3Hw-E24L83hjFlgZN6Qk/w640-h248/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-48203814764725243752024-02-04T11:01:00.004+00:002024-02-05T12:34:11.650+00:00Palaeo Diet Eat of Be Eaten - The Trout Clan Rebuilds<div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>February is Mark's traditional month for playing </i>Palaeo Diet (Eat or Be Eaten)<i>. This will be the seventh annual visit to the Grey Wolf and Trout clans, following the ups and downs of their struggle for survival. A couple of seasons ago both clans were stricken by a mysterious sickness, most likely an attack by malevolent spirits. The Grey Wolfs lost their old chief, among many others, but have recovered well under the new chief Great Lion. The Trouts however were nearly wiped out, and fled from their traditional territory into the hill country. Since then the hunting and gathering conditions have been hard, and life has been precarious for the Trout survivors.</i></span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This season we’ll follow the Trouts as they try to re-establish their clan in a new territory.</span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1. A New Hope</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At last the Trout Clan has found a potential new home. It’s a well situated and good sized cave, sheltered from the weather, and surrounded by fair country for hunting and gathering. And no other humans have laid claim to it, there are no signs of recent or old occupation. Perfect. Except for the grumpy old cave bear who lives there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The strongest hunting party the clan can muster will travel to the cave, offer the necessary propitiation rites to the bear spirit, and kill the bear (persuade it to allow the Trout Clan to move in).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Here’s a shot of the hunting party as it surveys the valley that’ll be their new home if all goes well.</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyevb2QhfZGIkacuy47SLjiKdBAUhHm6KiiG26CsunFBGaWwMoO238ES1iDjk7hFQWdhBwa8E5zV7nNhM9O2AijwgnDJOTfQtK-x9sVy3heVuaC76yymhJ-RpjQk5h3Dy6v67BB4QGWY3GGSDfi_1OZhgphrFf48tQcu1yWxICBrOk6-oWOoh6EiNqp8/s640/hunt%201%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyevb2QhfZGIkacuy47SLjiKdBAUhHm6KiiG26CsunFBGaWwMoO238ES1iDjk7hFQWdhBwa8E5zV7nNhM9O2AijwgnDJOTfQtK-x9sVy3heVuaC76yymhJ-RpjQk5h3Dy6v67BB4QGWY3GGSDfi_1OZhgphrFf48tQcu1yWxICBrOk6-oWOoh6EiNqp8/w640-h480/hunt%201%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The group includes Fire (who is also a clan Shaman), Club (who is the leader), and in the front row Axe and Spear.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And here’s a view of the tabletop, with the Trouts coming in on the S edge. The cliff face, containing the cave - and grumpy bear - is at top R, across the stream. Some delicious deer are also in sight.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrWGVs1XzRm0qrBn-qTbZw98vNWK_zuzZ6kag2hf2jVDpxmUX3wQgqs3FTmyUDnXz3e9W1pC5h7A5ab-wfMTuKR6H5XpEA-CXsbYAZQMs96_8JV-z4oXLhKFykU7XZeMwNZpYJedDN99fcIu3lpVou6LLmCMrUSc4p9cZS3In72egN0kkp5WIW9Uk3r8/s640/hunt%201%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrWGVs1XzRm0qrBn-qTbZw98vNWK_zuzZ6kag2hf2jVDpxmUX3wQgqs3FTmyUDnXz3e9W1pC5h7A5ab-wfMTuKR6H5XpEA-CXsbYAZQMs96_8JV-z4oXLhKFykU7XZeMwNZpYJedDN99fcIu3lpVou6LLmCMrUSc4p9cZS3In72egN0kkp5WIW9Uk3r8/w640-h480/hunt%201%20(2).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters must kill the bear or drive it off the table with at least 1 wound, and also kill at least 2 Bulk of other food, to succeed in their quest. No more than 1 hunter can be killed, or 2 be wounded. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Each time a hunter fails 2+ activation dice, more wildlife will appear, potentially including herd grazers or pack hunters. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters moved off, skirting carefully around the deer at first. Then Fire moved within 1M of the closest animal, starting a stampede that saw the animals flee across the stream. Which is where the hunters plan to catch up with them later.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLspzGN76Sd9BD48VbrKj0Jz4vE_18sO9iz61W_0daM1Wlw7H9v6-9djLajU7AptJilU5EgbTegt03J3AOqPaaX02x4YetXxTAX3ivNyuMcu69mmo6Pvr1eNp5vPD-dtbcbqzfPK2jZKcS2oTaMBIPOjuGuIm2zF2CWj-tGT-eMEftmd9Qv8OHbZvuFJc/s640/hunt%201%20(3).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLspzGN76Sd9BD48VbrKj0Jz4vE_18sO9iz61W_0daM1Wlw7H9v6-9djLajU7AptJilU5EgbTegt03J3AOqPaaX02x4YetXxTAX3ivNyuMcu69mmo6Pvr1eNp5vPD-dtbcbqzfPK2jZKcS2oTaMBIPOjuGuIm2zF2CWj-tGT-eMEftmd9Qv8OHbZvuFJc/w640-h480/hunt%201%20(3).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters crossed the stream and moved cautiously towards the bear which seemed to be relaxing in front of the cave. But then Club tripped on a rock and swore loudly. He’s the hunt leader so the others tactfully ignored this breach of discipline. The bear was startled and moved away (Alarmed), though its full move was blocked by the line of cliffs. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP7Msx2YNn1spzG0XOAu9qsTTcRTXuxjTOAicQuWY61pjahqsZDCpMJyfCRZ9cVfATWmkDqHcEXyIAqSyD4n1YHMvMYNPw1Auio1CuCtmvQhEdDTbsnpg2qNtEC-Nq0YKWUUWbNKpKGjLkJ0k1eNb3AHMTMLLWZxhKS5YmTblE6cd9rA15sgRurLXmbg/s640/hunt%201%20(4).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="640" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP7Msx2YNn1spzG0XOAu9qsTTcRTXuxjTOAicQuWY61pjahqsZDCpMJyfCRZ9cVfATWmkDqHcEXyIAqSyD4n1YHMvMYNPw1Auio1CuCtmvQhEdDTbsnpg2qNtEC-Nq0YKWUUWbNKpKGjLkJ0k1eNb3AHMTMLLWZxhKS5YmTblE6cd9rA15sgRurLXmbg/w640-h380/hunt%201%20(4).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Axe skulked forward and attacked the bear first, but his blow failed. The bear roared, causing Axe and Fire to skulk away from the fearsome spectacle. Spear attacked next, and caused a wound. The enraged beat attacked him, but Spear somehow dodged the attack. The bear’s move had brought it within skulk+attack range of Club, who caused a well-placed wound, which luckily turned out to be 2 wounds. So the bear fell, with total 3W.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Here’s a view of the fallen bear, with Spear and Club who brought it down. The red tokens show which hunter caused the wounds. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAhFQX5BGmearK1e2mrE2trz7x0x52n4cVCvijlTz849Yzdpxaln4kRpkEuHKg07LcK32QufZU3qlEHjMYlLrOOWuazu373dnMD1PdXWt-iVD4pFNOnRjenZV5Y9UsuISZB1WIwOVBeOost6vZY3IcSTFWQYFHQRy_KzLEv95scVPjfOqoWnUKzH1oyk/s640/hunt%201%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="640" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAhFQX5BGmearK1e2mrE2trz7x0x52n4cVCvijlTz849Yzdpxaln4kRpkEuHKg07LcK32QufZU3qlEHjMYlLrOOWuazu373dnMD1PdXWt-iVD4pFNOnRjenZV5Y9UsuISZB1WIwOVBeOost6vZY3IcSTFWQYFHQRy_KzLEv95scVPjfOqoWnUKzH1oyk/w640-h424/hunt%201%20(5).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As Club was the hunter who struck the fatal blow, he must stay with the bear to sing the songs apologising to the bear spirit and thanking it for allowing the Trout Clan to occupy the cave. Fire will also stay as the ritual requires smoke. The other hunters, Axe and Spear, will hunt for food.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As part of the reorganisation, Axe double-fails an activation, and a pair of warthogs appear some distance away across the stream.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters can see the warthogs, but ignore them and concentrate on the deer. They skulk carefully towards their prey. Axe goes first, wounding a hind, which flees. Then Slear throws, and misses. His target stampedes, taking the rest of the herd with it. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupbXjGwSQ4JerZLtw6XPk46ZJ-Uerj6GCWxjzOqXz0CUkhcX7k1dCuNtJvbF-vMrO8Spg0hZ7HRj0_BhGij9i5dxt2rRiK7j2q3aAIrhljjNTEqsKqxxKAYARQ5IVE9M3EKbreJqPzkoO1Ocd7S5lzfrKMsLawE_KFs3QkV74AbY_HsxMS4BnTn4TD-I/s640/hunt%201%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="640" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupbXjGwSQ4JerZLtw6XPk46ZJ-Uerj6GCWxjzOqXz0CUkhcX7k1dCuNtJvbF-vMrO8Spg0hZ7HRj0_BhGij9i5dxt2rRiK7j2q3aAIrhljjNTEqsKqxxKAYARQ5IVE9M3EKbreJqPzkoO1Ocd7S5lzfrKMsLawE_KFs3QkV74AbY_HsxMS4BnTn4TD-I/w640-h242/hunt%201%20(6).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Club takes a risk and tries activating on 3 dice, but fails 1, and the nearest deer - the wounded one - moves away, Alarmed. Club follows, Amble + Skulk, keeping in touch with the spooked animals. Spear also fails 1/3 activations, but the nearest animal ignores this. Spear also Ambles + Skulks after the herd. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzmRPrhLFEv24a6Mgt6am6JFObE9HZ88DzEO_cr7k-5L6BVPSyP5lpmipjbOkh5fd1224mTBWzE2lVu3EyKd2QhNYsrwGTbqahgIZaiqdzfUAT8zX_Zs5zNJJ2xQ3W48EK5aNcTfP-hDeYcBQzGi1-U3e0cVb_CnoT9uykR8AbNUjCTmqnxsJNu4y37s/s640/hunt%201%20(7).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="640" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglzmRPrhLFEv24a6Mgt6am6JFObE9HZ88DzEO_cr7k-5L6BVPSyP5lpmipjbOkh5fd1224mTBWzE2lVu3EyKd2QhNYsrwGTbqahgIZaiqdzfUAT8zX_Zs5zNJJ2xQ3W48EK5aNcTfP-hDeYcBQzGi1-U3e0cVb_CnoT9uykR8AbNUjCTmqnxsJNu4y37s/w640-h308/hunt%201%20(7).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Axe fails 1/2 activations this time. The nearest animal Flees but luckily dies not Stampede. Axe keeps skulking. Axe and Slear are exchanging hand signals - Spear activates successfully on only 1 dice, but stays still. So next turn, with Axe actually in contact with a deer - the one he already wounded - he’ll be able attack it again on 1 success. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It all goes according to plan, and the hind is killed by another wound from Axe. The rest of the herd stampedes, but the hunters don’t care. They have enough meat to last them all the way back to where the rest of the Clan is waiting anxiously for news.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURPkgLnmeyuadANKfLzwAyXaJiH9ki09qAKE4oX7t3IWy1xsNgQY6MDtQuK_siw4v8kdDUOKZNpN9NE9mv-SNQOGxyUCTL8sKg6yEo472iJO7PGmPIrkp_DskYX4Db4TCfSiiYr5mN-c9qgb8fD8IxD1woCQISsvhwng2M9A-un3I4Ci4VTW379o0BsE/s640/hunt%201%20(8).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURPkgLnmeyuadANKfLzwAyXaJiH9ki09qAKE4oX7t3IWy1xsNgQY6MDtQuK_siw4v8kdDUOKZNpN9NE9mv-SNQOGxyUCTL8sKg6yEo472iJO7PGmPIrkp_DskYX4Db4TCfSiiYr5mN-c9qgb8fD8IxD1woCQISsvhwng2M9A-un3I4Ci4VTW379o0BsE/w640-h480/hunt%201%20(8).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*****</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="🦣" aria-label="🦣" class="an1" data-emoji="🦣" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f9a3/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span> Trek to new upland location. Evicting current tenant (cave bear)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="🦬" aria-label="🦬" class="an1" data-emoji="🦬" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f9ac/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span></span> Hunting & gathering</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="🦅" aria-label="🦅" class="an1" data-emoji="🦅" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f985/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span></span> Newcomers: fight or merge? <span><img alt="❌" aria-label="❌" class="an1" data-emoji="❌" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/274c/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="🦏" aria-label="🦏" class="an1" data-emoji="🦏" loading="lazy" src="https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/e/notoemoji/15.0/1f98f/72.png" style="height: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; width: 1.2em;" /></span></span> Exploring: encounter with pack predators (take Shaman along) + hunt/gather food</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">*****</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Trout clan have taken possession of their new home. Enough time has passed for them to become familiar with the immediate surroundings. The major fauna living there has been killed and eaten, or driven away. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And so it’s time to explore and hunt further afield. Here we see a neighbouring valley, presently occupied by various Giant Grazers, and a few Herd Grazers. A large party from the Trout Clan is about to enter the valley, following the stream. </span></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw-z72eJRbaSKX-EWhJ-LHdaw358bzLghcT2B6kJXEr_uFFiJRSasux92Lj3MPQ5Uk5pdmYVqKMoNWuEaWJp6Y3A7KtextZAPh2_Oue8vHJaJvhlyiSXVDIDrsT0ih8AP1J7NMHCToNeYJ1F9uEnVD5IKjILNAa3_EVNVLBzwx5wwdHBBPxmb3mCT4Hc/s640/image0%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="640" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw-z72eJRbaSKX-EWhJ-LHdaw358bzLghcT2B6kJXEr_uFFiJRSasux92Lj3MPQ5Uk5pdmYVqKMoNWuEaWJp6Y3A7KtextZAPh2_Oue8vHJaJvhlyiSXVDIDrsT0ih8AP1J7NMHCToNeYJ1F9uEnVD5IKjILNAa3_EVNVLBzwx5wwdHBBPxmb3mCT4Hc/w640-h464/image0%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The party is in two groups. The lead group comprises 5 hunters, and is again led by Club. It has the task of killing at least 8 Bulk of meat for the Clan. The rear group comprises four women and children, protected by two hunters including Fire. It has the task of Gathering sessile edibles such as fungi, berries, and snails. The scrub patches and cliff faces look likely sites. The women and children must gather at least 25 actions of edibles, no more than 8 from any one site.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Last night, in their camp, the party heard the sounds of Cave Hyaenas (pack predators) in the valley, so it is likely they have a den around here somewhere. The scrub patches or cliff faces for example. The appearance of these predators (location, numbers) is a contingent event.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Trouts came on (free 2 x Amble move) following the N (cliff) side of the river. The nearest cliff contains no Gatherables, nor any Predators, because it’s easier that way. Thereafter they crossed the stream, with the aims of taking on the Mammoths and antelopes over there, and checking the scrub-topped hill for Gatherables.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">During the crossing one of the women or children startled a Mammoth, which Attacked the nearest hunter, causing 1W. Not a good start. Fire ambled along the far stream bank to within M of that Mammoth, provoking it to Flee. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A couple of turns later and all the Trouts are across the stream. The gathering party is closing in on the hill, which has shown no signs of Predator occupation. The hunting party hasn’t been so lucky. A bungled Spear throw at the second Mammoth saw it Attack the nearest hunter, who was the one already wounded, and he was killed. The Mammoth then Moved Away.</span></div></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7f-OEPBgTHXUz9AMlHdJ3uAEJbhr7vUA2LkIY4svHXHonzfU2hS38VQu2FB-EK8sDggbuEIQD558zmHXfk0tLeT0P7Bur_LV4p-Z8-q8iTmMPOMNtgjZNxWS8flLFuPHbAgay6KRiTHEFMVzT_WElCSpSoZR8xfe40dkSBCCSJv3Q_MfbvuY7pYBbNAE/s640/image1%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="640" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7f-OEPBgTHXUz9AMlHdJ3uAEJbhr7vUA2LkIY4svHXHonzfU2hS38VQu2FB-EK8sDggbuEIQD558zmHXfk0tLeT0P7Bur_LV4p-Z8-q8iTmMPOMNtgjZNxWS8flLFuPHbAgay6KRiTHEFMVzT_WElCSpSoZR8xfe40dkSBCCSJv3Q_MfbvuY7pYBbNAE/w640-h310/image1%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The gathering group is in position to start stripping the scrub patches of edibles. But in the process of moving up, a couple of fails saw the Antelopes flee from having Fire uncomfortably close, and the second Mammoth turned back to attack another hunter, luckily without success. Now the hunters have a Mammoth right on their doorstep: how will they go? Spear 1 activated first and caused the beast 1W. It Roared, and all hunters but Spear 2 backed away. Spear 2 went next, but his throw missed. The Mammoth isn’t standing any more nonsense, it attacked Spear 2 (who was closest) wounding him. Club went next, striking a well placed blow but still only another 1W. The beast Roared again, more backing away ensued. Lastly hunter Axe moved in, but missed, and the beast turned and Moved Away.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDpMDRXoZrfhyhI1kW3wYStg2gHxqDDblz4SqIWMUcZmwAjyxSv_SyPfySiCFojSEnMM2whw-GIhJYfQwRmzUc6Q4sdgQKPP7RLCLC_vXQeVSg6szcN8MNT6jftP9JUdaYAyxQGsMOQpJ0iwfYllKZSamD5GvNUlU68tK-5lbzOUIGiAeKrLZgvCXHEU/s640/image2%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDpMDRXoZrfhyhI1kW3wYStg2gHxqDDblz4SqIWMUcZmwAjyxSv_SyPfySiCFojSEnMM2whw-GIhJYfQwRmzUc6Q4sdgQKPP7RLCLC_vXQeVSg6szcN8MNT6jftP9JUdaYAyxQGsMOQpJ0iwfYllKZSamD5GvNUlU68tK-5lbzOUIGiAeKrLZgvCXHEU/w640-h480/image2%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I’ll leave the dead hunter in place for now. He may be needed as a Predation point if those Hyaenas show up.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Next turn I started by activating the women and children to begin Gathering. There was one fail. The nearest beast was a second Mammoth, and the proximate activation was Fire within L. The Mammoth fled, leaving some startled antelopes in its wake. The W & C gather 4/25 Edibles this turn.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters were luckier this time. The Mammoths ignored them. And Spear 2, though wounded, was able to get within Pelt range and bring down an Antelope with a 2W well placed shot. So that’s 2/8 Bulk in the bag.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarF9nd9wf5kzM_yBxvcpBBB1-8VNTH1HDL1NHX9nAYSQV4JkplEO4we6kK-BDKx9WTNwkgqHKsRr-VM0gzuUHJtveLrj7SgW82HBBJLxG_ii_Z6TWVW4OEI7wj2ausH75aNhMd6Msys50Yu5eYaIYhwsEuJCvWlOEtVeyuGX2K29_Ct7-ORcuJL2bljM/s640/image3%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarF9nd9wf5kzM_yBxvcpBBB1-8VNTH1HDL1NHX9nAYSQV4JkplEO4we6kK-BDKx9WTNwkgqHKsRr-VM0gzuUHJtveLrj7SgW82HBBJLxG_ii_Z6TWVW4OEI7wj2ausH75aNhMd6Msys50Yu5eYaIYhwsEuJCvWlOEtVeyuGX2K29_Ct7-ORcuJL2bljM/w640-h384/image3%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Hunters followed up the retreating wounded Mammoth and the remaining antelopes. They had a bad start though, as the antelopes kept out of reach, and the wounded Mammoth turned and attacked Club, wounding him. But then it got an Alarmed reaction when Spear 1 unsuccessfully pelted it, and moved into the stream. Where Axe caught it, and finished it with a 2W well-placed blow. So that’s 6/8 Bulk accounted for. Though at a grievous cost, 1/5 hunters dead and 2/5 wounded, in this group.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdZ8ZGRWb2bAz68HM64WL4F1ob0T24haAaMlkUZSE3cy6au9oSnkS8fnJcau2jueO5b6aFffrjJcFpAUiUyuk1pPIAVfIG6Ttek3DOJRHuq0OleixwpwocuF3bt_DxJmjidoQ7f_wv9wBogl2Djg25io3oUMHDArTwnc9Kiu29LEDubu5UK9t9Lq8WQQ/s640/image4%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="640" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdZ8ZGRWb2bAz68HM64WL4F1ob0T24haAaMlkUZSE3cy6au9oSnkS8fnJcau2jueO5b6aFffrjJcFpAUiUyuk1pPIAVfIG6Ttek3DOJRHuq0OleixwpwocuF3bt_DxJmjidoQ7f_wv9wBogl2Djg25io3oUMHDArTwnc9Kiu29LEDubu5UK9t9Lq8WQQ/w640-h344/image4%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Gatherers cleared the scrub patch of all edibles (8/25) and are ready to move to the next spot. The remaining Mammoth reacted to the death of the other by Moving Away.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It appears the other scrub patch is also Predator free. Good to know. The Gatherers and their escorts head in that direction. There are a couple of activation failures, but the beast activations are Rest. The Hunters need 2 more Bulk to achieve their group objective. But they’re not keen on tackling any more Giant Grazers and will try for another antelope. Spear 2 throws and misses, the antelope Flees. Spear 1 fails 1/3 activation dice, and the Big Mammoth reacts by Fleeing as the proximate cause is Fire within M. Spear 1 gets close to the antelope but cannot throw this time. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Then a stroke of luck: a fail by Axe leads the closest antelope to Attack Spear 1, though failing to wound him. But Axe skulks right up to the hapless antelope.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATmAxytK_BRuQQJ1xWZOjBlo85gJ5ArRAAJqdAXregywDxwaJRfbCL-ILPIVVsvjV_Np9H_cKRq1PZO74CKcHn6liTwvyb8hO43Xxdbb-lkg2cHWFz7B8NVcqvLmuiam7d4Jv74-cO7z8-8SHBx8f0zTHGxdGQr9BAlBvD91NANFaXxnh_BRte1dFFMY/s640/image5%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATmAxytK_BRuQQJ1xWZOjBlo85gJ5ArRAAJqdAXregywDxwaJRfbCL-ILPIVVsvjV_Np9H_cKRq1PZO74CKcHn6liTwvyb8hO43Xxdbb-lkg2cHWFz7B8NVcqvLmuiam7d4Jv74-cO7z8-8SHBx8f0zTHGxdGQr9BAlBvD91NANFaXxnh_BRte1dFFMY/w640-h480/image5%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Next turn Axe lands 1W on the antelope, which must be stunned because it omly Moves Away. Enabling Spear 1 to try his luck, but he fails 1 dice and the antelope moves further away, now Alarmed. Spear 1 follows it but cannot throw this turn. Club, who gets a successful triple activation, sneaks up on the remaining antelope - which had thought it was safe - and causes 1W, the antelope Flees off table.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So the escort Spear from the Gatherers group tries to nail the wounded antelope that has evaded the Hunters. And he does, bringing it down with a successful throw. So that’s all the required 8 bulk in hand, and bragging rights to the escort Spear. </span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3GPOwGXuDMFj8dR_D-rfRTqkQuBc0AHjzN_uWZo0TA80wp9n_5BSSktH5JM_TgmUinmRVngkrUfawLILvPWwyIC2L5v_omxT-6pEBctbf6ogAloMJbSk29mpbu3frHnFGG6ze5-c9cfoFkga8-P-sp9KbD_CT7lEeUOa8yWWlJUbXDCs90uxhmvhiEw/s640/image6%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3GPOwGXuDMFj8dR_D-rfRTqkQuBc0AHjzN_uWZo0TA80wp9n_5BSSktH5JM_TgmUinmRVngkrUfawLILvPWwyIC2L5v_omxT-6pEBctbf6ogAloMJbSk29mpbu3frHnFGG6ze5-c9cfoFkga8-P-sp9KbD_CT7lEeUOa8yWWlJUbXDCs90uxhmvhiEw/w640-h384/image6%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Trouts need another 17 Edibles to be collected by the Gatherers. They move across the field, edging away from the Mammoth and Elephants, towards the next scrub patch. I sped up this part of the game, pushing Fire forward to prevent any aggressive beast reactions while the Trouts reorganised. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FqdUG6A5YKm3TwKQfc2cRiFXcqsaAezjI7tpNc22GfJH_1FIR__OIBjJvbT_xLZtloacBSobjdHKfz9XqZrO3kJjMKwMm8TN-8baXAqdsv6qBmqPTtNBV79koE0DcNsWMq1QfnruOIGqFO68ojU2K0-IQ42EFSJ4OFoaoXRyDueGq0c6ihGrKpVM368/s640/image7%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FqdUG6A5YKm3TwKQfc2cRiFXcqsaAezjI7tpNc22GfJH_1FIR__OIBjJvbT_xLZtloacBSobjdHKfz9XqZrO3kJjMKwMm8TN-8baXAqdsv6qBmqPTtNBV79koE0DcNsWMq1QfnruOIGqFO68ojU2K0-IQ42EFSJ4OFoaoXRyDueGq0c6ihGrKpVM368/w640-h480/image7%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So the Gatherers move to 16/25 Edibles from the new scrub patch. The Mammoth & Elephants seem disinclined to interfere, and anyway the Rhino across the stream is now the closest beast to many of the Trouts. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Gatherers moved along the steam bank looking for a good place to cross, while the Hunters distracted the Rhino. The Rhino received 1W, but also killed Club, the Trout leader, who was already wounded.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBowEF76wQrtiXLc8-GR7sdglgMVpmEjLf_CKWaxU-r8IsxPSHrAV6zybRfWk_5wYkqN80Ove6Hqjm5OE-kc4lp5reWMnGpERQyFtFvZtg2YFstIxEoV4jn4ZrmcmCPfTG-GU_k06lHkxUR6g2aT5BgHtbJFaNG8eHEGzBn8q5_HQmCblS4VNgYYpl9oI/s640/image8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="640" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBowEF76wQrtiXLc8-GR7sdglgMVpmEjLf_CKWaxU-r8IsxPSHrAV6zybRfWk_5wYkqN80Ove6Hqjm5OE-kc4lp5reWMnGpERQyFtFvZtg2YFstIxEoV4jn4ZrmcmCPfTG-GU_k06lHkxUR6g2aT5BgHtbJFaNG8eHEGzBn8q5_HQmCblS4VNgYYpl9oI/w640-h358/image8.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The cliff face the Gatherers are heading for is also Predator free. Maybe those hyaena howls last night came from a pack that doesn’t actually live around here? </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters keep attacking the Rhino. Spear 1 lands a 2W well placed shot, and the Rhino roars. Most of the hunters back off, except Spear 2, who finishes the Rhino with an extraordinary run of sixes on his pelting dice. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">One last uneventful turn, as the Gatherers start denuding their next patch of all edibles, and the hunters, who have now taken 12 Bulk, start to cross the stream. In doing so they trigger the contingent Predator roll for the last potential spawning place: there are no cave Hyaenas around here. Luckily. </span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0hDJthiMwGS0fygl52iELzETNO890S0ovbSCAIKIqg6dv0uvFxqDzfY_QcEhoGo0Ec9cc-DgUZiOkLHvH2m_H6hhSwjM_ZI13qAiDZA-ffz7ESv70UrIACL7cSJN8zNFuj1IbVtFWVb173uKrQAsmnP9RwzTlDcdDAZFcHuHx1V-nmZGf2r2pC-361o/s640/image9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0hDJthiMwGS0fygl52iELzETNO890S0ovbSCAIKIqg6dv0uvFxqDzfY_QcEhoGo0Ec9cc-DgUZiOkLHvH2m_H6hhSwjM_ZI13qAiDZA-ffz7ESv70UrIACL7cSJN8zNFuj1IbVtFWVb173uKrQAsmnP9RwzTlDcdDAZFcHuHx1V-nmZGf2r2pC-361o/w640-h480/image9.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So there’s nothing to stop the Trouts from achieving their objectives now. It’s only a matter of weighing the benefits against the costs: 2/7 Hunters are dead (counting the hunting group + gatherer group escorts). Another is wounded (contingency rolls indicated a serious wound, but a full recovery). I’d say a draw. Club the hunt leader is dead, otherwise the Elders might have had words with him about risking an attack on the Giant grazers while the Clan is still weak. But at least they’ll eat well for the next moon or two. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">*****</div></span><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">For this final visit to the Trout Clan for the current season, I started by working through a contingent-based paper scenario, in which another group of H Pattayaensis (the species to which the Trouts belong) enters the Trouts’ new territory. Here is how it played out.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A group of refugees, roughly the same size as the Trouts, calling themselves the Mud Crab Clan, entered the Trout territory. Like the Trouts they are survivors of the Great Sickness trying to find a safe refuge from the trauma.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At first relations between the two groups was wary, even antagonistic, as each suspected the other of wanting to attack. There were even some small skirmishes over hunting fish and critters, in which both sides took casualties. A potentially more serious incident cooled down when the perpetrators (Mud Crab extremists) and their few followers were exiled.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the end the Elders of both clans agreed the best solution was to merge, and become a single stronger Trout Clan. They chose a rather outré option whereby all Mud Crab women were given to Trout Men, and all Trout Women to Mud Crab men.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Which means the Clan has grown a lot in numbers, indeed back to its original size, more or less. Also genetic diversity. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As the colder season approached, successful hunts and gathers ensured the new larger Clan would be able to survive the winter. But there was a piece of unfinished business to attend to.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Cave Hyaenas who failed to appear in the last episode have been located by the Clan, and marked for extermination. So long as these predators are allowed to live in Clan territory, gathering parties and small hunting parties will be at risk of attack. And the Clan also doesn’t want to share the Bulk with any competitors, human or otherwise.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So a hunting party is sent to raid the Hyaena den, to kill all the adults they can find, and the cubs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRvA-Hpj_v5jNYtMKb327ZS2FS5pQGvfoK978KZQxm9qYEaXA3qf-dUtduiiiESu0IILc9nlw42Pg3LZBrHrfrvMA06VNnOVxN8C7koIuIncULixq-i4u0TSN7yL2baPQCZDDzgWd4-IvGvr9ZcUiHzc9v6cOdctcsKKU7RJxWXmUGCW-3JTbT_jRRPQ/s640/image0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRvA-Hpj_v5jNYtMKb327ZS2FS5pQGvfoK978KZQxm9qYEaXA3qf-dUtduiiiESu0IILc9nlw42Pg3LZBrHrfrvMA06VNnOVxN8C7koIuIncULixq-i4u0TSN7yL2baPQCZDDzgWd4-IvGvr9ZcUiHzc9v6cOdctcsKKU7RJxWXmUGCW-3JTbT_jRRPQ/w640-h480/image0.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunting sent to do the job comprises six men: 3 spears, 2 clubs, 1 fire. Here they are entering the Hyaenas’ honeymoon range, from the SW. The den is in the rocky area, but the starting positions of the beasts can be anywhere on the table. There are five Hyaenas, and one will be placed each time a Trout fails any activation dice. A dead hyaena can regenerate and reappear if it rolls a 5,6. It only gets one chance. This simulates the Trouts having imperfect information about beast numbers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A lookout hyaena spots the hunters and gives the alarm. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunting party leader is Club, who is wearing a prestigious (and warm) animal skin coat. His strategy is to keep the group together as much as possible, using Fire to mute beast aggression, and draw the beasts out into the open. They are bound to defend their cubs in the den, and don’t have the option to run away.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On turn 2 Fire fails an activation. A hyaena appears 1.5L from the hunters, between the den and the scrub-covered hill. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs26r2mQqptNXlLUNCBDNQgUSllgUa00uDBi5DdEiusHqO08CtiIcoXYvUHLm3ht0KTGTXP6dk9uryHO4203dtrV8JURajHw4IwlGuddUVamuVVik9pd5pJTU4bYNpDVdTWr0z_Pqmf8mX4a7uchZNJxx9BfiznJvXLqpdiZjNHwMg-iyYY2OAU6wx9Q/s640/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="640" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs26r2mQqptNXlLUNCBDNQgUSllgUa00uDBi5DdEiusHqO08CtiIcoXYvUHLm3ht0KTGTXP6dk9uryHO4203dtrV8JURajHw4IwlGuddUVamuVVik9pd5pJTU4bYNpDVdTWr0z_Pqmf8mX4a7uchZNJxx9BfiznJvXLqpdiZjNHwMg-iyYY2OAU6wx9Q/w640-h346/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters can see the beast, and Club leads them towards it, each hunter attempting activation on 2 dice, and moving at Skulk pace. Axe fails 1 dice, and a second beast appears on the scrubby hill. But the first hyaena counts as nearest beast for reaction purposes, and it moves away 1M Alarmed, because Fire is within M. Axe then Ambles to keep up.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi434hoC-NGyfej7EPIlW49yeVjUWyRB7MuTnBsOuxCGUoccr0dxCA_vRsbid8bhte96-sK_9ZbTMiQqKo9mYpmuu8FHuIpTgyetIubfou3DIOe8DSXDr4J6kvmRxx2sC8qv4I8LX58RKXZU6-7eaDYlcm4nkNJYlh6jQWY2TJZTuUQe6fUqvOJAd5jw4c/s640/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="640" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi434hoC-NGyfej7EPIlW49yeVjUWyRB7MuTnBsOuxCGUoccr0dxCA_vRsbid8bhte96-sK_9ZbTMiQqKo9mYpmuu8FHuIpTgyetIubfou3DIOe8DSXDr4J6kvmRxx2sC8qv4I8LX58RKXZU6-7eaDYlcm4nkNJYlh6jQWY2TJZTuUQe6fUqvOJAd5jw4c/w640-h344/image2.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Club orders two of the Spears to sneak forwards and attack the retreating hyaena. Stone-tipped Spear obeys orders to the letter: skulk, skulk, throw, well-placed hit, 2W, hyaena killed. All the hunters whoop with appreciation, which counts as howling, but the hyaena in the hill, out of LOS of its late cousin, doesn’t react to this noise (Rests).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1YGwrH5XYXB_szuwlsx_WqSI2FgE9uIXsCVQhQor6HEBPf_a01wK9f61EcXWy9vzHx29nsfl7ovRiCUTBsmt3S8C38tW76lyjRLDiy0wJAa-7fYmEztHnY3QrLD255YPxLSB1RR8BxmM6gVQaZZ5Y0YSRr-hTVQvr-1EfgY-kKz4Jq7dIxeG02Cf6E8/s640/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="640" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1YGwrH5XYXB_szuwlsx_WqSI2FgE9uIXsCVQhQor6HEBPf_a01wK9f61EcXWy9vzHx29nsfl7ovRiCUTBsmt3S8C38tW76lyjRLDiy0wJAa-7fYmEztHnY3QrLD255YPxLSB1RR8BxmM6gVQaZZ5Y0YSRr-hTVQvr-1EfgY-kKz4Jq7dIxeG02Cf6E8/w640-h338/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The dead hyaena fails its resurrection test. As the rest of the hunters activate, Club fails 1 dice. A new hyaena appears, 1.5L to the L of Stone-tipped Spear. The closer beast, on the hill, Rests again. It must be tired. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Next turn the hunters focus on the newly-arrived beast. Once again they skulk closer to it. Stone tipped Spear fails 1 dice. The new beast reacts by attacking but cannot reach him. Waving Spear also failed a roll. This time the beast on the hill got a Flee reaction (Fire within M) and ran off towards the table edge - but stayed in play. Waving Spear ambled after the other hunters to catch up with them. Fire activated last, failing 1/3 dice. A new beast appeared in the den terrain. It was closer to Fire, and reacted by Predating, moving M towards the dead hyaena.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh6_wjn0BDPv-RkHHU5W9f4bPfYPffFID1J6YEIW8W8fhQpFU2oH-_I1zDyOnjXGHurS7KmfHnmj1iu8CYo1XbRG3CBa-ET2SPnGVlU4mgbglXguJvkyyo9ValDZVsqYpgG1sylqei8tBo4H09X1NuaitT9O6QHUeLdQ9lvuz9isUEqQAQAdkSU_PTq0/s640/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="640" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh6_wjn0BDPv-RkHHU5W9f4bPfYPffFID1J6YEIW8W8fhQpFU2oH-_I1zDyOnjXGHurS7KmfHnmj1iu8CYo1XbRG3CBa-ET2SPnGVlU4mgbglXguJvkyyo9ValDZVsqYpgG1sylqei8tBo4H09X1NuaitT9O6QHUeLdQ9lvuz9isUEqQAQAdkSU_PTq0/w640-h398/image5.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Underarm Spear started with 2 activation successes and used them to attack the hyaena in contact with it. The first attack caused 1W, and the beast reacted by attacking back, wounding the hunter. The second attack failed, and the beast reacted by attacking again, and failing too. Then Axe moved in, his attack failed and the beast attacked and wounded Axe too. And another beast appeared, in the large scrub patch not too far away! Stone-tipped Spear went next, moving into close contact (can’t risk throwing, might wound a hunter), but failed too, and the beast didn’t attack back.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, Waving Spear hurled a missile at the hyaena emerging from the den area on a Predate mission. The first Spear missed, and the beast attacked and wounded Waving Spear. Who tried again, failed again, but luckily the beast Moved Away because Fire was nearby. Club chased the retreating hyaena, and killed it with a well-placed blow that resulted in 2W. Fire activated last and moved towards the big ongoing fight.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK0oUPqKNomMXQ-FmfMx9atP9Yt1-h9TvyQ5iwkPNe8QrY3FJY8QA7noztBaNji4eG_wVbwk7OiRI8hpBhmfWhQ5-PR4RJb0PVtzQp-DMRJV7dyBNinwKHPpawVyhdwHzfptECBi-SjV9OzMC744M6_sDMNIUoHWbgHJPgf79bgGUKQ2J7OZMiWVtsLA/s640/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="640" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK0oUPqKNomMXQ-FmfMx9atP9Yt1-h9TvyQ5iwkPNe8QrY3FJY8QA7noztBaNji4eG_wVbwk7OiRI8hpBhmfWhQ5-PR4RJb0PVtzQp-DMRJV7dyBNinwKHPpawVyhdwHzfptECBi-SjV9OzMC744M6_sDMNIUoHWbgHJPgf79bgGUKQ2J7OZMiWVtsLA/w640-h392/image6.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The second dead hyaena also failed its resurrection test.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Underarm Spear activated first, on 1 dice only, and killed the hyaena fighting 3 hunters, with a second wound. The beast in the scrub patch stayed where it was (Rest). Then Waving Spear also failed a dice, and the beast Roared, affecting two hunters, who both hastily retired. The hunting party is now ready to take on the next hyaena, in fact the only living one they can see.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTDx2Bo5Ny1U3DmEqGWQFISO2ZRcGyBTGg2iOUseiL4yb9RO6_fojY9-bBB5kIUB5LG4ZFiG0LBgPSvzMd3Q1dSweBq-mlnHRIk8aBpfaUFAOyh8oCrQS4Iq5KMfpRkmIpM_GByoqsd5K4aPDPa_3Ptbc0cxTCx6FWfzgV6GjUpFRUN7ugmha-mLuukw/s640/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="640" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTDx2Bo5Ny1U3DmEqGWQFISO2ZRcGyBTGg2iOUseiL4yb9RO6_fojY9-bBB5kIUB5LG4ZFiG0LBgPSvzMd3Q1dSweBq-mlnHRIk8aBpfaUFAOyh8oCrQS4Iq5KMfpRkmIpM_GByoqsd5K4aPDPa_3Ptbc0cxTCx6FWfzgV6GjUpFRUN7ugmha-mLuukw/w640-h406/image7.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The third dead hyaena succeeded in resurrecting. It appeared behind the hunters as they focussed on the beast to their front. I also intervened (after taking advice in hyaena behaviour from YouTube) to bring back the beast that fled yonks ago, which has been stranded out of LOS on the baseline behind the hill. It has headed back towards its den, joining up with it’s revenant brother.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UYqkQOkZBP-45u7bMDKlbSOcvYPLjgH7NwWD7M5_EwoEVjvi7emkcMTFtxn2VlU3xR8TuKwndKHxOr7OSuyvUjSfc7oFMzYtblg3R0Ns069zO2BzZNWKtgLEa0hEb8T8h98kCpMDgKyW5Zeu-7Urjn0Hgh5pjc0-neUrMs_6tBCYeE2WdnkVTxE2RJg/s640/image8%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UYqkQOkZBP-45u7bMDKlbSOcvYPLjgH7NwWD7M5_EwoEVjvi7emkcMTFtxn2VlU3xR8TuKwndKHxOr7OSuyvUjSfc7oFMzYtblg3R0Ns069zO2BzZNWKtgLEa0hEb8T8h98kCpMDgKyW5Zeu-7Urjn0Hgh5pjc0-neUrMs_6tBCYeE2WdnkVTxE2RJg/w640-h480/image8%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunting party warily approached the hyaena in the scrub. Unluckily, Stone-tipped Spear attracted its attention, and it charged him but failed to wound. StS then used its successful activation to attack the beast, wounding it. Then Club failed activation, on 2 dice. He’s the Hunt Leader, so … embarrassing. There are no more Hyaenas to deploy. The beast attacking StS moved away, Alarmed (Fire within M). The other beast to react was one of the pair behind the hunters. It Attacked Fire. Never seen this before! And wounded him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I should have a photo of this moment, but got too excited and forgot. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters Underarm Spear & Waving Spear, both wounded, moved towards the scrub patch to guard against the return of the hyaena, also wounded, last seen disappearing into the prickly foliage. It’s out of LOS but it’s in there somewhere.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Club activates next, two successes this time. He stepped in to help Fire, but failed. The hyaena reacted by attacking wounding him. Then Stone-tipped Spear failed on 2/3 activations. The hyaena attacking Fire and Club moved away Alarmed (Fire nearby, again), and the hyaena in the scrub, which can see out, Roared. This caused both the Spears near it to retire x2 each. </span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq2xbxp7nznPSB33USTKRIFwQYPM60D3rfOOy0IgPtuuzCcUOemc-3Qo6Z6dRd5n6egOpavGQyb5fbtOgXq1z_e8TTDWh_kOtcSro3W6y5SG-6XvjsvC8xYVXYls-4hvWadAISIvs7EeSOtdw594yoFQZrCtCLIyAG_j7k-RG8hOIsE_y7HwT0VOnmC0/s640/image9%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq2xbxp7nznPSB33USTKRIFwQYPM60D3rfOOy0IgPtuuzCcUOemc-3Qo6Z6dRd5n6egOpavGQyb5fbtOgXq1z_e8TTDWh_kOtcSro3W6y5SG-6XvjsvC8xYVXYls-4hvWadAISIvs7EeSOtdw594yoFQZrCtCLIyAG_j7k-RG8hOIsE_y7HwT0VOnmC0/w640-h480/image9%20(1).jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">All the hunters except Stone-tipped Spear are now wounded. Three Hyaenas have been killed, but three are still in play (including 1 wounded). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The hunters agree that extirpation of the Hyaenas can wait until Spring. They limp off towards home, leaving the beasts, and their cubs, in possession of the field. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-74837615405844012452024-02-03T16:55:00.002+00:002024-02-03T16:55:34.226+00:00Innocent villagers for Devilry Afoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGhe-NloL81DKq5DMJJNSjXPfHzP4m8wQoRV6aoWyIHFjJDlq6Q7K70-wYZDS9j4Uxxv9WwF0YvqFPS90atrQ7wsusYXluhNTV0oa0tC9v_ZDnef0INgrxd7XPgXNJ0lac41UMMO0Stcl_FUwWRdRjUBEvW2rxhqqn44uw-vB6YdsuL5Rmium8aFtJMI/s4254/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="4254" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGhe-NloL81DKq5DMJJNSjXPfHzP4m8wQoRV6aoWyIHFjJDlq6Q7K70-wYZDS9j4Uxxv9WwF0YvqFPS90atrQ7wsusYXluhNTV0oa0tC9v_ZDnef0INgrxd7XPgXNJ0lac41UMMO0Stcl_FUwWRdRjUBEvW2rxhqqn44uw-vB6YdsuL5Rmium8aFtJMI/w640-h296/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are three different types of model used in games of <span style="text-align: left;"><i>Devilry Afoot</i> - monsters, hunters, and innoce</span>nts. The innocent represent all those humans on the table who are not hunters. They serve as secanrio objectives and complications and are not directly controlled by players. Instead, they take automatic actions depending on whether they are aware or unaware of the monster threat.<br /><br />All four of these innocents are from the Flint and Feather range by Crucible Crush Productions. Sold as New World puritan settler types, they are pretty universal except for the tobacco leaves. Or could they just be really large silverbeet...?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqWP72opGCD7wo3Q5B4ao9-hDqOx0TOEHg9KqMO22MXbB9-wys1QD-FthJws8Fr94sfsiY2SUYTR2XGK8y9ucoNCI_V2pJHfawR31fUUcPMowA0GUt3RydikTTPNXYKpPMi21J3y0ep_MLhyMT3Xdt1sqEQ0lBdt_9LsKqk2u197S4OUijsf2Ns3EpN4/s3654/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2382" data-original-width="3654" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqWP72opGCD7wo3Q5B4ao9-hDqOx0TOEHg9KqMO22MXbB9-wys1QD-FthJws8Fr94sfsiY2SUYTR2XGK8y9ucoNCI_V2pJHfawR31fUUcPMowA0GUt3RydikTTPNXYKpPMi21J3y0ep_MLhyMT3Xdt1sqEQ0lBdt_9LsKqk2u197S4OUijsf2Ns3EpN4/w640-h418/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The wee girl has an unfortunate Augustus Gloop feel to her face but is otherwise a nice model. I couldn't resist giving her a little red riding hood.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-lZlIVtVpP6hdhYerjWriqRHpg7_Bt1SOHBVMFxGaxnG87hzWJUfCt7cwpggwtuHbaqn7Ewds3P4M8y7S2138od3Tw4uD-spDL9uSc67eUO_f2Yof2tcj-GU2V-4i8YUv-IbPgCDy6IaahkaWx4JyYe3NivFX0iHGpo8v6HRzS3HjkAooz4Q6Lm3qik/s3558/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2418" data-original-width="3558" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-lZlIVtVpP6hdhYerjWriqRHpg7_Bt1SOHBVMFxGaxnG87hzWJUfCt7cwpggwtuHbaqn7Ewds3P4M8y7S2138od3Tw4uD-spDL9uSc67eUO_f2Yof2tcj-GU2V-4i8YUv-IbPgCDy6IaahkaWx4JyYe3NivFX0iHGpo8v6HRzS3HjkAooz4Q6Lm3qik/w640-h434/3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The tobacco farmer - his whites are probably too white, but in the dark of the Devil's hour, who's going to know?</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgMBV3ljoV1r3UzOabdswu6oXZv2oAsO7jQDLS7jGrr2fyBUa3b25A0_1vIDzUer6cxS_6W5QRemwJuiO_VfN9xdMfjDeY6n8tqnfolTxUyWdhCXR82jukP3Je_E07h5Ffl-mqoPLnBOzoXi6QEXbV9jP1x4ZH8GXMViwdtkJ-rLhNZ9B1VkCPO6gydU/s3660/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2264" data-original-width="3660" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgMBV3ljoV1r3UzOabdswu6oXZv2oAsO7jQDLS7jGrr2fyBUa3b25A0_1vIDzUer6cxS_6W5QRemwJuiO_VfN9xdMfjDeY6n8tqnfolTxUyWdhCXR82jukP3Je_E07h5Ffl-mqoPLnBOzoXi6QEXbV9jP1x4ZH8GXMViwdtkJ-rLhNZ9B1VkCPO6gydU/w640-h396/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The mother with baby is a lovely model too. She has quite a distracted/running from monsters look about her which is quite appropriate.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqIgd7CqZL8-hAtb_RYmYfDuyDT02KuiJosNT9O4voF3Zsp0R9OCXgQy7sisKCJbY6CYJo3bsbh4ezb8ZDMTQg0DO-xSFVoA8-xDJSeNXLQFepa0s2L6UbVfY9dnqawmJyuDk8skIlXhzz6QmG9xh0B4XLpGI5kJicQuPI4WK8y2wU7JcCJfxwolQD60/s3515/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2202" data-original-width="3515" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqIgd7CqZL8-hAtb_RYmYfDuyDT02KuiJosNT9O4voF3Zsp0R9OCXgQy7sisKCJbY6CYJo3bsbh4ezb8ZDMTQg0DO-xSFVoA8-xDJSeNXLQFepa0s2L6UbVfY9dnqawmJyuDk8skIlXhzz6QmG9xh0B4XLpGI5kJicQuPI4WK8y2wU7JcCJfxwolQD60/w640-h400/5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The wee boy with the hoe is also a nice model. I really liked the mottled, worn brown of his coat, but the paint is too glossy in the photo. I'll get all these matt varnished as soon as I can.<br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-16825801290967736782024-01-21T17:23:00.005+00:002024-01-21T17:31:10.326+00:00Devilry Afoot - call for playtesters<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8tCG9goLUsZR71D4I1MmLf0OBBPwBQZkwzzg0cUuJSehWCVzPOcVtdPu-mew_ffNTcQKc3RXW_2oNewCLN8gJtw5hZsbcJ9dalLrYi5c9S_CtwklL2mxw-UPmyrKlR557si9pjvfFt9cfvuwSRazdo1jgKTczVyHpgEVPhGruqmLUpW1gN9FtR0E7xA/s1000/fb%20playtesting.jpg"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8tCG9goLUsZR71D4I1MmLf0OBBPwBQZkwzzg0cUuJSehWCVzPOcVtdPu-mew_ffNTcQKc3RXW_2oNewCLN8gJtw5hZsbcJ9dalLrYi5c9S_CtwklL2mxw-UPmyrKlR557si9pjvfFt9cfvuwSRazdo1jgKTczVyHpgEVPhGruqmLUpW1gN9FtR0E7xA/w640-h394/fb%20playtesting.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />After much testing of mechanics and drafting and re-drafting of ideas, we are now looking for additional playtesters for <i>Devilry Afoot</i>. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Set during the 16th and 17th century Wars of Religion, Devilry Afoot pits flawed human heroes controlled by one or more players against the creatures of the night whose actions are randomly determined by the game’s easy-to-use mechanics. Designed for solo and co-operative play, the RPG-lite character customisation, and scenario driven narratives and unpredictable monsters combine to ensure that no two games are ever the same. <br /><br />In their current form, the rules allow the creation of flawed characters from five different archetypes, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. There are rules for supporting followers, unwary innocents and ten classes of fiendish monster drawn from the folk beliefs of the Early Modern period. <br /><br />We are looking for a number of new players who are able to commit to playing scenarios from the rules, putting the mechanics to the test and identifying areas in need of clarification. Players will need two ten-sided dice, a handful of characters, half a dozen innocent civilians, and a clutch of monsters. Only a handful of miniatures are required. <br /><br />If you're interested in joining the playtesting team and contributing to the development of the next Irregular Wars title, use the contact form on this page, or email me at <u><a href="mailto:irregularwars@gmail.com">irregularwars (at) gmail (dot) com</a></u> and let me know what you can commit to. <br /><br />Active playtesters will have their names listed in the manuscript acknowledgements, and receive a free pdf of the finished rules. </span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-89278598454196721402024-01-15T20:47:00.003+00:002024-03-02T21:41:26.007+00:00Devilry Afoot - witch hunters (3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMgMRjZNlcCk6rC7OjQXUx4HZp_-xsflOsf47XXL_8yle07VJHDr7qInqB_OS5EfXalx1edgPu1AQ_C7Zj62e7pdLGCWdYdpr2hEnqHenomSzDuS1FPUrImpzVIjxsAezd1STfKZof0opL52QGbQJ7gbA0Ne8BFCMPQB67qroCOe1hb2fro6W6Is9alw/s1960/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="1960" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMgMRjZNlcCk6rC7OjQXUx4HZp_-xsflOsf47XXL_8yle07VJHDr7qInqB_OS5EfXalx1edgPu1AQ_C7Zj62e7pdLGCWdYdpr2hEnqHenomSzDuS1FPUrImpzVIjxsAezd1STfKZof0opL52QGbQJ7gbA0Ne8BFCMPQB67qroCOe1hb2fro6W6Is9alw/w640-h446/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">My latest monster hunter to be painted up is this lovely 28mm plague doctor 3D sculpted by Crosslances. He will certainly find service as a 'scholar'. In <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, scholars are one of the available archetypes from which to build your characters. Scholars may be drawn from the gentry, or be particularly gifted scions of more common families. Devoting their lives to the pursuit of knowledge in many different sciences, they are often more adept with a scalpel or quill and ink, than with swords or guns.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZhT6pF_BX6AqxLT9r_z30q1rvVSnXcD8BwdF8lW_F8Rx7l0B66d-dKpJPhXJ4MwY9I-Nuv36blmQj5SG8S3h5pL3zs2WsuO2fwCalZJ-JPWNnWxfMsRMsYJ4jE2ekRwliJ6k3RAZ-TqIAwsG1bn6VScQtlA7IPMbJd-OXuMaALNGoDUe2p4YNOgRL3M/s3312/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="3312" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZhT6pF_BX6AqxLT9r_z30q1rvVSnXcD8BwdF8lW_F8Rx7l0B66d-dKpJPhXJ4MwY9I-Nuv36blmQj5SG8S3h5pL3zs2WsuO2fwCalZJ-JPWNnWxfMsRMsYJ4jE2ekRwliJ6k3RAZ-TqIAwsG1bn6VScQtlA7IPMbJd-OXuMaALNGoDUe2p4YNOgRL3M/w640-h338/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">As the sculpt holds a lantern - a very functional peice of equipment in the darkness of <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, I wanted to try object source lighting (OSL) for the first time. This technique is supposed to represent the light coming from a source on the model itself - in this case the lantern. I'm not entirely happy with the outcome - I suspect I rather over did the OSL, but it certainly makes for an interesting painting approach!</span></div></div></div><div><br /></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-52021235322902819232024-01-14T20:21:00.005+00:002024-01-14T20:21:39.120+00:00Werewolves for Devilry Afoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAxTaS2vIGq13ljUziniCNl_GSJaRM4kmrA1zQcEz-36qzJZwa_cQI0f0MbzYK87JaxgUe8GDIMt7pxkkztUHyRQ9TqA-sP-2k5yikQXu_5SgQJ_4NLRxBnYXuRAILm76QcyKa1bn1nTCDOSJto2RKG4TCrdCl8oZzC2Mc7m7k9bjsBPxPhyphenhyphencRopl3Vo/s3642/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2352" data-original-width="3642" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAxTaS2vIGq13ljUziniCNl_GSJaRM4kmrA1zQcEz-36qzJZwa_cQI0f0MbzYK87JaxgUe8GDIMt7pxkkztUHyRQ9TqA-sP-2k5yikQXu_5SgQJ_4NLRxBnYXuRAILm76QcyKa1bn1nTCDOSJto2RKG4TCrdCl8oZzC2Mc7m7k9bjsBPxPhyphenhyphencRopl3Vo/w640-h414/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The latest models painted for <i>Devilry Afoot </i>are two 28mm werewolves from Northstar Miniatures. The shine picked up by the camera really shows the necessity of a good matt varnish before trying to take nice photos. <br /><br /> Werewolves are originally humans, usually societal outcasts or farmers with isolated small holdings far from the light of other god-fearing mean. Seeking a means to protect themselves and the little they own, they have made compacts with the Devil who has bestowed upon them a gift – usually an ointment of a cursed piece of clothing – that allows them to assume the bestial form of a savage wolf-man. However, some unfortunates made no such deal, but have instead been wolf-bitten, cursed with lycanthropy and the uncontrollable urge to hunt when the moon is high.<br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-qI4ovUaEZY1rY_Qo2WwiJ4uCkp1mFK_2aqfvYA183n6buCEfuTvrmcZSfvfHNOJRFv9B4rmedImj-LiFjMSLaTugpCmdRY_gz1rcvudKTq02XbH1BxsR68C1OgvANFn35HidHLxqwXCAY4GeZRyMoG-MWDKiCVSKc10YG8z3OVqj4hPcnzq7ql630o/s3999/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="3999" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-qI4ovUaEZY1rY_Qo2WwiJ4uCkp1mFK_2aqfvYA183n6buCEfuTvrmcZSfvfHNOJRFv9B4rmedImj-LiFjMSLaTugpCmdRY_gz1rcvudKTq02XbH1BxsR68C1OgvANFn35HidHLxqwXCAY4GeZRyMoG-MWDKiCVSKc10YG8z3OVqj4hPcnzq7ql630o/w640-h304/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7n5JWianktg1YxrxqF8HFz8OvcLtcS9s9-EoyIvHj-cu817OpJaZ4m2Eay2SpTs1y7BUGd365TiNQEm4Mce1HOpBzNc16aN6vZ0eR4ht0ClTNYvB2Gks4AMqomiXTnwetAt4VGH6pR21AtSaH-6heAZw5ff9ZxWp4f2ZLzA6C7XRu44yxO4_YiXaZic/s4482/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="4482" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7n5JWianktg1YxrxqF8HFz8OvcLtcS9s9-EoyIvHj-cu817OpJaZ4m2Eay2SpTs1y7BUGd365TiNQEm4Mce1HOpBzNc16aN6vZ0eR4ht0ClTNYvB2Gks4AMqomiXTnwetAt4VGH6pR21AtSaH-6heAZw5ff9ZxWp4f2ZLzA6C7XRu44yxO4_YiXaZic/w640-h326/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-1772005831825898392024-01-07T17:04:00.001+00:002024-01-07T17:04:10.184+00:00Devilry Afoot - witch hunters (2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDe1biheIo59Ha3jwlzjHAe9TseVRuHFVqIak6lxmqEBg5-uTRwAxJj4OjxliUeXvoZfZvb0yq0KkoKISAd5pMe1kLtGzwf7ONBuifADFptz7_NjnZuXcY_MPUSoLuey83BHxMVFiZjrk4KTpnSRjVQldEqgAeE4P-XXIrp2eeh3by47XYQpJfWnX0Is/s3918/hunters%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2328" data-original-width="3918" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDe1biheIo59Ha3jwlzjHAe9TseVRuHFVqIak6lxmqEBg5-uTRwAxJj4OjxliUeXvoZfZvb0yq0KkoKISAd5pMe1kLtGzwf7ONBuifADFptz7_NjnZuXcY_MPUSoLuey83BHxMVFiZjrk4KTpnSRjVQldEqgAeE4P-XXIrp2eeh3by47XYQpJfWnX0Is/w640-h380/hunters%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I've now finished up my second batch of angst-ridden monster hunters for <i>Devilry Afoot</i>. The three men are all from Bloody Miniatures - the woman is from the Flint and Feather range by Crucible Crush Productions.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8pGWH-pO9WQ6Hsy-m9pGtmkkVtPOA23beAH8oUYU61YR1FbPJcGLiwbc1QSLzVytPFOQ7WMkg1gAv5ao3ALjauU3lEizN7z9xj6_tv6wCHg5QYyv23Kb_df1-5Vl7O6BokK_4oBwEt4HqJQk1sdTJtHbC9IQkf3t5q8qRNYdNSVLsqBlzxoHusHG_es/s4470/hunters%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2874" data-original-width="4470" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8pGWH-pO9WQ6Hsy-m9pGtmkkVtPOA23beAH8oUYU61YR1FbPJcGLiwbc1QSLzVytPFOQ7WMkg1gAv5ao3ALjauU3lEizN7z9xj6_tv6wCHg5QYyv23Kb_df1-5Vl7O6BokK_4oBwEt4HqJQk1sdTJtHbC9IQkf3t5q8qRNYdNSVLsqBlzxoHusHG_es/w640-h412/hunters%20(2).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The first chap was painted up to be a veteran soldier, but he could be a gentleman at a push. Equipped with polearm, sword, buff coat, cuirass and religious tract (stuffed into his head band), he is certainly ready to confront some devilry!</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzdX12-Iv-BxlBc9m63CkPPsnJBbGhZDeGUjG0gHDspfKC0Oc7u3Qe3e5Lpzbk2T68bL-KivNecFoCgnD0dhPlgRrY1r56AiPImnV-4NiYyjoY_JT_prgqJAHzhtEnHTd-99aI_Imvm-zuhgkz1ZpC6N94_HArOa76viJOr_8NoLD5VLx8pefucSEyCU/s4260/hunters%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2130" data-original-width="4260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzdX12-Iv-BxlBc9m63CkPPsnJBbGhZDeGUjG0gHDspfKC0Oc7u3Qe3e5Lpzbk2T68bL-KivNecFoCgnD0dhPlgRrY1r56AiPImnV-4NiYyjoY_JT_prgqJAHzhtEnHTd-99aI_Imvm-zuhgkz1ZpC6N94_HArOa76viJOr_8NoLD5VLx8pefucSEyCU/w640-h320/hunters%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I am particularly fond of this rural-looking sculpt. With a blunderbus, pipe and dead rabbit, his most notible moments in playtesting have been the accidental shooting of a colleague, and a lot of standing in the bushes smoking his pipe. He could fit the solfier archetype, but he's been painted up with the intention of being a doughty goodman.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-o_Oh5jPEJvxMQ6w_G4mkdPpSV4PZkBxT86wgpiHCe442dTCsM2c0D9CJVvoVvN43cMLWQOHWI78TNcgduRNzqwKCP8GbVlnFjBZQz-4jBBpR5L8HGfohkQCEvaT4hT10U6rAdEru4AhEc3kg96kWaQRjfCr1v_Ldi7aH2YWyczZdTNeT0Wz3jFjtSU/s4368/hunters%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="4368" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-o_Oh5jPEJvxMQ6w_G4mkdPpSV4PZkBxT86wgpiHCe442dTCsM2c0D9CJVvoVvN43cMLWQOHWI78TNcgduRNzqwKCP8GbVlnFjBZQz-4jBBpR5L8HGfohkQCEvaT4hT10U6rAdEru4AhEc3kg96kWaQRjfCr1v_Ldi7aH2YWyczZdTNeT0Wz3jFjtSU/w640-h318/hunters%20(4).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My only female hunter to date, I've painted up this lovely wee sculpt with a pistol to be a goodwife. Depending on her upgringing, she might also work as a scholar.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsUT-n1pc5_tA1x4bOO03Okboyhu4Z9psCITY8g4aqgI-CknEQQZ4jF8PPABaD7sBD2plErZNDxBOHReKJZZTdr9a9bCW_gZ5rTRYnjc9BlJg8ltdD0vxOdd5jVyPpG-QB2iFYnvfLiNXBA2wlq2LzdYkdnDTbJ0O98AGpJFMjdmYLUSDzjv44Heblw4/s4217/hunters%20(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2166" data-original-width="4217" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsUT-n1pc5_tA1x4bOO03Okboyhu4Z9psCITY8g4aqgI-CknEQQZ4jF8PPABaD7sBD2plErZNDxBOHReKJZZTdr9a9bCW_gZ5rTRYnjc9BlJg8ltdD0vxOdd5jVyPpG-QB2iFYnvfLiNXBA2wlq2LzdYkdnDTbJ0O98AGpJFMjdmYLUSDzjv44Heblw4/w640-h328/hunters%20(5).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">This fine agitator has been conceptualised as a veteran soldier, although he could pass as a goodman or perhaps even a religious. He comes with holy item (or political pamphlets?), sword and matchlock.</span>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-72545174338256286962024-01-06T16:41:00.000+00:002024-01-07T16:56:59.024+00:00Devilry Afoot - the vampyre<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY_PvxtcUhVd705Um5I2Gm2zcdb1bTAIeNgZGxCN2TRQSOKk_JL_47-pNi_hVYz58x-utks7Hjm2ItHhYcx_9_7YDOZ9og4kKDFgWjqVxVzLCyfwfmKUzr876twapZktRmfIatk_AqEPus2SmEeiJhjncLfGmdTwsj1tGbN8OVDybK1IauFhirHoCguM/s4536/vampyre.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY_PvxtcUhVd705Um5I2Gm2zcdb1bTAIeNgZGxCN2TRQSOKk_JL_47-pNi_hVYz58x-utks7Hjm2ItHhYcx_9_7YDOZ9og4kKDFgWjqVxVzLCyfwfmKUzr876twapZktRmfIatk_AqEPus2SmEeiJhjncLfGmdTwsj1tGbN8OVDybK1IauFhirHoCguM/w640-h320/vampyre.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Rarely known in Western Europe, whispers from the East, and from the wilds of Ireland, speak of insatiable, sentient revenants who have returned from their graves. The details vary as to the origins of these creatures, but the stories often begin with a despotic ruler making pacts with the Devil to prolong their tyranny. They invariably end with a soulless husk, stalking the night to find succour in the soft flesh and young blood of the innocent. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Vampyres are included in <i>Devilry Afoot</i> because they should be there, rather than because there was any great tradition in 16th-17th century Western Europe. However, they were certainly a feature of Eastern European belief from the late medieval period. The German Nachzehrer (a more static kind of vampiric being who remained in their own grave) where prominant enough to warrent theological texts against them in the late 17th century, and there were vampire panics in Central Europe from the early 18th century. So its not too much of a stretch to imagine a vampyr making his or her way west in the wake of the Wars of Religion.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I struggled to find an aethsthetic I liked for a 28mm 17th century vampyre. They are often overly fantastic or terribly Victorian in appearance. I ended up going for this nosferatu from Reaper Miniatures. He stands slightly taller than my hunters from Bloody Miniatures, so is imposing despire his understated appearance. I also like that he obviously has a soft spot for rats.</span></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-27078577199941267782024-01-04T10:27:00.002+00:002024-01-07T16:26:10.840+00:00A wee pact devil for Devilry Afoot<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vpUjiEtRrBXSiPXYhB1l6XdJgqOplZYbAl1JS4oua60sFj2H_t8qq0j-q9o4i-fCE1J-c3sQ1piXuYet6hbEaCtvcSZmkOOvd_GFTOhyphenhyphenXV-lq24FgoYm4KMPE1Av5_3knVf324ugv0OZ-1_12Yp0X8LVdQL8BwoVo63JpOpXf9W44UDx8olVZUqdFIY/s3042/leprechaun%20(1).jpg"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vpUjiEtRrBXSiPXYhB1l6XdJgqOplZYbAl1JS4oua60sFj2H_t8qq0j-q9o4i-fCE1J-c3sQ1piXuYet6hbEaCtvcSZmkOOvd_GFTOhyphenhyphenXV-lq24FgoYm4KMPE1Av5_3knVf324ugv0OZ-1_12Yp0X8LVdQL8BwoVo63JpOpXf9W44UDx8olVZUqdFIY/w640-h436/leprechaun%20(1).jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />In <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, pact devils are capricious creatures eager to strike deals with hunters and lure innocent humans away to the otherworld. A pact devil may be the Devil himself, but is much more likely to be a member of the fairy folk or some petty demon. <br /><br />I have chosen to model this pact devil as a leprechaun, converting a lovely Reaper Miniatures chap who is sculpted riding a turkey. Instead, this fellow is leaning against a standing stone with a passageway to the otherworld hidden at its base.<br /><br />Leprechauns are said to be low-born fairies, or the children of degenerate fairys and evil spirits. Contrary to the modern depiction of leprechauns all in green, I have gone with the older folklore where they invariably dress in red.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb6BexJfIzcQxjka7Th-Pogh2j0eDnzZLAOvBICm3cKpkbLyDm5DMadNzXDBH1n8reemhIX9lg9V9R0q6fDO_b3quth6bZB_zysTLQLKCGSWoiA1ZVgkFXVhd4xuQf-beqwfNUiD7OMNifLuCKHb8bXxjuOzD49AM2-EoQ3zZcbssGHjxovTFN2kvDwA/s4253/leprechaun%20(2).jpg"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb6BexJfIzcQxjka7Th-Pogh2j0eDnzZLAOvBICm3cKpkbLyDm5DMadNzXDBH1n8reemhIX9lg9V9R0q6fDO_b3quth6bZB_zysTLQLKCGSWoiA1ZVgkFXVhd4xuQf-beqwfNUiD7OMNifLuCKHb8bXxjuOzD49AM2-EoQ3zZcbssGHjxovTFN2kvDwA/w640-h366/leprechaun%20(2).jpg" /></span></a></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-63110302857033106912024-01-02T12:04:00.026+00:002024-01-07T16:25:41.262+00:00Devilry Afoot - witch hunters (1)<span style="font-size: medium;">Set during the 16th and 17th century Wars of Religion, <i>Devilry Afoot</i> pits flawed human heroes controlled by one or more players against the creatures of the night whose actions are randomly determined by the game’s easy-to-use mechanics. Designed for solo and co-operative play, the character customisation, scenario driven narratives and personal objectives combine to ensure that no two games are ever the same.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRIO9ssXveTMtceTW__dhWkdV-8jyY-a3fllYXBSafWxM-KSCd6_KfmBvGnt1YuS7AdulkuzIXLnzG_cqIGkQuy-HsJEBX2P9nJ0xTNSvL8-iA0hdNkSX5ZVgVZVLlcpxwYB2RVAXzlbmyUFVgmzRnwYA5tRcTOYBwdtvKoiTot6oACXfPivrwOMhMfg/s3090/PXL_20240103_105132047.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="3090" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRIO9ssXveTMtceTW__dhWkdV-8jyY-a3fllYXBSafWxM-KSCd6_KfmBvGnt1YuS7AdulkuzIXLnzG_cqIGkQuy-HsJEBX2P9nJ0xTNSvL8-iA0hdNkSX5ZVgVZVLlcpxwYB2RVAXzlbmyUFVgmzRnwYA5tRcTOYBwdtvKoiTot6oACXfPivrwOMhMfg/w640-h418/PXL_20240103_105132047.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">These are the first two painted hunters I can call upon to defend the innocent from devilry; both are from the marvelous 28mm Engligh Civil War range by Bloody Miniatures. Indeed, most of my hunters will be drawn from that range as each sculpt is so characterful and dynamic. Both of these sculpts have been painted up as pretty dour types - good practice at painting balck.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSaYR2uYtsYzDCi_ucfuYXTBv35I-ID9ODngkzCUfbiOf5qbjpAf5E2DtPfP9v9LRDWZOGqKhev8bzoFV5IUWRNcCyJLuF7QsHTmpJHa06vGVOZhwxDUTMyuAOP-9I7Ws0wcs4_Uwkzt8yO3uWRxBwnk-Efde6fQysgEGmvxncnY1kd-W-EA-c-tZoXE/s4398/PXL_20240103_105208229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2076" data-original-width="4398" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSaYR2uYtsYzDCi_ucfuYXTBv35I-ID9ODngkzCUfbiOf5qbjpAf5E2DtPfP9v9LRDWZOGqKhev8bzoFV5IUWRNcCyJLuF7QsHTmpJHa06vGVOZhwxDUTMyuAOP-9I7Ws0wcs4_Uwkzt8yO3uWRxBwnk-Efde6fQysgEGmvxncnY1kd-W-EA-c-tZoXE/w640-h302/PXL_20240103_105208229.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">There are six archetypes which form the basis of character creation in <i>Devilry Afoot</i>. The first could be a religious, a scholar, or a gentleman, equipped with sword and pistol.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h9t8KTRzVpTTCTrJuXVmYdKo1Yx141N67G-z3bjGvKZtNGUMUr0g8QZ-iRZkkA-sq182YuYoLR3hyphenhyphenZ6pHHKjad9_0BX8IWuHLiNbooaP_S5HBZYkoDDPfkfhEUjly0uN7vUw70jlsbfhQHhFh2jO0HDtDAlV-hbdebw3pGltKtznHFv0tD9CrBUSI6k/s3948/PXL_20240103_105247393.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="3948" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h9t8KTRzVpTTCTrJuXVmYdKo1Yx141N67G-z3bjGvKZtNGUMUr0g8QZ-iRZkkA-sq182YuYoLR3hyphenhyphenZ6pHHKjad9_0BX8IWuHLiNbooaP_S5HBZYkoDDPfkfhEUjly0uN7vUw70jlsbfhQHhFh2jO0HDtDAlV-hbdebw3pGltKtznHFv0tD9CrBUSI6k/w640-h304/PXL_20240103_105247393.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The second to my mind could be a religious, or even a veteran soldier, with sword, holy item (a bible or book of psalms) and buff coat.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX87BDCHjN7LmebOKbJB0WYxJUvnlFHsDjSXWYtlRbu9toSMmBbTF7nAzm9HSe_fIzOJs2lX6qtCneh_hnTCbRMDgOsk9FK1k5bNg8AmM-G5vS8UnDzpdBWmqCpZsK8z0iYAf7wYgJOfIOv_3LbpsNn6FGjMcErFl3PkrfUpiK0b7KDwHyvRnej-noIc/s3366/PXL_20240103_105708568.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="3366" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX87BDCHjN7LmebOKbJB0WYxJUvnlFHsDjSXWYtlRbu9toSMmBbTF7nAzm9HSe_fIzOJs2lX6qtCneh_hnTCbRMDgOsk9FK1k5bNg8AmM-G5vS8UnDzpdBWmqCpZsK8z0iYAf7wYgJOfIOv_3LbpsNn6FGjMcErFl3PkrfUpiK0b7KDwHyvRnej-noIc/w640-h424/PXL_20240103_105708568.MP.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">After choosing an archetype, characters then pick a trait or skill to start with. They then roll to find out their hidden secret or vice; for example, they may be doubting, lustful, drunken or even a secret witch themselves. They may then purchace weapons, charms and other equipment to prepare for the coming darkeness.</span></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-73087701002991679952024-01-01T14:24:00.004+00:002024-01-07T16:25:14.413+00:00Bewitching witches for Devilry Afoot<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Fair is foul, and foul is fair;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><i>Hover through the fog and filthy air.</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Macbeth</i>, Act 1, Scene 1</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmePSQJyyxGqRnngcVKKw7IxCVEISM4YpZvto0Fahfcx4_mq2UEhEghTTcaqbbBIrctwDq1OmO827uHG3tgoYEIa426m6SdabqrOIZvBA66mfIbZ4moOuyOVSJkt7k69lskoT2c9FnqDISTuIr8hHabBXNvFwaRlZB20LuZIxvPj-lGFl_XLHhlbah9c4/s3534/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="3534" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmePSQJyyxGqRnngcVKKw7IxCVEISM4YpZvto0Fahfcx4_mq2UEhEghTTcaqbbBIrctwDq1OmO827uHG3tgoYEIa426m6SdabqrOIZvBA66mfIbZ4moOuyOVSJkt7k69lskoT2c9FnqDISTuIr8hHabBXNvFwaRlZB20LuZIxvPj-lGFl_XLHhlbah9c4/w640-h452/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">As I mentioned last Halloween, I have been working on <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, a new, gritty, 16th-17th century skirmish/rpg-lite game pitching player-controlled monster hunters against assorted creatures of the night controlled by the game mechanics.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We already have quite a number of test games under our belts and have a tidy set of core mechanics almost ready to be unleashed on a wider pool of playtesters. The scope of testing so far has been driven by the miniatures we had at hand, or have picked up for the system and, to date, the playtesting has mostly be done us unpainted miniatures (how uncivilised!).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With witches being one of the core antagonists in <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, I thought it was maybe time to run through my thinking around how to represent them on the tabletop. The game uses a randomised activation order system and when it comes time for the 'monsters' to activate, their actions are determined by a d10 roll against a situation chart. Depending on the situation, they have a greater or lesser chance of performing a range of different actions including simple moves or attacks, to casting spells and summoning imps, or they may transfigure into a hare and flee into the night.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ5Edaa54D2jbZXPYLFwD4Cq4J5cih7NbHswUu6utukRFsrSmRzMMD71_TYlW6dYWdjGLvg_0mEYVz_aBZ761b9kHhFlDaKSzmufD4dGtIiCjOuHbIsuH03UkD0FaCCwmcL-V0UJiIzVBXUMiNeZUNrKTmLhQK2mpTIuZiayxQaZVxLDpkvJ3SZmY5Bs/s828/Witch%2010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ5Edaa54D2jbZXPYLFwD4Cq4J5cih7NbHswUu6utukRFsrSmRzMMD71_TYlW6dYWdjGLvg_0mEYVz_aBZ761b9kHhFlDaKSzmufD4dGtIiCjOuHbIsuH03UkD0FaCCwmcL-V0UJiIzVBXUMiNeZUNrKTmLhQK2mpTIuZiayxQaZVxLDpkvJ3SZmY5Bs/w509-h640/Witch%2010.jpg" width="509" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Aesthetically, I rambled through period woodcuts (including the famous 1647 <i>Discovery of Witches</i> by Matthew Hopkins above), on to local folklore, and beyond to more recent cinematic depictions to try to find something that really fit the bill.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKXs6p-yaR66OeVH7xpDmzRBpVTZQJuWWT82nd8rfAMNoN_opgMfwsMjJ2hjBGcPBSF_hfGP3RxKGOvYQRXFjSHW-Y774Oz1b73WFTXPPXqtH5D_5Vd4M15vr2R2Z5B9DtS12YjyHTOpShGFKv4t4_KFSjXi_zP3gZrPRBAyUI128Tjk9mvz9GWjVId8/s2800/72a8611a-136a-44e7-a1f3-f14273f43b7b.jpg"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKXs6p-yaR66OeVH7xpDmzRBpVTZQJuWWT82nd8rfAMNoN_opgMfwsMjJ2hjBGcPBSF_hfGP3RxKGOvYQRXFjSHW-Y774Oz1b73WFTXPPXqtH5D_5Vd4M15vr2R2Z5B9DtS12YjyHTOpShGFKv4t4_KFSjXi_zP3gZrPRBAyUI128Tjk9mvz9GWjVId8/w640-h360/72a8611a-136a-44e7-a1f3-f14273f43b7b.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The 1996 film adaptation of Arthur Millar's <i>The Crucible</i> was a logical first thought. The false-witches are just girls wearing their normal clothing with nothing to distinguish them from anybody else. This is realistically the best approach to depicting witches on the tabletop, but at the end of the day it's not overly fun and doesn't distinguish between innocent humans and those nasty witches.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rjIn3f_ZfD36NZuE6HxSij2SA-b1PFpegVyPAVjfBHWyT-s1So_noLnYQyvODCox9c32acn5WOa_pS5rFuLRAYo0Gqn9ZWrwQvKeBbtor0Vcd7OLlIqTR9DMeL5tXe3ZmuO5tS_mNMUG4u4kJ0Y9kEZZHeklM_z0kcb74s6mMC1Uo6gxVEsY6CLWHG4/s1920/1_kHF8P2vY2DCoo3EM-Xow_w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1920" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rjIn3f_ZfD36NZuE6HxSij2SA-b1PFpegVyPAVjfBHWyT-s1So_noLnYQyvODCox9c32acn5WOa_pS5rFuLRAYo0Gqn9ZWrwQvKeBbtor0Vcd7OLlIqTR9DMeL5tXe3ZmuO5tS_mNMUG4u4kJ0Y9kEZZHeklM_z0kcb74s6mMC1Uo6gxVEsY6CLWHG4/w640-h270/1_kHF8P2vY2DCoo3EM-Xow_w.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wanted to have a standard coven of witches consist of three individuals - traditionally the maiden, matron and crone. The 2015 film adaptation of <i>Macbeth</i> did a good job of depicting its witches of different ages, but that was not something that you find much in 28mm miniatures. Of course I could select models from different ranges, but I wanted them to have a uniform aesthetic on the table.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfeiAbNX4H7YSGOFoy55YEcrnpdX9ZhDVK0VFjphpZnaw5qJr6WCIDVgqpNYtnUKn6nn4uOsWOHXKH3jUoEtmZiGQg0o3ou_4b25ZHSemRdj8HWiA32sseux8PcUGcMPu892HO0uTh2fQYrT99tZIShbWWBjzkBFfK2CfoZogXH49KL2D4ZOrcvHVHiA/s1200/1412.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfeiAbNX4H7YSGOFoy55YEcrnpdX9ZhDVK0VFjphpZnaw5qJr6WCIDVgqpNYtnUKn6nn4uOsWOHXKH3jUoEtmZiGQg0o3ou_4b25ZHSemRdj8HWiA32sseux8PcUGcMPu892HO0uTh2fQYrT99tZIShbWWBjzkBFfK2CfoZogXH49KL2D4ZOrcvHVHiA/w640-h480/1412.webp" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Disney's <i>Hocus Pocus</i> (1993) is not a film I've seen, but the stills from it are arguably pretty good at capturing the ageless kookiness that I feel could come across from a good miniature witch. That said, they also conform a bit too well to the stereotypical crazy-lady witchiness and I'd rather be a bit more subversive.<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5rxok2TeGAGnifOGftxQbBWpI8c2-h1ZAXC7UKh5VKzriu6yOPipwUnOrR42KR5bo5tuC1G3LAcW_OnEKTiBzd8EW-L1lA8PojVQH2rpth8B5fiexMFuB1M-BZJgvyaywqYf7ZmaTjRgRH7S6rGh24AS7RcAd4fQny_xGqTDDGWOqFRTTIT8Vbwgqs4/s1042/margaret-hamilton-the-wizard-of-oz-the-wicked-witch-of-the-west-e1539710508248.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1042" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5rxok2TeGAGnifOGftxQbBWpI8c2-h1ZAXC7UKh5VKzriu6yOPipwUnOrR42KR5bo5tuC1G3LAcW_OnEKTiBzd8EW-L1lA8PojVQH2rpth8B5fiexMFuB1M-BZJgvyaywqYf7ZmaTjRgRH7S6rGh24AS7RcAd4fQny_xGqTDDGWOqFRTTIT8Vbwgqs4/w640-h372/margaret-hamilton-the-wizard-of-oz-the-wicked-witch-of-the-west-e1539710508248.webp" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Wicked Witch of the West from the 1939 film adaptation of the <i>Wizard of Oz</i> ... too green.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67K9V8DugUUVL64CGbVx8JwucvuxyNVPkc9atZRxu_8xF-cIP1LVoLFaEKGUGzik60MNJU3Ln-clbt2UrghoVPUooIo6g04BxQyWqkiceuOMG5AJ2LmArWyk6PUnkzpOZ_J29krCvCsIkg914NHSOHammmiorLjcNpesJIctdBt5Imc4dqAePaCTb9zQ/s1500/m_02418-2000-a712b44c8c444c4d8cac8a8591f92a3f.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67K9V8DugUUVL64CGbVx8JwucvuxyNVPkc9atZRxu_8xF-cIP1LVoLFaEKGUGzik60MNJU3Ln-clbt2UrghoVPUooIo6g04BxQyWqkiceuOMG5AJ2LmArWyk6PUnkzpOZ_J29krCvCsIkg914NHSOHammmiorLjcNpesJIctdBt5Imc4dqAePaCTb9zQ/w640-h426/m_02418-2000-a712b44c8c444c4d8cac8a8591f92a3f.webp" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And that brings us to the aesthetically wonderful folk-horror movie, <i>Midsommar</i> (2019). Here we have something very unsettling that subverts expectations with beautiful, flower-bedecked women in crisp white shifts. There is something in the visuals that belie dark secrets that really appealed to me, and for no other reason, that's the direction I took.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6KDPCHa_m72NC_u_FsJG4SKXl_26ivUc0MuNvW3iyKxuVBMAoFh5L9FgbCIHRDC5nfmCl74UJFvhyphenhyphengX5TAmw8YDkXKiW3od4-95_NwLr5bJCUiYkBuPc0TuJ_fjBCZhUMYynZXbXAhw5s3Iuzrfuuqw6vkBX4wArI6vKkdtditRflYsVAiEZvcogZmc/s4524/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="4524" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6KDPCHa_m72NC_u_FsJG4SKXl_26ivUc0MuNvW3iyKxuVBMAoFh5L9FgbCIHRDC5nfmCl74UJFvhyphenhyphengX5TAmw8YDkXKiW3od4-95_NwLr5bJCUiYkBuPc0TuJ_fjBCZhUMYynZXbXAhw5s3Iuzrfuuqw6vkBX4wArI6vKkdtditRflYsVAiEZvcogZmc/w640-h282/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDY5tDIA8webHe8U54eavL7a8KjcDGdUmkjWOBOkK4rIWAQOMiM6IeD431zzwo23D6x83nDV3E0avOayJ4JdkeE79zlvAQ0thNIpXCJyLU9zrTJ9ur1FKmdJFHDHkxEVLUAsyjvmfjgj-bUQ37onXnXj5MpY1KFPsu_A77Gf8CqhuLrmlUBgOBjNWuY0/s4409/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2004" data-original-width="4409" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDY5tDIA8webHe8U54eavL7a8KjcDGdUmkjWOBOkK4rIWAQOMiM6IeD431zzwo23D6x83nDV3E0avOayJ4JdkeE79zlvAQ0thNIpXCJyLU9zrTJ9ur1FKmdJFHDHkxEVLUAsyjvmfjgj-bUQ37onXnXj5MpY1KFPsu_A77Gf8CqhuLrmlUBgOBjNWuY0/w640-h290/3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4A3e9WME7eO95dKBKBIQVSYds4yVR9K_0BnigePBJDY37D9AMAqyEda2dR94Yg9bwgG2NMrzjb17a9Aka0Hi0JgyZdLmdmkNTQD9ZiAnij8muBHpe6Adf1sJ3YElXwR3RSLZUAaxZBS9G7SLjehxT2_xcn4bdZx-ZJJomHKu7jZEo5rBmstvlRTJNtg/s4344/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="4344" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4A3e9WME7eO95dKBKBIQVSYds4yVR9K_0BnigePBJDY37D9AMAqyEda2dR94Yg9bwgG2NMrzjb17a9Aka0Hi0JgyZdLmdmkNTQD9ZiAnij8muBHpe6Adf1sJ3YElXwR3RSLZUAaxZBS9G7SLjehxT2_xcn4bdZx-ZJJomHKu7jZEo5rBmstvlRTJNtg/w640-h274/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My flawed protagonists come from a 17th century setting and much of their clothing will be drab - lots of blacks, greys and browns. That allows - nay, encourages - me to have very contrasting creatures of 'evil'. These witches may have made a pact with the devil, but perhaps that was only to give them agency and a voice in a highly repressive patriarchal society? Why should they not dress in pure white and dance below the moonlight? Afterall, fair is foul and foul is fair... I ordered these lovely figures from <b>Crooked Dice</b>. In lieu of maiden/matron/crone, I went with the <i>Charlie's Angels</i> tripple threat of brunette, blonde and redhead to help distinguish them on the table. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqENnkSG0Z8jT7K2ZEyVuPg3nSIx1XT0Re1G2xGZ67WHkzo32VLRgivNmxjMoOvZzTYyAE3MB2bACulP95fZVTIZCKnADY5mra0MEKr6m0N6Jwr60f_6nMELgFnyZggrZykI0clYQYTFNXB22YgK2bea_dsn9-K_tt2yeS1qZxHVqCWK9iZQCe45yMVs/s4624/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2681" data-original-width="4624" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqENnkSG0Z8jT7K2ZEyVuPg3nSIx1XT0Re1G2xGZ67WHkzo32VLRgivNmxjMoOvZzTYyAE3MB2bACulP95fZVTIZCKnADY5mra0MEKr6m0N6Jwr60f_6nMELgFnyZggrZykI0clYQYTFNXB22YgK2bea_dsn9-K_tt2yeS1qZxHVqCWK9iZQCe45yMVs/w640-h372/5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The standing stone is to be used as a 'pagan altar', a terrain piece that can be used as an objective marker, but also weakens the resolve of characters when they are nearby. It is just a piece of blue stone from a mountain walking path, but real stone never looks real on a gaming table, so it had to be painted up anyway!</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxi51q9IrV8_DhPL9S7v_YJJuqPr797O8U-4uHi1SsCyVigHgSpCazNf5KgdqqjaN2pcEbK27kQ5GMsnohLWdQBjkYdhnJaFBOp68709abWFe-IcHbltgzs4EAF69fgLtcjjLopYTCTLmC_bX-CW18e55Ye7CLtJRgvfqyd8u4XdcmOJRUNzi61sLobs/s4624/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="4624" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxi51q9IrV8_DhPL9S7v_YJJuqPr797O8U-4uHi1SsCyVigHgSpCazNf5KgdqqjaN2pcEbK27kQ5GMsnohLWdQBjkYdhnJaFBOp68709abWFe-IcHbltgzs4EAF69fgLtcjjLopYTCTLmC_bX-CW18e55Ye7CLtJRgvfqyd8u4XdcmOJRUNzi61sLobs/w640-h314/6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And of course, what is a witch without her imps and familiars? In <i>Devilry Afoot</i>, the witch's arsenal includes a spell to summon imps who are fast and aggressive, but are usually more of a nuisance than a major threat. There are a wide number of miniature manufacturers who do wee figures appropriate for these, but I went with the familiars from <b>Foundry</b>'s Undead range.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8_luX6-TTgE-V37zEMKNDcRu9WLlcVb5pSRVOJdPJ45sbKUAygPHpDZtHHqGlUAQ_5DnwuTKjclDbhTayVxAxEde03cSPr9aLLU_apOUai64rZbnhygapdh20GmxkfLKnbJCbSTePZTy5mso0zGYRA08IE19luOC0UN64Y4llJIkdPiDFlm8pl8gY7w/s3840/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3840" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8_luX6-TTgE-V37zEMKNDcRu9WLlcVb5pSRVOJdPJ45sbKUAygPHpDZtHHqGlUAQ_5DnwuTKjclDbhTayVxAxEde03cSPr9aLLU_apOUai64rZbnhygapdh20GmxkfLKnbJCbSTePZTy5mso0zGYRA08IE19luOC0UN64Y4llJIkdPiDFlm8pl8gY7w/w640-h336/7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6ZatRo8jICkLYCc0NN8JhGhxC2PAyCcgOB6JzGfinD_rynbUfd4VqvX5x1duScN3ZqrpshtMMdj-3dRnFGJS45AqUYbKsdV5MN0lkDDT1s2TUH0sGEfVNwFyWkKRTxkdtfV7-JduPwbqN83ZgFcl0nCifm9hcD-8nLppqYWfbBCKwHMt9UtGJfSA5Yc/s4116/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="4116" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6ZatRo8jICkLYCc0NN8JhGhxC2PAyCcgOB6JzGfinD_rynbUfd4VqvX5x1duScN3ZqrpshtMMdj-3dRnFGJS45AqUYbKsdV5MN0lkDDT1s2TUH0sGEfVNwFyWkKRTxkdtfV7-JduPwbqN83ZgFcl0nCifm9hcD-8nLppqYWfbBCKwHMt9UtGJfSA5Yc/w640-h314/8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqknRT-0IXsNXybgkmfNXkjacPsOI88G9Pih8cyG5ZR-NjKj-2_9MAuPQx268b3GUSIy6EaXz7RjRDmdzLJGtS43Ff0VBYokSmJniSAW9Aor8Pxv7Zwc5oORRMmOvCw9fET7JZpldnnUQcsHGsiQ3s9ODAw2gN4YTB1P8jf-5sJ74ZwfOGbu898GqX8Q/s3798/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="3798" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqknRT-0IXsNXybgkmfNXkjacPsOI88G9Pih8cyG5ZR-NjKj-2_9MAuPQx268b3GUSIy6EaXz7RjRDmdzLJGtS43Ff0VBYokSmJniSAW9Aor8Pxv7Zwc5oORRMmOvCw9fET7JZpldnnUQcsHGsiQ3s9ODAw2gN4YTB1P8jf-5sJ74ZwfOGbu898GqX8Q/w640-h328/9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y3iDXuR3ZeedAet8HmeOhQMF8mURlauXdU9Q9bUThtJlS5a18NUIPX93AQh1RH9YR7h5QJ_3YblOo-IJLv2OAPXBopkcT-weoUQgZdXf_SNSs-Y0qzyovYFdsAxlGyUyuNE38E2c-xyyXjGlQoJfx5ik5eYB4qlJZvXJoBVRTqCYweJKrOgK3QpCN54/s3528/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1974" data-original-width="3528" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y3iDXuR3ZeedAet8HmeOhQMF8mURlauXdU9Q9bUThtJlS5a18NUIPX93AQh1RH9YR7h5QJ_3YblOo-IJLv2OAPXBopkcT-weoUQgZdXf_SNSs-Y0qzyovYFdsAxlGyUyuNE38E2c-xyyXjGlQoJfx5ik5eYB4qlJZvXJoBVRTqCYweJKrOgK3QpCN54/w640-h358/10.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-27175158289977802142023-12-31T15:30:00.003+00:002023-12-31T15:30:17.695+00:00ProjectSeleukid - Dahai and slingers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAANr_1dXbsaaKzwPTs0vlYqNmAuZD3xpU8KM80yDEuub_apDMwonztvuoSHg8l0-C-GMw8NTeccsU0dZ0o0vmbSoecB395ha2X7ceCZ-8HSymuclrkAhcvVA66tcydfwsBE_ZaPi1qPKyMp2zA1Cbvcpm-5LQiHCwGKgjidZ2o-kIrl9Rx-cxnXaV58/s2000/415306046_24534443906171295_7559305946398037675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="2000" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAANr_1dXbsaaKzwPTs0vlYqNmAuZD3xpU8KM80yDEuub_apDMwonztvuoSHg8l0-C-GMw8NTeccsU0dZ0o0vmbSoecB395ha2X7ceCZ-8HSymuclrkAhcvVA66tcydfwsBE_ZaPi1qPKyMp2zA1Cbvcpm-5LQiHCwGKgjidZ2o-kIrl9Rx-cxnXaV58/w640-h332/415306046_24534443906171295_7559305946398037675_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The last post of the 2023 brings Andrew's Project Seleukid progress up to date with four bases of Dahai horse archers and four bases of generic slingers - all are Victrix. I've now a lot of catching up to do, but will be starting on my phalanx in the new year!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So bidding fairwell to 2023 and wishing everyone a happy new year! See you on the otherside. 😉</span></p>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-62468971407890763272023-12-30T12:56:00.048+00:002024-01-03T13:33:26.259+00:00The Portuguese invasion of Madagascar 1551-1554: a G&G & HoTT campaign<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i>Here is the last epic dispatch of the year sent through from Mark.</i> <br /><br />The Portuguese invasion of Madagascar is an obscure facet of the contest for control of East Africa and the Indian Ocean, waged between the Portuguese and the Ottoman Turks for much of the C16. The Turks got involved to support their co-religionists as Islam gained influence in E Africa and SEA, and because the Portuguese strategy to strangle the old Spice Routes from India was a significant economic threat. There are some videos about the wider conflict (but not the Madagascar affair, oddly) on the Kings & Generals YouTube channel. You could start here if interested - <a href="https://youtu.be/R3E1SYBgK4w">https://youtu.be/R3E1SYBgK4w</a><br /><br />The surviving archives of both sides are silent about the strategy and details of the Madagascan conflict. Fortunately a Venetian observer got himself attached to the expedition, and his relationes, in the Venetian State Archives, give some information. He was Sebastian Vernier, later commander of the Venetian squadron at Lepanto (1571), and Doge of Venice (1576-77). Here is his Lepanto portrait by Tintoretto - </span><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhllfmG46Hto2a3VtNP2AIikHmxw20OYCvRE9er-jTXK-3y2yhjfhowB2GMgcstHIFNqQ-_hSTw7ha_9Nks7G4lAX0M11HpBqBEIifGtLW5X70XF4A7wbGYjZALfnti3Bz30muKdpy1U3NgHVz3Qlu4oRiQ2pahKkxl8HdLdDN-Q1Z43jR4KMu69GHybU/s1701/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1394" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhllfmG46Hto2a3VtNP2AIikHmxw20OYCvRE9er-jTXK-3y2yhjfhowB2GMgcstHIFNqQ-_hSTw7ha_9Nks7G4lAX0M11HpBqBEIifGtLW5X70XF4A7wbGYjZALfnti3Bz30muKdpy1U3NgHVz3Qlu4oRiQ2pahKkxl8HdLdDN-Q1Z43jR4KMu69GHybU/w524-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="524" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">BTW it is more than likely Vernier’s participation was arranged through the influence at Sagres of his distant relative Don Marco da Pattaya (who regrettably played no other role in the conflict, at least that we know of).</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A Portuguese squadron commanded by Don Jose Nunes da Fonseca, escorting an expeditionary land force led by Don Miguel Forgaz, Count of Ferra, sailed into the natural harbour of Antsiranana Bay at the N tip of Madagascar, some time in December 1551. Their objectives were to destroy the Ottoman fleet believed to be based there, and capture and garrison any land fortifications they may have constructed.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">More by good luck than anything, Fonseca achieved complete surprise. Ottoman naval forces were scanty and unprepared to face the Portuguese, and land fortifications were still under construction. Despite these handicaps the Ottomans, commanded by Dragut Bey, were determined to make the infidels pay dearly for their impudent attack. The name of the Ottoman naval commander has not been preserved.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">As far as we can tell the forces available to each side were as follows -</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>Portuguese</u> (G&G total 351)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Fragatas (Sa Barbara, Sao Jorge*, Sao Martinho) (210)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C3: Chaser guns, * Flagship (Don Jose is a “middling” commander), Galleon rigged, Master Gunner, Trained gun crews</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 x Carracks</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> (Sa Isabella, Banda Aceh, Hat Yai) (141)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q4 C5: Drilled soldiers**, High Castles, Reinforced hull, Sluggish, Square rigged</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Landing force ** (HoTT total 24 AP)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG (Don Miguel Forgaz & entourage)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Bd (sword & buckler men, halberdiers)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Sh (arquebusiers & crossbowmen)</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Bd (mercenary samurai)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>Ottomans</u> (G&G total 174)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Dhows (Djibouti, Socotra, Zanzibar) (78)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C2: Lateen rigged, Shallow draft</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Galleys (Srivijaya, Songkhla) (96)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C3: Drilled soldiers, Galleys, Swashbucklers, Yare</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Land forces (HoTT total 24AP)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG (Dragut Bey & entourage)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Sh (Arab arquebusiers)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Wb (Arab warriors)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Rd (Ottoman Sipahi cavalry)</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1. The naval battle of Antsiranana (Dec 1551) </span></u></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The first battle of Antsiranana was a naval action as the Portuguese attacked. Here’s a high level view of the geography and deployment at the outset. This shows the situation after 3 turns, the time it took the Ottomans to react to the Portuguese arrival.</span></span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRcJvMztggkL0KfeNeprvgJqvPVNbf6Bkyr1KobuSNIvn_k7ZcfB8vFfad9dJycn2S8XbFz60C-P1dDmTZQJincrWwGYPCq2EuDBG7l0ZNYXqxRW3OrLwt-j7iNMdBz3PBIhU-7V0tCVHsQoPlW_TZ9pOhojF4B8pOB6TYHg6DA4ZH-PGxhkmvjZY44A/s640/unnamed%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRcJvMztggkL0KfeNeprvgJqvPVNbf6Bkyr1KobuSNIvn_k7ZcfB8vFfad9dJycn2S8XbFz60C-P1dDmTZQJincrWwGYPCq2EuDBG7l0ZNYXqxRW3OrLwt-j7iNMdBz3PBIhU-7V0tCVHsQoPlW_TZ9pOhojF4B8pOB6TYHg6DA4ZH-PGxhkmvjZY44A/w640-h480/unnamed%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The brown areas in the harbour are mud flats, navigable without risk only to shallow-draft vessels. The green clumps on top of the mudflats are impassable mangroves. The wind is blowing from the SW (diagonally from lower R). The tabletop is 1800x1200mm.</span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At the start of turn 4 the defenders are finally ready to activate, while the attackers continue their advance. The defenders activate first. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottoman flotilla attacked the infidels without hesitation despite the disparity in strength. The galleys headed towards the front of the Portuguese line, while the dhows moved to intercept the rear. The Portuguese shortened sail, and on turn 5 the two leading fragatas opened fire on the dhows, scoring a single hit on the Zanzibar.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX44iY9pYyHtrPRxkvVbqIxGjKF39QRqO23rbhv6jIgF8lwhPXQKF_oNIdflkw0KY0La5yXCuaPfDy1OqLPsKUsZW4BI5HCpUdsaQMRboNt_iyZiFS2vPCpw2b2WBqsM3W97bDzRx0loe_rhuPvZOrrI36gb6VsbjickHRmSzbY2YnDXQa9DBA-9SVTc/s640/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX44iY9pYyHtrPRxkvVbqIxGjKF39QRqO23rbhv6jIgF8lwhPXQKF_oNIdflkw0KY0La5yXCuaPfDy1OqLPsKUsZW4BI5HCpUdsaQMRboNt_iyZiFS2vPCpw2b2WBqsM3W97bDzRx0loe_rhuPvZOrrI36gb6VsbjickHRmSzbY2YnDXQa9DBA-9SVTc/w640-h480/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese got a nasty surprise in turn 6 though, when the dhows scored hits on the Sao Jorge and Sao Martinho. But then the last dhow to activate rolled turnover, depriving the galleys of a chance to join in.</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJc-beBv5N5-zqweXNVd-SQWi5-LH8c0cgl5lyI8kS9HmCnBkn-f8xMj8OH6mha8JDuHcS845Qz6m3P_Mzfa1diE67ix4aYNxeOustVKgOdT3LbzYlN2ywpZtwx1o3PCLc9IZA5bboFHKI_b-owH_QYgH32zcwnKYuGMES83rrmtL5LC74Z5QbG_-RRI/s640/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCJc-beBv5N5-zqweXNVd-SQWi5-LH8c0cgl5lyI8kS9HmCnBkn-f8xMj8OH6mha8JDuHcS845Qz6m3P_Mzfa1diE67ix4aYNxeOustVKgOdT3LbzYlN2ywpZtwx1o3PCLc9IZA5bboFHKI_b-owH_QYgH32zcwnKYuGMES83rrmtL5LC74Z5QbG_-RRI/w640-h480/image2.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese upped their game. The Sao Jorge turned to starboard and delivered a full broadside at the galley Songkhla, resulting in 1 hit + oar damage. Then it fired its chaser guns at the other galley, Srivijaya, dealing it 1 damage too. The second fragata, San Martinho, followed the flagship and fired a full broadside at the dhow Zanzibar, but somehow managed to miss. The last in line, Sa Barbara, didn’t miss, giving the dhow Socotra a hit. Meanwhile the other line, comprising the carracks, altered course 2 points to starboard and sailed on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7No2wW6ug5CZSzEF7cwpOawonD2YKCG_WuWml0LPqdlGBHkKBlApXKwbbgn0B0VjIDW5oK0S1giaeuLhIq7yKJ8i_js3Ex_1YH07TmwheCqfLCDfenMycvS6A_Q24N1k0QgYib5EXCxpR-AI8Dm3S_4dSh_f4EOs1JTxRLs1O23kzSL4srnXTGZE4ZM8/s640/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7No2wW6ug5CZSzEF7cwpOawonD2YKCG_WuWml0LPqdlGBHkKBlApXKwbbgn0B0VjIDW5oK0S1giaeuLhIq7yKJ8i_js3Ex_1YH07TmwheCqfLCDfenMycvS6A_Q24N1k0QgYib5EXCxpR-AI8Dm3S_4dSh_f4EOs1JTxRLs1O23kzSL4srnXTGZE4ZM8/w640-h480/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 7, and the Socotra turned under the stern of Sa Barbara and delivered a raking full broadside at point-blank range, inflicting 2 damage including a critical hit. Zanzibar then went one better, slipping between the Sa Barbara and Sao Martinho, firing a raking point blank broadside into the former, and an ordinary shot at Sao Martinho. This virtuoso performance resulted in a 3rd damage to Sa Barbara, but missed the Sao Martinho. The galleys unfortunately failed again.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The fragata Sao Jorge, not to be outdone in the virtuosity states, and seeing the Ottoman galleys at ones and twos, sailed between both of them and fired a full broadside & ordinary broadside: the Songkhka received a second hit + a second oar damage (so is now immobile); the Srivijaya escaped unscathed. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 8. The dhows are now in position to attack the carracks in the Portuguese leeward line. These are tougher propositions than the fragatas though, especially defensively, and the dhows’ fire was ineffective against the massive reinforced hulls. Surely the dhows won’t be crazy enough to try to board these monsters? Unsurprisingly the galleys failed activation, yet again.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This time the carrack Sa Isabella led-off the Portuguese response, sailing between the Zanzibar and Djibouti, giving each a point blank broadside (a full broadside raking shot at Djibouti). Djibouti took 1 hit, Zanzibar escaped. Then Hat Yai chipped in with another full broadside at Zanzibar, and this time Zanzibar took 2 hits (to total 3) + critical hit (taking on water). That can’t be good. Banda Aceh tried a long range shot at the crippled leaking Zanzibar, but missed.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Meanwhile the fragatas were also busy, but not very effective. Sao Jorge had a good opportunity to shoot up both galleys but needed to use its activations to change course and shorten sail. Sao Martinho likewise. Sa Barbara had to chance an All at Sea roll and (randomly) sailed straight on, nearly colliding with Sao Martinho. </span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTIR4iPK37ZDO1DSl_yDD5ycCdJDbgmhielkk_LZojsCSDSdQo4Z9-JNtTKNUiAjaXM39nwAlsGX7NDVbPkfHmCBPeDEMfbZualRt4l7W-r7s-49vhDKtuZqpXxjhOI99a3FKZZP_if-c6AtX2bAhNNsqH5udmIg8Yv1meTHxhe9Opvl-2r-qNc86Dn4/s640/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="640" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTIR4iPK37ZDO1DSl_yDD5ycCdJDbgmhielkk_LZojsCSDSdQo4Z9-JNtTKNUiAjaXM39nwAlsGX7NDVbPkfHmCBPeDEMfbZualRt4l7W-r7s-49vhDKtuZqpXxjhOI99a3FKZZP_if-c6AtX2bAhNNsqH5udmIg8Yv1meTHxhe9Opvl-2r-qNc86Dn4/w640-h350/image4.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 9. The galley Srivijaya successfully activated at last, and moved behind the fragatas, out of their line of fire. The dhow Djibouti passed the stern of the carrack Sa Isabella, but could only loose an ordinary broadside shot, which missed. The other dhows also failed to shoot effectively.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Sa Isabella started the Portuguese bound by sinking the crippled leaking Zanzibar. The other carracks were by now making for the anchorage, and the fragatas were changing course to return and finish off the Ottoman defenders. The Sa Barbara failed an activation while crippled, and turned hard to starboard.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxZG_oZmhyphenhyphenKK7G8etFk21T7EdNhwBbT2G-FgK-BcBlPN56eW6kExCoaj8aPEylo3TvdwrgV5Hm4lHnMi6h4EndXZor22_H60BbW5OSWSZ_5hQnGbLAG-_mn6nFJXfDlYSu7ZoN6ftF9KcL6jANcCfANmP_wnS_AKFKduj8KlUC4hQoZPgvtI5quOEMwk/s640/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxZG_oZmhyphenhyphenKK7G8etFk21T7EdNhwBbT2G-FgK-BcBlPN56eW6kExCoaj8aPEylo3TvdwrgV5Hm4lHnMi6h4EndXZor22_H60BbW5OSWSZ_5hQnGbLAG-_mn6nFJXfDlYSu7ZoN6ftF9KcL6jANcCfANmP_wnS_AKFKduj8KlUC4hQoZPgvtI5quOEMwk/s320/image5.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At this point (after 9 turns) the Portuguese have 1 x fragata in crippled condition and both other fragatas have 1 damage each. The carracks are undamaged. The Ottomans have lost 1 x dhow and effectively 1 x galley as the Songkhla cannot move at all. And all their remaining vessels have 1 damage each. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottoman naval commander decides to cut his losses and leave the scene with the 2 dhows & 1 galley he still has. The galley will never make it across the open sea back to Mombasa, but its crew can be taken aboard the dhows. Better to alert the authorities to the Portuguese attack, so it can be promptly countered, than risk annihilation in Antsiranana Bay. Unfortunately Dragut Bey and his troops will have to do the best they can until help arrives.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Some days later … the Portuguese landing force is ashore and a battle against Dragut Bey and his troops is about to start. Dragut has opted not to defend his incomplete fortifications, and will meet Don Miguel in the open where he expects his fanatical infantry (Wb) and sipahis (Rd) will give him the edge.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2. The land battle of Antsiranana (Dec 1551)</span></u></b></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The two armies faced each other on the swampy coastal plain outside the town of Antsiranana, between the Bay and some low coastal hills. The hills and swampy ground comprised bad going.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Dragut advanced his Wb over the hills on the inland flank, while holding back his Sh & Rd. Don Miguel masked the Wb with some of his Sh, continued advancing his main line, and moved his reserve (HrG & samurai Bd) to a position where they could intervene if necessary. However the Portuguese Sh seemed able to keep the Ottoman Wb busy: they destroyed 1 x Wb by shooting, and recoiled another.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrlVPnzRn5sxSmsBWPYF9A0hY5cutPB-rjddHiO00kMtLVQIikiXW76sF67t20k3H3_ccPweM9p7PneU-r_6TnPEJs7Ecf2WsuJUJZpDeu2Vqi53ZtsYRG_OAwjwvX68dhuXuR_Bzb7JlbcFBonO1eaCHyYMOYz5dYhTYiP5Wnd0kJlrdM51TQMudEvE/s640/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="640" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrlVPnzRn5sxSmsBWPYF9A0hY5cutPB-rjddHiO00kMtLVQIikiXW76sF67t20k3H3_ccPweM9p7PneU-r_6TnPEJs7Ecf2WsuJUJZpDeu2Vqi53ZtsYRG_OAwjwvX68dhuXuR_Bzb7JlbcFBonO1eaCHyYMOYz5dYhTYiP5Wnd0kJlrdM51TQMudEvE/w640-h402/image6.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottoman Wb apparently hadn’t read the script and charged downhill into the Portuguese Sh. In the centre an Ottoman Rd attacked the inland end Portuguese Bd, and 3 x Sh moved up to within firing range of the Portuguese line.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The shooting caused a Bd recoil, and the Rd was recoiled by the Bd it had attacked. The Wb destroyed one of the Sh they attacked, but also suffered a recoil. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn4wdPBs1sC_w_Tsl4N8tPIYtvc74y-LPKRY7dLlrv5oM5AcNIV4iYe8Qn73HyCMm_DEZ3ep37pFJNHaXDk6By1oDpcR2wqq9efvDizdHyggte3_3EXZ4ZNw_OsKSVXjcFxWFJ9fApxFnGCab_XZWggqGSsZQbfdrhJpEN-A7qdki3jC6fFdaLfywgLw/s640/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="640" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn4wdPBs1sC_w_Tsl4N8tPIYtvc74y-LPKRY7dLlrv5oM5AcNIV4iYe8Qn73HyCMm_DEZ3ep37pFJNHaXDk6By1oDpcR2wqq9efvDizdHyggte3_3EXZ4ZNw_OsKSVXjcFxWFJ9fApxFnGCab_XZWggqGSsZQbfdrhJpEN-A7qdki3jC6fFdaLfywgLw/w640-h326/image7.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Don Miguel orders a vigorous counterattack. He and his entourage, with the samurai, lined up ready to take on the Wb. The main Bd line charged the Ottoman Sh who have ventured forward, destroying 1 and recoiling the others.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1SCxx2UQ-3na6_5IM97ceuTfCFUee8eZytCqG55XoY_FH-Xm5zVzGR4to_GHSgETuMfYUxz1UNpegYBeX537CTBRo-16reqF2MFcwHNO_KAJ-rw33yLv0Jnprw8ldc0MxqmfrXFvqxpUFNVWXUavxRJp4PBFjJbQJpBv5CzsX4JOPADP0wfn4xiH3S0/s640/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1SCxx2UQ-3na6_5IM97ceuTfCFUee8eZytCqG55XoY_FH-Xm5zVzGR4to_GHSgETuMfYUxz1UNpegYBeX537CTBRo-16reqF2MFcwHNO_KAJ-rw33yLv0Jnprw8ldc0MxqmfrXFvqxpUFNVWXUavxRJp4PBFjJbQJpBv5CzsX4JOPADP0wfn4xiH3S0/w640-h480/image8.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Now it’s turn 4: Ottomans to activate. Dragut moves his Rd and Sh back into position for an attack on the Portuguese centre, while the Wb resists the urge to impetuously continue their charge, and continue fighting the Sh that survived their initial combat - but the second round is a draw. In the centre, Ottoman shooting is ineffective, but Portuguese shooting recoils the Ottoman Rd on the beach.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Don Miguel gets only a couple of PIPs, and uses them to friction attack the Wb, destroying 2 elements. The sole surviving Wb recoils and pursues the Sh. Shooting from both sides continued to be ineffective. Progress score: 2-8 Portugal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmXNR96gnXVjbFC2zpfnqU4RI1VWnhZIWf2V7YQLPRvsnxJ-vQAZM-Y6-R9rp_nnpSjdmClW8449FygM92nXXpZYKPdpiWpnIC4Nwhi1FPpgW7BDRfvHIJjLUyRqd4VRNuiOHeHct-6L-B1jYlC3bzSzx1zZxq2yCH-aSIssIGl-tk2o05oF4lFjkwxc/s640/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmXNR96gnXVjbFC2zpfnqU4RI1VWnhZIWf2V7YQLPRvsnxJ-vQAZM-Y6-R9rp_nnpSjdmClW8449FygM92nXXpZYKPdpiWpnIC4Nwhi1FPpgW7BDRfvHIJjLUyRqd4VRNuiOHeHct-6L-B1jYlC3bzSzx1zZxq2yCH-aSIssIGl-tk2o05oF4lFjkwxc/w640-h480/image9.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Both sides are getting low PIPs now. Dragut ordered his surviving Wb to break off combat and retreat back onto the BGo hill. And the Ottoman Rd on the beach charged a Portuguese Sh that had no side support because of a prior shooting recoil. The Sh held, and the Rd recoiled. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In their bound the Portuguese declined to chase the Wb onto the hill, preferring to get their Sh reorganised, and Don Miguel moved to support the inland end of the main line. The Sh reorganisation paid off at once, as the Ottonan Rd on the beach was shot down.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 6: Dragut gets good PIPs at long last. He himself hurried up towards the line, but almost the whole Ottoman centre broke contact and pulled back into the swamp. What does he have in mind? Don Miguel has few PIPs so plays it cautious.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 7: Dragut shows his hand: He himself (HrG) leads a charge against the end Portuguese Bd, while the Wb charges one of the samurai Bd. The Bd charged by Dragut and his entourage survives (barely) being destroyed. The Ottonan Sh supporting Dragut’s attack isn’t so lucky, being cooled by another Portuguese Bd. And the samurai Bd fends off the Ottonan Wb.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWRH1WE5CBISy9dtw8uf_8BOZ5TQ2dC0ZgDIYkCAj3HgUVJDH9vVd7IdfvxSZDELFrSd_21CiK6Np0EsTqM80uU1uKbLxSWonK8NsZkcVDP2TN5jhlwBZk63NvPyXGEBmd75nNpLHKdnqVmrAS05QlCmM1MbSFqTbRHmVQGsO2SuGBdkQeAS8RsYg2pw/s640/image10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWRH1WE5CBISy9dtw8uf_8BOZ5TQ2dC0ZgDIYkCAj3HgUVJDH9vVd7IdfvxSZDELFrSd_21CiK6Np0EsTqM80uU1uKbLxSWonK8NsZkcVDP2TN5jhlwBZk63NvPyXGEBmd75nNpLHKdnqVmrAS05QlCmM1MbSFqTbRHmVQGsO2SuGBdkQeAS8RsYg2pw/w640-h480/image10.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At the end of the Ottoman bound of turn 7 the Portuguese have won the battle 2-12.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So the Portuguese have gained a foothold in the north of Madagascar by beating the Ottomans by sea and by land. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Many of the survivors of Dragut’s army were captured, and out to work completing the fortifications they themselves had begun, as a Portuguese strongpoint. </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Now the Portuguese have to decide how they’re going to work with this new real estate. There are two schools of thought. The navy wants to hold only Antsiranana, as a strongly fortified base similar to Elmira or Malacca. The army wants to march out and take on the natives, with the aim of full-on territorial conquest. It is working in Brazil, so why not here? </span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></span></div><div dir="ltr"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Part 2: 1552-1553</span></u></b><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The army plan to conquer all of Madagascar - or at least, swathes of the best land - won out. So over the next couple of years the Portuguese found themselves fighting various indigenous tribal groupings. A shortage of Portuguese troops meant that many of the soldiers assigned to Madagascar were mercenaries from other parts of the colonial empire or from neighbouring friendly regions.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">We know little about the progress of the conquest, but it appears the Portuguese began by attacking the Sakalava kingdom, along the W coast of Madagascar facing the Mozambique Channel. This region of Madagascar was inhabited by folk of Bantu and Arab origins as well as Malagasy people.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1. The battle of Ankasakasa</span></u></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Sakalava capital city of Ankasakasa is about halfway down the W side of Madagascar, though it is not actually on the coast. Some time in late 1552, after conquering the more northerly part of the kingdom, the Portuguese attacked the city to deliver a knockout blow.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The attackers comprised -</span></u></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG - Dom Miguel Forgaz & staff</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Kn - Portuguese mounted adventurers</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Sh - Portuguese crossbowmen & arquebusiers</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Bd - mercenary Samurai</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Wb - mercenary SEA tribal warriors</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The defenders comprised - </span></u></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG - warlord ruler of Sakalava & bodyguards</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">6 x Wb - Bantu warriors</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Sh - Arab arquebusiers</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Hd - armed Malagasy peasants</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Here we are after 2 turns, looking N from the Portuguese side towards Ankasakasa city and the Sakalava defenders.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhqPG6D7YFJRY00EV1nNVkttz7on2kuxbRBkxBFqRNWEY-mlOuPb5f4vVByNatBDTHiwY7vFimm3x9qcf_T5m3BNUWRVzbP6IEuPQaRJ8AhFHxU1N9NTd4WEVyyNFev51ezsyV_SuNDQJgFiWyX1VHO7BxQUU-GrYyydEQ6fOiyGIJjiJOjoIFXhPb_s/s640/image0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="640" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhqPG6D7YFJRY00EV1nNVkttz7on2kuxbRBkxBFqRNWEY-mlOuPb5f4vVByNatBDTHiwY7vFimm3x9qcf_T5m3BNUWRVzbP6IEuPQaRJ8AhFHxU1N9NTd4WEVyyNFev51ezsyV_SuNDQJgFiWyX1VHO7BxQUU-GrYyydEQ6fOiyGIJjiJOjoIFXhPb_s/w640-h344/image0.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Don Miguel has placed his Kn & Wb on his L, Bd in his C, and Sh on his R. The Sakalava army has the Malagasy peasant Hd on its R, Wb in the C, and Sh on its L.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The rocky terrain is impassable. The fields are Bad going because of deep irrigation channels.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On turn 3 the Sakalava Wb charged the Portuguese, destroying one of the Samurai Bd and recoiling one of the SEA Wb. The Sakalavan Sh also recoiled the Portuguese Sh column with arquebus fire.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLnrtg6aXoITCqcEo16faSGZYoGWX5bbJK8Zr1IK0u0MgyAopNc5P5zOKx__eVpSfS1KH-HLTLTAQB3ilfKhG7INZnRjlzr5KgCP5bPIj2CE3L7cZwtYpIoTB3-34pKte1mZ-jhJfk2HNOvw9I7nZL8XTjjXyde935lmlj92UhsChfyKqeAECFoCu8W8/s640/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLnrtg6aXoITCqcEo16faSGZYoGWX5bbJK8Zr1IK0u0MgyAopNc5P5zOKx__eVpSfS1KH-HLTLTAQB3ilfKhG7INZnRjlzr5KgCP5bPIj2CE3L7cZwtYpIoTB3-34pKte1mZ-jhJfk2HNOvw9I7nZL8XTjjXyde935lmlj92UhsChfyKqeAECFoCu8W8/w640-h426/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the Portuguese bound the Sakalava Hd lost 2 elements to the Kn & Wb unsurprisingly, but the main Portuguese line failed to stop the Sakalava Wb which kept advancing tho it didn’t destroy any more elements.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhephbEjlcxNRr7IHjTGwBQ6HLaJQ9x2ozJmLYxClnnGuplAnUQD2whxoDwB3xgc38ukkkotJjowW1lL0pE9rk8kKqXi9u8qXp3SBTwFx1H_oMwHetYZ4obsx_zhtYGVmsq3o15eVl0JjA6trPOAY25K8n9YVjou5DLu_kPM3yhHqlc1WOdXGUeuBTZCBw/s640/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhephbEjlcxNRr7IHjTGwBQ6HLaJQ9x2ozJmLYxClnnGuplAnUQD2whxoDwB3xgc38ukkkotJjowW1lL0pE9rk8kKqXi9u8qXp3SBTwFx1H_oMwHetYZ4obsx_zhtYGVmsq3o15eVl0JjA6trPOAY25K8n9YVjou5DLu_kPM3yhHqlc1WOdXGUeuBTZCBw/w640-h480/image2.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 4, and the defenders have few PIPs to continue their offensive. But they’re doing OK without PIPs as the ongoing Wb attack destroys the other Samurai Bd and recoils the Portuguese Wb & Sh desperately defending elsewhere. However the Sakalava Sh fail to destroy the exposed Sh on the Portuguese R, and the other two Malagasy Hd are overrun.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR2GTKZo3JAyEbMocmXsK3GC9_deflbNdHGa8R7vaXEwoSV062mz_Ow2i0X0IlYUp-U3jnGtI4fRtMHB4V9K2KYFp9jYOSdqh6ohtoH86Zmy_ryVFLqTd9L-SoAsKw8dBxgS4AxEZy2DuSry8m1B09hmVci7onePLUBKb-ZwbMsJE-Lh2In3x1MGZfAI/s640/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR2GTKZo3JAyEbMocmXsK3GC9_deflbNdHGa8R7vaXEwoSV062mz_Ow2i0X0IlYUp-U3jnGtI4fRtMHB4V9K2KYFp9jYOSdqh6ohtoH86Zmy_ryVFLqTd9L-SoAsKw8dBxgS4AxEZy2DuSry8m1B09hmVci7onePLUBKb-ZwbMsJE-Lh2In3x1MGZfAI/w640-h480/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Don Miguel continues to get much better PIPs, but so far it hasn’t done him much good. This time he lines up his victorious L wing elements against the so-far-unstoppable Sakalava Wb. His luck changes dramatically: the L wing shooting goes the Portuguese way and one of the Arab Sh is recoiled, and two Sakalava Wb columns (4 ekements) fall in friction attacks.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76FKiqBNvDou_iosykN5HQ-LrIHNU65tG4yujoT3C9NXnIN-zw1dZpkz289JbHQO5593TeSHnFGSSGf5-_iJ90zSfYKoa2-XGsQzU_r8R1SNZQ3l63iJf1_Eyq9GesEi6wXByUTI1mTyvEL4jVQ2_r_sgfQOWGWShWN-ts8ZmtP2B3tPG80TC6BtrhNk/s640/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76FKiqBNvDou_iosykN5HQ-LrIHNU65tG4yujoT3C9NXnIN-zw1dZpkz289JbHQO5593TeSHnFGSSGf5-_iJ90zSfYKoa2-XGsQzU_r8R1SNZQ3l63iJf1_Eyq9GesEi6wXByUTI1mTyvEL4jVQ2_r_sgfQOWGWShWN-ts8ZmtP2B3tPG80TC6BtrhNk/w640-h480/image4.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A Portuguese victory with a final score of 12-4, but more desperate than the bottom line suggests.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese have conquered the Sakalava kingdom, thus seeming to vindicate the army-led strategy of taking over swathes of Madagascar rather than just holding onto Antsiranana as a fortified base (the navy preference).</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But it’s not over yet. Alarmed by these events the Merina (or Hova) confederation of highland tribes in central Madagascar decide to attack the Portuguese before they can occupy the whole island. The Hova were the most powerful and feared tribal group on the island, but usually kept to themselves. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2. The battle of Marovoay</span></u></b></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Hova attack seems to have caught the Portuguese off-guard, and several outpost forts guarding the road from Antisiranana to the Sakalava territory fell to surprise attacks. A Portuguese relief army encountered the Hova army at a river crossing near the town of Marovoay, on the Sakalava / Antsiranana border. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The attacking Hova tribes comprised -</span></u></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG - War chief Andriamanelo</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Mg - Powerful spirit summoner</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">8 x Bd - Tribal warriors</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The defending Portuguese comprised - </span></u></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG - Don Jose Antonio Mirones & staff</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Kn - Portuguese mounted adventurers</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Bd - Portuguese swordsmen & halberdiers</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Sh - Portuguese crossbowmen & arquebusiers</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Wb - mercenary SEA tribal warriors</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At the end of 2 turns the Portuguese Bd are defending the bank of the river, and have thrown back the first Hova attack, destroying 1 and recoiling the other.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3As8bObRRuuSdjhXWaC3Ta-i9HlQ7C4SH9Q_mH4i73I5PuaF_nPaFTEc9c6L2HjLbLtpgtLacHcm2n_qtRSOqVI7KmOWYY7Q5fmXOklPnUaJQNdZX-fkZXWheFq0OJ1IMlxn34g7O5LU6-hofNczum7AhObKTR9HuEWWGAQudEU916hCXp-LsgrUED4/s640/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3As8bObRRuuSdjhXWaC3Ta-i9HlQ7C4SH9Q_mH4i73I5PuaF_nPaFTEc9c6L2HjLbLtpgtLacHcm2n_qtRSOqVI7KmOWYY7Q5fmXOklPnUaJQNdZX-fkZXWheFq0OJ1IMlxn34g7O5LU6-hofNczum7AhObKTR9HuEWWGAQudEU916hCXp-LsgrUED4/w640-h480/image5.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">By the end of turn 6 intense fighting was continuing. On their R the Hova were across the river and had destroyed 2 Portuguese Sh. On their C & L though, another 2 Hova Bd had fallen, to a cross-river friction move by the Portuguese Wb, and an uncompletable recoil. Progress score: 4-6 Portugal.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur0c0PRYRWCaFpurd2vqOFdIT1QhksGzXhu4C4EwWfbUHvBJqL31zzCP0iR9qogQHVg2JQIlIEiWGP3uu86-DqT-JcAU4miI9Zfm3U1CPqcD-dZnZy6tUSvnmeShEPKS8aOKHAUyltdEizwOC6CL3I4p-GSnHPcsc3dnek5UudSwShmKh5TB075pIIic/s640/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur0c0PRYRWCaFpurd2vqOFdIT1QhksGzXhu4C4EwWfbUHvBJqL31zzCP0iR9qogQHVg2JQIlIEiWGP3uu86-DqT-JcAU4miI9Zfm3U1CPqcD-dZnZy6tUSvnmeShEPKS8aOKHAUyltdEizwOC6CL3I4p-GSnHPcsc3dnek5UudSwShmKh5TB075pIIic/w640-h480/image6.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On turn 7 the Portuguese continued to sweep up the Hova L, destroying another 2 x Bd. The Hova Mg finally tried a bespelling attack, it failed. The score is now 10-4 Portugal. Andriamanelo had better pull a rabbit out of his hat soon, ot it’ll be too late.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">He rolled the only ‘6’ PIPs in the game, and threw every surviving element into combat. A Hova Bd attacked the last surviving Portuguese Sh, and destroyed it (uncompletable recoil), so a good start. The other combats were indecisive. Lastly, Andriamanelo personally charged Don Jose, with a Hova Bd overlap, but Don Jose prevailed and the Hova commander fell.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So that ticks the score over to 6-14 Portugal. The Hova army survivors must retire into the highlands and plan their next move.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3. The battle of Antananarivo</span></u></b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">After this victory the Portuguese land command at Antsiranana grew overconfident, as they began to believe that Madagascan forces were no match for Portuguese. In late 1553, after more reinforcements had arrived, Don Jose led a large army* into the middle of Hova territory to attack the capital city of Antananarivo. A high-risk high-reward strategy. The Portuguese encountered little opposition at first, as the Hova fell back while concentrating their forces.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Then, as the Portuguese came in sight of the city, the whole Hova army was waiting for them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">* 36AP, created by stripping all garrisons, including Antisiranano, to the bone.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese attackers comprised -</span></u></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG - Don Jose Antonio Mirones & staff</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Pd - Inspirational militant priest</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">5 x Bd - Portuguese swordsmen & halberdiers</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x Sh - Portuguese crossbowmen & arquebusiers</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Kn - Portuguese mounted adventurers</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Art - Field artillery</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Lu - Scouts </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Bd - mercenary Samurai</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Hova defenders comprised - </span></u></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x HrG - King Ralambo, commanding in person</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Mg - Powerful spirit summoner</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Bh - Mythical Madagascan monster</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x Sh - Maiden guards</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">10 x Bd - Hova warriors</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">After 3 turns the two armies are cautiously approaching each other. The only action has been when the Portuguese Lu was brushed aside by a Hova Sh. It’s looking like it’ll be a slogging match in the C, tho the Hova may be going to try a left hook with the Mythical Monster Bh. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Then, in their bound of turn 4, the Hova struck, attacking on their L and in the C, bringing down a Portuguese Sh on the hill and destroying the Art. </span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z-3t83vLBdbtQqY3Nf-wlaf5H6_m1EyoXQSU9JJl7BUnmw3wOcCAv0QWybWKFmCYUeWnn8Dv_P0G-bpl5q-H5EgXufCxESIEtwl2uYkiHSlhN-Iyryo2fUdFYVbcGG3QQkK_GrEUhi6Cuf7nfvo1CRLOiNIW0b0t0dPqxYziv93AaOs5SDTq-057_N0/s640/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="640" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z-3t83vLBdbtQqY3Nf-wlaf5H6_m1EyoXQSU9JJl7BUnmw3wOcCAv0QWybWKFmCYUeWnn8Dv_P0G-bpl5q-H5EgXufCxESIEtwl2uYkiHSlhN-Iyryo2fUdFYVbcGG3QQkK_GrEUhi6Cuf7nfvo1CRLOiNIW0b0t0dPqxYziv93AaOs5SDTq-057_N0/w640-h404/image7.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Don Jose, apparently caught by surprise by this bold move, could manage only 1 PIP. He used it to friction counter-attack the Bh, but this failed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 5, Ralambo gets another high PIP roll, and the Hova go on the rampage. The Bh recoils a Samurai Bd. The warriors destroy a Portuguese Bd and Sh.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This time Don Jose does better with PIPs, but can’t seem to win many combats. No Hova are destroyed, but at least no more Portuguese fall either. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 6. The Hova continue their attacks on the Portuguese wings. On one hill the Bh destroys a Samurai Bd. On the other hill the Hova Bd recoil a Sh. The Portuguese can’t win a combat, and are now very much on the defensive, with a progress score of 12-0 Hova.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRmBvJCZ0AO0pSvsLBdrO9223XEPNBvvhkJvJfl2-ACGyHI2jNIkDz02qwh5LDzpgMpp9Av6CuuNLUU9SgND88GK5EZeNm9-Rf31qWE7QmInFWbWTy4vkxi6dtx2fjv_z90BKsHGKBHhNpubHE2rU_VngCipouTROZ_m23L5pMECnUNeONV8z5bdebss/s640/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRmBvJCZ0AO0pSvsLBdrO9223XEPNBvvhkJvJfl2-ACGyHI2jNIkDz02qwh5LDzpgMpp9Av6CuuNLUU9SgND88GK5EZeNm9-Rf31qWE7QmInFWbWTy4vkxi6dtx2fjv_z90BKsHGKBHhNpubHE2rU_VngCipouTROZ_m23L5pMECnUNeONV8z5bdebss/w640-h360/image8.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 7. Following a “meh” Hova bound, Don Jose rolls really well and finally picks up some scores. He intervenes in the Bh fight and the beast is finally killed. The Portuguese Kn, with Bd assist, destroys a Hova Bd (nb in HoTT Kn do not QK Bd).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Skipping ahead to the Hova bound of turn 9 as the battle turned into a dour slog, though with the Portuguese defending an increasingly difficult position, and the Hova getting much better PIP dice.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The breakthrough for the Hova finally came when the Portuguese Pd fell in combat with a Hova Bd, taking the final score to 18-6 Hova.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPju25nHNWyd9ZUIIorNYFPlTprBaOrPI8W0ZBWSADAwglXmSJRYaEb9zriMBMKxoGZ5WlMY_Y8BNZ1_INARBGZp3YwjBEnm_kXntZoT955Yn1D0_FZy5V4cpOHgjsha-LRgltcAPnR3TWSIKo44WQBEFrDPjkAaUn5sP7CXDwLWiDOE03h6H8ImNyq3E/s640/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="640" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPju25nHNWyd9ZUIIorNYFPlTprBaOrPI8W0ZBWSADAwglXmSJRYaEb9zriMBMKxoGZ5WlMY_Y8BNZ1_INARBGZp3YwjBEnm_kXntZoT955Yn1D0_FZy5V4cpOHgjsha-LRgltcAPnR3TWSIKo44WQBEFrDPjkAaUn5sP7CXDwLWiDOE03h6H8ImNyq3E/w640-h188/image9.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It’s a decisive Hova victory. The Portuguese have lost their Pd, Art, Lu, 3/4 Sh, 1/5 Portuguese Bd, 1/2 Samurai Bd. The Hova have lost 1 x Bd, 1 x Bh.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And the Portuguese survivors are deep in enemy territory, many leagues from the nearest friends, and an enemy army in an excellent position to launch a sustained pursuit. Few if any Portuguese survivors will make it back. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">After this fiasco the Portuguese completely gave up the idea of conquering Madagascan territory, and withdrew to Antsiranana, holding the by-now well fortified base and immediate hinterland.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">More to come, as the Ottomans launch a naval attack to try and recapture Antsiranana.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Part 3: 1554</span></u></b><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese holding Antsiranana got the Christmas present they had been expecting, when in late 1554 news of an impending Ottoman naval attack was confirmed. No reinforcements could be spared for the fortress garrison and it was clear to the Governor, Don Jose Antonio Mirones, that he would have to hold out as best he could.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mirones, it will be recalled, was planner and commander of the Antananarivo expedition that was virtually wiped out by the Hova tribal confederation in mid 1553. Although no-one is saying so out loud, he’s been given the job of Governor as a punishment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Also the naval force available to defeat the attackers at sea was much smaller than spies reported the Ottoman fleet to be.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The battle of Mayotte, December 1554</span></b></u></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Sebastien Vernier, our main / only source of information about events so far, must have left Madagascar soon after the battle of Antananarivo (where says he was slightly wounded) as he was back in Venice by the feast of St Mark 1554. We know that the naval engagement was in December, in the Mozambique Channel off the island of Mayotte, that the Ottoman force was much larger, that both sides used some Asian ships, and what the outcome was, from Ottoman archives. But everything else, including the composition of the squadrons and names of the commanders, is conjecture. Bearing that in mind, here is my recreation of events.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese squadron, hearing from their scouts that the Ottomans had stopped at Mayotte to replenish water supplies, decided to attack while the enemy was at a disadvantage. The Portuguese commander probably had the following vessels, totalling 230 points -</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Fragata (San Martinho) [60]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C3: Chaser guns, Galleon rigged, Master gunner, Trained gun crews</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2 x small Wako junks (Bamboo Shoot, Bean Sprout) [50 each]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q2 C2: Derring-do, Intimidating, Lateen rigged, Reinforced hull, Yare</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">1 x Airship (Dragao) [70]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C2: Airship, Bombs, Fiery attack, Lateen rigged, Master gunner</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottoman squadron, which was in Domoni Bay when the battle started, most likely comprised these vessels, totalling 416 points -</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">3 x Dhows (Djibouti, Socotra, Zanazibar) [16 each]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C2: Lateen rigged, merchantman, Shallow draft</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x large War junks (Conch Shell, Green Eyebrows, Hakka Merchant, Lucky Breeze) [42 each]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q3 C3: Drilled soldiers, Lateen rigged, Reinforced hull</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">4 x very large troop transports (Lotus Blossom, Peony Pavilion, Banda Aceh, Hat Yai) [50 each]</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Q4 C5: Drilled soldiers, Bow guns, Reinforced hull OR High castles, Sluggish, Square rigged, Sweeps, Veteran NCOs</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Portuguese attack, coming in from the W, found the whole Ottoman squadron at anchor in Domoni Bay. <u>By the end of turn 3</u> the Sao Jorge and Dragao seemed to be heading directly for the troop transports, while the Bamboo Shoot and Bean Sprout moved to take on the two Ottoman war junks emerging from the NW exit from the Bay.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The wind is blowing from the N. The view is Easterly, from above the Ottoman anchorage. By the end of turn 3 most Ottoman vessels have raised or slipped their anchors and are responding to the attack. The war junks Hakka Merchant and Lucky Breeze, and two of the dhows, are under full sail and heading for a fight against the small Portuguese junks. At the S end of the Ottoman anchorage the other war junks were slower to react. And the four large transports have yet to react at all.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>After 6 turns</u> the Portuguese are in trouble. The small junk Bamboo Shoot has been captured in a boarding fight by the warship Hakka Merchant, and the other small junk Bean Sprout is in trouble in its own boarding fight against the Lucky Breeze. Red markers = damage, Green = grappled, Yellow = struck or captured. The Bamboo Shoot put up a valiant fight, crippling the Hakka Merchant (3 damage) before succumbing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The San Martinho (with Dragao nearby) has been shooting at the nearest dhow, Zanzibar, and scored two hits. San Martinho was lucky to avoid fire from the huge transport Lotus Blossom which instead rolled turnover. The other transports still have not weighed anchor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>On turn 7</u> the San Martinho and Dragao both attacked the Lotus Blossom, but the Fragata’s broadside, and the Airship’s fiery attack, failed against the reinforced hull (and bronze-sheathed roof) of the monster. San Martinho scored a consolation 1 hit + rigging damage against the dhow Socotra though. Blue markers = critical hit effects.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgsp7PL2Wt5L1dw9WtTPxePiglmASY69nXDGk-HWlaelzMe4zRlnzMXYdBnbVB9cdnAFrCrfALkwr85mOEpdV1gGjeeSkGF1nLu_7SkXcuszzgJPdQElJC_heextL3iL3D_ZfPY86ZAB0tq5AAZk-ggszogUHZgjUuCHfpUZKiMMNZeepLnawU9BZKk/s640/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="640" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgsp7PL2Wt5L1dw9WtTPxePiglmASY69nXDGk-HWlaelzMe4zRlnzMXYdBnbVB9cdnAFrCrfALkwr85mOEpdV1gGjeeSkGF1nLu_7SkXcuszzgJPdQElJC_heextL3iL3D_ZfPY86ZAB0tq5AAZk-ggszogUHZgjUuCHfpUZKiMMNZeepLnawU9BZKk/w640-h374/image3.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the Ottoman bound, the small “Portuguese” wako junk Bean Sprout came back to capture the “Ottoman” warship Lucky Breeze. But the victorious Hakka Merchant disengaged from the Bamboo Shoot and moved into contact with Bean Sprout, though it couldn’t grapple this time.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsyt4C72yjrf1zYHna4vwy74I0lyMllyrZsUzF_FOXaSsNy6n9cxZeMydcIy-wjMg60ifXps6DODodJL_GLGhlYrSzx1kXDyH61MzD5HHGT-P14t0MjOfN50-qwEOo3t2x5oZM4xLHCs2O8yi6zNUm1fX5uu-908u9UwhtzFSvFrnTQA0ugxTiqyjWnw/s640/image4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsyt4C72yjrf1zYHna4vwy74I0lyMllyrZsUzF_FOXaSsNy6n9cxZeMydcIy-wjMg60ifXps6DODodJL_GLGhlYrSzx1kXDyH61MzD5HHGT-P14t0MjOfN50-qwEOo3t2x5oZM4xLHCs2O8yi6zNUm1fX5uu-908u9UwhtzFSvFrnTQA0ugxTiqyjWnw/w640-h480/image4.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottomans weren’t done yet, as the war junks Conch Shell & Green Eyebrows started to change course to intercept the San Martinho, and the monster transport Hat Yai (Bottom C) finally began to move, turning to point directly at the fragata.</span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoxPoLJB0XBpJMRuRB3sC2_vNV7winqqHow9tEjMVcCAn437O3uHYeUptFxlKWz2emH_dkAvU4rnsVUi9SHrLE_KoVQvE3p_XmzdEe8jSbr-ncS8VGgyKAE9lMXG9sKa05oIM8YL4t2O5o4pa8SbG5d-bAbXziMZ901TX7D7bU0uNiWuV3ju6FwVnFnI/s640/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoxPoLJB0XBpJMRuRB3sC2_vNV7winqqHow9tEjMVcCAn437O3uHYeUptFxlKWz2emH_dkAvU4rnsVUi9SHrLE_KoVQvE3p_XmzdEe8jSbr-ncS8VGgyKAE9lMXG9sKa05oIM8YL4t2O5o4pa8SbG5d-bAbXziMZ901TX7D7bU0uNiWuV3ju6FwVnFnI/w640-h480/image5.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>On turn 8</u> the Bean Sprout, manoeuvring to contact the Hakka Merchant, had to do an All at Sea roll, and “mistakenly” fired into it, causing excess damage and sinking the larger Ottoman vessel. I ruled that in the circumstances the Bean Sprout could continue its turn (Yare) to contact (but not grapple) the Bamboo Shoot, with the aim of recapturing it from the prize crew. Elsewhere, the San Martinho and Dragao again attacked the monster transport Lotus Blossom, pouring in fire from point blank range. A raking full broadside into the stern, and bombing attack resulted in 2 hits (damage) to the Lotus Blossom.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCtsga_A73g70YqKHlfT2Ack4PEbpbScwBfZCbRQA7SXXH-rHWmB_kX4hED3tgcpOy75oeLyfGuptDlCh8s-j9rRyQWqJwiFIUHPBNQ6_HSLfPc1u6iSl4R4Pba_GfRus8zJEr0ONMLTOqhyL0-eTC-yx94ki2flGOR3milBxYz7CxvmbDf2LbGVSLIQ/s640/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="640" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqCtsga_A73g70YqKHlfT2Ack4PEbpbScwBfZCbRQA7SXXH-rHWmB_kX4hED3tgcpOy75oeLyfGuptDlCh8s-j9rRyQWqJwiFIUHPBNQ6_HSLfPc1u6iSl4R4Pba_GfRus8zJEr0ONMLTOqhyL0-eTC-yx94ki2flGOR3milBxYz7CxvmbDf2LbGVSLIQ/w640-h356/image6.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Luckily for the Portuguese, the Ottomans couldn’t accomplish much because of an early turnover, but Peony Pavilion, another monster transport, is now ready to join the action. And it’s pointing straight at San Martinho. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><u>On turn 9</u> the Bean Sprout chased down, caught, and grappled (but no AP to board) the fleeing Bamboo Shoot, whose prize crew were trying to take their captured junk out of the action. The Lucky Breeze, with a “Portuguese” wako prize crew on board, contacted, grappled, and boarded the dhow Djiboutu, which had thought it was the hunter not the prey. I ruled the prize crew would use their derring-do and Intimidating factors, but be -1 for small numbers. They won the first boarding round so Djibouti has 1 damage.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFwJSjbwpj50B_bI7mklPs0wPVkMgLt0Y1xNWTwRuR9vLmRs7GQaYjDk082yTWgVObFt_JFN1UxaO4n7B5j6xmpqUob5Hz6u9jrlxugrX8DFY5EHD6M8OHbMIdgSF0WqDnvl-Kz13m5m1dmXaEHzSTywfTEJvBrJap4rjoXxDnYT6I_9jhRF9BdJaENU/s640/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="640" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFwJSjbwpj50B_bI7mklPs0wPVkMgLt0Y1xNWTwRuR9vLmRs7GQaYjDk082yTWgVObFt_JFN1UxaO4n7B5j6xmpqUob5Hz6u9jrlxugrX8DFY5EHD6M8OHbMIdgSF0WqDnvl-Kz13m5m1dmXaEHzSTywfTEJvBrJap4rjoXxDnYT6I_9jhRF9BdJaENU/w640-h402/image7.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the main part of the battle the San Martinho and Dragao could do only their compulsory sailing movement because of an early turnover. Leaving the fragata in a precarious position … Ottomans to activate next.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOyvr4-_6PmL4C08Hrd_KdIYeH9FonmkLpyDOz91V3rRbSoePUkWU8ma1o3uuax7kSxnDeLazLcLaBP3vuqiFG5FXWFc_bWu9xblw4Z_Oa_pV1ccMD-wDu48l4lDU99eaMvrbGSxQMKcJUo70JVf6XU2RVVgkCEewrj1XgHF1XQopkVrzkZaddCTN_44/s640/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOyvr4-_6PmL4C08Hrd_KdIYeH9FonmkLpyDOz91V3rRbSoePUkWU8ma1o3uuax7kSxnDeLazLcLaBP3vuqiFG5FXWFc_bWu9xblw4Z_Oa_pV1ccMD-wDu48l4lDU99eaMvrbGSxQMKcJUo70JVf6XU2RVVgkCEewrj1XgHF1XQopkVrzkZaddCTN_44/w640-h480/image8.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottomans started badly, as their prize crew on Bamboo Shoot failed to cut the grapples thrown by the pursuing Bean Sprout. Then the dhow Djibouti rolled turnover as it tried to repel boarders from the captured Lucky Breeze. So all their other operational vessels were restricted to compulsory movement only. Unfortunately this meant to a three way collision between the Lotus Blossom, and the dhows Zanzibar and Socotra. The Zanzibar, and the Lotus Blossom, each both already carrying 2 damage, both took 2 extra damage and so they both sank!!! Socotra was unhurt.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1l4xSqDob-w3UNW3QU5ylfSxIk28TaoME5ApyNGM2987q18pUKKj4OaXfvE5Tlaik9bDSxwtphvFtDLYbPV5uFB4J-LU6n6vS_hzw84lHBhZ-Gio801by3EC8I8ehuMgjzfzhpgOgXgGR0eu0Sl5lk1kWZC7axPiNvfy7i2lK7uRkiTKK-crTyc6ouY/s640/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1l4xSqDob-w3UNW3QU5ylfSxIk28TaoME5ApyNGM2987q18pUKKj4OaXfvE5Tlaik9bDSxwtphvFtDLYbPV5uFB4J-LU6n6vS_hzw84lHBhZ-Gio801by3EC8I8ehuMgjzfzhpgOgXgGR0eu0Sl5lk1kWZC7axPiNvfy7i2lK7uRkiTKK-crTyc6ouY/w640-h480/image9.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But it’s not over yet. Peony Pavilion collided with San Martinho, and the two war junks Green Eyebrows and Conch Shell collided with each other. The crew of Dragao, high above this imbroglio, are watching open-mouthed. San Martinho and Peony Pavilion both emerged unscathed (it’s only a glancing blow) and both will be able to move on. The war junks took 1 damage each.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignjKosDrcMO3ypozS53m7NFEkQAa9tz9fvnR_VBCrOPa3NXhHi-xb3mu66UrhDuHeuulPrePW1KDCSgAuHXjP0ZdoRM5v53exlAwR3cwyRfzzwH7TFnqyZB7H7euGvA8VzGkFMVjoICAbESnGF1GC_hOAz0oSQBD5B36uI8HKwHSuMac-yLb9N-u2uLw/s640/image10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="640" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignjKosDrcMO3ypozS53m7NFEkQAa9tz9fvnR_VBCrOPa3NXhHi-xb3mu66UrhDuHeuulPrePW1KDCSgAuHXjP0ZdoRM5v53exlAwR3cwyRfzzwH7TFnqyZB7H7euGvA8VzGkFMVjoICAbESnGF1GC_hOAz0oSQBD5B36uI8HKwHSuMac-yLb9N-u2uLw/w640-h414/image10.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="ltr"><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Turn 10. The Ottomans have lost 1/4 of their monster armoured troop transports, and with it 25% of the landing force for besieging Antsiranana. They are also down 2/4 of their war junks and 1/3 of the dhows, and the remaining war junks and dhows are all damaged. Admittedly much of the loss has been caused by navigation errors rather than enemy action. But that hardly makes it taste better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Can the Portuguese go on to win a victory worthy of the glory days of Almeida and Albuquerque? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Bean Sprout quickly recaptured the small wako junk Bamboo Shoot, then recovered the grapples, as both vessels got ready to re-enter the battle (though they’ll need to be careful, as both are crippled - carrying 3 damage points). The prize crew on Lucky Breeze took the dhow Djibouti to 3 damage, without taking any losses itself. In the main part of the fight, Dragao couldn’t shoot as it needed to manoeuvre into a better position, but San Martinho fired a close range full broadside into Green Eyebrows as they passed each other, causing a 2nd damage and a Taking on Water critical hit.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The Ottoman response again began disappointingly, as the junk Djibouti fell to the prize crew from Lucky Breeze. But amongst all the manoeuvring: the last troop transport, Banda Aceh, is finally ready for action and the war junk Green Eyebrows turned behind San Martinho and delivered a short range raking broadside. Which somehow totally missed.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN9-onxQpSHClmgAt2ZqGnRfLfUXXSDaO8alGf5dUMYreRVM8HKwO9I-1QFkQvlzMRmJHc0zXXveB4VGpYk_ZebNVy-gwxNXU4JeQ7w29MPbUA07b5ZvnFHQyKX0b8Iq2XqiUKh87Fes1iwksnVseLjorlF_E9XJhjW-o0QeuUcTVZXdwSBMOsdXqXC0/s640/image11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWN9-onxQpSHClmgAt2ZqGnRfLfUXXSDaO8alGf5dUMYreRVM8HKwO9I-1QFkQvlzMRmJHc0zXXveB4VGpYk_ZebNVy-gwxNXU4JeQ7w29MPbUA07b5ZvnFHQyKX0b8Iq2XqiUKh87Fes1iwksnVseLjorlF_E9XJhjW-o0QeuUcTVZXdwSBMOsdXqXC0/w640-h480/image11.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">*************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Now the Portuguese commander decided to break off the action while he can. He has only the fragata and airboat, both so far undamaged. These will no doubt be able to get back to Antsiranana. The two small wako junks, and their two prizes, can most likely also get away. There is little threat of bad weather (these ships are all crippled) and they might well be repairable back in port as most damage is only boarding damage, not structural. And there is little threat of immediate pursuit from the Ottomans.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Here’s a final end-of-game view. Yellow dice mark the Portuguese vessels, including the 2 prizes at upper R. At L the dice mark San Martinho & Dragao.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrq4-Ydx_DjKy8gR8xzk8sddi7FcAjN4eG5IHYFgG9h4YvbPto1ANnItbodqqg_h2opPj1ylJNAQ1tvz1DKYW-X6LphyqAe5fAmaW7gZnmvJ9jCHohTFy6_sLEbAQoI5ThlOj8KCLLVAADaxjbOjPXaqN8NTSwvOzumY_bYjTzkhpnnetF5jWn3Qjfac/s640/image12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrq4-Ydx_DjKy8gR8xzk8sddi7FcAjN4eG5IHYFgG9h4YvbPto1ANnItbodqqg_h2opPj1ylJNAQ1tvz1DKYW-X6LphyqAe5fAmaW7gZnmvJ9jCHohTFy6_sLEbAQoI5ThlOj8KCLLVAADaxjbOjPXaqN8NTSwvOzumY_bYjTzkhpnnetF5jWn3Qjfac/w640-h412/image12.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The remaining Ottoman escorts amount to 2 damaged war junks and 1 damaged dhow, so the Ottoman commander will also need to consider whether he should press on, or retreat to East Africa. My contingent rolls indicated he initially pressed on, but then lost another transport wrecked on the Madagascan coast, and then called off the expedition.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In real life the Portuguese ended up abandoning Antsiranana within a few months, presumably deciding it was not worth trying to hold.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Cheers from Pattaya</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Mark</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Also best wishes for Christmas and the New Year ;)</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5783985865082712242.post-88863908653031374142023-12-20T22:40:00.001+00:002023-12-20T22:40:30.655+00:00ProjectSeleukid - agema, camelry and the end of year round-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9w7RDJK7PS8Yn9N7aBVimkz6z80dW3Ne-t-Ps8sjXClad2YpWp-zkri5t2d7Wr2IwqZkHk8F3-QiGx-7kDymA52Zs8tU1zKwyxSqF5b0QLL4-JJJ9NYyalaOP8_qx0gwIfZrZfbZ4JyrbJWHACYZL46TH_UxbKz7a9A3Pg5cf4ifIUc8V5fSmqed12E/s2000/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="2000" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9w7RDJK7PS8Yn9N7aBVimkz6z80dW3Ne-t-Ps8sjXClad2YpWp-zkri5t2d7Wr2IwqZkHk8F3-QiGx-7kDymA52Zs8tU1zKwyxSqF5b0QLL4-JJJ9NYyalaOP8_qx0gwIfZrZfbZ4JyrbJWHACYZL46TH_UxbKz7a9A3Pg5cf4ifIUc8V5fSmqed12E/w640-h382/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">My final unit/s of 2023 for Project Seleukid are four companies of Arab camelry. These are Perry Mahdist camel riders with a couple of head-swaps and added bow-cases. They are lovely sculpts, but I do worry about how delicate some of the ankles are on those camels.<br /><br />Antiochos fielded an undisclosed number of Arabs fighting from camel-back at the battle of Magnesia. Both Appian and Livy give limited details about these forces; they were specified as archers who also carried a long sword for melee. Their position in the battle, screening the left wing suggests that they served as mounted skirmishers and that the sword was intended as a worst-case-scenario tool rather than part of their principal kit.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxc3XKV_uYQcREwlwMyp1EBZB6kOU_zYwl9bs7OSJPADgp_bqc4T1Zd4U7pQ9uLVEyDZlqQHsi7dKENBUZfAjVvSGWP3WmBtFZiN711BoM4L-ce2Gq_fOQNJUtJKAcoAF17avnC80gOuAFwAnyXytTghBwZ5C6FZKeV0bLMLNkE-Q3S8AGVpCJAwVOLo/s2000/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxc3XKV_uYQcREwlwMyp1EBZB6kOU_zYwl9bs7OSJPADgp_bqc4T1Zd4U7pQ9uLVEyDZlqQHsi7dKENBUZfAjVvSGWP3WmBtFZiN711BoM4L-ce2Gq_fOQNJUtJKAcoAF17avnC80gOuAFwAnyXytTghBwZ5C6FZKeV0bLMLNkE-Q3S8AGVpCJAwVOLo/w640-h400/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Neither Livy nor Appian mention whether the camelry also wore armour. According to Herodotus, the Arabian camelry who fought during the Greco-Persian wars were armoured (and possibly armed) in the same manner as their infantry archers; this means that they wore a long, thick robe with a girdle. However, the Roman period sculptural representations from Dura-Europos show a Palmyrene camelryman wearing a cuirass, trousers, and either a knee-length boot or an ankle boot and greaves. The Dura rider carries a small round shield and a quiver.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The Perry camelry carry spears, long swords and round, camel-hide shields but shouldn't be too far off the mark. The gorytos bow cases are spares from the Victrix Persian infantry kit and are (hopefully) not unreasonable.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVr3gTnDJpF_O-tntDc83VxIWvkJNRLkSCXz1lhXvdFSnX0naOK-0tqDiRFxNC3wAZqp6hjizKXNC1wX-SdF7YG0Q_Ok2kNXfvpZzTeiNdXXeWcQwEqfSkMI81JSpkocGhHvT7ApqLOxGpllFAfGrvltRknAsvhJlZ8P3SES5AH9vRObTJZF1KBspQ68/s2000/412437568_24464881863127500_3579313611776581990_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="2000" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVr3gTnDJpF_O-tntDc83VxIWvkJNRLkSCXz1lhXvdFSnX0naOK-0tqDiRFxNC3wAZqp6hjizKXNC1wX-SdF7YG0Q_Ok2kNXfvpZzTeiNdXXeWcQwEqfSkMI81JSpkocGhHvT7ApqLOxGpllFAfGrvltRknAsvhJlZ8P3SES5AH9vRObTJZF1KBspQ68/w640-h346/412437568_24464881863127500_3579313611776581990_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">The last of Andrew's heavy cavalry for our Magnesia line-up are the Agema. They were one of two elite Seleukid cavalry units, each 1,000 strong, who appear to have served alternatively or together as the king's bodyguard. The agema were initially drawn from the best Iranian horsemen in the kingdom and were thus composed at Magnesia. However, after the loss of Media in the 140s BC, the Agema seem to have been recruited from the city of Larissa in Syria, a colony settled by Thessalians a century and a half before. The other unit, whom I will be building next year, were the Royal Companion cavalry, drawn from the best horsemen of Greco-Macedonian descent in the kingdom.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7z0KgwVRAK9ZyoS6VaxNjsWqD6Ve-Dw0ox8FFN6G9BMppj5eIrDN86ThuIQzkUVnxqwiVbqg8CUzpdSySnCmhba-4oMJ8ldyxxw58prbxThW_lWukzzaXgyQDtjgOS_qc-zPKs3foDcksTCrwD3JLkydlOgBHy3fxCL_iuytmBvjqv8pG1oGI94bujU/s2000/412452278_24464882449794108_272075848971238819_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="2000" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7z0KgwVRAK9ZyoS6VaxNjsWqD6Ve-Dw0ox8FFN6G9BMppj5eIrDN86ThuIQzkUVnxqwiVbqg8CUzpdSySnCmhba-4oMJ8ldyxxw58prbxThW_lWukzzaXgyQDtjgOS_qc-zPKs3foDcksTCrwD3JLkydlOgBHy3fxCL_iuytmBvjqv8pG1oGI94bujU/w640-h346/412452278_24464882449794108_272075848971238819_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">He has also completed another two bases of eastern archers, bringing his total to four companies.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQfWnP-ee_QdnDsYnW9s_E8PHPGAZI7tvj8-nStjLZO7sMUf_V9ADPv6sLR72ae0Q1xUs-h6eVgFOeEmgnLNUqDg11Ynm6lkUtDjYHiCNrCE1DfKqQYe1rQZ6-4Rbew7emzXzvVg1hx4aobd_PP5zJnNrq66DzGe1oEnsT7JdXwoc8frv__1GHFw9OJM/s2000/411400799_24464885713127115_7181225089199169125_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="2000" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQfWnP-ee_QdnDsYnW9s_E8PHPGAZI7tvj8-nStjLZO7sMUf_V9ADPv6sLR72ae0Q1xUs-h6eVgFOeEmgnLNUqDg11Ynm6lkUtDjYHiCNrCE1DfKqQYe1rQZ6-4Rbew7emzXzvVg1hx4aobd_PP5zJnNrq66DzGe1oEnsT7JdXwoc8frv__1GHFw9OJM/w640-h422/411400799_24464885713127115_7181225089199169125_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Andrew's tally for the project so far, 118 infantry, 41 cavalry and 2 elephants. He has gone above and beyond the requirements for the Magnesia order of battle, but still needs three units of skirmishers (or 18 more foot), and two units of light horse (8 mounted).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjT5pzxuihcwUv_LJW0eGJxSWRnZs-k56oTTQv0dwnGMe9UqnCqyhyRjT7RBhOw_xtv5XuaUR3DhRoWRw6RmQvH60kkrLhY0EeV74MaqXZLFPq78Hol3PAFve_z7bqqas_Ib70OPdMwiRMESQNRgvWceruftiOi4jzA1m0VoTjok9If7W_hHfO322XPY/s2000/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="2000" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjT5pzxuihcwUv_LJW0eGJxSWRnZs-k56oTTQv0dwnGMe9UqnCqyhyRjT7RBhOw_xtv5XuaUR3DhRoWRw6RmQvH60kkrLhY0EeV74MaqXZLFPq78Hol3PAFve_z7bqqas_Ib70OPdMwiRMESQNRgvWceruftiOi4jzA1m0VoTjok9If7W_hHfO322XPY/w640-h354/3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, I am up to 68 infantry and 8 camelry, with 57 infantry, 28 cavalry, an elephant and two scythed chariots to go. Not such a strong showing, but then Andrew is just showing off... :)</span></div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601895895569143103noreply@blogger.com3