Friday, August 31, 2012

The Packs Join!

Combining for the hunt-two packs of Skinwalkers savor the sent of fresh prey!
Eight of the most dangerous hunters in the lands of the Circle of Orboros have taken the sent-the hunt begins.
after the battle and its spoils the packs will separate, until they are again called to crush the enemies of the Circle.
All the Skinwalkers are metal pieces from Privateer Press. Click on the Circle of Orboros below for more pictures of the two packs.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Music Man of War

Rupert, Piper of Ord, master of Battle Music, controller of the tempo of the battlefield.
With his masterful tones he can instill fear in the enemy and boost the morale of his allies.
Rupert is a metal casting from the Warmachine Mercenaries line from Privateer Press.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Beware the Wryern

Beware the dreaded wryern "Gormblog" on the hunt for its next meal!
Armed with power claws, sword like teeth and a venomous spiked tail, the wryern is not a monster to be trifled with.
 
Gormblog has terrorize many an small village and farmstead such as the one here.  But he only eats his fill. For he has learned the while killing everything is enjoyable, it would lead to hungry days in the future.
Gormblog is a metal piece from the Ork Warhammer line by Games Workshop.  I painted him at the turn of the century for Richard's Ork Army.  In the future I will show him with his Ork Warlord rider/master.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Zulus Looking for more Victims

After the early victories over the British in the opening battles of the Zulu War, a band of scouts look for more stragglers to bloody their weapons.
Wearing the looted jacket of an unfortunate soldier of the 24th regiment, this warrior takes aim with his captured Martini-Henry on his next victim.
Soon the British will counter attack with over-welming force, but for now the taste of victory is strong in the mouths of these hardened warriors.
All are 30mm metal pieces from Reaper.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Wolfen II, Hunters on the Trail

Hot on the trail of their next victims, a pack of Skinwalkers, some of the most feared of the Wolfen clans of the Circle of Orboros.
With the hunger of blood lust in their hearts and shapeshifter blood in their veins, they are deadliest of killers.
Ready to ripe and maim with weapons, tooth and claw, the skinwalkers live for the hunt and battle.
This unit has feasted well on the fallen and looks forward to their next hunt.
With battle lust in his eyes and a cry of defiance the leader of the pack, Warmaster  Tcc Rpp, calls them to their next combat.

These are all metal pieces from Privateer Press.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Music Man WIP

Since the dawn of warfare, men have marched into battle to the sound of music.  Be it drums, trumpet, fifes or a myriad of other instruments, war and music have been boon companions. He is yet another in this long line of warrior musicians.
This work in progress musician is a metal piece from Privateer Press

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Follow Me My Blly Boys-and Lets Board 'Em

Ever the leader, Captain Bartolo Montador is always the first to board an enemy vessel.
The thrill of battle and prospect of looted riches (not the small chest of treasure under his left foot that he has already claimed), pushes the captain into harms way.  And does he love it!
Many an enemy has fallen to Bartolo's specially designed wrist gun.  While his foe focuses on the captains blade, a quick twist of the left hand and boom, the unseen pistol fires with deadly effect.
Captain Bartolo is a metal figure from the Pirates Mercenary range of Privateer Press.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Power in a Word-Sanctifier

Leading the latest advance for the forces of Menoth, a powerful Sanctifier warjack.
One Sanctifier is brutal but two can be overwhelming.  Heavily armored and armed for close bashing combat these warjacks often form the core assault force of many an armed force of the religious forces of Menoth.
after the battle these units head back for maintenance and any need repairs.  Soon they will be in top battle readiness for the next engagement against the unrighteous.
These two have just returned for a series of battle at Gen-Con. They were part of Richard's army and saw a lot of action in the Warmachine Tournaments.  The red unit suffered serious battle damage in one of these battles (he was unlucky and fell of the table popping his arms off).
Both are plastic pieces from Privateer Press.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Professor Grünen-Daumen, Plant Specialist

Presenting plant genetic specialist Professor Ivy Grünen-Daumen and her latest plant creation, "Zähne" (Teeth).
Professor Ivy Grünen-Daumen believes there is a large market for protective botany in the security business.  Zähne (patent pending) is her first entry into this cutting edge field.
Zähne is a fast growing, carnivorous plant that can grow in almost any environment and will attack any intruders, including the plants owners if they are not careful.
Professor Ivy Grünen-Daumen and Zähne is a metal 28mm piece from Pulp Figures "Mad Doctors" range.

Friday, August 17, 2012

DB Asian Connection - Victors, Losers and Survivors

Putting her peddle to the metal, Katrina flies through the INN sailors in the intersection.  At the last minute the men leap out of the way and Yachigusa fires wildly at the speeding vehicle, punching a hole through one of the barrels.  Bruno fires back hitting the Lt. in the leg. Thinking they are clear, Bruno and Katrina have no idea that LMG gunner Akutagawa has been waiting in ambush since the first car was sighted and they are heading right towards him.
A full blast from the Lewis gun shreds the delivery truck.  Katrina is taken OOA , tires blow and with a scream of tearing metal the truck crashes onto its side.  Bruno, in an acrobatic leap, lands uninjured next to the burning vehicle and while Akuagawa reloads, pulls the limp body of Katrina from the ruined cab of the truck.  He then lets off a barrage of pistol fire at the LMG gunner nicking him on he head.
In a blizzard of judo blows, Rikki takes Ensign Tsukasa OOA.  Yet her victory is short lived as a burning sensation sears into her side, against all the odds, seaman Mikuni has successfully shot her through the smoke screen.  Dr. Hans in the mean time has started to drive away in the service truck.  He is annoyed that the vehicle is sluggish and slow in the soft soil of the plowed field as he has no idea that the rear right tire is now virtually flat from the bullet of one of Mikuni's earlier shots.
Ignoring Jack and the Dragon Bones, the Jagers advance up the street. They alternate their fire with shooting at the retreating British and at the INN sailors in the crossroads by the barracks.  In a lucky shot they take seaman Yachigusa OOA. Half the Germans have been wounded in the fire fight with the men of Captain Patsy and Lt. Commander Dartnell but the morale of the Jagers remains high-they have the honor of the Imperial German Empire to uphold after all!
The situation from a birds eye view. In the lower left Bruno, behind the brewery truck, is trading shots with Akutagawa and his LMG.  Oberst Dikkmann, with his captured rifle, is assessing the situation from his second story room.  To his right the model A with Karl and Tinker continues to burn and Captain Patsy's crew can be seen retreating trough the rough terrain behind the barn.  The Jagers are advancing past the paddock with the Dragon Bones in the upper right.  While on the street in the upper left center, the now seriously wounded Rikki is facing the remainder of the INN detachment.  Dr. Hans and his delivery truck is in the field just off screen behind the brewery to the right of the street.
The Oberst has taken a position in the window and opens fire on the unsuspecting Akutagawa.  With a curse he realizes that both shots have missed. (Heavy wound, his unfamiliarity with the Nipponese weapon and the weight of the bayonet may be to blame for his poor marksmanship as he empties the clip at the INN sailor and fails to hit even once.)  In fact in all the excitement and noise of battle, the INN sailor fails to even notice that he is being attacked from the rear. He continues to fire at the truck but the smoke is a virtual screen and he fires blindly at the vehicle.  Bruno is in a better position and wounds Akutagawa again.
Serious wounded (actually it was a light wound but he panicked and failed his morale even though he had Elite status) himself, Lt. Mizune and Mikuni take cover behind the barracks.  Things could not have gone worse for the young officer, he has only one unwounded man left, (the LMG gunner who while still firing is totally out of contact with his commander) and his prey has effectively escaped.  An unknown number of hostiles are coming into the village (the Jagers).  It is time to leave and inform INHQ of the situation here. The strong German security forces implies that the secret is of immense importance and stronger forces need to be assigned to take this knowledge.  On the outside chance any of his men survive, Mizune blows the recall signal on his command whistle.  As the INN sailors fall back, Mikuni carries the unconscious Yachigusa with him.  (A quick look at the ensign revealed his broken neck so he was left behind.)
Covering both their front (the INN) and left flank (British), the Jagers continue their leap frog advance towards the barracks.
With a last volley , Captain Patsy's crew withdraws, Nyle is OOA, Jack lost and Bud is wounded.  Heavy damage thinks the captain for such a small group.  Hopefully the information and pictures gained was worth the sacrifice.
Back in the forest where this disaster started, Lt. Mizune waits to see who responds to his recall order.   His last glimpse of that she-demon (Rikki) was of her limping through the field covering the slowly retreating truck.  A a future reckoning is needed...he will not underestimate her the next time.  In the distance, LMG gunner Akutagawa, seriously wounded and with his weapon jammed, attempts to fall back to the safety of the woods.  
He fails.  Hit in the back by several shots from the Jagers and two more hits from Bruno, the brave INN sailor drops cradling his now useless weapon in his arms.
Not yet realizing victory is theirs, the Jagers, wounded and tired, will soon collect any prisoners of the losers and find those that have survived the raid.  This round is over, how many more are to come is for the future to disclose.

Casualties
British: in an unprecedented amount of luck, Jack Balance survived his bullet wounds and close encounter with the Dragon Bones. Unfortunately he was captured by the Germans.  Nyle Kadet failed to recover.

Germans: Tinker and Shultz died of their wounds (the latter was cut almost in two by Minuze's katana).  Although horribly burned, Oberleutant Karl Kriegsmank was able to crawl from the burning car and survived.  Katrina died in the arms of Bruno who has vowed eternal revenge on the INN.

INN Sailors: true to the samurai code all the sailors left behind died.  Yachigusa recovered from his wounds.

Results: 
British: Captain Patsy received a nice fat reward for her pictures and first hand description of the Dragon Bones.  The surviving crew was very happy with their shares (larger with two fewer members as they thought Jack was dead-oh well them's the breaks). Imperial HQ is now assessing the data from her and previous expeditions.

Germans: The capture of Jack produce no real information apart from the fact that the British know of Dr. Hans and his "pet."  The identification of INN personnel was very unsettling and will require a "measured" response.  Rikki was given the "Kaiser's Medal" for her defense of the doctor.  After recuperation she will be reassigned to a position worthy of her special talents.  The Jagers were honored with promotions and appropriate military honors. The loss of Katrina, the truck and several hundred litters of high quality spirits was economically devistating and forced Johan Braumeister to sell the brewery.  He and his men also have a grudge against the INN. 

Imperial Nipponese Navy: Almost a total failure; for the loss of an officer and more than half his men, Lt. Mizune gained only the minuscule knowledge that the secret of the Dragon Bones was important.  Permission to commit seppuko was denied in the face of this failure as INHQ wanted to punish him through the humiliation of living with his disgrace.  Mizune will do anything to erase this mark on his honor and will volunteer for every future deadly mission.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

DB Asian Connection - Fight or Flight


Having decided to try for the commercial truck, Rickki and the Doctor race down the street.  But first Dr. Hans lobs one of his strangely colored bottles in the general direction of the INN pursuers.  With a loud bang, a cloud of acrid smoke rises between the two groups.  Seaman Mikune fires blindly through the foul smelling brew and nicks one of the rear tires starting a slow leak.
The ensign and sailor detour around the gas that they now realize is Tear Gas, annoying but not overly dangerous.  Mikune and Rikki exchange shots but both miss. Ensign Tsukasa readies his sword to deal with this obnoxious female.
Lt. Mizune and seaman Yachigusa have followed the doctor and his assistant down the rope and ready to cross he street in pursuit.
Taking no chances with their valuable collection of alcohol, Katrina and Bruno head down the road to the perceived safety of the main village. Jack, incensed at the possible loss of his booze, opens fire on the truck, lightly wounding Katrina.  Bruno returns fire and takes Jack OOA.  To add insult to injury, the Dragon Bones beast (In the first Dragon Bones Adventure these creatures are referred to as a PRAM-Prehistoric Reanimated Automatronic Monster, but in this engagement this title is as yet unknown to any but the doctor so they are simply referred to as Dragon Bones.), in its mindless meandering, stomps on the hapless Jack (the beast normally moved randomly, but for the rest of the game the dice showed that it was content to stand on poor Jacks head).
Fortified in the brewery, the rest of the staff readies their weapons. (No manner How much shooting occurred, these characters refused to leave the safety of the brewery and help fight off the raiders).
In the face of the fire of the Jagers and Bruno, Captain Patsy and First Mate Browman decide it's time to find a safer position.  As Scot's BAR has jammed and his men are under an increasing amount of fire from the Jagers, Lt. Commander Dartnell has reached the same conclusion.  He calls on his men to retire and regroup with Captain Patsy.  (The combination of Jack being taken out and the fear of more Jager reinforcements coming helped both the Captain and Lt. Commander to fail their respective morale rolls and they retired to the rough ground behind the barn.  To their credit they both rallied next turn).
Mad Eye is ready to continue the fight, of course!.  Captain Patsy and Dartnell on the other hand know that with 25% of their men down and the BAR still out of action the odds are to great.  Time to flee with the information they have before they are overwhelmed by superior numbers.  (In fact there were only six Jagers left and half of them were wounded, but in the dark the British raiders did not realize how effective their fire was.) 
Lt. Mizune and his men close with the fleeing doctor. Unfortunately the need to avoid the tear gas has left them exposed in the intersection.
With a burst of speed and a fearsome battle cry, Ensign Tsukasa charges into hand to hand combat with Rikki. Expecting an easy victory, he is shocked by the unarmed fighting skills of his female opponent and takes a heavy blow along the side of the head. Rikki avoids most of his counter stroke, but knows what that warm sticky feeling is as the katana slides lightly along her left forearm.
The Jagers keep up an ineffective fire on the retreating British sailors.  The Germans slowly advance down the street for they have also noticed the INN sailors outlined in the headlights of the brewery truck down the street. 
(Jack's body is just visible under the right foot of the Dragons Bones Beast)
Rather than abandon his assistant, Dr. Hans lobs another gas bomb between the rest of the sailors Rikki and her antagonist.  The expanding cloud again screens the two parties from each other.  With the explosion, Rikki realizes the doctor is not running...she screams for the him to get in the truck and flee, NOW!  Katrina and Bruno now see that they have left the frying pan for the fire...enemies behind, hostiles to the front and bombs to the right what should they do next..."FLOOR IT" yells Bruno.
Experience, and bulk, vs rifle and bayonet-the house battle continues.  Only the skills honed in the trenches of the Great War have kept Oberst Dikkmann from being impaled like a pig.  In the end, experience paid off as the Oberst twists the rifle in a practiced move and finishes off the INN sailor with his own weapon.

Next- Victors, Losers and Survivors