Barking Irons Magazine

Barking Irons Online - Replaces this Blog

2011-05-10T12:03:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

This will be the last posting on this blog as we have moved to a bigger and more shiny home over at www.barkingirons.co.uk and it is there that all the magic now happens.

There will be no more updates from today. Go to Barking Irons online and sign up or elect to follow with RSS or other feeds. More material, more space, more fun...more of everything really. This blog will continue to be live for a while and will then be closed down.

Thank you all for your comments, your loyalty and your input on blogger...see you on the other side!

Gavin Syme

HOTT2nd Ed 24AP Armies - 10% off at 15mm.co.uk

2011-04-28T14:03:00.000+01:00

News just in from 15mm.co.uk - Alex Scott.

HOTT 2nd Edition 24AP Armies - Save 10% Off list prices until 20th May 2011.

15mm.co.uk offers a full range of pre-made HOTT 2nd Edition 24AP Army packs. Each one comes with all needed miniatures along with all required plastic bases at the right sizes and an insert detailing element types and compositions.Ready to assemble, base and paint right out of the pack!

CLICK HERE to see all of the army packs for HOTT 2nd Edition.

We are making a special offer to all HOTT players. Get 10% off any number of 24AP Armies in an order with 15mm.co.uk. Place your chosen HOTT armies in the shopping basket (no other products please) then proceed to the cart page for your postage region, then the checkout page. Enter this code ' hott24 ' into the 'Voucher' box, the total on screen will automatically deduct by 10%. Then complete your order.

Each army offers a saving of more than ten percent off list prices plus free bases, with this special you can save even more!

Undead Engineers for Flintloque and Slaughterloo

2011-04-05T10:07:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone,

A new miniatures set for use with Flintloque or Slaughterloo. Huzzah!

55513 Undead Engineers £16.00

(8 White Metal Miniatures plus bases)

This versatile set contains one mounted Vampyre Engineer Officer on Horse, one fully laden Undead Pack Horse, one Scenic Item (wooden coffin filled with bones and bombs) and four Zombie sappers on foot. Those on foot comprise Zombie with pickaxe, Zombie in Shako with Axe-Musket, Zombie with Shovel and Dwarf Zombie pointing.The mounted officer comes with a choice of two hands, a messenger bat or a primed pistol.

Parts of this code can be purchased as singles search for 55513-A, 55513-B, 55513-C for the Mounted Officer, Pack Horse, Scenic Item.Full rules for the creation and use of Engineers and Sappers in Flintloque can be found in the 5027 Flintloque 3rd Edition – Grapeshotte book and in the Slaughterloo rulebook.

With our Salute 2011 offer you can get 15% off an order with us and or arrange collecting an order at the show from stand TJ13. This stock item will be on our stand.CLICK HERE (or full information and details on our offer.

Gavin Syme

Space Elf Zidhe at 15mm.co.uk

2011-04-05T09:33:00.000+01:00

New for HOF 15mm Science Fiction

The lithe and graceful Zidhe are lethal warriors who roam the galaxy subjecting all to their own brand of destruction and domination.Now you can get a force of these great 15mm science fiction miniatures, the first one of which graces the cover of UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction.

HOF63 Zidhe Infantry

HOF64 Zidhe Command

HOF65 Zidhe Guardians

HOF66 Zidhe Androids

All packs are priced at £4.00 for ten miniatures and you can use the fantastic Salute 2011 show offer code to get 15% off any order.CLICK HERE to see all the packs and learn more of the offer on our home page HERE

Perfect for USE ME, perfect for ASQL as alien imperials and for any other 15mm sci-fi system you can shake a stick at. These packs will be with the rest of the HOF range at Salute on Alternative Armies trade stand TJ13.

We have had literally hundreds of emails from gamers awaiting these packs, they are now out and if you mailed us I will be contacting you shortly!

Thanks for reading,

Alex Scott.

Princess Julianna Regiment for Flintloque

2011-04-01T11:34:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone,

We have a new limited edition code for Flintloque.

LEU03 Princess Julianna

£34.50(16 Dwarves with numbered insert and plastic bases)

Each set is supplied with sixteen Dwarves including officer, standard bearer and mixed poses of trooper armed with firelocks. All sets are numbered and supplied with an insert containing background, uniform and so on. Limited to one hundred sets only.

You can read the full background of this set HERE

There are several postings concerning this set in great detail on the blog of the designer Mr Tony Harwood, long time Flintloque fan. You can read about the idea, creation and so on of this set HERE

This set is dedicated to the memory of Tony Harwood's niece Julianna who sadly died in the spring of 2011 from cancer. Tony kindly provided the image here from his personal collection.

Also you can currently get 15% off this set and any other order with us using our Salute 2011 promotion, details on our website's New Releases page.

Thanks for Reading,

Alexander Scott.

UM005 American Civil War now out on 15mm.co.uk

2011-03-29T14:25:00.000+01:00

Now released by 15mm.co.uk is a brand new rules system booklet in the USE ME series:

UM005 USE ME American Civil War (15mm)

USE ME means 'Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements' and this system delivers just that. Tactically challenging, easy to learn and for any age of wargamer interested in ACW From skirmish to full battles, games last from five minutes to an hour. 1D6 system which can play with single based miniatures or element based miniatures so you can use your existing collection.Play in your lunch break or in the evening when the idea of a really complex system with a long set up time really does not appeal. Pick up any of your miniatures and get playing in minutes. Solo rules also included for when you want a quick game on your own.

This complete rules system is printed in A6 format which is a booklet which will fit in your pocket (110mm by 180mm) making it truly portable as well as fantastic value for your money. USE ME is just that...its for you!

UM005 USE ME American Civil War (15mm)(A6 Booklet, 32pp, Colour Covers, ISBN and Barcode)£3.50

You can read an article about the game system and its mechanics along with images of pages from the booklet on the 15mm.co.uk website. CLICK HERE Also until 22nd April 2011 you can use our Salute 2011 offer to get 15% off the price of ANY order with us, see our home page (www.15mm.co.uk) for details.

Additionally the book also contains a promotional offer, a code for a folder of free PDF files from us and the chance to get the miniature on the cover for free.Lastly the USE ME book qualifies for our reduced postage rate, see website for details.

Keep the fun in gaming, Keep gaming affordable, Keep playing in the time you have spare.

Thanks for reading,Alexander Scott.

Alternative Armies Salute 2011 - Offer - 15% off!

2011-03-28T12:29:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone,It is that time of year again and the biggest wargame show in the UK is only a few weeks away!

Alternative Armies is once more heading to the Salute show on trade stand (TJ13) and is offering 15% off any order with us on www.alternative-armies.com

You can order as normal, entering the discount code, and have your order mailed to you. Or you can select 'Direct Collection' and collect your order from us on the day from the stand, saving the shipping too!This offer applies to all of our books and miniatures from Flintloque to Firefight 2.0 to High Fantasy and all our dice, bases, gaming accessories ranges too. Anything on the site.

So please go to our website HERE where full details are given along with the special code to use for the 15% discount.

I want to thank all of you for support us with our efforts over the last year and here is to a fantastic Salute 2011 on 16th April at Excel!

Thanks for Reading,Gavin Syme.

USE ME Modern Warfare released on 15mm.co.uk

2011-03-27T09:41:00.000+01:00

Now released by 15mm.co.uk is a brand new rules system booklet in the USE ME series:

UM004 USE ME Modern Warfare (15mm and 20mm)

USE ME means 'Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements' and this system delivers just that. Tactically challenging, easy to learn and for any age of wargamer interested in ANY ultra modern setting.. From skirmish to full battles, games last from five minutes to an hour. 1D6 system and totally generic. Generate any troops you like or use the extensive prepared lists.Play in your lunch break or in the evening when the idea of a really complex system with a long set up time really does not appeal. Pick up any of your miniatures and vehicles to get playing in minutes. Solo rules also included for when you want a quick mission on your own. This complete rules system is printed in A6 format which is a booklet which will fit in your pocket (110mm by 180mm) making it truly portable as well as fantastic value for your money. USE ME is just that...its for you!

UM004 USE ME Modern Warfare (15mm and 20mm)

(A6 Booklet, 32pp, Colour Covers, ISBN and Barcode)£3.50

You can read an article about the game system and its mechanics along with images of pages from the booklet on the 15mm.co.uk website.CLICK HERE

Also until 22nd April 2011 you can use our Salute 2011 offer to get 15% off the price of ANY order with us, see our home page for detailsAdditionally the book also contains a promotional offer, a code for a folder of free PDF files from us and the chance to get the miniature on the cover for free.Lastly the USE ME book qualifies for our reduced postage rate, see website for details.

Keep the fun in gaming, Keep gaming affordable, Keep playing in the time you have spare.

Thanks for reading,

Alexander Scott.

Salute 2011 offer from 15mm.co.uk

2011-03-25T13:13:00.001Z

This convention season we bring you many new products including:

USE ME Modern Warfare, USE ME American Civil War, USE ME Starship CombatThe Zidhe Space Elves - 15mm Science Fiction (HOF63 to HOF68)

Our offer to you is great value and really straight forward too. Its for those going to Salute and to be fair all those who are not too! Place any order for any products from 25th March 2011 until 22nd April 2011on our website and get 15% off the order total with our discount code.

Plus if you are attending Salute 2011, Saturday 16th April 2011 London Excel Docklands, you will be able to collect your order directly from the Alternative Armies trade stand ( Stand TJ13 ).Do this by selecting 'Direct Collection' in the postage option list. Save the postage. If you are not attending you still save 15%!

To make use of this offer you may place as many orders as you wish and at the point in each order where you have placed every item you want into your cart you should progress to the CART screen and enter your postage region (select Direct Collection if you want to collect your order from Stand TJ13 at Salute 2011 on the day, it will be awaiting you packed and ready for carrying home) then proceed to the CHECKOUT screen and in the Discount Box enter this code ' sal11 ' . If you have entered the code correctly the total on screen will automatically reduce by 15%. Confirm your order and save!

Please Note: Due to space limitations on our trade stand, shared with Alternative Armies, we CANNOT bring all of our product ranges to Salute 2011.We will have HOF, HOT, TTF, Laserburn Value Packs, all rulebooks with us.However if you want any Historical miniatures, SHM or 6mm please PRE-ORDER for collection at the stand to avoid disappointment.

Additionally we will be making no further product releases until May 2011 so order now with confidence that you are getting all we have to offer!

Thanks for Reading!

GO HERE

Gavin

UM001 back in stock!

2011-03-23T14:01:00.000Z

USE ME 15mm Science Fiction back in print

Due to high sales the initial print run ran out far sooner than we expected but now UM001 is back from the printers and back in stock!Thanks for your patience in the last two weeks.

All email orders already placed will be dispatched first, please now feel free to order once more via our website. HEREScroll down the USE ME page and click on UM001 to order. Also scroll down further for links to independant reviews of this rule system.

At only £3.50 you can't get better value in print!

Thanks for Reading,

Alexander Scott.

Tentacle Brain Monster at 15mm.co.uk

2011-03-10T13:57:00.000Z

Tentacle Brain Monster at 15mm.co.uk
The latest release in the SHM range is a very useful and odd creature indeed.

SHM12 Tentacle Brain Monster
1 Kit. £1.25

The kit stands approx 16mm tall when assembled and contains seven parts. Supplied with a body, two short and four long tentacles the options are great for posing.

Perfect for 15mm Science Fiction, Victorian Science Fiction, Horror and Mythos along with Alien Creatures this code can also be used with ease in 6mm and 28mm gaming too for a variety of foils and foes.

CLICK HERE for more information

Submit to mind control today!

Thanks for Reading,

Alexander Scott.

USE ME 15mm Science Fiction - SOLD OUT!!!

2011-03-10T13:37:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

Some breaking news from 15mm.co.uk. The print run of UM001, USE ME 15mm Science Fiction has sold out!

The pocket powerhouse rules set, favoured by many all over the world, has gone through its two year allocated print run in just under a year. So many thanks to all who bought a copy and supported us with this new venture.

A new print run is on order and will be in within the month, so all orders can be sent in by email for notification once stock arrives (15mm.co.uk does not sell what it cannot supply). This in addition to THREE new titles in the USE ME range will make April 2011 a busy month indeed!

Go HERE for more information.

Thanks for Reading,

Alexander Scott.

Price Increases at Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk

2011-03-01T14:08:00.000Z

Royal Bank of Scotland £100 note

Hello Everyone,

It is with a heavy hear that I must report news that Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk will be raising their prices for the first time in three years as of the 6th March 2011.

In the time that has since past raw materials and other costsalong with global currency changes have had a dramatic effect upon the company. We will be re-pricing by around 15% on mostranges at Alternative Armies and 10% on most ranges at 15mm.co.uk. We tell you this as those of you who areNotables and view our blogs are our most loyal customers.

If you wish to place an order at our currentprices please do so this week.

We did not wantto have to put up prices and have managed to avoid it on paper products butwith metal tripling in price in the last six months alone we have little choiceand we will remain competitive and our excellent customer service will remainin place!

Thanks for reading!

Gavin Syme

6mm Martians now at 15mm.co.uk

2011-02-25T14:13:00.000Z

Hello Everyone!

The chances of anything coming from Mars are 6mm to one...(sorry had to do it!).

SHM13

SHM14

Two new miniatures in the SHM range at 15mm.co.uk. SHM13 and SHM14, two 6mm scale Martians, bulbous of body, tentacled and one with a heat ray. Only £0.20 each!

Perfect for any 6mm scale science fiction or victoriana rule system.

Go HERE for more information.

Thanks,

Gavin.

Thing from Abyss and Gecko Guy at 15mm.co.uk

2011-02-19T09:38:00.001Z

Hello Everyone,

Two new releases in the aspring sculptor SHM range at 15mm.co.uk for you to enjoy. Perfect for science fiction, near future, horror and mythos these two creatures are assured to thrill!

SHM10 Thing from the Abyss

SHM11 Gecko Guy

SHM10 is £1.00 per casting and SHM11 is £0.40 per casting. Buy as many or as few as you wish.

More information and links to the USE ME and ASQL game system on the website.

CLICK HERE

Thanks for reading!

Gavin.

5028 Bier & Bones book now Released!

2011-02-17T14:26:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

The big day is here and Alternative Armies has now released the brand new fourth book in the Flintloque series for third edition.

5028 Flintloque - Bier and Bones

It's a cracker with all new background, more than twenty nations listed, full rules, unique skills traits and flaws, tables, pull out sheets and more all in its ninety six pages.

If you are a Dogmen, Dwarf, Ogre or Rabbitman player...this is your book!

Go HERE for more information.

Regards,

Gavin.

Von Rotte Line now released for Flintloque

2011-02-11T13:52:00.000Z

The Von Rotte Line Infantry - Now Released !!!

The Von Rotte Legion are veterans of the war in Kartoffelburg and the earlier Monich Bier Wars.

Read of their exploits and their statistics in 5028 Bier & Bones book.

52018 Von Rotte Line Command £5.00 (Three Dwarves)

52019 Von Rotte Line Sodats £5.00 (Three Dwarves)

52514-U Von Rotte Line UNIT £30.00 (20 Dwarves)

CLICK HERE

Also this is the last week for pre-order on 5028 Bier and Bones book. Last chance to get the free Promo2010 miniatures, the Bomb Bunny worth £3.50, with your book when its mailed on the 17th February 2010. Click on the above link.

Free Files Folder for UM003 now out!

2011-02-11T11:08:00.001Z

Hello Everyone,

Its been one week since 15mm.co.uk released the lastest USE ME rules booklet. UM003 USE ME 15mm World War Two has been well received and now its time for the folder of free files to be offered to those who wish to get it for play or to learn more of the game.

To get the file you need to go to 15mm.co.uk and click on an email link which will send a message to the company to send you the 1mb file by reply. Nice and easy...free too!

CLICK HERE

Enjoy!

Gavin.

USE ME 15mm World War Two - Released!

2011-02-04T13:48:00.000Z

Now Released!

UM003 USE ME WWII - 15mm Rules System

Now Released - Only £3.50 plus super saver postage worldwide.

Fast Play / 1D6 / Skirmish or Squad Level

GO HERE for full details of the book, the mechanics, the postage and other offers!

Festive Raffle 2010 - WINNERS DRAWN!

2011-01-31T13:03:00.001Z

Hello Everyone,

Well today is the day and the raffle is over for another year. Delayed by the terrible weather the winners of all five top notch prizes have now been drawn from the hat. Prizes will be sent out later today and winners have all been informed by email.

You can learn more here: CLICK

Also the Promo2010 miniature will not be sent out with orders anymore and can now only be had with 5028 Bier & Bones book pre-orders until release day.

Regards,

Gavin.

Last Two Days for the Festive Raffle - Get in on it Now!

2011-01-28T14:20:00.000Z

The Alternative Armies Maginficent Raffle ends at noon on 31st January 2011 - You have only got a few days left to enter!

Great Prizes and a FREE Promo2010 'The Bombe Bunny' Miniature worth £3.50 with every order placed during the raffle.

Click Here, then scroll down, for full information: PAGE

Winners will be informed by email and prizes automatically sent by first class mail.

Also the Promo2010 miniature molds will be DESTROYED shortly afterwards.

For the original posting on the Raffle - CLICK HERE

Classic Flintloque Posters - limited stock now at Alternative Armies

2011-01-21T15:41:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

Recent activity on the Notables Yahoo Group concerning classic Flintloque the Skirmish posters that date from the mid 1990's has prompted Alternative Armies to search its stock room and put up for sale a limited number of three of these posters.

Each poster is larger than A3 size and printed on high quality paper, supplied in a cardboard tube for safe transit.

Go HERE to get to them.

Get a little piece of history for your wall now...these once graced most gaming stores across the world!

Thanks,

Gavin.

Free Files Folder now out for USE ME 15mm Fantasy

2011-01-14T14:45:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

The extreme winter weather in Scotland, search for it on this blog to see what occurred, meant some delays that Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk are only now catching up upon.

One such delayed matter was the folder of free files for:

UM002 USE ME 15mm Fantasy Rules

To learn all about this great little system at only £3.50 click HERE.

To go along with the game there is a free folder of files for everyone who wants it. This folder can be had from the Notables Yahoo Group HERE or by emailing 15mm.co.uk directly HERE and asking for it by reply.

The folder contains;

An Introduction to UM002

Force Roster Blank - Skirmish

Force Roster Blank - Battle

Free Rosters (Elf and Orc)

Free Starter Scenario

UM002 Counters

UM002 Templates

Get your free folder today!

Gavin

Notables Newspaper Issue 3 - Sells Out

2011-01-14T14:36:00.001Z

Notables Newspaper Issue 3

Hello Everyone,

Some of you reading this might not know that a few years ago Alternative Armies produced a run of four issues of the 'Notables Newspaper'. The twenty four page loose leaf fanzine was done in the style of an eighteen century Londinium gentlemans periodical based around the Notables Club.

Given away free with orders over a year the newspaper was very popular and once its run ended it was released for sale at a very reasonable £1.50 an issue. Packed with scenarios, artwork, background for Flintloque and other games it continues to be ordered to this day by new players and old soaks too.

Sadly the large print run of Issue 3, the last of the four created, has not run out totally. It is marked as sold out on the website. Thanks to all who bought it and loved it so.

The other three are still around in limited numbers with Issue 1 being the least left of them.

CLICK HERE to see them all and read about their contents.

Oh, and though the image here does not show it all of the Notables Newspapers were printed on yellowed paper to make them more 'real'!

You could do far worse than having a read of these rapidly becoming collectors items for AA fans.

Gavin.

Dougies Depot Updated

2011-01-14T14:27:00.000Z

Empress Morgana on Throne - Dougies Depot

Hello Everyone,

The Dougies Depot on Alternative Armies website has been updated today with more end of line, cancelled orders, odd stock in painted and based miniatures at great prices with a saving of at least 10% off list.

CLICK HERE

Among the one off products are some excellent ones such as;

Early Test Casting Dracci including scratch built on left

Goblin Wolf Rider test piece with Japanese scheme

Have a look and remember to also browse the main section of the Depot for another one hundred plus offers.

Thanks,

Gavin.

Dougies Depot now on Alternative Armies

2011-01-05T17:53:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

This just in from Alternative Armies. Its been a month in the planning but finally the company has begun to put up publically on their website all of the pro-painted miniatures from all their game systems and ranges that for one reason or another are not shipped out in orders. See below for the main text and link but this is well worth a look and I myself have picked up half a dozen 28mm Fantasy Orcs for DarkeStorme.

When the armies of the gaming table are not in conflict it is to Master Sergeant Dougie McSwee that they turn to for new uniforms, weapons and a space in the crowded barracks of the wargaming universe. For you and I this means a break from battle and a chance to plan some new recruits to your miniature forces. There are few better places to get these reinforcements than here. Here at Dougies Depot Pro-Painted, White Metal, Fully Based and ready to play 28mm scale miniatures from Alternative Armies are presented for inspection in a different way.

Dougies Depot is our place for end of run production, over stocks, cancelled orders and other reasons that result in painted miniatures produced by hand here in Scotland and finished to the highest wargaming standard being left in our crowded warehouse. So Dougie has here a listing of all these miniatures, each with his coding structure (though you will doubtless recognise these fine little fellows from our ranges) for you to dig through and choose from at your leisure. We cannot say for sure what will appear here, only that it will be items listed elsewhere on this website as part of packs or larger codes and that what you see is what you get.

Miniatures, packs even full unit codes for Flintloque, Slaughterloo, High Fantasy, Frontear, Erin, Ion Age and more.

With a special 'Depot' saving minimum of ten percent off the regular list price each infantry miniature is only £3.60 and that includes the metal miniature,the base, the hand painting, sculpted basing effect and secure packaging straight to you.

Oh and any discount code you have from us CAN be used ON TOP of Dougies Depot discount here!

Go on...have a dig on Dougie!

CLICK HERE

Magnum Orcus 2010 - Twenty Copies for sale now

2011-01-05T17:47:00.000Z

Magnum Orcus book 2010 - Incorrect Print Run copy

In early december 2010 the print run of the annual Magnum Orcus book arrived with Alternative Armies. With only TWENTY copies being printed it is a real rarity and has never been offered to the public for purchase, instead being internal use only for the company.

However the initial run of twenty copies contained an ERROR, that being the inside rear page is incorrect. But otherwise the 56pp book is perfect. Another print run was ordered and sent out as is traditional.

Now though with the agreement of the artist we can offer YOU the chance to purchase one of the incorrect print run copies for yourself. If you are happy to pay £10.00 for a little piece of history and don't mind an incorrect page (it shows 2009's back page if you are interested) then get one today.

There are only twenty copies and they will be sold first come first served...and no we will not reserve one for you, its not fair on others.

MO2010
56pp
Softcover
(Outer pages colour, mono inner)
All Artwork plus commentary for 2010 by Edward Jackson and Gavin Syme.

Price: £10.00

CLICK HERE

Alternative Armies Festive Raffle Extended!

2011-01-05T17:37:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

The Alternative Armies festive raffle and promotional miniature offer has been extended due to the the extreme weather in December and the two week backlog of orders the company currently has to clear.

The Raffle was due to end on the 6th January 2011 but will now end on 31st January 2011.

For full details of the raffle, the prizes, the free miniature and so on see this POST on the blog.

Go HERE for the Raffle on the Alternative Armies site.

Thanks,

Gavin.

Discuss the Flintloque Campaign book on the Notables Yahoo Group

2010-12-27T10:00:00.000Z

RTK Concept Art - Edward Jackson

Hello Everyone,

A treat from Alternative Armies in this week between Christmas and New Year. A chance to have a look at design notes and discuss them for final input to the company on the first in a series of Flintloque the Skirmish dedicated Campaign books. In this case 5029 Flintloque 3rd Edition - Retreat to Kooruna due in 2011.

You will need to get along to the Notables Yahoo Group HERE to read message #11940, get the PDF from the group files section and get reading. Comments are accepted on the group or by direct email to the company headed up 'RTK' so they know what you are on about!

Here is a transcript of the message from the group to fill you in a bit.

Hello Notables,

Go along to the FILES section of the group into the main files folder and scoll down until you reach the PDF titled '5029 RTK Notables' then click on it and have a read. I would like your input on what is in it and of course all those who contribute will be listed in the book credits for their efforts.

Instructions are in the PDF on how to comment, please follow these and post here on the group.

Quoting from yesterdays message on this:

As you will know after Bier & Bones is released in February the next book is Retreat to Kooruna. The 'RTK' book is the first 'campaign book' for Flintloque 3rd edition and takes the game in a new direction or immersion not seen before. I have spent the last six weeks writing up the existing parts, the narrative, expanding the scenarios, putting solo options in and more. I would like to upload a condensed version of the internal design notes on the book and let you fellows read it and comment.

A lot of the finer tuining in the approach to this book is as a result of what you fellows put to me back in the summer. I would like those who are interested and want a credit in the book as well to have a gander and then post up any comments or questions here on the group or to me directly by email. The final finest tuning as it were to what you chaps would like the book to be.

Thanks in advance for your efforts, this file will be online until the first week of January 2011.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Regards,

Gavin.

Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk close early for Christmas

2010-12-20T11:34:00.001Z

SEE COMMENTS FOR UPDATE

Hello Everyone,

Well for the first time ever Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk have closed down early for the Christmas break. As of this morning operations ceased and all package mailing suspended. The situation will be reviewed day by day and when news comes around I will post it up.

Scotland is in the grip of a 'big freeze' on of the worst I can remember with temperatures this morning a refreshing -15c or 5 degrees Fahrenheit I must say that we cannot work in this temperature and neither it seems can the rest of the country. The Royal Mail has a huge backlog and packages mailed a week ago are not arriving, so there is little point in sending more until the weather improves. This is before the vast increase in mail due to the festive season is even taken in to account.

I apologise for this but its best solution for all concerned and if you are in the UK then you will know of the weather issues via the news already.

Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk will review their domestic and international freight in a week's time and will contact all affected customers. In the meantime feel free to contact them via normal email methods heading up the email 'Winter Delay' and they will be happy to reply when they can.

As regards the tragic death of Craig Andrews (he of Orcs in the Webbe fame) father at the weekend all of us here send our best wishes to him and his family at this time and we are thinking of them all fondly. More news on the OITW Advent Calendar when we hear it.

As regards the Festive Raffle at Alternative Armies and so forth discussions will be held as to possible changes and or expansion of its terms to take the adverse weather into account. More news on this when its decided.

So Merry Christmas and Wrap up Warm.

Oh and for those of you who are fans of Flintloque...goodbye from the Witchlands made real!

Regards,

Gavin Syme.

USE ME 15mm Fantasy - Now Released!

2010-12-09T13:51:00.000Z

USE ME 15mm Fantasy Rules

Product Description:

UM002 USE ME 15mm Fantasy

(A6 Booklet, 32pp, Colour Covers, ISBN andBarcode)

£3.50

USE ME means 'UltraSimple Engine for MiniatureEngagements' and this system delivers just that. Tactically challenging, easy to learn and forany age of wargamer interested in ANY fantasy setting. From skirmishto full battles, games last from five minutes to an hour or two for the largestbattles. Play in your lunch break or inthe evening when the idea of a really complex system with a long set up timereally does not appeal. Pick up any ofyou Fantasy miniatures and get playingin minutes. This complete rules systemis printed in A6 format which is a booklet which will fit in your pocket (110mmby 180mm) making it truly portable as well as fantastic value for yourmoney. USE ME is just that...its foryou!

Theoryand Design of Product:

So here we are fourmonths after the release and really the fantastic response to USE ME 15mmScience Fiction rule system. If you would like to know more about the originsof the USE ME system then refer to UM001 where you can find out all aboutit. After hundreds of messages andrequests its now time for the nextstep. After science fiction the nextlogical place to go is High Fantasy, after all its what many wargamers play andlove as well.

I began with an idea andthe manuscript of the first book and set to work. With the help of Elton Waters and Bob Minadeoplus some in house testing too I developed a fantasy mechanic that is reallyactually rather super on the table. Keeping in mind that being short of gaming time meant we and most of theplayers who would want this game were knackered (read as 'beat' if you areAmerican) and being generic was vital to allow the use of any and all of yourcollection of miniatures was also vital we came up with USE ME 15mmFantasy. Skirmish and Mass Battle in oneplace suitable for the most veteran player and the total novice and tacticallymotivated not sales price of product. Interested....read on.

The USE ME game systemfor 15mm Fantasy. You will need someminiatures, some terrain and a few six sided dice (D6's) to play the game. This is not much and indeed most of the timeeverything in play needs only 1D6 roll to make a decision. In the game all miniatures, monsters andsiege engines and so forth are de-marked into of CHARACTERS and these intoTYPES which allow you to create anything you want in a fantasy setting with afew tables of TYPES with points costs attached.

The Turn Sequence of the game follows a simple pathof firstly the Initiative Phase where all players roll 1D6 and the highest rollwins the initiative for the turn (important later on!). Then the main part of the turn, the In PlayPhase where all characters in the game are activated not by the side upon whichthey fight but by their Elan Rating. This means better troops move and fight before poorer qualitytroops and within each Elan banding from6 to 1 activation begins with the initiative holding player. When activated each character can choose TWOactions, these include move, ranged fire, melee, defend, special action, uniqueaction. The character may choose twodifferent actions OR the same one twice with a modifier; very flexible inbattle. Ranged fire and melee are basedon opposed single D6 rolls with modifiers for troop type and weaponratings. This super fast system resultsin targets being Killed, Struck or Winged by attacks. Killed removes them from play while the othertwo results negatively effect their further performance in the game. The defend action allows characters to takecover against attack while special actions cover those things detailed in theUSE ME Advanced Rules and unique actions are created when needed for ascenario. The USE ME Advanced Rulescover off table actions such as bonuses and attacks at a battlefield level plusadvanced mechanics for giving your Personalities extra skills for being aGeneral, Hero, Cleric or a Wizard. Thereis a full magic system with four 'schools' to choose from. There are character traits which give yourtroops abilities that make them more Savage or more Nimble or Rage Filledetc. This tailors to different fantasyracial types. That covers the skirmishlevel of the rules which means from a handful to a couple of dozen charactersbut what of the battle level of the USE ME Fantasy rules?

It is at the battle levelthat these rules really flex their muscles with whole formations of troopsmarching into a maelstrom that can make use of more than a hundred miniaturesper player with ease. To take the rulesto the battle level the 'Rule of Three' is brought into play and nifty it is too!

All miniatures are basedas singles (its what you all asked for to end the tyranny of differing basingconventions) and to turn these individuals into 'formations' (the USE ME term for Units of any size) the Rule of Threeis used. make a Formation you need THREEcharacters to command it, these are typically an officer, a standard bearer anda musician of your chosen racial and troop type. These three become the COMMANDTHREE of the Formation and remain at its core until the formation is destroyedor the game ends or you elect to dissolve the formation. You then addCharacters to the command core of the formation in sets of THREE at a time.Each set of three is placed in base to base contact with the Command Threebuilding out from it as you go so the command ends up in the centre of the formation. There are different types of formations thathave different functions but you can build formations up to any size you wantfor big regiments in big battles. Formations move as one though injured characters can fall behind and getseparated (which is very dangerous as normal infantry or cavalry areautomatically killed by formations if touched or attacked) and perform attacksbased on every three characters in the formation. This allows attacks to be split or focusedespecially for ranged attacks. Formationmelee involves a clash of ranks with the attacks of the front two ranks beingcounted and you can literally 'grind down' formations and even feed in moretroops to the rear of the formation, adding them to bolster its numbers. Injuries in a formation can be assigned tominiatures at the players discretion allowing unparalleled choice in whichranks of your formation are hurt and killed by attacks. This is a very tactical and entertaining wayto battle and can enact the largest of conflicts.

After the USE MEgame finishes. Most of the time you willwant to play a quick game, cause some carnage and send a lot of little metalmen to their dooms. But it need not bethe end if you want to carry on. USE MEhas mechanics in it for updating your Force Roster (with your troops on it fromthe game just finished) to see what happened to those characters who wereStruck or Winged in play to see if they recover in time for the nextencounter. This makes rolling those dicenail biting and really important for the next scenario. Plus you can make a second lot of rolls forany characters Killed in play to see if a slim chance of them rejoining yourforces for the next game. A simplesystem for linking games together follows and then a page containing narrativeapproaches to forming a whole campaign and ideas of how to do it. The end of the game on the table is just thestart.

TheEndless Settings of USE ME. One of thecore ideas for this game system was to make it capable of carrying outskirmishes, battles and campaigns in ANY fantasy setting allowing playersto import any and all of their own ideas or those from Books, Television orFilm into play. The character typestable allows you to set your miniatures, your ideas, your setting to the game withlittle trouble. Just choose the ElanRating, the Weapons, the Movement rates etc for each of your miniatures andfill out a force roster with their names and statistics; as simple as that. Wars over Magic Rings, Campaigns againstOrcs, Pale faced Elves and more...USE ME can do them all.

USE ME is a pocket rule system that does notpretend to be anything else. Its fast,its fun and its affordable. With manyrule systems these days taking themselves far too seriously and with some beingpriced at an amount that makes purchasing them a long term goal for most of usUSE ME gives you what it promises and in a format that will make yousmile. Try it, you might want to USE MEyourself!

Thanks for Reading,

Gavin Syme

Contents of Product:

USE ME contains a lot of material in its littlepages, enough for some cracking single games, linked games, campaigns and evensolo play too.

Here is a run down of just what you get in the booklet.

Frontis Page pg1

Introduction & Contents pg2

What you Need to Play pg3

The USE MERules pg4-20

The USE MEAdvanced Rules pg21

USE MEMagic Rules pg22-23

CharacterTypes and Costs Tables pg24-26

ExampleForce Creation pg27

MiniaturesTypes and Markers pg28

ForceRosters pg29

After andBetween Games pg30

LinkedGames and Campaigns pg31

HOTMiniature Rang pg32

FreeResources Listing and Code pg32

Miniature Ranges Suitable for Product:

The USE ME 15mmFantasy rules can be used with anysuitable range of 15mm scale miniatures however we recommend that you look atour own 15mm Fantasy ranges. These include the HOT 15mm Fantasy range ofmore than ninety packs of high quality miniatures and the classic TTF range which features more than fiftydifferent infantry, creatures and monsters.

Promotionfor Product:

When you purchase a copyof USE ME 15mm Fantasy from 15mm.co.ukyou get access to two brilliant promotions. Here are the details.

Firstly this booklet qualifies for our speciallydiscount MAGAZINE postage rate world wide. If you order only this booklet (no other books or miniatures) then youcan select magazine for your shipping region and pay only £1.00postage (UK and Europe) or £2.50(USAand ROW). All non UK orders areby airmail too! Secondly when thebooklet is in your hands turn to its back page and your can gain access to thefollowing. Firstly an email to get afree folder of resources in PDF form for the game (Force Roster, Templates,Counters, Sample Scenario). Secondly apromotional code to use on the 15mm.co.uk website which will get you not only5% off your next order from us but also included in that order will be a freecasting of the Orc Warlord on boar pictured on the booklet cover (worth £0.70).

How is that for value on a rule system priced atonly £3.50! Getyour copy today!

CLICK HERE

5028 Flintloque 3rd ed - Bier & Bones: Pre-Order Now!

2010-12-08T13:53:00.000Z

PRE-ORDER NOW!

RELEASE DATE WORLDWIDE 17TH FEBRUARY 2011

5028 Flintloque 3rd Edition - Bier & Bones

Please note any order for this product with get a free Promo2010 miniature automatically and will be dispatched in the week of release. If you pre-order and place other products in your order these other products will be sent before the release of 5028 unless placed one week before book release.

The forth book in the series for Flintloque 3rd edition sees the Ostarian Empire fighting for its life against the Ferach Armees of the Emperor Mordred. Before the invasion of the Witchlands and the canker of the Catalucian ulcer the Emperor Mordred forged the Confederation of Finklestein and subdued Burrovia before taking his columns against the Dogmen of Ostaria at the Battle of Osterblitz. Soon the Dwarves of Krautia joined the fray and the future of Valon was for the taking...

The Bier & Bones book contains full Flintloque rules, the background to the Wars of Urop, the Armies of Ostaria, Krautia, Burrovia and other minor powers and allies plus characters and section generation. Skills, Traits and Flaws along with scenario creation and three starter scenarios. Solo play mechanics and pull out sheets (Section Roster, Game Counters I, Game Counters II) and much more.

A4 Format

Perfect Bound

96 pages

Colour Covers & Colour centrefold

Pull Out Pages

ISBN and Barcode

£15.00

A stand alone rulebook that can be used on its own or with 5025 War in Catalucia,

5026 Death in the Snow and 5027 Grapeshotte.

MORE INFORMATION ON 5028 FLINTLOQUE 3RD EDITION – BIER & BONES Here are the contents of the Bier & Bones book section by section.
Introductory Section Title Page, Contents and Credits Page, What is Flintloque the Skirmish, Introduction to the World of Valon, The Napoleonique Style of War.
The War in the Central Urop This section of the book contains background covering the initial Ferach Attacks upon the other nations of Urop, the formation of the Confederation of Finklestein, subduing the Burrovian Republique and the climatic Battle of Osterblitz. In addition to this are other minor campaigns such as the Tree Line Wars, Krautia and the Monich Bier Wars, Saxhunde and the Battle of Yenna and much more. All of the Central Uropean fighting right up to the current campaigns in Kartoffelburg giving you the chance to play out any one of them. Additionally the background section of the book also contains Scenario Seeds like those in 5025 and 5026 which give you great ideas and set ups for forces for your games of Flintloque set in Central Urop.
The Armies of the Uropean Wars This section of the book contains the organisation, troops types, uniforms and famous characters from the primary armies involved in the Uropean Wars. These are the Dogmen of the Ostarian Empire, the Dwarves of Krautia, the Rabbitmen of Burrovia, the Ogres of Hunvaria and all of the regular and dutchy troops in the Confederation of Finklestein (including the Dutchy of Saxhunde, the Dwarves of Beervaria, the Von Rotte regiments etc). Minor powers covered include The Dogmen of Pudigrochumsberg, the Dwarves of Brewswick and of the Blacke Horde, the Wild Evles of Swizzic and Turcani plus the Ogres of the Krautian Giant Legion and more. All you need to organise your forces.
Character and Section Creation Here you will find out how to create sections including officers, musicians and more. How to deal with your troops between games and replacing the dead. Also Skills, Traits and Flaws unique to each race in the Armies section are listed here. Finally Wylde Magicke for mortal characters.
The Rules of Bier & Bones Introduction, Designers Note, Terms and Definitions. The full rules for Flintloque the Skirmish along with exclusive content on all of the racial types covered in the book such as Dogmen, Dwarves and Ogres. Skills Traits and Flaws along with National Characteristics make your characters from this book all the more unique. Also unique troops and sets for Ostarian, Krautian and Burrovian players.
The Tables for Flintloque This section contains all the needed tables and statistics for Bier & Bones. Master Racial stats tables, Weapon tables, Mounts and Melee tables and more.
Solo Play rules for Flintloque Flintloque 3rd editions unique easy to use Solo Play mechanics. Simple, effective and popular!
Pull Out Sheets These pages are perforated for easy removal by players and contain useful tables, rosters and counters.
Ninety Six packed pages of adventure and fun for all miniature wargamers!

Click Here

The Festive Raffle 2010 - From Alternative Armies now on!

2010-12-08T13:46:00.000Z

The Festive Raffle 2010

Presented by Alternative Armies.....

Tickets supplied with ANY Order at the rate of one per £5.00 spent (or fraction there of) with the winning numbers being drawn, winners contacted and numbers announced here on 6th January 2011.

Remember also that any order placed gains a free Promo2010 miniature as well so its a double win!

All prizes are provided by Alternative Armies and are delivered by 1st class or international mail to the winner free of charge. Winners will be contacted by email using the address given on their qualifying order that produced the tickets. A record of all ticket numbers is kept by the company.

The Prizes in the Raffle are as follows;

1st Prize

2nd Prize

Magnum Orcus 2010

56pp Softcover Book.

A limited run book (20 copies only) of the artwork produced by Mr Edward Jackson during 2010.

A significant prize and collectors item sought after by many Flintloque, Slaughterloo and Firefight 2.0 players.

These are the only two copies being given to the General Public, all others are for internal company use only.

3rd Prize

A Slaughterloo Unit of Von Rotte Line Infantry worth £30.00

Never heard of these Dwarven Infantry miniatures?

Not a surprise as they will not be released until January 2011.

Twenty Dwarves including Officer, Musician, Standard Bearer and three different poses of troopers.

4th Prize

£20.00 Alternative Armies Gift Voucher

A voucher which can be used for any Alternative Armies products online or by telephone.

This may include postage.

5th Prize

Choose a Prize!

The winner will be contacted to select their choice of £15.00 worth of Alternative Armies product from our ranges which will then be sent to them post free anywhere in the world.

Choose from, among others...Flintloque, Firefight 2.0, DarkeStorme, High Fantasy and more.

Promo2010 Miniature - Free with Any Order from Alternative Armies

2010-12-08T13:40:00.000Z

The Bombe Bunny: This miniature is the promotional miniature for 2010 from Alternative Armies.

It is supplied for free automatically with any and all orders, one per order placed, during the month of December 2010 until 6th January 2011. The miniature will be supplied unpainted unless the majority of the order placed is for painted codes in which case the miniature will be automatically supplied painted and based.

The Promo 2010 miniature will also be supplied at the rate of one per order for the 5028 Bier & Bones book until its release on 17th February 2011. Note that after 6th January 2011 this will be the ONLY way to get this miniature. The miniature will be supplied bagged with a printed insert detailing its background, special rules and painting guide. On the 18th February 2011 the mold containing this code will be destroyed making it an extremely rate collectors item much like the 2009 miniature Raylen Durandus the Imperial Messenger.

There is a December festive Flintloque scenario featuring the Bomb Bunny which can be had for free upon email request or from the Notables Yahoo Group as of mid month. The scenario is entitled ‘Powdered Eggs’.

6th Illskinning Dragoons - Released

2010-12-08T13:23:00.000Z

NEW RELEASE

6th Illskinning Dragoons

Only a few regiments of Cavalry come from Guinalea, the average Bog Orc finding normal Orc Horses unable to carry their weight for long periods. However the Illskinning Dragoons have their own horse herders who supply them with big and powerful mounts. Like their fellows in the Illskinning Line regiment they are tough characters and while not the flashiest squadrons galloping about the battlefield, they are perfectly capable of holding their own.

FLINTLOQUE: Create your section with these miniatures using 5025 War in Catalucia or Flintloque Lite. Troop Type Cavalry, armed with Swords, heavy horses. Incorporate Skills, Traits, Flaws as normal for Bog Orc characters.

SLAUGHTERLOO STATUS: The Illskinning Dragoons are classed as Heavy Cavalry.

SLAUGHTERLOO STATISTICS: See Slaughterloo Army Lists.

UNIFORM: The uniform consists of a blue tunic, white breeches, a black bicorne with a green plume, and black shoes. Facing colours (cuffs, collars, etc.) are yellow. Equipment is black, metal is sliver, and equipment straps are white leather.

54521 Bog Orc Dragoons

54521-U 6th Illskinning Dragoons

54047 Bog Orc Troopers

This new release has three purchase options. A Slaughterloo unit, a Flintloque set and a booster blister of troopers. For more information CLICK HERE

Add some new cavalry to your Flintloque and Slaughterloo forces today!

Thanks for Reading,

Gavin.

Garda Reale de Guinalea - Released!

2010-12-08T13:18:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

It's been a while but a lot of postings coming up this week and next so lets get started shall we. Alternative Armies has just posted up its Winter 2010 offers and releases so I am going to detail them in order...boy is it a bumper crop this year!

54522 Guarda Reale de Guinalea

54046 Guarda Reale Command

54018 Guarda Reale Troopers

The once mighty nation of Catalucia made great use of foreign troops as mercenaries, palace guard and so on. The Bog Orcs of the Garsa Reale de Guinalea were once just ceremonial guards for the royal estates of Fernando but since the wars began in earnest they have taken up their Bessie Muskets and fight for the freedom of their Dark Elf master. They are actually rather good, well compared to the majority of the rabble that is the Catalucian Army. Their two battalions are organised exactly the same way as Dark Elf line regiments.

FLINTLOQUE: Create your section with these miniatures using 5025 War in Catalucia or Flintloque Lite. Troop Type Regular, armed with Bessie Muskets and Bayonet, officers are typically Elves with sword and pistol. Incorporate Skills, Traits, Flaws as normal for Bog Orc characters.

SLAUGHTERLOO STATUS: The Garde Reale are classed as Regular Line Infantry
SLAUGHTERLOO STATISTICS: See Slaughterloo Army Lists.

UNIFORM: The uniform consists of a green tunic, green trousers, black bicorne and black shoes. Facing colours (cuffs, collar, facings) are red. Equipment is black and all straps are white leather.

For more click HERE

Thanks,

Gavin.

FREE 15mm Science Fiction Miniatures on 15mm.co.uk

2010-11-18T15:03:00.000Z

A free pack of HOF57 Starfighter Crew worth £3.50 with any order containing a science fiction item from 15mm.co.uk ranges. That's right ten free miniatures!

HOF57 Starfighter Crew

To get a free pack of HOF57 all you need to do is place and pay for an order with them for ANY item or more than one item from the following ranges.(A single book, one miniature, a pack of miniatures, a value pack...anything)

Laserburn 15mm Science Fiction

HOF 15mm Science Fiction

SHM Range6mm Sci-fi Range

UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction book

Laserburn Books

15mm.co.uk will automatically add one pack of HOF57 to every order placed for one or more items from the above list of range and products upon dispatch. They will accept any number of orders from a customer but only one free pack per placed order will be honoured.

This offer ends on Monday 6th December 2010.

The Festive Season Starts Right Here!

Free Optional Advanced Rules for USE ME - page 5

2010-11-18T14:59:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

Another page of Optional Advanced Mechanics for USE ME 15mm Science Fiction. This time the Cyborg Enslavers get the treatment. Below is an image of the page, click on it and save to your computer for free use and print out.

UM001 optional advanced rules pg5

The SHM Range on 15mm.co.uk has some Cyborg Enslavers that you can make use of for your games.

Enjoy!

Gavin.

UM003 Alternate Cover - Enjoy!

2010-11-18T09:19:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

In the previous posting we showed you a mock up of the cover for UM003 USE ME WW2 rules. 15mm.co.uk had intended two make two print runs, one for Germany not featuring that cover and another for the rest of the world which did feature it.

However it has been decided to only supply one print run on the back of our customers contacting us in Germany and from elsewhere who think it is better to have only one run which is all the same.

The photograph on the cover is used with copyright permission from the copyright holder. Details are in the book.

To this end here is the final cover, enjoy!

Gavin.

USE ME World War Two - Mock Up Cover

2010-11-16T09:58:00.003Z

UM003 Mock Up Cover

Hello Everyone,

More news from 15mm.co.uk on the USE ME system front.

UM003 WW2 book is now laid up for printing for release end of this year.

In conjunction with O.G. Joel we have developed the USE ME mechanics to make an excellent skirmish to squad level right up to battle set of rules for 15mm WW2 miniatures. It also includes off table support options plus suggested army lists for all the big nations in the war plus SOLO play rules too. Play anything from the Spanish Civil War right up to the Fall of Berlin with the ease you would expect from USE ME.

Above you can see a mock up of the book cover, enjoy!

Regards,

Gavin.

Tabletop 15mm ACW range now at 15mm.co.uk

2010-11-12T14:10:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

Some great and long awaited news from 15mm.co.uk for you all.

The classic Tabletop Miniatures 15mm scale American Civil War (ACW) range is now back in full production and in stock under the name Potomac 15mm ACW. This range of great miniatures have been a favourite among thousands of wargamers for many years and as a result of many requests we have brought it back to the market.

A4 Union Infantry Command

AC8 Confederate Cavalry Command

AC13 General Lee

AG1 Foot Artillery Crew (Union Uniforms)

AG3 Limber Set

AG12 Whitworth Gun

The range includes Infantry, Cavalry, Command and Artillery with Union, Confederate and speciality troops all represented in forty six different codes. And we do mean see the whole range as every single code is pictured online expertly painted by David Sheppard.

Every code is online as a Single Miniature or small command set so you can purchase exactly what you need from us. Excellent Value. Suitable for use with any 15mm scale ACW game system.

Go HERE to see the whole range and to learn more.

Thanks for Reading!

Alexander Scott

USE ME World War Two in the works!

2010-11-08T11:17:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

As those who read this esteemed blog will know USE ME 15mm Science Fiction has spawned a High Fantasy version which will soon be with us all. However this is not all that is in the works, there is another version of USE ME which will be making an appearance soon too.

I have been working on USE ME WW2, in conjunction with Omer Golan-Joel a fantastic fellow with a real feel for the more modern historical periods in wargaming.

This version of the USE ME engine will be skirmish and battle level and will allow players to fight out anything from the Invasion of Poland (or even the Spanish Civil War) right up to the fall of Berlin.

More details to come but this is an exciting development...a set of WW2 15mm rules in your pocket for less than four pounds; now that is something!

Regards,

Gavin.

56537 Dog Engineers Set now Released!!!

2010-11-05T13:39:00.001Z

Hello All!

The third release in the Autumn 2010 schedule for Alternative Armies is one for fans of the Flintloque expansion book Grapeshotte and also Slaughterloo. The engineers are here and the sappers too for the Dogmen. Enjoy and go along to the Alternative Armies website, the new releases page this month or search for 56537. Read on in this post for more information plus hi-rez images of this great pack..one of my favourites of the year.

Additionally there are serveral parts of this set which can be purchased as single items to expand your siege or baggage train. To view them go along to the website and search by code:

56537-A Mounted Dogman Engineer

56537-B Baggage Horse

56537-C Scenic Item (Bombs & Barrel)

Thanks for Reading!

Gavin

56537 Dog Engineers Set

56537 Dog Engineers

8 White Metal Miniatures

This versatile set contains one mounted Dogman EngineerOfficer on Horse, one fully laden Pack Horse, one Scenic Item (case of bombswith powder barrel and rope) and four Dogmen sappers on foot. Those on foot comprise Dogman with woodenplanks and separate mallet, Dogman with mucky shovel, Dogman carrying a Barreland Dogman with cannonball and pistol. Plastic Bases included.

Full rules for the creation and use of Engineers andSappers in Flintloque can be found in 5027 Flintloque 3^rd Edition –Grapeshotte book.

The Empire ofOstaria has been at war with the Elves of Armorica since the times ofblackpower began in earnest. Whilesoldiers and cannon are vital to this effort it cannot be said enough that themeans of war depends on the engineers. From building bridges to blowing them up, digging trenches and layingmines, repairing and commissioning fortresses and castles these are allessential to winning campaigns especially against the Ferach Empire. When engineers are on the gaming table itcalls for a scenario involving these elements which makes for a different andexciting game of Flintloque or Slaughterloo.

Ostarian Corps of Engineers and Miners

There are a great number of specialised troopsin the Ostarian Empire divided into four directories each with its own commandstructure. These are the Engineers, the Sappers, the Miners and the Fortresscorps. Each operates on its own supplying troops where needed. They all have agood reputation. The structure of the directories is vast and too complex togive in detail but typically it is broken down and assigned by brigade to asenior officer to make use of as they see fit. A specialist battalion consistsof several companies of one hundred sappers from the rank of private to colonel. Or ten to fifteen qualified engineers ranging from a master down to newly transferred junior at the rank oflieutenant.

The uniforms vary but in most cases they arealmost the same as regular line infantry uniforms which can lead to confusion.It consists of a white tunic, sky blue or white trousers, a black shako, andblack shoes. Facing colours (cuffs, collars, etc.) are green. Equipment isblack and equipment straps are white leather.

Finklestein Engineers and Sappers

While the Ostarian Empire has one of the largestcontingents of miners, sappers and engineers on all of Valon the same cannot besaid for the multitude of little Dogmen states that make up their part of theConfederation of Finklestein. Lackingacademies and schools for these most technical skills the little states had toresort to other means to get the expertise that they needed. Those other means were bribery, robbery andkidnapping. Luring Ostarian deserterswith the needed skills who had fled to join the Elves or to escape their madown Emperor was easy enough with coin and other wares and the few reallyspecialised persons needed (such as the Baron Von Kibble) were snatched fromOstaria and made to work in chains.

Every Finklestein state has a small number ofthese specialised troops attached to those formations who have need ofthem. They are seldom more than a fewdozen in number with one or two professional Engineers leading the Sappers andMiners into the fray. The uniforms ofthe Finklestein Dogmen who act as Engineers and Sappers are virtually identicalto those on the Ostarian Empire and there is a good reason for this...they arethe same bloody uniforms worn by traitors! Some formations have changed their facing colour to orange instead ofgreen but this is only in areas where its possible Ostarian troops will be onthe field.

56537-A Mounted Dog Engineer Officer

1 Mounted Dogman

This pack contains a mounted Dogman officer (two pieces)of the Engineers taken from 56537 Dogmen Engineers set. A useful and versatile miniature that can be used in anyOstarian or Confederation of Finkestein force.

56537-B Ostarian Pack Horse

1 Laden Horse

This pack contains one pack horse loaded down with packs,barrels, blankets and more. It is takenfrom the 56537 Dogmen Engineers set. Perfect as a scenario objective or to expand your siegetrain or baggage train.

56537-C Bombs and Barrel

1 Scenic Item

This pack contains one white metal scenic item taken fromthe 56537 Dogmen Engineers set.

It is really useful as a scenario objective, marking thespot of a mine, a pile of explosives and more.

LE044 Major Blucky O'Hare now Released!

2010-11-05T13:24:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

The second of the Alternative Armies autumn 2010 releases for the World of Valon (Flintloque the Skirmish and Slaughterloo Mass Battle systems) is now out and about for your pleasure! Read on and learn all about LE044 and see a couple of hi-rez images too. For more information go to the Alternative Armies website to the new releases page this month or search for LE044.

Thanks for reading!

Gavin.

The first limited edition for the rapidly expanding (orshould that be breeding like) Rabbitmen of Burrovia reluctant allies of theFerach Empire. When the opening came upfor planning limited code number forty four the choices were from among thenewer races like the Burrovians, the Diberians and the Trolkin. While at the time of writing the Trolkin arenot yet with us as gamers the Burrovians most certainly are with their ownline, light, cavalry and commander to choose from for players of Flintloque andSlaughterloo. So, which bunny is it for themelting pot....it had to be the most infamous officer from the SlaughterlooArmy Book one Major Blucky O'Hare. Perfect to lead your burgeoning burrovian battalions.

LE044 Blucky O'Hare

This code is limited to one thousand numbered packs onlyand is supplied in a blister containing the white metal miniature and plasticbase.

Fighting is a way of life when your life is as hard asthat of Major Blucky O’Hare. One of alarge family of Burrovians the young Blucky was sent off to the navy when itbecame clear that his mother could no longer manage to feed and clothehim. The Hydrax Bunnus, the navy of theBurrovian Republique, was at that time undergoing a massive expansion and wasseeking talented young ratings for adventure. In the times following the annulment of Wylde Magicke the Burroviansforged a large empire across the remotest realms of Valon and this empireneeded to be protected from pirates, natives and even other Uropean powers. It was into this maelstrom of sea conflictsthat Blucky O’Hare found himself thrown into.

Working his way up the ranks Blucky gained the captaincyof his own ship the Riotous Conflagration(he has a habit of setting fire to prizes instead of capturing them) where hethen set about earning a growing reputation. No one event established him as a hero of the bunny folk as much as thedestruction of the corsair island stronghold called ‘The Connflex Isle’ run bythe notorious Nepolise Marshall De Warte. De Warte a Todoroni of extreme ugliness run an operation of extortionand conquest with more than three hundred Todoroni corsairs of his StormeTodos. From the island De Warte sank andstole dozens of Burrovian vessels and raided half a dozen ports with hisflotilla. Blucky with his loyal andslightly deranged crew who included the slightly Magicke creature Babarosser, alarge hairy ape fellow, and Lieutenant Hundstarre a renegade Ostarian Dogmanwho joined the Hydrax Bunnus assaulted the corsair island. Through a hail of fire the crew of the Riotous Conflagration shot down dozensof Todoroni and eventually Blucky in a one on one brawl with Marshal De Wartekilled the evil Toad and broke the will of the remaining corsairs. Reported in every broadsheet across Urop itmade Blucky a hero for law and order.

When the Ferach Empire annexed Burrovian and ‘invited’her people to join as a willing ally of the Empire the majority of the HyraxBunnus was either surrendered to the Elves or sank by the Royul Navye of GreateBritorcn. Blucky O’Hare took theopportunity to leave the navy and take the rank of Major in the BurrovianArmy. His fame assured his rank and anactive posting along with being able to retain those of his former crew such asBabarosser and Hundstarre who were expert fighters on land or water.

As part of the Grande Armee du Norde the now major BluckyO’Hare marched off with the rest of the 6^th Flopsea regiment for theWitchlands. Through endless miles ofsnow and attacks by rebel Werewolves and then the Undead it began to dawn onthe major that perhaps his people might only survive the Mordredian Wars ifthey managed to throw off the yoke of Ferach lordship. Now Blucky along with about thirty otherveterans are making the long march back to Diberia, all the while fighting arearguard action against the Undead. Hismastery of fire and his fearsome combat abilities have made him an excellentZombie hunter; skills that have come in handy time and time again.

Uniform Details

The Major’s uniform consists of a dark blue tunic, whitebreeches, a dark blue cloak and headband. Gloves and facings are white along with a tricolour rosette on theheadband. His fur is light brown and he,like all Burrovians, wears no shoes or boots. He has a golden star on the back of his cloak.

Flintloque Rules

When fielding Major Blucky O’Hare in Flintloque he istreated as a Rabbitman (Little) of experience rating Veteran, Light Infantrytype and Elite. He is armed with a Swordand a Hareian Pistol (5027 pg41). He isa true Hero and as a result he is an exceptional leader with the ImproveCommand (2) skill and Alert skill, he has the Natural Leader trait and theSteadfast trait too. He suffers from the Foul Temper flaw butpossesses the Wylde Magicke talent Create Fire (potent). When fighting against an Undead typecharacter he gains a +5% to all ranged fire and an additional +1 in all Meleerolls too. He costs 71 Points with theseabilities.

Slaughterloo Rules

MAJOR BLUKY O’HARE (SPECIAL UNIT OFFICER) (60 POINTS)

‘Hop to It!’: Major O’Hare is one for rousingspeeches and as a result he is able to make his soldiers perform real leaps ofmovement, while Rabbitmen bounce more than walk they normally cannot jumpfar. Blucky may once per Turn move hisUnit 10cm in a single jump, this is included in the Units normal MovementValue, but allows the Unit to leap over small items of rougher terrain andstreams etc. If the leap ends in rough terrain etc then any remaining movementis subject to the usual penalties. Hemay command any Line, Militia or Light infantry unit of Burrovian Rabbits.

VLE10 Uncle Rogipoos Set - Now Released!

2010-11-05T13:10:00.000Z

Hello Everyone,

The first of the World of Valon Autumn 2010 releases for you to look over and drool! These are high rez images and all the information for the code is in this posting so read on. To see this release go to Alternative Armies website and search for VLE10 or this month check out the new releases page.

Thanks for Reading!

Gavin

VLE10

VLE10 Uncle Rogipoos Set

This code is limited to only 250 packs before the masterand molds are destroyed. Supplied with numbered insert containing optionalrules and uniform guide. This tenth code in the Very Limited Edition range is,like the others, limited to 250 numbered packs only. The pack contains three white metal one piece miniaturesin 28mm scale. An Orc Officer, anArmidillo and a female Orc nurse. Perfect for many scenarios and a characteraddition to your Orcish army for Flintloque and Slaughterloo. Plastic basessupplied.

Uncle Rogipoos

Whenever the"Cornetto Raid" is mentioned the name of Uncle Rogipoos always comesto mind. His father, the Umpteenth Lord Willorcs of Coldgood, his mother thedaughter of the famous clan-rat chief Lord Gorge Gordon. His mother was ratherdisappointed that neither he, nor his brother Crustyforc displayed any signs oftheir rat ancestry. Educated in Joccia, Rogipoos showed a talent for languages,history and culture. It was at school that he met his great friend HarryOliphaunt who has shared many adventures with Rogipoos. On leaving school Rogipoos and Harry embarkedon "The Grand Tour" visiting most of the countries of Urop andAegypt. During this time they saw the great sites of anitquity, ate interestingfood and shared several adventures. At times during the trip the friends werein peril of their lives. Once in Isstanbal, where a misunderstanding causedthem to stray into the Sultan`s harem, and in Lyonesse where only Rogipoos`quick thinking saved them both from the guillotine.

Rogipoos obtained acommission with the 45th Foot and served with distinction in the Koorunacampaign gaining the M.C. (Medal for Craziness), Emperor Mordred`s purple silkcombinations, an armadillo, the Eagle of the 4th "Sant-Ders"dragoons, his horse "Cocoa" (also "borrowed" from Col. SantDers), and the hand of Alisorc, daughter of the Duke of Oldcastle. Rising tocaptain`s rank Rogipoos was named "Uncle" by the troops because ofhis care towards them, and "Crazy" because of his sometimesunorthodox tactics, was made a.d.c. to Surjon Moore.

When the armyreturned to Catalucia Rogipoos, now a major, was appointed to the staff partlybecause he was the only orc who could understand what his uncle General HamishGordon was saying. During this time he became friends with a hussar officer,Johnny (Later Lord) Rorcchester who taught him how to become a deadly shot witha pistol and a skilled swordsman. AfterTarrenvera and his father`s death "Crazy old uncle Rogipoos" returnedto Albion becoming the Twelvetieth Lord Coldgood and Colonel of the illustrious"Robbyng Hoodie" Fencibles which he led on the famous "CornettoRaid". It was here that he captured Col. Leonardo Di Pizza of theNeapolise Regimente Gelato. Held on parole at Willorcs Hall Leonardo has becomea close family friend.

Although sometimescalled to the House of Lorcs, Rogipoos is still on hand when his country callsfor him. His life is not all action. Rogipoos enjoys wearing slippers, drinkingcocoa, eating ginger buscuits, walking Jose his armadillo, and a flagon of"Pongo" at "The Willorcs arms". He also has a considerablelibrary and collection of small metal soldiers. Rogipoos interest in tecnologyhas resulted in his home Willorcs Hall When in Londinium he may be found at his club, "The Notables"where he enjoys the fine food and wines, the "Salon de Flintloque"and is a skilled player of "Whacky Families" at the card table. Huzzah!

When playing Uncle Rogipoos in Flintloque he is treatedas an Albion Orc of Regular / Elite type of experience rating Legendary. He isarmed with a sword of exquisite quality and a standard pistol. He is a rum fellow and quite prone to acts ofextreme oddness and bravery making him a natural leader. This instils histroops (when he goes on activate campaign in Catalucia) with a great love forhim. As a result each turn he may remove1D3 of Shaken Tokens from any friendly characters within his line of sightincluding himself. He is an expertduellist and gains the ‘Duellist Skill’ (5025 pg52) he also has the ‘StealthSkill’ (5025 pg52) due to his love of slippers as footwear. His Joccian ancestry gives him the trait‘Massive Jamminess’ (5025 pg53) and ‘Head Butt’ (5025 pg58). Having travelled extensively Uncle Rogipoosis well known to thousands of friendly and enemy soldiers from lowly privatesto field marshals. Once per scenario hemay call out to any enemy character within 20cm with a huzzah and well met sir. Both players roll 1D10 with Uncle Rogipoosadding a +2 to his roll. If he wins theroll then that character recognises him as an old friend and will not attackhim in any way for the rest of the game. If the roll is lost play continues and Uncle Rogipoos was mistaken. Hislove of Jose and of the Big Nurse will result in an automatic shaken tokenwhich cannot be removed with his special skill and must be dealt withnormally. With this profile he costs 102Points. His uniform is a dark blue jacket, sky blue breeches, black bicornewith all braid and facings bright white and gold detailing. He wears pink slippers and carries a whitecoco mug with black detailing. His swordscabbard is black and his bicorne has a white plume. His flesh tone is darker then the average Orcdue to his extensive adventures in the hot sun.

Jose the Armidillo.

Jose appears, tothose who can actually see him, to be a prime specimen of Armadillus MagnusInvisiblus. This large breed of armadillo are known not only for their size andintelligence, but also their mastery of camouflage which can make theminvisible to the untrained eye. Their claws used for digging are alsoformidable weapons.

Jose and UncleRogipoos met in Catalucia. Guided by the voice inside his head that had firstmade him smuggle himself aboard a Urop bound ship, Jose entered a tent where anofficer, his head bandaged, lay on a camp bed. The armadillo was surprised whenthe orc saw him and said "Hello". From that moment they have becomeinseparable. The voice of Monty Zoomer the Swift and Wise, Seer of Armajualpadillo,had brought Rogipoos and Jose together. Acheerful armadillo, Jose enjoys his friends` company and would protect Rogipoosand Lady Alisorc with his life if he had to. On one occasion Jose helpedRogipoos escape the clutches of the Ferache Col. Sant-Ders by cutting his bonds with his razor sharpclaws.

Outwardly Jose is anordinary large armadillo who enjoys chasing a ball, cuddling his stuffed toyorc, chasing butterflies and playing with the hedgehogs and red squirrels inthe park of Willorcs Hall. However, he has found that "his" orc canunderstand a variety of words of armadillo (Squeekalotl) and armadillish bodylanguage (posealotl). Curled up in hisbed beside that of Uncle Rogipoos Jose dreams of walking upright in a city ofmagnificent ant and termite pyramids, riding llamas and flamingoes, drinkingcocoalatl whilst clad in robes of cotton and brightly hued parrot feathers, andrings of gold. Dreams of weilding a mighty hardwood and obsid-yan"Maccuitiml" sword. Dreams of the time of Armajualpadillo, the goldenGod Emperor Armajualpadillo. Thr times of his ancestors, which, according tothe wise Monty Zoomer, will one day return.

When playing Jose the Armadillo in Flintloque he istreated as a Dodo for movement, wounds and melee modifier. He has two special skills the first being hisnatural armour. Jose has a Toughness of5 in melee but for ranged fire his toughness is treated as a mighty 7 as hisscales will deflect most smaller bullets and shrapnel that comes his way. His other skill is that of being from thespecies Armadillus Magnus Invisiblus, he may become invisible for short periodsof time. Once per game Jose may declarehimself invisible, remove the miniature from the table and replace with a marker. He may move, attack and so on for the nexttwo turns but his movement must be written down by the controlling player usingthe placed marker as a starting point. For the sake if simplicity Jose cannot be affected by ranged fire whileinvisible UNLESS its artillery fire using caseshotte or grapeshotte in whichcase check if he is in the line of fire and work out as normal. Any melee attacks made by Jose in that statemay be replied to but the defender has an additional -2 for the attack. Josse never takes a Shaken Token for anyreason. As a follower of Armajualpadillohe may once per game make a Magicke attack with the statistics and range of astandard blunderbuss. If Uncle Rogipoosis killed then Jose will immediately turn invisible (if able) and flee off thenearest table edge. With this profile hecosts 45 Points. Jose wears no uniform(duh!) but his colouration is that of an Armadillo ,dark brown scales withlighter brown highlights. His legs haveblack spots and his claws are white.

The Big Nurse.

"Nursie",as she is often known, was born the daughter of a soldier and his she-orc. Asshe grew she learned to read and write and followed the army where she soonbecame used to the sight of battlefield injuries. A formidable lass she wassoon noticed by the regimental surgeon fore her nursing skills. A good right hook from "That BigNurse", as the soldiers called her, was effective anaesthetic for thoseabout to undergo surgery. Her "no nonesence" approach at sick paradesoon sorted out malingerers. Persistent offenders were soon treated to her"Oh, I can see you aren`t at all well, what you need is this!" Atthis point she would uncover a huge syringe with a very nasty needle!

"Right,trousers, down bend over, this won`t hurt a bit!" Usually this restoredeven those who claimed to be at death’s door to rude health instantly!

The "this won`thurt a bit" bit was a total fib as those too slow on their feetdiscovered! Ouch! That stings!

For the truly illher amazing "jollop", which looks and smells like honey but tastesabsolutely terrible, usually does the trick. Especially if followed by a largemug of cocoa.

She has become theWillorcs family health care specialist and was responsible for encouragingFlorcance Songbird and Murky Seacold to take up the nursing profession.

In years to come"The Big Nurse" will be seen as one of the founders of modern medicine.Huzzah!

In Flintloque the Big Nurse is treated as an Albion Orcof Regular type and experience rating Average armed with her burly fists,feminine charm and a ruddy great syringe of Jollop. She must remain within 15cm of Uncle Rogipoosat all times and while she can fight (she has the skill ‘Brawler’ 5025 pg52)she much prefers to heal the malingerers (she means the Sick!). Once per turn she may use the syringe of Jollop(if within 5cm of the character) to restore ONE WOUND to them; this may nottake them above their maximum original number of wounds. She may also use a second lot of ‘drainpipejollop’ on enemy characters in the same fashion which automatically reducesthem to a prone vomiting mess for 1D3 turns upon a successful meleeattack. With this profile she costs 39Points. Her uniform is a right carry onand is composed of a dark blue dress with white apron and headwear (which has ared cross upon it), she has black boots and her syringe is gun metal in colour.

UNCLE ROGIPOOS (SPECIAL UNIT OFFICER SET) (80 POINTS)

In Slaughterloo the entire VLE10 set of three miniaturesis deployed as one entity using the special rules presented here.

Jollop, Jam andJapes!: Adding these three to any Albion Orc orJoccian Ratman unit of Line or Militia troops gives a bonus as follows. The Form rating of the unit is increased by+1, the unit may increase its Defence Factor rating by +1 for one named turnand each time a miniature is removed from the unit roll 1D6 on a result of 6the Jollop has restored them to health and the miniature is not removed.

UM002 USE ME 15mm Fantasy laid up for printing

2010-11-04T12:55:00.001Z

UM002 Cover

Hello Everyone,

Some news from 15mm.co.uk on the next title in the USE ME (Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements) system range. As already announced on the blog the next title will be UM002 a High Fantasy 15mm version of the rules. This is a very exciting development as USE ME 15mm Science Fiction has become the fastest selling title 15mm.co.uk has released in the last two years and many gamers have asked for a Fantasy version of the rules that could do all they needed.

While more information will be out at the time of release later this year I can say that UM002 is now complete and laid up for printing. You can see the cover of the book in this posting. This version of USE ME covers Skirmishes, Battles, Campaigns and also includes much Off Table Support Options and a Magic System plus character types for Infantry, Cavalry, Creatures, Monsters, Titans, Artillery and Personalities. Personalities allow Command, Magicians, Heroes, Clerics and others.

The battle level version of the rules that takes you from Skirmish with single characters up to massive battles with formations of twenty to forty miniatures a time using an innovative 'Command Three' mechanic unique to the game.

Its a cracking system and I would like to thank those who playtested it both inhouse and out there in the big wide world. Special mentions to Elton Waters, Bob Minadeo and Gianmatteo Tonci.

More information when the time comes.

Gavin.

Oi! You Bog Orc...what's yer name lad!

2010-11-01T13:36:00.001Z

Hello Everyone,

Its not often at Alternative Armies that a recruit arrives and we know not his name...but today is such a day. An upcoming miniature release for Flintloque the Skirmish that was not on any design schedule, not asked for by players, not planned at all but was instead the end result of some sculpting inspiration!

Below you can see this miniature in all its glory. What can be certainly assured is that he is male, he is a Bog Orc of Guinalea, he is wearing Albion Orc Infantry uniform for a Private and he is carrying a Bessie Musket. Beyond this....nothing.

Who Am I?

See me Back!

What I want to know...WHO IS HE!!!!

Is he;

1. A Private in the 62nd Foote?

2. A newly arrived deserter in the ranks of Obidiahs Army?

3. Is he a friend of the legendary Foul Mouth Freddie?

4. Is he the well known revolter Miorcy O'Flynn spiker of drinks and heads?

Suggestions welcome!

Comment here or on the Notables Yahoo Group.

I welcome all ideas and the winner will get a casting of this miniature for free!

My Ears are Open!

Gavin.

SHM 15mm Cyborg Enslavers at 15mm.co.uk

2010-10-29T18:45:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone,

In this second posting about the first nine miniatures in the SHM 15mm range we are looking at the brand new Cyborg Enslavers. These machine filled humans are perfect for the Cyborg Enslavers in Alien Squad Leader 2.0 or as foes in your games of USE ME 15mm Science Fiction.

Half man and half machine these drones do the bidding of the machine masters, the queen of the hive, the controller of the souless cybermind....

SHM Cyborg Enslavers - Group Picture

There are several codes for these miniatures and each can be bought as singles HERE priced at £0.35 each.

Here are some single images of the miniatures.

SHM03 Cyborg Enslaver

SHM04 Cyborg Enslaver

SHM05 Cyborg Enslaver

SHM06 Cyborg Enslaver in Power Armour

SHM07 Cyborg Enslaver with Support Weapon

These designs are by Steve Hazuka and were painted by Mark Taylor.

Thanks for reading,

Gavin.

SHM 15mm Sci-Fi Releases at 15mm.co.uk

2010-10-29T18:35:00.002+01:00

Hello Sci-Fi Fans!

The brand new SHM 15mm Range at 15mm.co.uk has some goodies for fans of 15mm scale science fiction wargaming, for those who play Alien Squad Leader 2.0 or USE ME 15mm Science Fiction. You can find all of the miniatures in this posting HERE for sale as singles allowing you to tailor your forces to your exact gaming needs.

Here we are going to look at half of the new SHM releases with the other half in another following posting.

SHM01 Snake Alien with Energy Pistol

SHM02 Human Bounty Hunter with Pistol

SHM08 Young Wilthingian

SHM09 Wilthingian with Heavy Energy Rifle

These miniatures were designed by Steve Hazuka and painted by Mark Taylor.

Thanks for reading!

Gavin.

The SHM 15mm Range Launched at 15mm.co.uk

2010-10-29T18:23:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone!

Latest news from 15mm.co.uk is that the rumoured SHM 15mm Range is now a reality with the first nine miniatures now online in their own section of that great website for wargamers. What is the SHM range you ask, well let me tell you.

Every now and again an aspiring designer will come along to Alternative Armies or 15mm.co.uk and ask if they can have a commission for some new designs. Often the answer is no, simply because of resources, schedules and other commitments. Those who know will realise though that AA and 15mm.co do their best to give new talent a chance and will often commission designs for their ranges knowing the miniatures may not be best sellers. This is done to give new talent a chance and to get these novice designers some experience.

However lately, in 2010, its come to the attention of 15mm.co.uk that something more was needed and this is the SHM range. ANY aspiring sculptor can send in 'greens' and once enough are collected they will get master molded and assuming all is well they will be released. This gives designers and their often unusual designs a chance to reach the wider wargame market at no cost to themselves (and net a bag of their miniatures for free too!).

The first nine designs in this range are now online and will be shortly detailed here on the blog. You can see them all HERE. Or go directly to 15mm.co.uk and choose the SHM Range button on the left. Single minatures at £0.35 each or more (if larger or more complex).

Have a look, you just might like this new talent which has been given a chance which many other makers simply will not give.

If you are an aspiring designer looking for an opening into the market then drop them a line HERE and ask about the SHM range.

Thanks for reading.

Gavin.

Reviewing Wargames on HOF 15mm Octopods

2010-10-28T14:30:00.001+01:00

Hello Everyone,

The excellent fellow Germy over at Reviewing Wargames has put up his fair and independent review of the HOF59 Octopod Command pack from 15mm.co.uk's own HOF science fiction range.

Read this great review HERE.

To see all of the Octopods CLICK HERE. For single castings CLICK HERE.

We hope to get more material reviewed on this website in the future and if we do then we will let you all know. Its for a good cause too as all reviewed items are placed on Ebay for auction with the proceeds for charity. Everyone wins!

Thanks for reading.

Gavin.

Work underway on USE ME 15mm Fantasy system

2010-10-18T12:40:00.001+01:00

Hello Barkers,

I can now confirm that work is well underway on the second title in the USE ME (Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements) series of rule sets. Following up on the success and acceptance of UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction rules 15mm.co.uk is developing; USE ME 15mm Fantasy.

Based on the core mechanics of the science fiction version of USE ME the Fantasy version will be able to cover Skirmishes, Battles, Campaign and Solo play. Using a variation on the mechanic to combine single characters up into formations of ten to fifty miniatures. Also included will be magic, monsters, titans, artillery, healers, heroes and much more.

We promise that this version of the USE ME mechanic will entertain and give fantasy players a very versitile system that can cover anything from five a side fist fights to several hundred a side pitched battles.

More information is to come and internal playtesting is about to begin.

(Above you can see HOT91 Orc Command, view it HERE )

If you are interested in getting more information about this set of rules please email Alexander Scott HERE and ask to be put on the 'USE ME 15mm Fantasy list' and he will do the rest for you.

Thanks for reading.

Gavin Syme.

A Winner for the Notables 3rd Painting Competition!

2010-10-13T09:38:00.000+01:00

Hello Barkers,

Last night the week long poll on the Notables Yahoo Group ended with a winner being decided by common vote among group members in the 3rd Notables Flintloque painting competition.

With 60% of the vote entry number five was triumphant and that entry belonged to long time Flintloque fan Mr Tony Harwood from England. Here is a picture of his winning entry.

Mr Harwood gets the glory, the fame and a prize for his efforts.

A special mention to the other four entrants, well done on your own efforts too. Better luck next time.

You can read more about the winning entry on Mr Harwood's own blog HERE.

Regards,

Gavin.

FREE Optional Additional Mechanics for USE ME

2010-10-11T12:43:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone,

I have created four pages of FREE ADDITIONAL MECHANICS for use with UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction game system from 15mm.co.uk. As promised these rules are NOT needed to play but do add something for players who wish to use some of or all of them in their own settings for play.

Here is a list of all the subjects covered in these four pages;

What Are Optional Additional Mechanics

Close Combat Specialisation

Anti-Vehicle Specialisation

Psionic Specialisation

Characters Firing for Supression in Play

No Additional Mechanic for Firing into Melee

Firing Non Lethal Rounds in USE ME

Civilians and Random Movement in USE ME

Optional Morale System

2D6 Integrated Morale System

The Hive Mind and Non Sentient Aliens in USE ME

Weather Effects in USE ME

Here are hi-rez 300dpi A4 sized images of the pages. Click on each of them and have a read, you can save them or print them from your computer.

I am open to suggestions for more FREE optional advanced rules for USE ME and already have three more bits of mechanics in development.

You can also discuss and download these pages as a PDF from the Notables Yahoo Group in the USE ME folder in the FILES section. Join Now!

USE ME, one of the most fun, easiest and affordable rule sets on the market today at only £3.50 for the book.

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment.

Gavin Syme

(Author of USE ME and editor of Barking Irons magazine)

AAR on USE ME on Kings Sleep Blog!

2010-10-11T11:54:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

Latest news in from 15mm.co.uk, another excellent look at the USE ME 15mm science fiction game system, this time on the Kings Sleep wargame blog run by Andrew a fan of the game and 15mm sci-fi in general.

This After Action Report focuses on the use of the USE ME rules onboard a spaceship called the Titan which is mapped out in a one inch square grid. That's right USE ME played as a skirmish on a grid on a spaceship...far out...but did it work?

The answer is yes and in a detailed turn by turn account along with some great pictures of the game Andrew takes us all through the action ending by saying; 'Buy These Rules, they are fun!'.

You can read all about it HERE on the Kings Sleep blog and also checkout the posting before that one for an account of building the Titan spaceship.

Thanks for Reading.

Gavin.

VOTE NOW in the 3rd Notables Group Competition

2010-10-05T17:40:00.002+01:00

Hello Barkers!

This just in from the Notables Yahoo Group. HERE

This is all under message 11118# and details a competition now underway which every member of the group is able to vote once upon. Read on for more!

Gavin

Hello Notables,

The poll is open and the competition is now underway!

There are five entries, numbered one to five. Go to the Group and then to the FILES section and the top folder named 'AA Notables', inside this folder are five PDF's download them and have a read and a look.

Once you have decided which one is your favourite remember its number and then go to the POLLS part of the group and cast your ONE vote for your chosen entry. Numbers one to five match the entries. The poll closes about 8pm on Tuesday 12th October 2010 and then the results will be posted to the group.

The winner will get fame, celebrity (of the AA kind!) and a prize from my very own swop drawer that contains items many Flintloque gamers would kill for!

Please do your part as a member of this group which takes up a lot of my free time and for these five fellows who have spent weeks getting entries ready and cast your vote. It will only take a couple of minutes.

Notable's Review of USE ME 15mm Sci-fi rules

2010-10-03T13:38:00.002+01:00

Hello All,

So that you can all read it I have pasted in here a transcript of Notables Yahoo Group message number 11065#. Its a short review of UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction rules by member Omer Golan-Joel. You can find the original HERE Enjoy! Gavin.

I came across USE ME (which stands for Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements) (http://www.15mm.co.uk/USE_ME_15mm_Sci-fi_wargame_rules.htm) quite accidentally, while checking the 15mm.co.uk site for new miniature releases. However, as I am quite interested in fast, rules-light games - both RPGs and wargames - USE ME caught my attention, especially since it seemed as a promising candidate for a mean through which I could introduce my spouse (already and RPGer) to tabletop wargaming. Also, the price was right: 6 UK Pounds including shipping, which is about $10; so, even if I would've ended up with a ruleset I didn't like, the risk of purchasing it wasn't THAT significant. So I ordered it.

I've received USE ME three days ago and read through it. This is a tiny, thin booklet of 32 A6 pages, out of them the basic rules take only 14 pages (introduction included!). And the rules are as simple as promised on the site, using only a single d6 for each roll and having a very small number of tables. I've already memorized most of the rules, except for some of the modifiers, but for that I've created a quick-reference sheet which fits nicely on an A5 page.

The rules themselves are very simple and straightforward. Each unit (called "character" in USE ME) has a type (infantry, light vehicle, heavy vehicle or super-heavy vehicle), a weapon type (sidearm, rifle etc) and an ELAN rating. The latter (ELAN) is a simple rating going from 1 (bad) to 6 (great) denoting the character's overall quality - encompassing things such as training, morale and so on into a single digit. ELAN influences a lot of things in USE ME, but first and foremost the order in which units are activated - they are activated from the highest ELAN to the lowest, with initiative (1d6 vs. 1d6) determining which side can activate first at each ELAN rating present on the table. Characters can act twice per activation, and can choose freely between action types for each action (for example, move and shoot, shoot and move, move and melee, shoot twice or move twice), with double actions of the same kind (e.g. shotting twice) incurring a minor penalty. Note that all unit types - infantry to super-heavy tanks - use essentially the same rules in this game, which is a good thing.

Ranged combat is simple as well - the attacker rolls 1d6 (plus or minus modifiers for ELAN, range and so on), and if the modified result is 4 or more the shot hits. If it hits, an opposed roll of 1d6 by the attacker vs. 1d6 by the defender is rolled for penetration, modified by the attacker's weapon and the defending unit's type; units can also be armoured for added protection. Depending on the penetration roll, the target could be unaffected, winged (i.e. lightly wounded), struck (i.e. severely wounded) or killed outright. The two wound types can be marked with markers placed on the table next to the miniature or on its base. Melee uses the same procedure, but hits are automatic (i.e. you only roll for penetration) and the defender gets a free counter-attack.

Characters could also be grouped into squads, which makes their activation, movement and targeting a bit simpler when using a large number of miniatures in the same scenario. Squads have a squad leader, and all movement and targetting uses the squad leader instead of measuring the distances for each and every member of the squad.

Simple rules for off-table support (including ortillery, that is, orbital bombardment of your gaming table!), for multi-battle campaigns, for snipers and drop-troops and for solo play. A simple (two A6 pages) point-buy force-building system is also included.

All in all, USE ME feels quite completely, especially when you consider its size. While I haven't tried it out in play yet, I get the feeling that it lives up to its promise of being a simple, fun, straightforward ruleset for miniature games.

There are a few drawbacks to USE ME, however. First and foremost is the lack of any morale system (though ELAN is said to encompass morale, among other things); characters will fight to the death no matter the odds, which is not very realistic unless you're using armies of robots or bugs. Also, the system seems to be geared towards typical, rifle-centric troop engagements, lacking specific rules for more unique weapons such as flamethrowers, submachineguns, shotguns and man-portable rocket launchers. But the good thing is that, with such a basic, generic framework of a system, you could easily solve this problems with a few very simple house rules (e.g. roll under ELAN on 1d6 for morale).

The rules are advertised as being generic sci-fi, but I think that they could be very easily used for any modern (i.e. 1900+), post-apocalyptic or near-future game. I might even be planning a WWII game using these rules, set in Stalingrad!

The bottom line is that if you're looking for a simple, fast, beer-and-pretzels system to have casual wargaming with, USE ME is a perfect match. If you're looking for something more complex and/or realistic and/or simulationist, you should look elsewhere, such as F.A.D (http://www.freewebs.com/weaselfierce/index.htm).

Yours,
omer

USE ME reviews on respected 15mm sci-fi blogs!

2010-10-03T10:55:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

At the tail end of this week as the packages containing copies of the most excellent USE ME 15mm Science Fiction game system were being opened and read by players all over the world I was contacted by two great guys concerning reviews of the game on their own blogs.

I love to read independent reviews of game systems by those who know and love their scales and genre's of wargaming. The Orky 15mm sci-fi blog and Basement Gaming Bunker blog are two such places where chaps who know their stuff give an honest and worth reading opinion on my 'baby' as it were.

I would like to share those reviews with all of you. Below are two links to follow for the reviews.

The Orky 15mm SF Blog

Basement Gaming Bunker Blog

If you would like to know more about USE ME then CLICK HERE

Additionally I am well up for doing more additional FREE material for USE ME to add in extra optional elements in play as some are suggesting. Look to the Notables Yahoo Group for this and of course if you want in just apply or email me direct or post in the comments of this posting.

See you at the Front!

Gavin.

Pro-Painted HOTT 2nd Ed 24AP Armies back at 15mm.co.uk

2010-10-03T10:46:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

Latest buzz from 15mm.co.uk is that due to customer demand they have put their excellent pro-painted, based and ready to play out of the box HOTT armies back on to the website. Below is the HOTT1003 Orc Warhorde 24AP Army.

These 24AP armies give you all you need to play. All of the white metal miniatures are included in the price as are all of the plasti-card element bases plus the hand painting (all done here in Scotland by Alternative Armies team of experienced lady painters!) and the sculpted scenic basing effect applied to the element bases. Superb value for money, for today's busy wargamer who just wants to play!

There are seventeen armies to choose from including Dwarven, Elvish, Undead, Goblin, Orc, Dragonman, Celtic Myth, Elemental and more.

Below is the link to the 15mm.co.uk page. You can get each army Painted & Based or Unpainted with Bases, click on the army you like and select your chosen finish from the option menu on the page.

HOTT 2nd ED 24AP Armies

With the HOTT Rules now online for free this is the time to get in on this classic and very well respected and popular game system.

Oh, and those of you who are customers of 15mm.co.uk who have vouchers from them in your packages those vouchers ARE valid on painted armies...an even bigger saving!

Thanks for reading,

Gavin.

USE ME 15mm sci-fi FREE FILES now on Notables Yahoo Group

2010-10-01T12:24:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

The free folder of files for use with UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction rules system from 15mm.co.uk is now on the Notables Yahoo Group for free download any time.

Also I can announce that Alex Scott at 15mm.co.uk has now successfully send out every single request via email for this folder of free files. Email him (sales@15mm.co.uk) if you wish to get the files via email, asking for 'USE ME free files'.

The zip folder is just over one megabite and contains a lot for you to add to your games;

1. Front and Back covers of the UM001 booklet.
2. What is USE ME?
3. Templates for USE ME Games.
4. Counters for USE ME Games.
5. Blank Force Roster.
6. Example filled in Force Rosters.
7. Free USE ME Scenario for HOF Miniatures.

Get it today and enjoy!

Thanks to all of you from 15mm.co.uk for all your support.

Gavin.

USE ME - Folder of Free Files this Friday!

2010-09-28T14:22:00.002+01:00

Hello Everyone,

With sales of the brand new USE ME 15mm Science Fiction rule system growing by the day (thank you all for your kind words about my work!) over at 15mm.co.uk they have been collecting names and email addresses for the ZIP folder of free files promised in the booklet and online.

I have been informed that they have cleared their server so that the mailing out the zip folder to those who asked for it can commence from Thursday morning of this week and that by Friday all direct emails to 15mm.co.uk will have been answered.

Additionally the USE ME free folder will be posted up onto the Notables Yahoo Group on Friday where it can be downloaded for free anytime. This yahoo group is now also the place to ask the writer of the rules any questions you might have in your games using the rules.

If demand asks for it there may well be additional scenarios and optional rules placed in the Barking Irons magazine or even for free on the Notables Group or here.

For more information on the game system CLICK HERE.

To view and apply to join the Notables Yahoo Group CLICK HERE.

Regards,

Gavin.

USE ME 15mm Sci-Fi Rules - Now Released!

2010-09-16T09:04:00.006+01:00

Hello Everyone,

The pocket sized powerhouse rules set that is USE ME 15mm science fiction has been released today! We present a special posting with a good look at the game from every angle plus some images from the book of pages to give you a feel for it. Its a super little set of rules which can be used for any sci-fi or near future setting and I am really proud of it too! Read on below and at only £3.50 its a bargain too!

UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction
(A6 Booklet, 32pp, Colour Covers, ISBN and Barcode) £3.50

CLICK HERE

USE ME means 'Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements' and this system delivers just that. Tactically challenging, easy to learn and for any age of wargamer interested in ANY science fiction or near future setting. From skirmish to full battles, games last from five minutes to an hour. Play in your lunch break or in the evening when the idea of a really complex system with a long set up time really does not appeal. Pick up any of your sci-fi miniatures and vehicles and get playing in minutes. This complete rules system is printed in A6 format which is a booklet which will fit in your pocket (110mm by 180mm) making it truly portable as well as fantastic value for your money. USE ME is just that...its for you!

I would like to tell you all something of the origins of what became the USE ME system for miniature wargaming; it will give you an insight into why we decided to publish the system for others to make use of as well as for our own use. A few years ago when 15mm.co.uk was still in its infancy the lads at Alternative Armies decided to play some 15mm games (sci-fi, fantasy and some renaissance scenarios too) to get us used to and into the whole scale and feel of 15mm miniatures. We did not have any rule systems of our own to use for this scale or settings and though we looked at some of the other systems out there, with a view of getting one or two in to try, we decided in the end not to. Not because we only wanted to play our own rules, far from it. I have played over thirty different games that I had no hand in designing. Rather it was due to the fact that we were all knackered (read this as 'beat' if you are American!) and we wanted something easy, something super fast, something generic and something that we could learn in five minutes and get a game in when we had twenty minutes spare. Oh and some of us wanted a system that was open enough for our children or total new comers to the hobby to be able get into and not be scared off by. I drafted up the original concepts and soon we were lasering, lightening bolting and glorifying ourselves with a lot of satisfaction. Over time this original draft was tinkered with and other variants produced for other settings and scales until back in May 2010 it was suggested to me that we might want to let others in on this 'secret' engine that our own lads were using for just about anything that wasn't Flintloque, Firefight 2.0 or Alien Squad Leader 2.0. I agreed and here we are.

The USE ME game system. You will need some miniatures, some terrain and a few six sided dice (D6's) to play the game. This is not much and indeed most of the time everything in play needs only 1D6 roll to make a decision. In the game all miniatures and vehicles are de-marked into of CHARACTERS (from Infantry to Vehicles, to Flyers and everything else) and these into TYPES which allow you to create anything you want in science fiction with a few tables of TYPES with points costs attached.

The Turn Sequence of the game follows a simple path of firstly the Initiative Phase where all players roll 1D6 and the highest roll wins the initiative for the turn (important later on!). Then the main part of the turn, the In Play Phase where all characters in the game are activated not by the side upon which they fight but by their Elan Rating. This means better troops and vehicles move and fight before poorer quality troops and vehicles and within each Elan banding from 6 to 1 activation begins with the initiative holding player. When activated each character can choose TWO actions, these include move, ranged fire, melee, hunker down, special action, unique action. The character may choose two different actions OR the same one twice with a modifier; very flexible in battle. Ranged fire and melee are based on opposed single D6 rolls with modifiers for troop type and weapon ratings. This super fast system results in targets being Killed, Struck or Winged by attacks. Killed removes them from play while the other two results negatively effect their further performance in the game. The hunker down action allows characters to take cover against attack while special actions cover those things detailed in the USE ME Advanced Rules and unique actions are created when needed for a scenario.

In small games of USE ME every character acts on its own, this is a skirmish, but in larger games a simple mechanic allows you to combine three to ten characters into one SQUAD which then acts under its leader in play. All actions for squads are no more complex than for single characters. In this fashion you can go from ten miniatures a side to one hundred in ten squads and have a battle that takes only a fraction more time to play.

The USE ME advanced rules. The core game is easy to grasp and provides what is needed for play but we have also included some extra material for players to use if they so wish. These are covered firstly in the Off Table Action Phase and cover long range artillery support, high level air support and orbital support too. They also cover the insertion of drop troops on to the table. Secondly a page of Special Actions are given which for an additional cost you can apply to your chosen characters. Energy Shields, Auto Repair, Sniper and Hero class are all there to make the character a bit more resilient in play.

After the USE ME game finishes. Most of the time you will want to play a quick game, cause some carnage and send a lot of little metal men to their dooms. But it need not be the end if you want to carry on. USE ME has mechanics in it for updating your Force Roster (with your troops on it from the game just finished) to see what happened to those characters who were Struck or Winged in play to see if they recover in time for the next encounter. This makes rolling those dice nail biting and really important for the next scenario. Plus you can make a second lot of rolls for any characters Killed in play to see if a slim chance of them rejoining your forces for the next game. A simple system for linking games together follows and then a page containing narrative approaches to forming a whole campaign and ideas of how to do it. The end of the game on the table is just the start.

Playing USE ME on your Own. In the last few years the importance of solo play wargaming has grown into being a central tenant of many game systems. With this in mind, especially for this game which is fast and quick to play, we decided to import and adapt the excellent solo bolt on mechanics from Flintloque 3rd edition published by Alternative Armies. This solo play bolt on allows you to play as the attacker or defender with ratings for Aggressive, Neutral or Defensive opponents combined with simple guides to the sorts of behaviour that any character type will adopt when attacked or making an attack. This adds up to a game where playing solo is easy and fun no matter what kind of mission you have in mind.

The Endless Settings of USE ME. One of the core ideas for this game system was to make it capable of carrying out skirmishes, battles and campaigns in ANY science fiction or near future setting allowing players to import any and all of their own ideas or those from Books, Television or Film into play. The character types table allows you to set your miniatures, your ideas, your setting to the game with little trouble. Just choose the Elan Rating, the Weapons, the Movement rates etc for each of your miniatures and vehicles and fill out a force roster with their names and statistics; as simple as that. Vast future cities, interstellar wars, post apocalyptic nightmares and all else between USE ME can do them all.

USE ME is a pocket rule system that does not pretend to be anything else. Its fast, its fun and its affordable. With many rule systems these days taking themselves far too seriously and with some being priced at an amount that makes purchasing them a long term goal for most of us USE ME gives you what it promises and in a format that will make you smile. Try it, you might want to USE ME yourself!

CLICK HERE

CONTENTS OF PRODUCT:

USE ME contains a lot of material in its little pages, enough for some cracking single games, linked games, campaigns and even solo play too.

Here is a run down of just what you get in the booklet.

Frontis Page Introduction & Contents What you Need to Play The USE ME Rules pg The USE ME Advanced Rules Character Types and Costs Tables Miniatures and Templates Force Rosters After and Between Games Linked Games and Campaigns USE ME Solo Play add on HOF Miniature Range Listing Laserburn Range Listing Free Resources Listing and Code

MINIATURE RANGES SUITABLE FOR PRODUCT:

The USE ME 15mm Science Fiction rules can be used with any suitable range of 15mm scale miniatures however we recommend that you look at our own science fiction ranges. These include the HOF 15mm Science fiction range of more than sixty packs of high quality miniatures and the classic Laserburn range which features over one hundred different humans, aliens and vehicles.

PROMOTION FOR PRODUCT:

When you purchase a copy of USE ME 15mm Science Fiction from 15mm.co.uk you get access to two brilliant promotions. Here are the details.

Firstly this booklet qualifies for our specially discount MAGAZINE postage rate world wide. If you order only this booklet (no other books or miniatures) then you can select magazine for your shipping region and pay only £1.00 postage (UK and Europe) or £2.50 (USA and ROW). All non UK orders are by airmail too! Secondly when the booklet is in your hands turn to its back page and your can gain access to the following. Firstly an email to get a free folder of resources in PDF form for the game (Force Roster, Templates, Counters, Sample Scenario and Force Lists). Secondly a promotional code to use on the 15mm.co.uk website which will get you not only 5% off your next order from us but also included in that order will be a free casting of the Zidhe soldier pictured on the booklet cover (worth £0.35).

How is that for value on a rule system priced at only £3.50! Get your copy today!

28mm High Fantasy - Legions of the Dead

2010-09-14T12:45:00.007+01:00

Brains...want fresh Brains!

Well that's enough about my own burnout for today at least ( joke!) but this week at Alternative Armies its all about the Undead with codes released into the High Fantasy range which is excellent for players of DarkeStorme and all other 28mm scale fantasy systems.

Legions of the Dead

VNT10 Zombies.
A great pack of useful poses to build up a horde of the living dead.

Above is code VNT11 Zombies II.
A second pack of the shambling dead which adds even more poses to your legions.

The Eternal Guard code VNT12.
An Undead Mage, Skeletal Champion and Zombie standard and musician

VNT13 Skeletal Warriors.
The core of any warband or battle unit of skeletons.

VNT14 Skeleton Archers.
Put some extra holes in the enemy with these bone bowcasters!

VNT15 Skeleton Polearms.
Spears, Axes and attitude; these lads have them all!

VNT16 Skeleton Command.
Perfect for leading any group of the above miniatures into battle.

All of these packs are £8.00 (for five) or £6.00 (for four) or just £1.75 each because of course with this range you can choose to buy the whole pack or any amount of any of the poses from it; total flexibility (unlike the Undead!) for you to choose from. All the miniatures are supplied with a plastic round base included.

Thanks for reading!

Gavin.

The Dead Walk - Latest Painted Miniatures!

2010-09-14T12:32:00.005+01:00

Hello Barkers,

Just out now on the Alternative Armies website are the latest additions to the Pro-Painted ranges in 28mm scale High Fantasy miniatures. For use with DarkeStorme or with any other fantasy wargame or roleplay system these miniatures are excellent value and really useful.

This time is the turn of the Zombies...arrgh, moan, shuffle...bite!

Above you can see two sets of Zombies in classic poses, shuffling, moaning and ready for endless war. Also the bottom image shows an Eternal Guard command set which has an Undead Mage, a Skeletal Champion and Zombie command figures. Very useful sets these.

Each of these packs can be bought as a complete set or you can select any miniature from them and order it as a single or in any amount you wish. At only £4.00 each or five for £18.00 they are super (the price includes not only the metal casting at £1.75 but also the plastic base and the paint job and the sculpted basing effect too!) and I am considering a warband for DarkeStorme this month as I have little time for painting at present.

CLICK HERE to go to the page and check them out.

Thanks for reading!

Gavin.

USE ME 15mm Sci-Fi System – Released Later this week

2010-09-13T11:32:00.003+01:00

Hello Barkers,

Latest intel from 15mm.co.uk just in this Monday morning is that the USE ME game engine series will be beginning with the following title released later this very week.

UM001 USE ME 15mm Science Fiction
(£3.50, A6 Format, 32pp, Colour Covers, IBSN + Barcode)

There are many systems on the market for 15mm science fiction wargames all with a lot to offer but this little fellow offers you something that is rare these days. That is a fun, fast, easy system which is totally generic. In a size that will fit in your pocket, at a price which is extremely affordable. Not only rules for the game but also linkage mechanics and full campaign mechanics too.

Look to THIS posting from back in July here on the BI Blog for more on the origins of USE ME.

Using only 1D6 and capable of fielding any troops the engine in this game is very robust and suitable for 8-80 year olds, but its mainly aimed at gamers who want to play anything from a skirmish with ten a side to a full battle in 15mm scale in anything from five minutes to an hour.

The book will be going on sale at 15mm.co.uk on Thursday 16th September 2010 and around that time I will be putting up a full posting looking at the contents of the book and some looks at pages along with telling you just what you will get from this pocket sized fighter.

Thanks for Reading!

Gavin.

The Whyte Revolt - Part Two

2010-09-10T12:36:00.002+01:00

Hello All,

Today sees the second part of the brilliant free Whyte Revolt arc for Flintloque right here on the blog.

You can navigate to it by clicking on the page link called Whyte Revolt at the top of the blog or by clicking HERE.

The second part of the adventure arc is a scenario, a scenario which sees the newly created whytes trying to escape from their prison and out into the snowy vastness of the Witchlands. Will they succeed or will the Vampyre and his minions sent to stop them succeed?

Enjoy the second part and post any comments you might have here.

Regards,

Gavin.

The Laying on of Walls

2010-09-03T19:40:00.007+01:00

Hello Barkers,

As I have some time at the moment (with other company business keeping me in late this evening) I thought I would share something that is on my desk which has been on the go for several months without getting very far!

Those of you with good taste who play Flintloque will already have a copy of the new Grapeshotte 3rd edition book, you can find details HERE if you do not, and you will see in it that the subject of sieges is covered. This allows your section of characters to take part in, among other things, breaches, walls, towers, artillery and of course mines.

I have been wanting to put on a reasonable sized two or three player game set in the shadow of the wall of a mighty fortress in Catalucia, perhaps of Badjobz itself. To do this I need some miniatures and characters along with a scenario. I have these. But I also need some fortifictions.

The kind I have in mind will result in something like this....

So to go about fashioning my scenario (which may end up in Barking Irons magazine or even as the demo game at Salute 2011!) I need some walls and other parts of a fortification.

The typical fortification looked like this during the Napoleonic wars....

As you can see the walls are flat faced, tall and thick as well as being made of stone. This presents quite a challenge in 28mm scale for any wargamer as the resultant scenics to depict it on the table can be really heavy or simply bespoke which though impressive makes changing their use rather difficult. So I thought of a little hobby that I personally have had over the years and that is paper modelling.

Mike White (rules author of Flintloque 3rd edition) is a fan of paper modelling for vehicles and such in 28mm scale while I prefer to use it for items that are too tough or time consuming to make from white metal or sometimes even resin or foam...i.e buildings.

So I looked about for what could be had by way of fortress walls, towers and such from the jolly old internet and I round some files that suit the purpose very well indeed. See below...

These parts are from heavy paperstock and in 28mm scale so they stand about a foot tall which is perfect. I think I need about five sections of wall, three towers and perhaps a gatehouse if the scenario demands it. The paper models can be had for free from the internet, let me know if you would like the web address for them.

I have a cracking set of Joccian Engineers that are just crying out to undermine this wall and reduce it to 'mache' (I mean rubble of course!). The set can be seen HERE.

If you lot are interested I can certainly let you all know how its going when I have more time to work on it.

Gavin.

Lesser Goblins now in 28mm High Fantasy range

2010-09-03T16:46:00.004+01:00

Hello Barkers,

Its been a wait of two weeks for some of us but the brilliant KC1 Lesser Goblins pack is now on the Alternative Armies website and is out to buy! Click on the image above to make it larger.

The pack contains eleven little goblinoids armed with a mix of sword, sword and shield or spear and what is great is that there is a whole host of different poses meaning almost all of them are different! Each stands approx 12mm in height making them knee height on the fearsome Mountain Orcs in pack code KC2.

These miniatures have been off the market for many years and are fondly remembered by a lot of wargamers who have been customers of Alternative Armies since the 1990's.

Your Orcish army needs a horde of these little blighters as fodder for Elven or Human troops and at only £6.00 a pack they are super value.

You can see them HERE.

Thanks,

Gavin.

Painted Releases from Alternative Armies

2010-09-03T16:33:00.007+01:00

Hello Barkers,

Its friday once more and this time we have a couple of postings but first up is the second lot of pro-painted fantasy releases in 28mm scale from Alternative Armies. Its a real treat this time as we can see some of the last lot of 28mm fantasy releases now as finished miniatures for use right onto the table out of the box they come in!

As always you can learn more on the Alternative Armies website by clicking HERE and then browsing the sub-sections by racial type.

Below are images, click on them to make them larger along with the codes and titles. At an average of only £4.00 per miniature (that includes not only the casting itself but also the painting, the base and the sculpted basing effect as well) these are superb value and adorn my own gaming table at home (three small children prevent much painting!).

As before you can buy the whole pack or select singles in any quantity from it. This is very useful as it allows you (or me in this case) to get one pack of 95519 Mountain Orcs and then to add eight more mixed of the Sword and Spear armed warriors in that code to make up a full warband for DarkeStorme.

95522 Orc Artillery (3)

95519 Mountain Orcs (6)

KC2 Mountain Orcs (3)

KC1 Lesser Goblins (11)

Thanks for looking.

Gavin.

Introducing a new Barking Irons writer

2010-09-03T08:51:00.004+01:00

Hello Everyone,

The next issue of the Barking Irons magazine (BI No 3) will see the first article in print written by Mr Gregory Rumbles of Nevada, USA. He joins our esteemed ranks with some science fiction missions for Firefight 2.0, Alternative Armies 28mm system set in the Ion Age.

With a real feel for the mechanics of the unique Firefight 2.0 game Mr Rumbles has beaten several other contributors into print for the game with a series of loosely linked missions set in the streets of Zone 17 on wartorn Bosworth IV. Each of the missions can be played on its own or linked up into a campaign.

Each of Greg's missions features a moral or political choice to be made by the players which sets these missions apart from the more standard fare already out for Firefight 2.0. Will squads switch sides, can buildings be demolished in play, are the vaults of future banks secure? All this and more.

So look out for 'Check Point Charles' in the next issue of the magazine!

Gavin.

The Whyte Revolt - Part One posted

2010-08-27T11:09:00.002+01:00

Hello Barkers,

The first installment of the series of free articles that make up the Flintloque arc the 'The Whyte Revolt' is now on the Barking Irons blog for you to read and enjoy!

You can find it by clicking on the 'Free Flintloque' page button at the top of the blog of by clicking HERE.

The first part sets the scene giving you some introduction fiction and an account of the early lead up to the Whytes and their Revolt.

The next part will come along soon. Keep on reading the blog.

Regards,

Gavin.