Lizardmen army for Battlelore version 0.8

G’day guys,

Just letting you all know that based on playtesting and feedback I have made some changes to the document, which are listed below:

* Marsh Dweller ability replaced with At One With Nature to help balance out the entire army in CTA play

* Rarity designations given to each unit to help form a composition of the army.

I am currently working on a set of CTA cards to help you field a Lizardmen army in CTA play. Once this is all balanced, I will bring in the racial heroes.

Feedback and comments really help this project move forward, so I’m very eager to hear your thoughts.

The file is available here: LIZARDMEN ARMY FOR BATTLELORE VERSION 0.8

Cheers,
Ben.

Using Lizardmen in Battlelore – Version 0.7 rules

G’day guys,

I must admit I’ve let this blog lapse a bit since all the really exciting movement on my Rise of the Occulites games. You may have seen the photos of the greens over here: http://www.riseoftheocculites.wordpress.com – The figures are actually winging their way over from the UK to Australia now, so hopefully we’ll see them cast up shortly.

But I thought that the first post back here needed to be something special and so I thought I’d kick it off with some custom rules for using Lizardmen in one of my favourite boardgames – Battlelore. The rules have seen some playtesting and are version 0.7, but I am looking for some feedback to bring these up to a more uniformly balanced version before adding in the custom heroes rules. Yes that’s right, hero rules that are thematic and specific to the Lizardmen faction, but more on them later. There is no copyright infringement intented. These are simply fan rules.

So please, download them and give them a look and a play. Please let me know what you think. 🙂

Lizardmen in Battlelore

Cheers,
Ben.

Slogging away

It has been very hectic around here lately. I have had reports to write, health issues, finishing up Song of Fur and Buttons, the sale of Nuthin’ But Net to Impact Miniatures and a million and one things on my project list, but I am now on holidays. So I can use this time to relax and recuperate… and get more done on my projects. 🙂

Battlelore Project

Realising that I can use the goblins I bought for the newly released Song of Splintered Lands as well as HOTT, I eagerly dove into painting some more. Here is the result. I was a bit rusty after a long painting break, but I’m happy with how they came out.

Click to enlarge the photo

I also painted up one of the sample Dwarfs that Splintered Light Miniatures sent me with my Goblin order. They are fantastic sculpts and this was a joy to paint. I still need to highlight the tunic more, but wanted to upload the photo with this post.

Rebasing my 10mm stuff for Mass Battle

Now I know alot of people (most that I’ve seen actually) prefer to mount their 10mm figures on 40x20mm bases, all bunched up. I had based all mine that way because it was easier (as the figures came in strips) and that’s how everyone else did it.

But as I was looking at mine the other day, I thought to myself that I didn’t really like that method of basing and I wanted a less crowded base. So I tried it, clipping some 10mm strips apart and rebasing on a 60x40mm base (yes this is huge for 10mm, but I love the effect).

This is how it went.

I simply LOVE the way it ened up and as a consequence, will be basing all my 10mm using this method. For some models, this simply doesn’t work (for example WM Night Goblins) as they are cast too close together, but there are a plethora of minis that are cast seperately or on strips but far enough apart to be separated. Let me know what you think. 🙂

– Ben.

Bits and Bobs

This is just a very small update for the moment as things have been very hectic around here. I really want to get some more painting done so I can post more units up, but so far it has been a little more real life and work related.

Song of Fur and Buttons

Photos continue to be taken for this expansion which is nearing closer to final layout completion each and every day. I was playing around with some photos and I took this one (which I rather enjoyed). The dinosaur is from the Shleich line of dinosaurs and is not retouched in any way. That is the store bought paintjob.

Kermitian Akitsushima – aka Land of the Dragonflies

Kermitian Akitsushima is a game I’ve been working on behind the scenes. Akitsushima is japanese for Land of the Dragonflies and in the game represents the name of an ancient Kermitian sporting field where teams compete to catch the most Dragonflies. The game will use the basic Song of Blades and Heroes mechanics with several twists and minor modifications to help it suit the sporting arena.

The release of this game will depend on the success of Song of Fur and Buttons and may be included if there was ever a Song of Fur and Buttons 2.

Playtesting on the basic game is set to begin in the next week or so, with the campaign rules still being written as we speak.

Fear and Faith Campaign Supplement – Ghost Rangers “Whom Shall You Call?”

This supplement is currently being written as a homage to a certain movies. It will provide rules to play Fear and Faith games set in the Ghost Rangers universe, but will also provide a short 4 scenario mini campaign. Look out for more information shortly.

Battlelore Project

After much debate I’ve chosen my Troll. As cool as the Splintered Light Miniatures one is, its just far too small compared to the other figures to be represented accurately. Remember that this guy has an attack of 6! He needs to be big and menacing. So I chose the Troll from the Warhammer Battle of Skull Pass set. Its a perfect size and looks very intimidating. I’ve just based him on a 40mm washer so I can reuse him for everything from Battlelore to Song of Blades and Heroes to Mighty Armies or HOTT (with a custom base using a holesaw)

Nuthin’ But Net

I have also been writing more material for Nuthin’ But Net, with rules for an All Star Dunk Competition in nearing playtest, in addition to a 3 point competition and the Plantmen team. Alternative team rules are also being worked on, but I don’t know when it will see the light of day. Just know that it is being worked on 😉 I’m particularly excited about the Slam Dunk Competition which plays like a game all of its own.

Well, that turned out to be more info than I was originally going to write, so I hope you found it interesting. Feel free to ask questions or make comments.

– Ben.

Being Sick Isn’t a Picnic… or is it?

Well, I’ve been crook for the last week, so I haven’t got alot done (besides watching lots of Lost, The Muppet Show and Futurama in bed). But I did want to share something on this blog, so am here with an update on Song of Fur and Buttons and my Battlelore Project.

Song of Fur and Buttons

Although I haven’t been able to work on this for the past week, it is almost laid out and the photos are making their way into the book a bit at a time. Below you can see the dreaded Picnic Bears, who have aspirations of not only taking over the Honey Fields, but the whole of the world, one fluffy step at a time. Here you can see them moments before launching their attack against the Colonial/Kermitian alliance in the Swamps near Mozzie Point.

Click to enlarge photo

Battlelore Project

In regards to my Battlelore Project (which I am really enjoying by the way! 🙂 ) I have received my Troll from Splintered Light Miniatures (along with their entire collection of Druid’s Children – bloody brilliant figs!) The Troll is a very cool miniature, but for my Battlelore Project, I think he is too small. What is your opinion? I have provided a photo of it next to the Giant Spider and the Hill Giant. I have also provided a picture of a GW Lord of the Rings Cave Troll with them to show another option. Not sure what to do yet.

Let me know what you think. Thanks.

I will hopefully have more updates over the next week – now I’m off to write some reports! 😦

– Ben.

Look Out! Ostrich Riders!

Well after ordering two of Ebob’s excellent Giant Spiders, it was time for some more painting.

I polished off the second unit of Goblin Slingers and then put together the paint scheme for my Ostrich Riders. I’m fairly happy with the result, but there are a couple of touch ups I’d like to do to fix up the model.

The rider here has a throwing javelin I know, but some of the other riders have reflex bows. For the purpose of variety, I’m happy having both in the same unit.

As a side note, all my Goblin Slingers, bar two (one that fled and the other that survived by the skin of his teeth) were destroyed in a recent game of Song of Blades and Heroes. Let’s hope they fair better in Battlelore when I finally get to use them for it! 🙂

If anyone is interested I can post stats for the Battlelore minis to use with SoBH (which is a great way to use them while your slowly painting them up)

– Ben.

Goblin Order Received! Let the Games Begin!

Just another quick update on my Battlelore Upgrade Project.

I received my Splintered Light Goblins Order yesterday. It was packaged well and the sculpts were crisp and look like they will paint up a treat. I’m particularly pleased with the Terror Birds and Hill Giant which are especially great sculpts.

This evening I sat down and glued them all to washers in preperation to be based and undercoated.

Click on the photo to enlarge it. 🙂

So I certainly have my work cut out for me over the next few weeks! 🙂

I also got some samples from their Splintered Lands Dwarf Range. Seriously, these are some of the best Dwarf sculpts going around (I was going to limit that to 15mm, but I think they are that good.)

They are the same height as the Battlelore Dwarfs, but are a bit bulkier in places and smaller in others. SLM have minis to replace all the Dwaf units in the game except Bagpipers, Cowriders and Spearmen. So I can only hope Splintered Light have some spearmen and riders in the making. If they have riders, I can sub in some either Buffalo or Horkuns for their mounts. I know some people (probably most notably Jim) would think that subbing the Dwarf Bagpipe players for Dwarf Hornblowers would be sacralidge, but that may be an option also.

Here is a photo of the scale of the Dwarf minis.

I also placed my Hexon II order yesterday and so they will be on their way over as well. Its all getting very exciting now. 🙂

If anyone has any recommendations for 15mm Humans that will serve as replacements for the Human Battlelore figures, please let me know.

I intend on replacing the Troll figure with either the new Troll figure from Splintered Light Minis

or the Troll figure from Otherworld Minis.

The Giant Spider will be hopefully replaced by Ebob‘s Giant Spider.

No idea on the Earth Elemental yet…

I’ll hopefully update later in the week with some painting. 🙂

– Ben.

One Down… Lots to Go!

This is just a very small update really. But I wanted to share it anyway. 🙂

I finally had some time free today to sit down and paint. I was able to knock out my first Upgraded Battlelore unit – the Goblin Slingers.

Click on the photo for a High Resolution photo

I just need to touch up the banner a bit, not sure on what sort of paint scheme to go with that, but the Slingers as a unit are done. 🙂

I’m really happy with how they came out. They were very enjoyable to paint and took no time at all really.

The way I am going to approach this is one unit at a time. My goal is to complete at least two units a week.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed these guys, thanks for looking!

– Ben.

PS. These little slingers also have their first Song of Blades and Heroes outing next week, so wish them luck 😉

Weasel Clan Goblin Slingers Step by Step

With the 15mm Splintered Light Weasel Clan Goblin Slingers undercoated and ready to go, I needed to devise a colour scheme that I’d be happy with.

I have several Splintered Light Goblins (mainly Bat Clan) around the place that are painted in a Shadow Grey/Blue sort of scheme. I love these guys and was really happy with the scheme, but for my Battlelore set, I wanted to go a little bit more traditional. I’m not sure why, just a feeling. Below you will find a step by step of how I painted my test model and which colours I used. I hope you find it interesting.

• STEP 1: Heavily Drybrush the base Khemri Brown (GW) using a largish brush. I began with the base, so that if I accidently painted over the goblin’s feet, I could touch it up easily. I also gave the body a basecoat using Light Green (Vallejo) using a size 1 brush. I painted the eyes Deep Sky Blue (Vallejo) using a 5/0 brush. After allowing the paint to dry, I gave it a Thraka Green (GW) wash.

• STEP 2: I lightly drybrushed the base with Dheneb Stone (GW) and then, using a 2/0 brush, I painted Scorpion Gree (GW) highlights on the raised parts of the body.

• STEP 3: I cleaned up the eye a little bit and then painted the shin straps, sling and loincloth Khemri Brown (GW).

• STEP 4: Using Dheneb Stone (GW), I highlighted the shin straps, sling and loincloth. I also painted the belt and rock in the sling Charadon Granite (GW)

• STEP 5: Spinning the model around, I began to work on the shield. The shield itself has a raised “hub” in the centre of it which makes it difficult to accurately paint the Battlelore Goblin shield logo onto it. So I improvised and made a slight change (making the raised part the yellow moon) The arc at the bottom of the shield is Gory Red (Vallejo) and the “hub” is Tausept Ochre (GW).

• STEP 6: I highlighted the “hub” using Golden Yellow (GW) and the arc with Bloody Red (Vallejo). I also painted a small star using White (Vallejo)

• STEP 7: I then highlighted the belt and the rock with Khemri Brown (GW) and painted the Weasel cloak with Tausept Ochre (GW), here is the front and back so far.

• STEP 8: Was simply a matter of giving the cloak a wash of Devlan Mud (GW) and lightly flocking the base. It will now get two coats of Matte Varnish and will be ready for play.

CONCLUSION: I’m really happy with how he came out and will be sticking with this paint scheme for all my goblin slingers. The shields will stay the same for all Goblin models, as will the skin colours. All in all, he didn’t take long to paint (especially for a test model). A little over half an hour. For me, on a test model, this is a pretty fast time. To paint the rest of these little guys it won’t take as long as I will employ batch painting techniques. This bascially has you lining up a number of models (in my case probably 8 models) and then completing one section on all the models before moving to the next section. For example, I would start with the skin base colour Light Green (Vallejo) and paint all the models using that and then do the wash on all the models etc…

I hope you have found this interesting/useful. I would love to hear your thoughts or comments/suggestions, so feel free to post here, at TMP or at BGG. 🙂

– Ben.

Some Musings and a Start on the Battlelore Upgrade

MUSINGS

I sat down last night and went through all the miniatures that I needed to get for my Battlelore Upgrade… its alot…

…210 of those miniatures are humans… So I thought that in the spirit of not getting burnt out, I would pace myself. The first miniatures to tackle would be the goblins. I already had a pack of the Splintered Light Weasel Slingers and a couple of others, so I went and ordered a bunch more to complete my Goblin Hoard. David was very accomadating in letting me substitute some riders for the Komodo Dragons and Terror Birds.

In fact, it was suggested to substitute the Light Infantry Bat rider models for use with the Terror Birds – great suggestion.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR GOBLINS

So if you are wanting to attempt this as well, you will need the following (all from Splintered Light Miniatures:

1x Goblin Archer pack (Hobgoblin Archers)

1x Goblin Medium Cavalry on Wolves pack (Hyena Riders)

1x Goblin Wolf Clan Warriors (to use as Red Banner Hobgoblins)

1x Goblin Warriors 1 (Green Banner Infantry)

1x Goblin Warriors 2 (Blue Banner Infantry)

1x Goblin Spears (Goblin Spears)

1x Komodo Dragons (with 6 medium goblin mounts) (Lizard Riders)

1x Terror Birds (with 6 light bat rider goblin mounts) (Ostrich Riders)

1 x Weasel Clan Slingers

Then you need to sort out the Drummers and Band Leader figures. For these I was thinking of using the Goblin Drummers from the Command pack as the regular drummers and then using the Dancing Shaman model as the band leader. I was going to sculpt a large drum that the Shaman can dance on as the Drum leader. When I’ve done this, I’ll be sure to include pics 🙂

MAKING A START

I already had a packet of Weasel Clan Slingers, so got started by basing them.

• I simply cleaned up the model (which took no time as they are great casts) and then super glued it to a 20mm round washer.
• PVA glued some fine ballast down
• Undercoated black
• My next step is to paint them!

Here is a photo of what they look like before undercoating.

A GOOD “BASE-IS” IS IMPORTANT

I quickly whipped up some more bases this morning to get ready for my incoming Goblinoid hordes. I have shown some steps below.

• First, rule up the base from corner to corner and down the middle. Place the 20mm washers in a pleasing arrangement, leaving enough space between them to be cut. Mark the centre of the washers with a pen. This will be the same size as the drill bit (for the hole saws I’m using) You will also need to mark where you want to place your flag.

• Next, drill the holes using your hole saw. I clamp the base down to my bench and then drill the holes. I don’t go right through in one go. I drill about halfway down and then flip the base and finish from the other side. I’ve found that this helps to cut down on splintering or cracking the wood.

• Give the inside of the holes a quick sand to smooth off any rough edges and then glue to a solid base. Use hand clamps at each end to secure them solidly.

• After about half and hour you can take the clamps off and tidy up any excess glue with a stanly knife or matchstick (for in the holes). Use a small drill bit and drill a hole for the flag right through both pieces of wood. Then you can decorate the base however you like. I chose to glue ballast down, undercoat black and then paint and flock, but you can do this however you like.

TESTING THE SIZE OF THE BASE AGAINST THE SIZE OF THE HEXES

I printed off a test hex the size of a Hexon II hex shape and placed the bases over it to gauge how effective it would look. I’m quite happy with it to be honest.

Since being happy with the sizing, I have enquired with Kallistra the cost to order 1 box of Light Brown Hexon II boards and a number of individual hexes. To make up a basic Battlelore board, you need the following:

• 1 box of Hexon II boards (21 boards of which you need 18)
• 5 Individual Hexes

Then of course you need hexes for woods, hills etc… but they can be made easily other ways.

WHAT MINIS FOR THE HUMANS?

The human miniatures are going to be actually more difficult to replace than I first thought. I need 15mm minis for the following:

• Mounted Knights with Sword
• Mounted Swordsmen
• Foot Knights with sword
• Swordsmen on Foot
• Light Infantry on Foot w/swords
• Archers
• Mounted Knights with lance
• Arbalestiers (maybe crossbowmen will be alright for these)
• Spearmen
• Halberdiers
• Hornblowers

If I can’t find some of these (like the hornblowers for example) I can simply cut the existing Battlelore mini off its base and rebase it like so:

This is of course a last resort as I do want to replace them with metal minis, but it will do until I find suitable replacements.

So there you have it, tune in for more progress over the next couple of days. 🙂

– Ben.