tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27831706210310250732024-03-13T11:10:16.776+01:00cianty's Tabletop Wargames BlogThis is where I blog about my wargaming hobby activities - painting and playing with toy soldiers and creating terrain for the tabeltop.ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-2854561431614622802019-10-02T18:38:00.000+02:002019-12-05T10:05:12.516+01:00Island Natives from Firelock Games<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VUM6c_oaEI/XZOHQJvOp0I/AAAAAAAADTQ/L75lcW_lFyUKYhhBxRVHZcEYwsfyGuuqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/jungle%2Bsection.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VUM6c_oaEI/XZOHQJvOp0I/AAAAAAAADTQ/L75lcW_lFyUKYhhBxRVHZcEYwsfyGuuqACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/jungle%2Bsection.png" width="136" /></a><b>Island natives are must when playing adventurous pirate games in the Caribbean. My buddy Jens got some island natives from Firelock Games to form a "crew" of their own.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.firelockgames.com/" target="_blank">Firelock Games</a> released their Island Natives as part of their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/firelockgames/blood-and-plunder-no-peace-beyond-the-line" target="_blank">No Peace Beyond the Line</a> kickstarter campaign last year. The minis arrived some time around April this year and Jens sent them to Poland based painting service <a href="https://www.denofimagination.com/" target="_blank">Den of Imagination</a> to have them painted. As you can see, <a href="https://www.denofimagination.com/gallery/5d232e46a4e60800044251db/5d232e48a4e60800044251dc?quality_ids%5B%5D=56fe32f9a680d8000329cb2a" target="_blank">the results</a> are rather nice:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKDcvM5YzkY/XZCdyPlPMWI/AAAAAAAADRA/8_VoLbRTM6QP-4zIzwPS9_FZmADrW-hHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/big_1403_foto5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKDcvM5YzkY/XZCdyPlPMWI/AAAAAAAADRA/8_VoLbRTM6QP-4zIzwPS9_FZmADrW-hHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/big_1403_foto5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFuXz-NfJ2g/XZCd8050VmI/AAAAAAAADRE/W_iMrjgcnUYOogmVhzKMa_RnNEn4CCiXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/big_1403_foto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFuXz-NfJ2g/XZCd8050VmI/AAAAAAAADRE/W_iMrjgcnUYOogmVhzKMa_RnNEn4CCiXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/big_1403_foto1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkQHpFRIJU/XZCeEMpKqeI/AAAAAAAADRM/t5CF96FH_moIfX8n_1AhaBAIOcpFdQ_5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/big_1403_foto3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJkQHpFRIJU/XZCeEMpKqeI/AAAAAAAADRM/t5CF96FH_moIfX8n_1AhaBAIOcpFdQ_5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/big_1403_foto3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlXGjoAZHN4/XZCeKBglefI/AAAAAAAADRQ/OwkLpz7PXY06VZGo4LAqfFo34PvW8Q_vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/big_1403_foto4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlXGjoAZHN4/XZCeKBglefI/AAAAAAAADRQ/OwkLpz7PXY06VZGo4LAqfFo34PvW8Q_vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/big_1403_foto4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
During our <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2019/09/dogs-ahoy-pirate-campaign-2019.html">recent mini campaign</a> with played a couple of games with the first version of the Caribbean Island Native crew and we were quite happy with how they felt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia6CbK_5kUs/XZDAgrO-H8I/AAAAAAAADRs/vQJJ4h4v7iIxpimY6Srrjs2HEegcR7MdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/natives-preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia6CbK_5kUs/XZDAgrO-H8I/AAAAAAAADRs/vQJJ4h4v7iIxpimY6Srrjs2HEegcR7MdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/natives-preview.png" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneak preview of the Caribbean Natives crew rules</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilkJV-lOXWA/XZC-iy2Q5AI/AAAAAAAADRg/YtaJbVYvuP8BaWyxAc1seYGeo1ADJR_fACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/natives3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1200" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilkJV-lOXWA/XZC-iy2Q5AI/AAAAAAAADRg/YtaJbVYvuP8BaWyxAc1seYGeo1ADJR_fACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/natives3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natives attack a colonial town from the jungle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Update:</b> Some more natives, painted by <a href="https://www.denofimagination.com/gallery/5dde263472e1950004d95db7/5dde263572e1950004d95db8" target="_blank">Den of Imagination</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJP90fc2jYA/XejILMrTEcI/AAAAAAAADUM/gObg09NAh08CC-ZshCQge1_oeno_TVDpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/big_kopia_1596_-_Native_Americans__1_.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="820" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJP90fc2jYA/XejILMrTEcI/AAAAAAAADUM/gObg09NAh08CC-ZshCQge1_oeno_TVDpACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/big_kopia_1596_-_Native_Americans__1_.JPG.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-64036137032829452512019-10-01T19:31:00.000+02:002019-10-01T19:40:48.812+02:00Vauban Fort from More Terrain<b>When it comes to pirate settings Vauban Forts are greatly iconic "buildings". I have been wanting to add such a mighty fortification to my collection of terrain pieces for years. In this post I take a closer look at my recent acquisition: the Vauban Fort from More Terrain.</b><br />
<br />
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RuuMJ7wMTKw/XZJkJ9tAuoI/AAAAAAAADSY/7x0JZ0AsXpIjqdDsortFKbK5q89xPv_pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/fort1a.jpg" style="border: 1px solid black; margin: 0; max-width: 100%; padding: 0;" /><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
A Vauban Fort has been on my to-do list - or let's say - to-have list - for almost as long as I am playing pirate games. However, most products are 3D printer files such as Laser Dream Works' <a href="http://www.laserdreamworks.com/vauban-fortress/" target="_blank">Vauban Fort Series</a> (see <a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1417911458286695&id=171374659607054&refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2FLaserDreamWorks%2Fvideos%2F1417911458286695%2F&_rdr" target="_blank">their video</a>). And did you see Anton Ryzbak's mind-blowing <a href="https://antonswargame.blogspot.de/2017/11/now-all-i-need-is-sixty-six-cannon.html" target="_blank">fort</a>?<br />
<br />
I came across the fort on Facebook and was immediately convinced by the photos. I did hesitate to spend the 195 Euros but in anticipation of our <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2019/09/dogs-ahoy-pirate-campaign-2019.html">pirate campaign</a> I decided to go all in. As is so often the case in our hobby, this seems to have been the right decisions since the fort is now out of stock and who knows if it'll become available again.<br />
<br />
The Vauban Fort is produced by Germany-based company <a href="https://more-terrain.de/en/product/vauban-fort-2-beige/" target="_blank">More Terrain</a>. The model comes painted in two versions: grey and beige. I like the beige one better and I thought it fits my existing buildings better.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lZ1nhfTVG8/XZJDHSaBF9I/AAAAAAAADR4/vm74StPHatwpEXw9RfoL-FpMxT9CKzBMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GGE031-1-1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lZ1nhfTVG8/XZJDHSaBF9I/AAAAAAAADR4/vm74StPHatwpEXw9RfoL-FpMxT9CKzBMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/GGE031-1-1024x1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vauban Fort in all its glory (source: <a href="https://more-terrain.de/en/product/vauban-fort-2-beige/" target="_blank">More Terrain</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The fort is comprised of four corner pieces and four wall sections. It's easy to store and easy to set up. The pieces are mostly made of polystyrene-foam which makes them very lightweight. The towers and door decorations are made of resin (or something similar).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy9_f3Gjlks/XZJEGWKcZWI/AAAAAAAADSA/5KbxgoXl1YEO74sfZtOGDogzCnBQ1huKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/GGE031-2-1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oy9_f3Gjlks/XZJEGWKcZWI/AAAAAAAADSA/5KbxgoXl1YEO74sfZtOGDogzCnBQ1huKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/GGE031-2-1024x1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Components of the Vauban Fort: four corner pieces and <br />
four wall sections (source: <a href="https://more-terrain.de/en/product/vauban-fort-2-beige/" target="_blank">More Terrain</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My only criticism is that there is no way to get up to the walls from the ground floor. You need to add some ladders or build a custom ramp or stairs. I plan to build a staircase similar to what I did with my <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/06/gallows-finished.html">gallows</a>. That'll be a nice little project and it'll be make me feel like I contributed at least a little to the piece besides just purchasing it.<br />
<br />
<br />
We used the fort in a recent game during our 6-day <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2019/09/dogs-ahoy-pirate-campaign-2019.html">pirate campaign</a>. Two pirate crews were storming the fort while the Royal Navy tried to fend them off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGaGcErhhNg/XZCO7xT1sOI/AAAAAAAADPs/aGyilFcC5bUp2gw0WlZVMaoe_R6encuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1500" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGaGcErhhNg/XZCO7xT1sOI/AAAAAAAADPs/aGyilFcC5bUp2gw0WlZVMaoe_R6encuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlYRgM_F-Fw/XZONMZbOXeI/AAAAAAAADTc/BjR_tUKk8-4cd5mdw6yReabltBaUYUuUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1500" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlYRgM_F-Fw/XZONMZbOXeI/AAAAAAAADTc/BjR_tUKk8-4cd5mdw6yReabltBaUYUuUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4b.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was so happy with the entire setup that I decided to recreate it using <a href="https://www.sketch.com/" target="_blank">Sketch</a> (a design tool for digital products which I use every day). I created assets for the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-pirate-buildings-from-games-of.html">Caribbean houses</a>, the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-style-church-from-empress.html">church</a>, <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/12/walls-from-games-of-war.html">walls</a>, <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/02/jungle-terrain-sections-finished.html">jungle sections</a> and - of course - the fort itself. I had planned to do this for a long time. I've been creating more and more assets over the last couple of days and now I am able to properly document the exact setup of the scenarios we play.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSdvrOBUmwU/XZJGbo5OhWI/AAAAAAAADSM/aFu_RL4hTes4MWoDmBo-Wulxh6CDincCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Storming%2Bof%2Bthe%2BFort%2B%25286%2527x4%2527%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSdvrOBUmwU/XZJGbo5OhWI/AAAAAAAADSM/aFu_RL4hTes4MWoDmBo-Wulxh6CDincCACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Storming%2Bof%2Bthe%2BFort%2B%25286%2527x4%2527%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map for the <i>Storming of the Fort</i> scenario setup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In summary, I am very happy with the fort and the gameplay options it offers. Together with the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/11/spanish-fort-by-slug-industries.html">Fort Matanzas</a> model and the two <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/11/battery-by-slug-industries.html">batteries</a> we now have plenty of possibilities for playing all types of scenarios - from small-scale escape missions to epic sieges.<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-16296195480722969722019-09-29T13:13:00.000+02:002019-09-29T16:36:41.930+02:00Dogs Ahoy Pirate Campaign 2019<b>This week we had our half-yearly pirate campaign. At 5 and a half days it has been the longest yet and also one of the most productive ones. Here's a brief summary with some photos.</b><br />
<br />
<h3>
Days 1-2: In the Town</h3>
The first two days saw our crews fighting it out in the town. This is our usual start to allow for collecting treasures to purchase weapons and equipment, hire new crew members (such as the highly popular surgeon and scholar) and - of course - earning experience to improve the characters' skills and earn new abilities.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ye1z2-ZTjM/XZCJrTPLZTI/AAAAAAAADO4/um88il0uY0wEChrWeCREyvm5DZ1DNDabQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1500" height="281" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ye1z2-ZTjM/XZCJrTPLZTI/AAAAAAAADO4/um88il0uY0wEChrWeCREyvm5DZ1DNDabQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MV34qOZCiI/XZCKJ0ignKI/AAAAAAAADPA/ztz3Uj4BW5ApRJqFSOZz3Sb7VSNrwiL5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4MV34qOZCiI/XZCKJ0ignKI/AAAAAAAADPA/ztz3Uj4BW5ApRJqFSOZz3Sb7VSNrwiL5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/day2a.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Day 3: On the High Seas</h3>
This day was dedicated to sea battles. Our first game - "Breakthrough" - ended for me with the Pirate Fluyt ramming my <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/british-unrated-cutter-from-games-of-war.html">British Unrated Cutter</a> so that I could not move (not to mention the human casualties!). Then, the race between the French Fluyt and the two British Sloops ended in a draw with both sides reaching the table edge in the same round.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAgt2AaJy00/XZCLOv1dAnI/AAAAAAAADPM/21V3_He6V0AQGH7Apb7mZZz_FaLGKNrYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1500" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAgt2AaJy00/XZCLOv1dAnI/AAAAAAAADPM/21V3_He6V0AQGH7Apb7mZZz_FaLGKNrYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day3a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSQwZSkI0Mk/XZCLStYD72I/AAAAAAAADPQ/LodIhZ7sIMwxp9HTvCY2aIEwUQRmPDnJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSQwZSkI0Mk/XZCLStYD72I/AAAAAAAADPQ/LodIhZ7sIMwxp9HTvCY2aIEwUQRmPDnJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day3b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bA9zJJLRoa8/XZCLXfnEvlI/AAAAAAAADPU/r5rf5okd9YUHty1GL0eIcPKuedVOnhtBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day3c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1500" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bA9zJJLRoa8/XZCLXfnEvlI/AAAAAAAADPU/r5rf5okd9YUHty1GL0eIcPKuedVOnhtBACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day3c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOqVkd8gCl0/XZCLbxtOT_I/AAAAAAAADPY/3siQfS2mMrc0zUhL03n6VeENQFXgFqhdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOqVkd8gCl0/XZCLbxtOT_I/AAAAAAAADPY/3siQfS2mMrc0zUhL03n6VeENQFXgFqhdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day3d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Day 4: Storm the Fort</h3>
I had been looking forward to this day probably the most. I had ordered the Vauban Fort from <a href="https://more-terrain.de/en/product/vauban-fort-2-beige/" target="_blank">More-Terrain</a> some time ago and now it was finally time to set it up. My Royal Navy crew tried to defend the fort against the British and French pirate crews who came with grappling hooks, ladders and a huge powder barrel to crush the main gate. I managed to hold up quite well but eventually the scurvy dogs outnumbered the navy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGaGcErhhNg/XZCO7xT1sOI/AAAAAAAADPs/aGyilFcC5bUp2gw0WlZVMaoe_R6encuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1500" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xGaGcErhhNg/XZCO7xT1sOI/AAAAAAAADPs/aGyilFcC5bUp2gw0WlZVMaoe_R6encuYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRcxRZYB5bo/XZCPAGSZ6AI/AAAAAAAADPw/cS-EcdMS5AcEXhZeh78DOcuV0buTn6GtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1500" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRcxRZYB5bo/XZCPAGSZ6AI/AAAAAAAADPw/cS-EcdMS5AcEXhZeh78DOcuV0buTn6GtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8GNBwxqUMA/XZCPDH4NZHI/AAAAAAAADP0/GPPfcuIAttwtStgJM4uGOs5Y3XQixJ9aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8GNBwxqUMA/XZCPDH4NZHI/AAAAAAAADP0/GPPfcuIAttwtStgJM4uGOs5Y3XQixJ9aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4c.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1RFEcTgyp0/XZCPGBF8klI/AAAAAAAADP4/yxHSoG9gVFMpZ5GcEsRk9-ZD6lnA2wn2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1RFEcTgyp0/XZCPGBF8klI/AAAAAAAADP4/yxHSoG9gVFMpZ5GcEsRk9-ZD6lnA2wn2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npgf5TneTho/XZCPJcATgXI/AAAAAAAADP8/D-AcsKfBHyI4ZhVMDaHxSm6bX-Vh6M-WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-npgf5TneTho/XZCPJcATgXI/AAAAAAAADP8/D-AcsKfBHyI4ZhVMDaHxSm6bX-Vh6M-WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4e.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSgBYEXdW5w/XZCPNi9PmPI/AAAAAAAADQA/mHQPENetFcMuzzZUnTDCaTIYpT4XoxqhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSgBYEXdW5w/XZCPNi9PmPI/AAAAAAAADQA/mHQPENetFcMuzzZUnTDCaTIYpT4XoxqhACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJrwvSGYM3M/XZCPQuFSjuI/AAAAAAAADQE/RmQpsysAUdUcsnoZHVD87Q-AnR1J6bOtACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day4g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJrwvSGYM3M/XZCPQuFSjuI/AAAAAAAADQE/RmQpsysAUdUcsnoZHVD87Q-AnR1J6bOtACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day4g.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Day 5-6: Natives!</h3>
One of the main goals for our session was introducing an Island Native tribe to our list of playable crews (instead of having them as mere NPCs only). I am quite happy with the rules we come up with as they resulted in a very different play-style - hiding in the dense jungle sections, shooting and hiding again. We played two different scenarios were the Natives raided a colonial town and the militia/navy had to take the civilians to safety. In the morning of the last day we played a quick re-match of the previous raid where the navy returned to put out the burning buildings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHD46AYs6KA/XZCQeuvhjsI/AAAAAAAADQc/Vy7lBcQTutk55dxLBZiSALM6LpGVaqUuACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1252" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHD46AYs6KA/XZCQeuvhjsI/AAAAAAAADQc/Vy7lBcQTutk55dxLBZiSALM6LpGVaqUuACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day5a.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpwWLo3m7Lw/XZCQjHsoQVI/AAAAAAAADQg/RhKZUYjxU9AKQaWAKOG-Sip0EduL48k7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpwWLo3m7Lw/XZCQjHsoQVI/AAAAAAAADQg/RhKZUYjxU9AKQaWAKOG-Sip0EduL48k7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day5b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dajGPNAboEE/XZCQmqT2TkI/AAAAAAAADQk/Y3mXu3M2w_kvDmcOtbDaLezuTx9Iv16OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1500" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dajGPNAboEE/XZCQmqT2TkI/AAAAAAAADQk/Y3mXu3M2w_kvDmcOtbDaLezuTx9Iv16OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day5c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPX3DBmYvVw/XZCQpZKFicI/AAAAAAAADQo/K6gbBAJ2dm0R23OQLw8nQWPKZ6iWI4VigCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/day5d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NPX3DBmYvVw/XZCQpZKFicI/AAAAAAAADQo/K6gbBAJ2dm0R23OQLw8nQWPKZ6iWI4VigCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/day5d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Summary</h3>
The mix of different settings and play modes that we had this time made the campaign especially interesting. Another insight is that 5-6 days was not too much - we were worried that we might be too exhausted by the end. We came up with many new ideas and I have lot to write down now. I already can't wait for the next session.<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-55364350462616787002019-02-03T12:08:00.000+01:002019-02-03T12:08:27.729+01:00Legends of the High Seas Resources<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPsb9dJQZ5k/XFbHxmMMWdI/AAAAAAAADMk/TP13ohOWkVo02riwRQuwu-KU3ug8HxoBgCLcBGAs/s1600/loths_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPsb9dJQZ5k/XFbHxmMMWdI/AAAAAAAADMk/TP13ohOWkVo02riwRQuwu-KU3ug8HxoBgCLcBGAs/s200/loths_cover.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legends of the High Seas cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a short update: After a recent request I have just uploaded some old resources for <b>Legends of the High Seas</b> to the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/p/loths-faq.html">LotHS section</a> of the blog:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Crew reference sheet</li>
<li>Random Happenings</li>
<li>Scenario: Mine, All Mine!</li>
<li>Scenario: Dock Raid</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Anyone of you still playing this great classic skirmish pirate game?<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-62366105668532746112019-01-13T19:15:00.000+01:002019-01-13T19:16:08.134+01:00Review: Merchant Shop from Tabletop World<b>The Merchant Shop is the latest addition to Tabletop World's range of medieval/fantasy buildings. In this blog post I take a closer look at the model and explain why I believe that it is their best building yet.</b><br />
<br />
In November last year, <a href="https://www.tabletop-world.com/" target="_blank">Tabletop World</a> (TW) released the <a href="https://www.tabletop-world.com/?product=merchant-shop" target="_blank">Merchant Shop</a>. I own nearly all of the many buildings that were released over the years and I have to say that this one stands out. Literally. TW already said it in their announcement on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tabletopworld/photos/a.184502274991080/1857826837658607/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Facebook</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMC-OUmlYro/XDt95FNinnI/AAAAAAAADMY/XR_6dCqhd7ANfGTpnIc849n6OjAZv7JpwCLcBGAs/s1600/HeroicMerchantShop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="555" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMC-OUmlYro/XDt95FNinnI/AAAAAAAADMY/XR_6dCqhd7ANfGTpnIc849n6OjAZv7JpwCLcBGAs/s320/HeroicMerchantShop.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Merchant Shop from<br />
Tabletop World</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We proudly present you our new Merchant Shop in heroic scale! This is the first in the line of models that will take your gaming experience to the next level! Apart from highest attention to detail we had game-play in mind when creating the model. You can easily use it with miniatures that are in 28-32mm scale. The whole building has plenty of space to move your miniatures around, with several floors connected with stairs. All doors, window shutters and hatches are hinged and fully operational so you can open and close them to your liking.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMMl45VtmHY/XDtsYFK0bqI/AAAAAAAADLY/vSqYukyjFhUc5bbAgoobF0f8xmo0XYVYQCLcBGAs/s1600/ruined_coaching_inn_tw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="547" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMMl45VtmHY/XDtsYFK0bqI/AAAAAAAADLY/vSqYukyjFhUc5bbAgoobF0f8xmo0XYVYQCLcBGAs/s320/ruined_coaching_inn_tw.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ruined Coaching Inn from <br />
Tabletop World's first line of buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, actually this is not something totally new for TW. Their first line of buildings were all scaled to 30mm, e.g. their original <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/05/medieval-inn-from-tabletop-world.html">Medieval Inn</a>, their Blacksmith's Forge and the gigantic Ruined Coaching Inn. (The latter two are still sitting unfinished on my shelf.) All of these buildings are now out of production. Sadly, when TW updated their website they let go off their Archive section where you could see photos of these fine houses.<br />
<br />
Since then, TW's products have evolved quite a bit. The production quality got even better (from near perfect to absolutely flawless). The buildings became much more detailed with full interior details, details on all sides (including even the insides of the roofs!) and now assembly and glue needed at all (unless there is a tiny flag post or something).<br />
<br />
Another things that changed was the size. The buildings got smaller, in the sense of being scaled more like 25mm. I heavily criticized this in my review of their new <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2013/12/review-coaching-inn-from-tabletop-world.html">Coaching Inn</a> back in 2013. I don't know the reason for this change but I was quite disappointed with it. My assumption would be that they were afraid that no one would buy buildings at the prices that are justified for their elaborate designs with immense detail and at a huge - i.e. appropriate - size. If this is the case, then I guess they were happy with how their last bigger products were received (such as the huge Town Gate and it's accompanying wall sections or the Wizard's Tower) and they were confident that there is a market for big and properly scaled buildings. At 170 EUR it is almost equally expensive as the Wizard's Tower (175 EUR) and much more than the Mansion (118 EUR) or the Noble Townhouse (112 EUR). But boy, is it worth it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NgcEysouec/XDty43q_efI/AAAAAAAADLk/KqUxZnH8_mMhaFUyt04AEV3BlGvFPrLUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC02401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1000" height="258" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NgcEysouec/XDty43q_efI/AAAAAAAADLk/KqUxZnH8_mMhaFUyt04AEV3BlGvFPrLUQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC02401.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniatures standing in front of the Merchant Shop - the size looks just right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The Merchant Shop is truly fully playable. My "definition" of a playable building is pretty easy: I need to be able to place a figure which is based on a 25mm round base inside and around the building. This includes being able to put the roof or individual floor sections back and the figures can remain inside, even if they have a raised arm, lifting a sword into the air.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgdyGfT5N9Y/XDt3hYfvjdI/AAAAAAAADLw/f6UlRBw9HYc9Lu8-vrIj8tOOlnCiEE73gCLcBGAs/s1600/tw_merchanthouse_floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1000" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fgdyGfT5N9Y/XDt3hYfvjdI/AAAAAAAADLw/f6UlRBw9HYc9Lu8-vrIj8tOOlnCiEE73gCLcBGAs/s400/tw_merchanthouse_floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can easily place your miniatures inside the Merchant Shop and fight it out in there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jQ2mgMEoFk/XDt4VCWDiPI/AAAAAAAADMA/MYURv54Rv3UCgUymCeNkZ4XNwrZRVnNLQCLcBGAs/s1600/tw_merchanthouse_roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jQ2mgMEoFk/XDt4VCWDiPI/AAAAAAAADMA/MYURv54Rv3UCgUymCeNkZ4XNwrZRVnNLQCLcBGAs/s400/tw_merchanthouse_roof.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the attic is large enough to position some marksmen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With buildings of this size you can do realistic chimneys and stairs. Often, a chimney is place somewhere on the roof and when you look at it for too long you realize that it would lead directly behind the window a little further down. You rarely see actual stairs inside the buildings. Instead, upper floors need to accessed through a trapdoor, if there is one at all. There is simply no space for these things. With the Merchant Shop, everything looks right and believable: from the fireplace in the ground floor which leads up all the way to the roof, to proper stairs and rooms with separate walls.<br />
<br />
All this space allowed TW to design what I think is the best part of this building. TW rarely create simple houses with four walls and a roof. Their designs are always more interesting with lots of angles and other features. To my mind, the most awesome thing about the Merchant Shop is the balconies. There is a large playable balcony on the first floor and another one on the second floor.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNsUK8xRIkc/XDt4D7Ez2-I/AAAAAAAADL4/-tVjvTBhcmoUdWQYvVXGjMsZpqRbfVd1gCLcBGAs/s1600/tw_merchanthouse_floor2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1000" height="325" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNsUK8xRIkc/XDt4D7Ez2-I/AAAAAAAADL4/-tVjvTBhcmoUdWQYvVXGjMsZpqRbfVd1gCLcBGAs/s400/tw_merchanthouse_floor2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Plenty of space to move around inside the Merchant Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYL_Ai2bacQ/XDt7aV4NVLI/AAAAAAAADMM/YgXt9Vlso2oLzQen_GF-vDr98beoezjMwCLcBGAs/s1600/tw_merchanthouse_balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1000" height="351" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TYL_Ai2bacQ/XDt7aV4NVLI/AAAAAAAADMM/YgXt9Vlso2oLzQen_GF-vDr98beoezjMwCLcBGAs/s400/tw_merchanthouse_balcony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A marksman standing on the balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I cannot stress enough how highly I value features like these for gameplay. Being able to place your fighters on balconies to shoot from there is really what takes your games to the next level. The ingenious thing about Mordheim is that it is set in a ruined city. Ruined buildings are <i>the</i> way of introducing height to your games. If you play with intact, "closed" buildings you are basically playing on a two-dimensional surface. Unless you use ruins which can be climbed, you really need buildings that are properly sized to experience the same "3D feel". Normal houses where you can place figures but not really move around simply don't do it.<br />
<br />
Lastly, as if all of this wasn't enough already, you can place the shutters and doors into hinges and actually open and close them. You really do get the full dollhouse experience with this building.<br />
<br />
Oh, and the fact that the "shop facade" with the built-in stalls and large balcony is super suitable for my <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-port-of-gierburg-part-5-dock.html">Port of Gierburg</a> board certainly adds to my satisfaction with this piece.<br />
<br />
I probably won't get around to painting this building for quite a long time as there is so much other stuff in the painting pipeline already. In the meantime, I hope that many Merchant Shops are sold and Tabletop World will release another heroic scale building in November this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-88247529822598681582019-01-04T16:43:00.000+01:002019-01-04T16:43:03.980+01:00Résine Miniatures<b>Résine Miniatures is a French manufacturer of 28mm scale terrain and scenery for historical and medieval fantasy games.</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2783170621031025073#" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="120" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xA0UdLaqQOM/XB4VTIeRbZI/AAAAAAAADGg/stxgZ2UUgXIQiJOF-qwl2Taz1X3vkGpTQCLcBGAs/s200/resine_miniatures_logo.jpg" style="border: none; box-shadow: none;" width="120" /></a>I stumbled across their beautiful buildings on <a href="https://pin.it/crjxfol7ppzxto" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> where photos of their great work kept on appearing in my stream. It is rare that I find manufacturers that I hadn't heard of before. The photos show the Résine Miniatures logo but I couldn't find a website for them. Thanks to the messaging function of Pinterest I got into contact with Christophe Samuel, the man behind the company. While there is no website you can purchase Résine Miniatures products on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/fr/shop/ResineMiniatures?fbclid=IwAR2Z0eLS7Ymp7tr8hvOIA0RqFj2AHhad06cte4mP44EsDDs7KPijKmPB5U" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and <a href="https://www.ebay.fr/sch/resineminiatures/m.html?_nkw=" target="_blank">eBay</a>.<br />
<br />
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.de/rsineminiatures/r%C3%A9sine-miniatures-28mm-m%C3%A9di%C3%A9val-scenery/"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
To get an impression of the products, my first order contained the Medieval Buildings #3 and #7, the tomb and door #4.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4oxXo8GFWs/XC4KNu7jY2I/AAAAAAAADIo/gk_yTk8oZm4oN7qC5BwV9vcY3oBgz6GHgCLcBGAs/s1600/ResineMiniatures_MAISON-MEDIEVALE-3_and_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4oxXo8GFWs/XC4KNu7jY2I/AAAAAAAADIo/gk_yTk8oZm4oN7qC5BwV9vcY3oBgz6GHgCLcBGAs/s400/ResineMiniatures_MAISON-MEDIEVALE-3_and_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medieval buildings #3 and #7 from Résine Miniatures (source: <a href="https://www.pinterest.de/rsineminiatures/r%C3%A9sine-miniatures-28mm-m%C3%A9di%C3%A9val-scenery/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When I unpacked the buildings I was immediately impressed with the quality and detail. The buildings strongly remind me of the medieval houses from <a href="https://elladan-shop.de/" target="_blank">Elladan</a> (previously <a href="https://stronghold-terrain.de/en/" target="_blank">Stronghold-Terrain</a>) such as the <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2012/10/town-house-from-stronghold-terrain.html">Town House</a> and <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2015/12/tavern-from-stronghold-terrain.html">Tavern</a>. They have a similar authentic historic feel to them compared to the more fantasy style of <a href="https://www.tabletop-world.com/" target="_blank">Tabletop World</a> buildings.<br />
<br />
Another thing the houses have in common is that they need to be assembled (unlike the products from Tabletop World or <a href="https://www.grandmanner.co.uk/" target="_blank">GrandManner</a> which usually don't need any or at least very little assembly at all). This means that they come as multiple parts (usually the sides of the building) that need to be glued together. They have detail on one side only, so the inside of the finished building will not have any details/texture. Compared to the incredible quality of Tabletop World's products this may come across as "old-school" or outdated nowadays. However, I can appreciate a little DIY in my hobby and to my mind the excellent style and appearance of the buildings make it totally worth the effort.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYhaVE2wGD8/XC9kTGiIE0I/AAAAAAAADLM/8OOD3c3RjAAJY2c23EtZd-jn3I8OmP2LwCLcBGAs/s1600/ResineMiniatures_MAISON-MEDIEVALE-3_kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1200" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYhaVE2wGD8/XC9kTGiIE0I/AAAAAAAADLM/8OOD3c3RjAAJY2c23EtZd-jn3I8OmP2LwCLcBGAs/s400/ResineMiniatures_MAISON-MEDIEVALE-3_kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contents of the kit for Building #3 from Résine Miniatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Another aspect about having individual sides is that they can serve well for building your own houses or setting up fronts of rows of houses, which are useful <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2013/04/gone-fronting.html">in their own right</a>.<br />
<br />
I was so happy with the look of the houses that I quickly ordered the other items that I was interested in. If there is one thing that I learned over the last years in the tabletop hobby: Get the stuff you want while you still can! These small manufacturers, often run by one or two people only, can easily go out of business all of a sudden and then you'll regret no getting something you wanted.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8P1xh0AisU/XC4IAXwUSfI/AAAAAAAADIc/wIJ3hJyBebcLwTdpRVEiypuJkEUl42eNACLcBGAs/s1600/resineminiatures_buildings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8P1xh0AisU/XC4IAXwUSfI/AAAAAAAADIc/wIJ3hJyBebcLwTdpRVEiypuJkEUl42eNACLcBGAs/s400/resineminiatures_buildings.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first two buildings from Résine Miniatures are assembled and waiting for paint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In conclusion, if you are looking for timber-framed buildings with a strong authentic appearance while still looking interesting and if you don't mind putting a little effort into assembly (glueing together and filling gaps with putty), then the building kits from Résine Miniatures are well worth their money. I very much look forward to painting up one or two of their houses this year.<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-61354150023154019572019-01-03T20:02:00.002+01:002019-01-03T20:02:44.342+01:00Inspirational Amsterdam<b>I spent the last days of 2018 in Amsterdam. As someone who is interested in old buildings and shipping, the city has a lot to offer in terms of sight-seeing and museums. Thus, the visit was my first inspirational boost for hobbying in 2019.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBwDiGOMqr0/XC4tWGjbVfI/AAAAAAAADJ4/4y8C8HtBoyYAvv_jmyxlnZjIa39tkjHJwCLcBGAs/s1600/amsterdam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1200" height="325" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBwDiGOMqr0/XC4tWGjbVfI/AAAAAAAADJ4/4y8C8HtBoyYAvv_jmyxlnZjIa39tkjHJwCLcBGAs/s400/amsterdam1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Buildings</h3>
The most obvious and probably most famous thing about Amsterdam (marijuana consumption aside) is the grachten and the houses with their decorative gables.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c60MEkvZrQQ/XC4taEi-3_I/AAAAAAAADJ8/3xb1PVCeea0IDmYwaKYEB07UTviQ1zkyQCLcBGAs/s1600/amsterdam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1200" height="195" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c60MEkvZrQQ/XC4taEi-3_I/AAAAAAAADJ8/3xb1PVCeea0IDmYwaKYEB07UTviQ1zkyQCLcBGAs/s400/amsterdam2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
In preparation of the travel I dug out the 28mm resin facades that I got from Gerard Boom, which he created during his <a href="https://www.shiftinglands.com/projects/resin-projects/amsterdam-facade-series/" target="_blank">Amsterdam facade project</a> a couple of years ago. Looking at the different pieces helped me be more conscious as I walked around the city and thought about decorations and colour combinations. I have been wanting to paint up the facades for so long and now, after the visit to Amsterdam, this year may finally see me do it.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Maritime Museum</h3>
Of course I had to visit the National Maritime Museum aka <a href="https://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Het Scheepvaartmuseum</a>. After all, so far this blog has been mostly about <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/search/label/Pirates">pirates</a> and <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/search/label/Ships">ships</a>. The highlight of the museum is definitely the Amsterdam, a replica of the East Indiaman from 1749.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT4oSwP52Xk/XC4uVGvzkTI/AAAAAAAADKI/y7FSfDhC6bABqt9Gh61KcuMxViEGqmTPgCLcBGAs/s1600/museum1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1000" height="222" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZT4oSwP52Xk/XC4uVGvzkTI/AAAAAAAADKI/y7FSfDhC6bABqt9Gh61KcuMxViEGqmTPgCLcBGAs/s400/museum1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The East Indiaman Amsterdam next to the National Maritime Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
You can visit the different decks, cabins and storage rooms of the ship. It is a great way of getting an at least tiny idea of what life in such a confined space must have been like.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJRNakmgiGg/XC5aq5CshRI/AAAAAAAADKs/A4hfv7rEHccQXbEaPNwserratWyXv2SkwCLcBGAs/s1600/ship1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJRNakmgiGg/XC5aq5CshRI/AAAAAAAADKs/A4hfv7rEHccQXbEaPNwserratWyXv2SkwCLcBGAs/s400/ship1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cannon below deck of the East Indiaman Amsterdam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ae-kl4Ocs50/XC5b2ERhfEI/AAAAAAAADK4/fwu6A328u5U12IwQeh3j6Su97i_PpUneQCLcBGAs/s1600/ship2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ae-kl4Ocs50/XC5b2ERhfEI/AAAAAAAADK4/fwu6A328u5U12IwQeh3j6Su97i_PpUneQCLcBGAs/s400/ship2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhHQJXMZj-Q/XC5cI-ltaXI/AAAAAAAADLA/MyD0k22Cr6ctAewmzqiB_UAzazyJfpdtwCLcBGAs/s1600/ship3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhHQJXMZj-Q/XC5cI-ltaXI/AAAAAAAADLA/MyD0k22Cr6ctAewmzqiB_UAzazyJfpdtwCLcBGAs/s400/ship3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Books</h3>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6_zVQ3NQ_k/XC5SEjNutpI/AAAAAAAADKU/SZeCr4jVsR04P9LjdOARu_FTb3v6zhWXgCLcBGAs/s1600/the_dutch_east_india_company_book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6_zVQ3NQ_k/XC5SEjNutpI/AAAAAAAADKU/SZeCr4jVsR04P9LjdOARu_FTb3v6zhWXgCLcBGAs/s200/the_dutch_east_india_company_book.jpg" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; outline: none;" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dutch <br />
East India Company Book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the museum shop I was looking for a good book about the Dutch maritime history, something that would go along nicely with our <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/p/dogs-ahoy.html">pirate games</a>. I found a nice book in the form of <a href="https://wbooks.com/winkel/geschiedenis/the-dutch-east-india-company-book-2/" target="_blank">The Dutch East India Company Book</a>. On 208 pages you can read about the history of the Dutch East India Company, illustrated with lots of photos of charts, items, paintings and whatnot. So far, I browsed through the book only briefly but it looks quite interesting and comprehensive. I look forward to taking the time to give it a proper reading.<br />
<br />
Below, I have included a few photos of some of the book's pages to give you an idea of the contents and many great photos that help bring the era to life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub-Oca6S-Js/XC4sk6ZtmmI/AAAAAAAADI4/_GzxX2aVUuQbud_REs50nwfeRVg2J0uvACLcBGAs/s1600/dutch-eic-book3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1000" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub-Oca6S-Js/XC4sk6ZtmmI/AAAAAAAADI4/_GzxX2aVUuQbud_REs50nwfeRVg2J0uvACLcBGAs/s400/dutch-eic-book3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWv06Pk9WAI/XC4sogFXrGI/AAAAAAAADI8/5imUSXRxN5QtNr5GEi66GiSQH-MgwrVfQCLcBGAs/s1600/dutch-eic-book4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1000" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWv06Pk9WAI/XC4sogFXrGI/AAAAAAAADI8/5imUSXRxN5QtNr5GEi66GiSQH-MgwrVfQCLcBGAs/s400/dutch-eic-book4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ThYGFZ-keg/XC4svpgoMdI/AAAAAAAADJA/JaAlYZJ1LN88GXH3ly4G6XRRCC0p1i25ACLcBGAs/s1600/dutch-eic-book5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1000" height="257" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ThYGFZ-keg/XC4svpgoMdI/AAAAAAAADJA/JaAlYZJ1LN88GXH3ly4G6XRRCC0p1i25ACLcBGAs/s400/dutch-eic-book5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWkO9skew8A/XC4sz8X58aI/AAAAAAAADJE/GAvxSQhNfX8qPcBTuLJnFzDqi10hu8hBgCLcBGAs/s1600/dutch-eic-book6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1000" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IWkO9skew8A/XC4sz8X58aI/AAAAAAAADJE/GAvxSQhNfX8qPcBTuLJnFzDqi10hu8hBgCLcBGAs/s400/dutch-eic-book6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx9NvdDg_JU/XC4s3wG3ulI/AAAAAAAADJM/A_rtLLmWXoMR-FxL_FIVpiN5TFQ6aZmDgCLcBGAs/s1600/dutch-eic-book7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1000" height="276" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx9NvdDg_JU/XC4s3wG3ulI/AAAAAAAADJM/A_rtLLmWXoMR-FxL_FIVpiN5TFQ6aZmDgCLcBGAs/s400/dutch-eic-book7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIz0Q0Gmb_E/XC4s7I74fmI/AAAAAAAADJQ/YU1uyt2vSN0Mu2-rX7sGzwRw6oMDHI4zACLcBGAs/s1600/dutch-eic-book8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIz0Q0Gmb_E/XC4s7I74fmI/AAAAAAAADJQ/YU1uyt2vSN0Mu2-rX7sGzwRw6oMDHI4zACLcBGAs/s400/dutch-eic-book8.jpg" width="347" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dutch East India Company Book (back)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Another interesting find in the museum shop was this comic called "The Battle of New York". There were actually three different comic books available but this one was the only one that was also available in English; the others were Dutch versions only.<br />
<br />
I have already read it and honestly I am not too excited about it. You can tell it's an educational book that looks better at first sight than it really is. If you don't expect an actual story-line or characters, then it does work as a nice visualization of the period. I still would have liked to get an English version of one of the other books which was about the Flying Dutchman!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FR3hdDVeIOk/XC4s_wuJWkI/AAAAAAAADJc/dpWbdLfcE7IKmHa-3aL839vejn6SuLd7ACLcBGAs/s1600/battle-of-new-york-comic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FR3hdDVeIOk/XC4s_wuJWkI/AAAAAAAADJc/dpWbdLfcE7IKmHa-3aL839vejn6SuLd7ACLcBGAs/s400/battle-of-new-york-comic.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of New York comic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5RQRgEyQCA/XC4tCoXWuDI/AAAAAAAADJg/qM7CPgqlpsYRzfHHpG8eu4VI9ZmYR_IZwCLcBGAs/s1600/battle-of-new-york-comic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5RQRgEyQCA/XC4tCoXWuDI/AAAAAAAADJg/qM7CPgqlpsYRzfHHpG8eu4VI9ZmYR_IZwCLcBGAs/s400/battle-of-new-york-comic2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYgXI87tjkw/XC4tFRUxfCI/AAAAAAAADJo/9MPoDobuyDw5gHK8SKxLsXQVcj_ZBavAQCLcBGAs/s1600/battle-of-new-york-comic_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BYgXI87tjkw/XC4tFRUxfCI/AAAAAAAADJo/9MPoDobuyDw5gHK8SKxLsXQVcj_ZBavAQCLcBGAs/s400/battle-of-new-york-comic_back.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of New York comic (back)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So, lots of inspiration for new terrain and maybe even an expansion for our piratical skirmish games. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Golden_Age" target="_blank">Dutch Golden Age</a> is a fascinating period and I would love to dedicate some time to creating terrain for it and assembling a crew. With its unique architecture and influential wars it is definitely too often overlooked in our hobby (and probably beyond).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, damn, do I want a Fluyt now!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WMyUCGNxuI/XC5XN4upmxI/AAAAAAAADKg/62sH6gksvt0ecsNEQnzSG8lpVCPn0XktwCLcBGAs/s1600/firelockgames_flyut.png" imageanchor="1" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0WMyUCGNxuI/XC5XN4upmxI/AAAAAAAADKg/62sH6gksvt0ecsNEQnzSG8lpVCPn0XktwCLcBGAs/s400/firelockgames_flyut.png" style="border: none; box-shadow: none;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28mm Fluyt model from Firelock Games (<a href="https://www.firelockgames.com/product/fluyt-pre-order/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-49932315501550173212018-12-23T16:44:00.000+01:002019-01-04T14:34:30.880+01:00Walls from Games of War<b>A few months ago, Games of War released some Spanish-style walls as the latest addition to their pirate buildings range. I finished painting my lot this weekend to show them off just in time as my last painting project for the year.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZBndq49cqc/XB-QGbdiQtI/AAAAAAAADHA/lX313wsPJkA-faOsf_PKhzjb3YmYv2nRQCLcBGAs/s640/dio.jpg" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
<br />
I have been loving the products from <a href="http://www.gamesofwar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Games of War</a> for years now - not only their nice <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-pirate-buildings-from-games-of.html">pirate buildings</a>, but more so the fantastic ships and boats, such as the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/british-unrated-cutter-from-games-of-war.html">British cutter</a>, the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/08/longboats-from-games-of-war-and.html">longboats</a> and <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2013/12/small-ships-from-games-of-war.html">small ships</a>. With the release of these walls they have expanded their buildings range which should be interesting not only for pirate games such as <a href="https://www.firelockgames.com/" target="_blank">Blood & Plunder</a> but for a variety of other settings as well.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 1em;">
<i>Full disclosure: Being a great fan of Games of War I'm in occasional contact with Alan of GoW. These walls were sent to me as a thank you for bouncing around ideas. As a gift, not for review purposes. I frequently reject free offers for reviews as I don't do that. Nevertheless, I think you should be informed about this when reading this post.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Range</h3>
The "range" consists of the following items:<br />
<ul>
<li>Three different variants of normal wall sections (A, B and C)</li>
<li>A wall section with doorway</li>
<li>Pillar (one variant)</li>
<li>Large Gate</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul></ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGZBA32CLTk/XB-b41NWmWI/AAAAAAAADHM/iS3vTvdRhEor77pHvd_XuBQxUDkfabUHACLcBGAs/s1600/gow_walls_raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1200" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGZBA32CLTk/XB-b41NWmWI/AAAAAAAADHM/iS3vTvdRhEor77pHvd_XuBQxUDkfabUHACLcBGAs/s400/gow_walls_raw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall sections, pillars and gates from Games of War</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoYGQoq5zkI/XB-kUsHJ2LI/AAAAAAAADH4/bsAmxetmBb4a48y0qpugIAjmTjNzoKFrACLcBGAs/s1600/overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1500" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RoYGQoq5zkI/XB-kUsHJ2LI/AAAAAAAADH4/bsAmxetmBb4a48y0qpugIAjmTjNzoKFrACLcBGAs/s400/overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The different pieces from the walls range. <br />
The three sections on the bottom show the backside of the section above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
You will want to use many pillars as they are intended to be used for connecting the wall sections even when setting up a straight section (not only when setting up corners). If you wanted, you could place some of the sections directly next to each other, glue them and fill the gaps with modeling putty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLQjdSkQUvE/XB-jSo5zjCI/AAAAAAAADHw/0cXoB1DlYu0caNM1bEJuI7J2AlQOz3kzgCLcBGAs/s1600/gow_walls_nopillars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLQjdSkQUvE/XB-jSo5zjCI/AAAAAAAADHw/0cXoB1DlYu0caNM1bEJuI7J2AlQOz3kzgCLcBGAs/s400/gow_walls_nopillars.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting wall sections aligned next to each other</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decided to go with a mix of flexibility and practicability: I glued pillars to one of the two doorway sections, to three normal wall sections and to the large gates. For the large gate you need pillars to hold the gate. Since I have two gates, I chose to keep one of them intact and together with two pillars create one "gate section". Then, I cut the other gate into two pieces - I am not sure, but the gate piece actually seems to be intended for this. The result is a mix of raw/single sections and "combined" sections that allows me to set up a wall rather easily without fiddling with too many single pillars.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm4-bCB2St4/XB-mVyODzCI/AAAAAAAADIE/4KLvg4PRkBU46K2MZQJI7zpsMY9ghP2pQCLcBGAs/s1600/gow_walls_painted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hm4-bCB2St4/XB-mVyODzCI/AAAAAAAADIE/4KLvg4PRkBU46K2MZQJI7zpsMY9ghP2pQCLcBGAs/s400/gow_walls_painted.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My finished set of walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The reason for glueing pillars to just one of the two doorway sections is that I can think of set-ups where the doorway section is used to directly connect buildings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wefT2dgWz1g/XB-hf3Jj4qI/AAAAAAAADHk/5Ixiglfb-Tkr1gepTOvUCPtqHyB4hnPiACLcBGAs/s1600/gow_walls_building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wefT2dgWz1g/XB-hf3Jj4qI/AAAAAAAADHk/5Ixiglfb-Tkr1gepTOvUCPtqHyB4hnPiACLcBGAs/s400/gow_walls_building.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Walls against the double storey pirate building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Size and Style</h3>
Back in May I painted up a set of <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/walls-from-empress-miniatures.html">Spanish-style walls</a> from Empress Miniatures. My biggest quarrel with them was that the door and gateway are a bit too small for average 28mm miniatures. These GoW walls are higher and much better scaled for standard-sized figures.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kx3G3u93_8/XB-fFa-SRUI/AAAAAAAADHY/kUzFmrocbr4YmKJpyp-kviZMOgK84RmaACLcBGAs/s1600/gow_wall_comparison2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1500" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kx3G3u93_8/XB-fFa-SRUI/AAAAAAAADHY/kUzFmrocbr4YmKJpyp-kviZMOgK84RmaACLcBGAs/s400/gow_wall_comparison2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison of wall sections with doorway from <br />
Games of War (left) and Empress Miniatures (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As usual, the detail and quality of the GoW models is top-notch. The pantile tiles are perfect and not some cheap workaround to create the look. The textures and structures are also great.<br />
<br />
In my review of the Empress walls I mentioned that I don't like bases on scenery pieces. The GoW walls have a sort of base without which they would barely stand. I painted the base part in a brownish grey so that it blends with a cobblestone street underground and the wall colour itself. For walls, I guess it does make sense to have bases if you don't want them to fall over all the time.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
To my mind, the walls from Games of War are the nicest models for Spanish/Caribbean/pirate settings. They are perfectly scaled and the details and style is equally great. I was in the process of painting the Empress walls when GoW showed off a preview photo of their walls on Facebook and I immediately regretted having bought them already as I knew that I wanted the ones from GoW. However, since then, I have used the Empress walls in a number of games and they have also worked great and I do like them. With these new walls I now have enough to set up a large country estate.<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-47441290292509565352018-12-07T13:34:00.000+01:002018-12-07T13:34:37.869+01:00Animal tokens<b>For a long time I have been wanting to do some animal tokens. Now I finally had the time to do some.</b><br />
<br />
The basic idea is to have a number of "empty" bases that accompany my normal miniatures. Obviously, they have to be the same bases as usual so they are, as always, from Fenris Games:<br />
<ul>
<li>25mm DS round Innsmouth Cobblestones (<a href="https://fenrisgames.com/shop#!/FGDBSET25-25mm-DS-round-Innsmouth-Cobblestones/p/12651218" target="_blank">Fenris Games</a>)</li>
<li>25mm round Deep Recess (<a href="https://fenrisgames.com/shop#!/FGDBDEP25-25mm-round-Deep-Recess/p/9597737/category=2202457" target="_blank">Fenris Games</a>)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Over the years I have collected a number of animals. These are the ones I used:<br />
<ul>
<li>Chicken flock (<a href="https://blackcatbases.com/shop/figures/figures-animals/chicken-flock/" target="_blank">Black Cat Bases</a>)</li>
<li>Cats (promotional miniatures from Black Cat Bases)</li>
<li>Animal set (<a href="https://stronghold-terrain.de/en/shop/animal-set/" target="_blank">Stronghold Terrain</a>)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hak-f894jVM/XApYEhGAbJI/AAAAAAAADGI/5XRrBbc40VQVwHv379Dec4opkD0wmRDhQCLcBGAs/s1600/tokens_wip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1200" height="183" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hak-f894jVM/XApYEhGAbJI/AAAAAAAADGI/5XRrBbc40VQVwHv379Dec4opkD0wmRDhQCLcBGAs/s400/tokens_wip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B81y6D9pBTQ/XApYKL6I6YI/AAAAAAAADGM/ihb8CeqEFM0e-XtUw_BM0WHWX9jFS1Z0wCLcBGAs/s1600/tokens_painted2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1200" height="222" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B81y6D9pBTQ/XApYKL6I6YI/AAAAAAAADGM/ihb8CeqEFM0e-XtUw_BM0WHWX9jFS1Z0wCLcBGAs/s400/tokens_painted2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So what to do with these bases? In a number of scenarios that we play, the characters can move across the board unseen. Sometimes they hide as civilians, sometimes they move as shadows or street animals. For each of my pirate crew members I have one respective character marker on a 25mm round plywood base. These markers are secretly placed under Civilian models or under these new animal tokens.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMYSjX9O1vI/XApYPh5Ac0I/AAAAAAAADGQ/ZduN_j3kdVEGTtBGhavrQ7Y2j8YGwGfOQCLcBGAs/s1600/tokens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1200" height="272" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lMYSjX9O1vI/XApYPh5Ac0I/AAAAAAAADGQ/ZduN_j3kdVEGTtBGhavrQ7Y2j8YGwGfOQCLcBGAs/s400/tokens2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Character markers for my pirate crew members</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-10283930757890679162018-11-25T14:50:00.000+01:002018-11-25T14:53:44.098+01:00Battery by Slug Industries<b>In this post I take a look at the battery terrain piece which was produced by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SlugIndustriesWargaming/" target="_blank">Slug Industries</a> as part of a kickstarter project for their Spanish Fort.</b><br />
<br />
In my recent review of the 28mm <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/11/spanish-fort-by-slug-industries.html">Spanish Fort</a> I already mentioned that I also got the battery piece that was funded via the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/718310363/spanish-fort-for-28mm-wargaming/" target="_blank">kickstarter project</a>. The battery is a solid piece of resin. Aside from the main piece there is a planking piece, similar to the one that was provided with the Spanish Fort, and an MDF kit for a ladder - again, same as with the fort. So, beside filing off a few sharp edges and assembling the ladder, there is no further assembly required.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eoA7orXXYg/W8x8-NdgfrI/AAAAAAAADEM/U-HmTXYWlboAoP4Jesz9_AD5nMo6Gd99ACLcBGAs/s1600/battery_kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1200" height="257" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eoA7orXXYg/W8x8-NdgfrI/AAAAAAAADEM/U-HmTXYWlboAoP4Jesz9_AD5nMo6Gd99ACLcBGAs/s400/battery_kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battery, the planking (right) and the ladder kit (bottom right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Painting</h3>
I painted the battery the same way as the fort, not only because I had an upcoming gaming session ahead of me, but also because that is the best (and only) way to make the two pieces look similar. Even though I use the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2017/08/tutorial-painting-stonework.html">same technique</a>, the results vary every time because the paint mixes are slightly different.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjFKM0MiUcE/W8n6oglyRgI/AAAAAAAADDI/by8Fv0cXBqkrAWJLq72KxxtSz-iAJj6vACLcBGAs/s1600/battery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1200" height="345" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rjFKM0MiUcE/W8n6oglyRgI/AAAAAAAADDI/by8Fv0cXBqkrAWJLq72KxxtSz-iAJj6vACLcBGAs/s400/battery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battery from Slug Industries, painted and ready for battle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-KgSQp5d0c/W8n6uNf5m3I/AAAAAAAADDM/S4weVqZDYrwn7vs3VsQ7DdwkhaHpC4KnQCLcBGAs/s1600/battery_backside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1200" height="352" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-KgSQp5d0c/W8n6uNf5m3I/AAAAAAAADDM/S4weVqZDYrwn7vs3VsQ7DdwkhaHpC4KnQCLcBGAs/s400/battery_backside.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back side of the battery with the ladder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The battery on the table</h3>
Before the kickstarter, I had never felt that I needed a battery for my table. We are mostly playing pirate skirmish games with only a few models per side and artillery is not really a thing in our games. But I thought, since I am pledging for the fort already, I might as well get the battery and see if I can put it to good use. And I am glad I did ...<br />
<br />
When I set up my <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/p/port-of-gierburg.html">Port of Gierburg</a> game table, I immediately realized how well the battery complements the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-port-of-gierburg-part-5-dock.html">dock section</a>:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RIkcOyuU4g/W8xT6YhvujI/AAAAAAAADDc/Xh8SWhY-ZGkSW1Ccz36BLxB3eFS1IcehACLcBGAs/s1600/game1-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1200" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RIkcOyuU4g/W8xT6YhvujI/AAAAAAAADDc/Xh8SWhY-ZGkSW1Ccz36BLxB3eFS1IcehACLcBGAs/s400/game1-edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battery set up to extend the jetty in the dock section of the table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGuChnBWZn4/W8xVQJXv4OI/AAAAAAAADDo/4CJ9YqjDA8In3-qU-TXRfIN-ad3ZI5gJACLcBGAs/s1600/game3-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGuChnBWZn4/W8xVQJXv4OI/AAAAAAAADDo/4CJ9YqjDA8In3-qU-TXRfIN-ad3ZI5gJACLcBGAs/s400/game3-edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The battery defends the port</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A scenario that we play quite frequently is "Capture/Burn the Ship" where the crews try to attack/defend/capture/burn/steal a ship in the port. Eventually, one crew may win the game by sailing the ship out of port. With the addition of the battery, a whole new win condition can be added: the crews can now also fight for control over the cannons of the battery, so should the opponent attempt to escape with the ship, you can gun the vessel down. This makes the scenario a lot more interesting.<br />
<br />
Another game that we played was a sort of "Breakthrough" where a medium-sized vessel attempts to attack an enemy port and wins by having the ship leave via the opposite edge of the table, which represents the port. That side of the board was defended by the Spanish Fort and - surprise - the battery. Both models are perfectly suited for ship-to-coast action and you can set up a great coastal fortification with them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn448-0CmQA/W8xYiMaGZfI/AAAAAAAADD0/ZsQ4cG32KoQCc2g0CfVPZCkGDWsusC-fACLcBGAs/s1600/seabattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1000" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn448-0CmQA/W8xYiMaGZfI/AAAAAAAADD0/ZsQ4cG32KoQCc2g0CfVPZCkGDWsusC-fACLcBGAs/s400/seabattle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The defending player controls the fort, the battery and a small ship and<br />
must prevent the attacker's ship from passing this side of the table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdGtTYCfxEc/W8xetfnZNDI/AAAAAAAADEA/YSRLBHH6bo8prylVmxF8U7GyQ6_RhXuIACLcBGAs/s1600/seabattle4-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="768" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdGtTYCfxEc/W8xetfnZNDI/AAAAAAAADEA/YSRLBHH6bo8prylVmxF8U7GyQ6_RhXuIACLcBGAs/s400/seabattle4-edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The attacking ship approaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This worked out so well (despite me losing that game) that we came up with a couple of variations that we plan to try out some time soon. And I decided that I actually wanted another battery because it adds so much to the games. With two batteries and the fort I will be able to set up a coastal defense line across the long side of the 4' x 6' <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2016/02/ocean-and-cobblestone-gaming-mat-from.html">ocean board</a>.<br />
<br />
I finished painting up the second battery model today:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWXORojcBA0/W_qn0ulAGcI/AAAAAAAADF8/wPZKMeB4TV4-GMhQYStDMgxnEmMuT_u0wCLcBGAs/s1600/twobatteries2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWXORojcBA0/W_qn0ulAGcI/AAAAAAAADF8/wPZKMeB4TV4-GMhQYStDMgxnEmMuT_u0wCLcBGAs/s400/twobatteries2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two batteries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In closing, I have to say that I am very happy with the battery and the fort and how they have enhanced our games. Over the last years new terrain usually meant that another house is added to the table and that rarely had any impact on the gameplay aspect. These buildings, however, provide whole new levels of interaction for our crews which is quite invaluable.<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-81815710117388486482018-11-23T17:25:00.000+01:002018-11-23T17:25:06.661+01:00Pirates of Treasure Island<b>In August this year, there was a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/656177818/pirates-of-treasure-island/" target="_blank">kickstarter</a> campaign for releasing a range of 28mm pirates of Treasure Island. I'm not only going to say that these are really nice miniatures. But I have also been waiting for almost ten years for them to be released.</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVF3dq_aniM/W2aozD34V2I/AAAAAAAAC_s/kYFYIOJqVr4JNJMd2OP-CYavypH4qS2twCLcBGAs/s1600/oldone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="342" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVF3dq_aniM/W2aozD34V2I/AAAAAAAAC_s/kYFYIOJqVr4JNJMd2OP-CYavypH4qS2twCLcBGAs/s200/oldone.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. O'Brien from the <br />
<i>Pirates of Treasure Island</i> range</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was back in <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2008/12/upcoming-pirates-from-black-tree-design.html?m=0">December 2008</a> when I first blogged about this range of pirates. At the time, <i>Legends of the High Seas</i> was slowing growing to become my skirmish game of choice after having played <i>Mordheim</i> for many many years. <a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/" target="_blank">Wargames Foundry</a> and <a href="https://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Black Scorpion Miniatures</a> were <i>the</i> pirate manufacturers of the time.<br />
<br />
Through a Polish forum I got to know sculptor Flis Wojtek, who had been working for Black Tree Design and Warlord Games. He had shared <a href="http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Fojtek/library/GREENY%20pratow?sort=3&page=1" target="_blank">photos of greens</a> of a lot of characterful pirate miniatures that were supposed to be released through Black Hat Miniatures. However, that never happened, until ...<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLl10RoTDkc/W2XHDZEUbEI/AAAAAAAAC_g/WVh0odN879o3SNJwL_GWpMqey6hcs7NngCLcBGAs/s1600/blackspotcollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="680" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLl10RoTDkc/W2XHDZEUbEI/AAAAAAAAC_g/WVh0odN879o3SNJwL_GWpMqey6hcs7NngCLcBGAs/s400/blackspotcollection.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full range of the Pirates of Treasure Island<br />
via the <i>Black Spot</i> pledge (<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/656177818/pirates-of-treasure-island/" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Kickstarter to the rescue</h3>
Now it is almost exactly ten years later and I was very positively surprised to see these miniatures again in the form of the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/656177818/pirates-of-treasure-island/" target="_blank">Pirates of Treasure Island</a> kickstarter campaign. Black Tree Design is now <a href="https://eoeorbisuk.com/" target="_blank">EOE Orbis</a> and they released the figures at last.<br />
<br />
The whole range consists of 29 figures plus a number of extra miniatures such as a monkey climbing up a flag post or sitting on a powder keg. Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel <i>Treasure Island</i>, there are figures for all the characters: Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver, etc. This results in a useful mix of proper weapon-wielding pirates and civilian types. Beside the mandatory doctor, cook and grenade wielder there are a few unique poses that you rarely find in any of <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2008/09/collecting-pirate-miniatures.html">the other pirate ranges</a>: a maniac with a burning powder keg or a marauding pirate kidnapping a mistress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The figures</h3>
Today the figures finally arrived. They had to be sent to EOE's UK hub first and from there to Germany so I received them a little later than other backers. Funnily, this makes it even more close to being exactly ten years after I first saw the greens.<br />
<br />
During the kickstarter, I had to go with the "The Black Spot" pledge, of course, which is the entire range plus a few accessory models which seem to not be intended for general release - whenever that may be (at this time the pirates are not available on their online store).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWvkO-O0WWg/W_gnGXQ_9tI/AAAAAAAADFw/pA7iZYqaKGggD3kWdVjZCCak25NlmycngCLcBGAs/s1600/treasureisland_lot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1200" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWvkO-O0WWg/W_gnGXQ_9tI/AAAAAAAADFw/pA7iZYqaKGggD3kWdVjZCCak25NlmycngCLcBGAs/s400/treasureisland_lot.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted pirates at the bottom (from left to right) for scale comparison:<br />Crusader, Wargames Foundry and North Star</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
These figures are very fine sculpts and they will look perfect alongside my other <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2017/07/pirates-at-port-of-gierburg.html">pirates</a>. The casts totally hold up to the expectations I had from viewing the photos of the excellent sculpts. In the photo above I put three of these new figures next to some painted pirates from other manufacturers for comparison.<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-80412046849121273552018-11-11T11:27:00.002+01:002018-11-11T11:39:51.762+01:00Personalized Movement Gauge from LITKOWhile I was browsing the <a href="https://litko.net/" target="_blank">LITKO</a> website recently I came across their offer for <a href="https://litko.net/products/aos-personalized-movement-gauge" target="_blank">personalized movement gauges</a>. With its lengths of 1/2", 1", 3" and 6" this is a very handy tool, not only for <i>Age of Sigmar</i>. The surface can be customized with your own logo and text. The gauge will be very useful in our games of <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/p/dogs-ahoy.html">Dogs Ahoy</a>. I would have liked to use the free space for a summary of the turn order or some other quick reference notes. However, since the rules are still work in progress I chose not to and only went with the Dogs Ahoy logo.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R861Zrdn89k/W-cCt5QZb7I/AAAAAAAADEk/gIRFAih2TmQoJ3mScqMEcSXUlNYcuaLAACLcBGAs/s1600/custom_gauge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1200" height="288" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R861Zrdn89k/W-cCt5QZb7I/AAAAAAAADEk/gIRFAih2TmQoJ3mScqMEcSXUlNYcuaLAACLcBGAs/s400/custom_gauge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two movement gauges from LITKO with the Dogs Ahoy logo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I was ordering anyway, I chose to also get some <a href="https://litko.net/products/flame-marker" target="_blank">flame markers</a>. There are a few scenarios in Dogs Ahoy where crews set a ship or building on fire and these work quite nicely.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irAbKDjGJj8/W-cDsSvAi3I/AAAAAAAADEs/fGDSi9ZZxvEztaDbXrxt-GAImnCrdFn1ACLcBGAs/s1600/litko_firemarkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-irAbKDjGJj8/W-cDsSvAi3I/AAAAAAAADEs/fGDSi9ZZxvEztaDbXrxt-GAImnCrdFn1ACLcBGAs/s400/litko_firemarkers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-54513716881627126112018-11-09T21:57:00.000+01:002019-10-01T19:00:53.216+02:00Spanish Fort by Slug Industries<b>The Spanish Fort by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SlugIndustriesWargaming/" target="_blank">Slug Industries</a> is a terrain piece modeled after the actual <a href="https://www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm" target="_blank">Fort Matanzas</a> and successfully funded via a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/718310363/spanish-fort-for-28mm-wargaming" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a> campaign earlier this year. In this article I take a closer look at the model and present my painted version as well as some gaming ideas for the fort.</b><br />
<br />
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnEvAW1FB2s/W8n36cNS7AI/AAAAAAAADCY/S9r82zpbWyQDz6t4KpEn2TypiL2sWMqbQCLcBGAs/s1600/full_crew_snippet.jpg" style="width: 100%;" /><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Ever since his first <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/718310363/the-sailboat-malarkey-28mm-pirate-ship" target="_blank">pirate-related kickstarter</a> campaign I am in frequent contact with Philip Page, the creator of the Spanish fort kickstarter campaign. When he sent me the first photos of his fort I was immediately sold on the idea of a 28mm scale version of Fort Matanzas. Usually, when you think of forts and pirates you think of a gigantic Vauban fort that would fill an entire game board on its own (<a href="https://antonswargame.blogspot.com/2018/01/so-close-i-can-almost-taste-it.html" target="_blank">like this beauty</a>). Fort Matanzas is a relatively small fort that is very well suited to be used in 28mm scale games. Therefore, it was a no-brainer for me to back the project when the kickstarter launched. In addition to the fort itself, there was a battery piece which was also part of the campaign and which I also included in my pledge. More on the battery in a future blog post.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMtQTh8pw20/W8nVZyQtkqI/AAAAAAAADAc/m2eEu5cMGHUquxJY8tHqmW66wZinfxL2ACLcBGAs/s1600/kit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1500" height="287" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VMtQTh8pw20/W8nVZyQtkqI/AAAAAAAADAc/m2eEu5cMGHUquxJY8tHqmW66wZinfxL2ACLcBGAs/s400/kit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The contents of my kickstarter reward: the battery (top left), several parts of the fort <br />
and the tyburn tree from a stretch goal (bottom right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Quality and details</h3>
Philip has compiled an interesting documentation of the <a href="https://imgur.com/a/MpEOhuI" target="_blank">building process</a>. He wrote that he was limited in space because of the size of his vacuum chamber. Indeed, I found that the fort was a tad bit too small. On the other hand, the upside to this is that the casts are very good: there are no air bubbles or other defects that could result from the casting process.<br />
<br />
When compared to <a href="https://www.tabletop-world.com/" target="_blank">Tabletop World</a>'s products (of similar size, of course) you notice that the fort is quite heavy, mostly because of the heavy base piece. I think it is still lighter than <a href="https://www.grandmanner.co.uk/" target="_blank">GrandManner</a>'s products though.<br />
<br />
After assembling the different parts and glueing everything into place there were still a couple of gaps that had to be filled. I used sculpting putty for that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYwfGmfJSO4/W8nX74DMifI/AAAAAAAADAo/xuWR8oNl4bM_vLaZuv8SRkMkJD14YsZpgCLcBGAs/s1600/fix_tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYwfGmfJSO4/W8nX74DMifI/AAAAAAAADAo/xuWR8oNl4bM_vLaZuv8SRkMkJD14YsZpgCLcBGAs/s400/fix_tower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gap between the turret and the wall had to be filled with putty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_kqbCrAS90/W8nX-zpUVTI/AAAAAAAADAs/j7-jZ6-GSZY0ehYQzL5FIUK_lXvE9bGwwCLcBGAs/s1600/fix_wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1307" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_kqbCrAS90/W8nX-zpUVTI/AAAAAAAADAs/j7-jZ6-GSZY0ehYQzL5FIUK_lXvE9bGwwCLcBGAs/s400/fix_wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of the decorative half rod broke off during transportation<br />
and I added putty to somewhat cover the area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There is a planking piece for the guns to stand on. I decided not to glue it on the base. It fits nicely and doesn't move around so I maintain the flexibility of being able to take it out (although I can't see why I would want to).<br />
<br />
Finally, one thing I had a quarrel with was the lack of texture on the stones. They look very flat on the master model and you can clearly identify the sheets of styrene that the model was build from. A rougher surface would look much nicer and more believable and give the model more "depth". Had I created the fort, I would have either used styrodur that can be textured easily, or - since I am super lazy - something like the textured plaster wall pieces from <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2013/04/cobblestone-streets-stonework-by.html">Vampisol</a> that I used for my Port of Gierburg <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-port-of-gierburg-part-4-dock.html">gaming board section</a>. Nevertheless, I decided that I would have to make up for it by painting the fort nicely.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Painting the fort</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y51_XMaCZ14/W8nUjnT4iDI/AAAAAAAADAU/NBU79g14wi0o1ZoeJ2RncXJZwCBMQFatQCLcBGAs/s1600/wall_filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y51_XMaCZ14/W8nUjnT4iDI/AAAAAAAADAU/NBU79g14wi0o1ZoeJ2RncXJZwCBMQFatQCLcBGAs/s200/wall_filling.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing paint for the filling <br />
with beige, brown and grey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I basically used my standard technique for <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2017/08/tutorial-painting-stonework.html">painting stonework</a> on the fort. The only notable exception was that I painted the filling different this time. Since I am running low on the MIG pigments <i>Concrete</i> and <i>Dry Mud</i> (and I believe they have been relabelled or are not available any longer) I created a mix of beige, brown and grey that I used instead. On a model of this size I would have had to spend quite a large amount of the pigments so it is probably better to use cheaper paint anyways.<br />
<br />
The model painted up very nicely. I always enjoy painting buildings like this as they allow you to play and experiment with colours. The inside of the fort e.g. is very forgiving as you can try a variety of tones, paint them over and over until you're happy with the result.<br />
<br />
I am also quite pleased with the overall appearance of the stonework. The fort fits very nicely with my other buildings. It is always interesting to see how similar paint jobs can tie different building styles together and create a unified image.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVa0cZEpKcA/W8n5OgPB6uI/AAAAAAAADCw/Uk5o4cTlO-wH4gsMYaq-AyBToFG4n-OwQCLcBGAs/s1600/inside2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1200" height="375" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVa0cZEpKcA/W8n5OgPB6uI/AAAAAAAADCw/Uk5o4cTlO-wH4gsMYaq-AyBToFG4n-OwQCLcBGAs/s400/inside2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of fort's ground floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfvI4Xb5sHw/W8n5JvUB4HI/AAAAAAAADCs/Q9FP67efNMMlmLZXyGxspmN2pD-xqa0twCLcBGAs/s1600/inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfvI4Xb5sHw/W8n5JvUB4HI/AAAAAAAADCs/Q9FP67efNMMlmLZXyGxspmN2pD-xqa0twCLcBGAs/s400/inside.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look into the first floor of the fort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Accessories</h2>
Aside from the fort alone, I assembled, created and painted a couple of additional components that truly bring the fort to life.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Ladders</h3>
Three ladders came with the fort as laser-cut MDF kits. I am usually not a fan of MDF products. For simple ladders, however, it works well enough.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj8h9AIRdqg/W8nZqky9_II/AAAAAAAADBU/H829JkcVcGcDT1dD-TJU12XrFuDiJSLNgCLcBGAs/s1600/ladders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj8h9AIRdqg/W8nZqky9_II/AAAAAAAADBU/H829JkcVcGcDT1dD-TJU12XrFuDiJSLNgCLcBGAs/s400/ladders.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladders for the fort (top) and the battery (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTm_wKCOAfE/W8nqxW2kW6I/AAAAAAAADBg/4LQ7KqGb1SUo_7ECQC470WLpb78ZbyJSgCLcBGAs/s1600/ladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1000" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sTm_wKCOAfE/W8nqxW2kW6I/AAAAAAAADBg/4LQ7KqGb1SUo_7ECQC470WLpb78ZbyJSgCLcBGAs/s400/ladder.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fort's ladders, assembled and painted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Flag, flagpole and fitting</h3>
In my opinion, having a huge flag waving from the top of the fort is a must. I decided to build a small fitting for flags in the same manner as I did for my <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/british-unrated-cutter-from-games-of-war.html">British Cutter</a>. This allows me to reuse flagpoles on my ships and on the fort.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGJF8pZkerc/W8nrsFR0wtI/AAAAAAAADBw/cYwghtNc4sUYqeKFz859D2UcPfb2fVzjgCLcBGAs/s1600/flags1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1492" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGJF8pZkerc/W8nrsFR0wtI/AAAAAAAADBw/cYwghtNc4sUYqeKFz859D2UcPfb2fVzjgCLcBGAs/s400/flags1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parts for making quick and simple flagpoles: long toothpicks and <br />
wooden beads for the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rBP7y38wsw/W8nrwWmyuGI/AAAAAAAADB0/fVsrg96yT5M-0BGywRbtpF1W07dnOlrigCLcBGAs/s1600/flags2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0rBP7y38wsw/W8nrwWmyuGI/AAAAAAAADB0/fVsrg96yT5M-0BGywRbtpF1W07dnOlrigCLcBGAs/s400/flags2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two flagpoles and the fitting assembled and ready for paint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veMk9ZQx910/W8nrbxXlWCI/AAAAAAAADBo/MBvJDFflrw8aVgY0MjbjthufSHvS2Lh-ACLcBGAs/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veMk9ZQx910/W8nrbxXlWCI/AAAAAAAADBo/MBvJDFflrw8aVgY0MjbjthufSHvS2Lh-ACLcBGAs/s400/flag.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished Spanish flag and flagpole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9XHpcHwxfI/W8nuHaJ7kJI/AAAAAAAADCM/Yf4WRqyrhokYAtwMhaPT5Z2zNxhIlD0lACLcBGAs/s1600/flagpost_fitting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9XHpcHwxfI/W8nuHaJ7kJI/AAAAAAAADCM/Yf4WRqyrhokYAtwMhaPT5Z2zNxhIlD0lACLcBGAs/s400/flagpost_fitting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish flag raised on the fort's roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Trap doors</h3>
The last enhancement I came up with was painting up two trapdoors from Ziterdes/<a href="https://www.thomarillion.de/?page=artikel_detail&id=464" target="_blank">Thomarillion</a> that I had lying around for a while. The idea is to provide another entrance to the fort during games.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8m6tebyeGA/W8nSNgCD5FI/AAAAAAAADAI/EnDXecIb8tstn5mFCQ8RVtMZ0rpp9JGmACLcBGAs/s1600/trap%2Bdoors%2Bfrom%2Bziterdes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="591" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8m6tebyeGA/W8nSNgCD5FI/AAAAAAAADAI/EnDXecIb8tstn5mFCQ8RVtMZ0rpp9JGmACLcBGAs/s400/trap%2Bdoors%2Bfrom%2Bziterdes.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trapdoors from Ziterdes/Thomarillion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSxDHI0mthc/W8nsqnGUNlI/AAAAAAAADCA/Bj1tcwJn1yYsRVwnKZT5TBBICx7A-9qfgCLcBGAs/s1600/trapdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSxDHI0mthc/W8nsqnGUNlI/AAAAAAAADCA/Bj1tcwJn1yYsRVwnKZT5TBBICx7A-9qfgCLcBGAs/s400/trapdoor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trapdoor placed in the corner of the ground floor inside the fort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Other accessories and future plans</h3>
The <b>cannons</b> that can be seen in the photos were taken from my <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2009/10/old-glory-brigantine-sets-sail.html">brigantine</a> which I rarely use. I find that Thomarillion's <a href="https://www.thomarillion.de/?language=en&page=artikel_detail&id=300" target="_blank">ship cannon</a> looks like a suitable stationary cannon because of the narrow carriage so I will get some more of them for the fort and the battery.<br />
<br />
At first I was considering building a big <b>stairway</b> as can be seen on contemporary photos of the fort. It would provide some more space for figure placement and thus increase playability. However, Phil explained that this stairway is a modern addition so I decided not to build it. After all, the idea was to hide in the fort and pull up the ladder if enemies should invade the fort. A convenient stairway to the first floor is not exactly helpful there.<br />
<br />
After having painted the fort, I realised that there were no <b>doors</b>. For some reason I hadn't noticed it before. I absolutely plan on building two small doors for the fort some time soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Verdict and gameplay</h2>
The Spanish Fort is a very nice terrain piece that adds a ton of gameplay to our pirate games. In a recent gaming session it has already more than proven itself. My first idea when I saw the fort was to use it for a Prison Break scenario. We had played this scenario before but for lack of a proper building we had used a normal house that represented the barracks. With the new fort we had a great game where the attacker used grappling hooks to enter the fort and free the captive while the defender fought off the intruders and tried to secretly take the captive away.<br />
<br />
The trapdoors worked extremely well during the games we had. We defined a 30" x 5" section beside the main game board that represented an underground tunnel. One end lead into the fort, the other end into one of the buildings on the table. This secret entrance to the fort was determined at random before the game and only the fort's defender knew where it was. The attackers would have to break into the houses and search them to find out where the entrance is. This worked so well that we decided to reuse the system for all town-based games and I have added the creation of a suitable tunnel piece to my to-do list.<br />
<br />
While I was building the flagpoles and fitting I came up with another scenario: Hoist the Flag. Two (or more) crews attack the fort which is defended by neutral guards. The first crew to raise their flag from the top of the fort wins the game.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We also used the fort in a sea battle along with the battery. More on that in my upcoming post about the battery piece.</div>
<br />
All in all, I am super happy with the Spanish Fort. It has already sparked quite a number of gaming ideas that provided lots of fun and I look forward to playing many more games with it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Gallery</h2>
Finally, photos of the painted fort in all its glory.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGcnJUPC2Pg/W8n5AnVECNI/AAAAAAAADCk/RAnuOB8RvmEBjVSEfW-W_LwwzEtNMaNHACLcBGAs/s1600/full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGcnJUPC2Pg/W8n5AnVECNI/AAAAAAAADCk/RAnuOB8RvmEBjVSEfW-W_LwwzEtNMaNHACLcBGAs/s400/full.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish Fort, fully assembled and painted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hi66f7JoYq8/W8n5DjGnZJI/AAAAAAAADCo/4DX-qkvWSww3jKoCtoMD6kb5cHo8f778wCLcBGAs/s1600/full_crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1001" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hi66f7JoYq8/W8n5DjGnZJI/AAAAAAAADCo/4DX-qkvWSww3jKoCtoMD6kb5cHo8f778wCLcBGAs/s400/full_crew.jpg" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spanish Fort, occupied by a pirate crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some more photos from a recent game session:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6yjembOMbI/W8nY5IDEddI/AAAAAAAADA4/AKYkD27JG9kSIwi6cxP4ZsF3nAy-SrunQCLcBGAs/s1600/dio_fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6yjembOMbI/W8nY5IDEddI/AAAAAAAADA4/AKYkD27JG9kSIwi6cxP4ZsF3nAy-SrunQCLcBGAs/s400/dio_fort.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhFeKLNtWo4/W8nY8U-FXDI/AAAAAAAADA8/NgeeWE-SAMsK1gZ21Hz2_7jYhEIm4-N2ACLcBGAs/s1600/fort1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhFeKLNtWo4/W8nY8U-FXDI/AAAAAAAADA8/NgeeWE-SAMsK1gZ21Hz2_7jYhEIm4-N2ACLcBGAs/s400/fort1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City guards protecting the fort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUh6czacOwM/W8nY_3nvgCI/AAAAAAAADBA/k2hJwZvCcZMxcrkNLEEYkHIAeGNqWJYlACLcBGAs/s1600/fort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nUh6czacOwM/W8nY_3nvgCI/AAAAAAAADBA/k2hJwZvCcZMxcrkNLEEYkHIAeGNqWJYlACLcBGAs/s400/fort2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3XDmRM-81Q/W8nZCr7lvVI/AAAAAAAADBE/6Rg8e9MQ5U8hu6BwmvNlph7CpRMmiclDACLcBGAs/s1600/fort3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3XDmRM-81Q/W8nZCr7lvVI/AAAAAAAADBE/6Rg8e9MQ5U8hu6BwmvNlph7CpRMmiclDACLcBGAs/s400/fort3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Coming next: <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/11/battery-by-slug-industries.html">The battery</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Update October 1st 2019:</b> Be sure to also have a look at Andrew's <a href="https://www.acceptableradiation.com/2019/09/fort-matanzas.html" target="_blank">wonderful version</a> of the model!<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-33284329505293522802018-08-11T18:54:00.000+02:002018-08-11T18:54:22.318+02:00Night Watchmen<b>After I have been gathering a number of highwaymen and other 17th-18th century scoundrel over the last years it is time to bring some appropriate opponents for these criminals to the table. I always found night watchmen to be equally stylish and characterful and here they are at last!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2nNtZLtyJ4/VpqJ9NoHqdI/AAAAAAAACXw/i9-2ldiMsuw/s1600/193ce336a11503b7227ab6ee19c8a7fb_f2639.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target=""><img border="0" height="131" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2nNtZLtyJ4/VpqJ9NoHqdI/AAAAAAAACXw/i9-2ldiMsuw/s200/193ce336a11503b7227ab6ee19c8a7fb_f2639.png" width="200" /></a>Night Watchmen are a great faction for 17th to 18th century games. Be it highwaymen, pirates or other criminals, watchmen are a great group of non-player models that players need to avoid during their nightly operations. For missions at daytime they can serve as guards or militia. Because of this, I found it all the more surprising that there are almost no suitable models available. While collecting highwaymen and robbers is relatively easy - mostly thanks to the excellent range from <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/search/label/Outpost%20Wargame%20Services" target="">Outpost Wargames Services</a> - this is not the case for night watchmen. The one true night watch model that I had known for some time is <i>Squire Mortimer Bush</i> from Foundry's <i>Smugglers</i> set (CIV007) from the <a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/18th-century-civilians" target="_blank">18th Century Civilians</a> range. This is very much the prototype of what I was looking for: A model in a greatcoat, wearing a tricorne and carrying a lantern.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwEl93QzUN4/VpqH9_ZCk2I/AAAAAAAACXk/IagOTIkfNZc/s1600/VC017_1024x1024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target=""><img border="0" height="131" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwEl93QzUN4/VpqH9_ZCk2I/AAAAAAAACXk/IagOTIkfNZc/s200/VC017_1024x1024.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resurrectionists (VC017) from<br />
<a href="http://www.castingroomminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Casting Room Miniatures</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If Foundry's models were available as singles I might have bought a few Mortimers to fill up my night watch. There is another nice model available as part of the <a href="http://www.castingroomminiatures.com/collections/victorians-edwardians/products/victorian-edwardian-resurrectionists" target="_blank">Resurrectionists</a> set (VC017), which comes from Casting Room Miniatures' range <a href="http://www.castingroomminiatures.com/collections/victorians-edwardians" target="_blank">Victorians/Edwardians</a>. Again, this is only one model out of an entire pack and the late Victorian hat is not perfect, either.<br />
<br />
I had already accepted the fact that there are no more models to be found and that I might have to get some more highwaymen from Outpost Wargames for converting when I found the <i>Dublin Constabulary</i> set from <a href="http://www.northstarfigures.com/list.php?man=60&page=1" target="_blank">Trent Miniatures</a>'<i> Great Irish Rebellion </i>range. Like the Victorian resurrectionist they do not have suitable hats but fortunately the figures come with separate heads so swapping them is not a problem at all.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SE1JD_h9Gk/Vr9uFMsBbDI/AAAAAAAACY0/DFNah3LlC-Y/s1600/trent_constables.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target=""><img border="0" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9SE1JD_h9Gk/Vr9uFMsBbDI/AAAAAAAACY0/DFNah3LlC-Y/s400/trent_constables.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Constables from Trent miniatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Surprisingly, again, there are very few head sprues with tricornes available - at least to my knowledge, that is. <a href="https://www.blackscorpionminiatures.com/" target="_blank">Black Scorpion Miniatures</a> used to have a pirate sprue which contained a tricorne among other useful bits such as weapons, a parrot and a small monkey. Sadly, it is no longer available. Then, I finally found a head sprue from Ebor Miniatures: <a href="http://www.eborminiatures.com/products-page/wars-of-the-spanish-succession/head-sprue-wssmhs01/" target="_blank">Head Sprue</a> (WSSMHS01). These heads are a tad bit small for the constables' bodies but since I didn't find any other alternatives and went with them.<br />
<br />
Finally, after being beautifully painted up by Simon Bradley aka <a href="https://stonecoldlead.webs.com/" target="_blank">stonecoldlead</a>, this is what the four night watchmen look like:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWBM968kKrI/W2Wy1I2rFtI/AAAAAAAAC_U/KGT8VKOoRhoM35-NyAe-bZhkRQZW5b66gCLcBGAs/s1600/nightwatchmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="1000" height="167" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JWBM968kKrI/W2Wy1I2rFtI/AAAAAAAAC_U/KGT8VKOoRhoM35-NyAe-bZhkRQZW5b66gCLcBGAs/s400/nightwatchmen.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night Watchmen, painted by Simon Bradley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-42410531600978207242018-08-04T14:10:00.001+02:002018-08-11T18:56:42.875+02:00Longboats from Games of War and Firelock Games<b>In this blog post I take a look at the longboats from Games of War and Firelock Games.</b><br />
<br />
<h3>Longboats from Games of War</h3>As I had already bought some of the other boats (<a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2013/12/ships-boats-from-games-of-war.html">tenders and jolly boats</a>) from <a href="http://www.gamesofwar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Games of War</a> as well as their bigger ships (such as the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/british-unrated-cutter-from-games-of-war.html">Cutter</a>) I knew what to expect in terms of quality and detail. To my mind, their boats and ships are unmatched when it comes to the lightweight resin and the high level of detail and textures. Painting up the three longboats was easy and straightforward.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ul5WGbzQ84A/W13rVNLaJyI/AAAAAAAAC-k/kBUF_taUp0Qr5tlZTh8GQpQID7clTEPqgCLcBGAs/s1600/boats_gow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ul5WGbzQ84A/W13rVNLaJyI/AAAAAAAAC-k/kBUF_taUp0Qr5tlZTh8GQpQID7clTEPqgCLcBGAs/s320/boats_gow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three longboats from Games of War</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLX46m3zv6Y/W13sw96MPBI/AAAAAAAAC_E/YB_v56erfBccErlzGeGqGCHBvzZR15ONACLcBGAs/s1600/boat_gow_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLX46m3zv6Y/W13sw96MPBI/AAAAAAAAC_E/YB_v56erfBccErlzGeGqGCHBvzZR15ONACLcBGAs/s320/boat_gow_top.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The longboat fully loaded with 12 models on 25mm bases</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The longboat has an overall total length of 20.4cm and a maximum width of 6.7cm. You can easily place 12 models on 25mm round bases in the boat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>Longboat from Firelock Games</h3>By the time <a href="https://www.firelockgames.com/" target="_blank">Firelock Games</a> came out with their <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/firelockgames/blood-and-plunder" target="_blank">kickstarter</a>, I already had the three longboats from GoW lying around so I knew I didn't need another bunch of them. I still ordered a single longboat for the purpose of comparison and diversity.<br />
<br />
With a length of 17.8cm and a width of 5.9cm this longboat is a bit smaller. As a result, you can only place 7 miniatures in the boat. However, it should be noted that Firelock are pretty smart and well aware of the miniature placement problem on boats and ships. Therefore, their miniatures come attached to 20mm round bases. Still, I have my figures based on 25mm bases so that is what I judge ships and terrain by.<br />
<br />
Firelock's longboat is also nicely detailed with a slightly exaggerated wood grain texture. An additional touch is the modeled rope around the oar locks. The boat also painted up nicely and I am quite happy with the result.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rxJQRFAYnA/W13si4_EUoI/AAAAAAAAC_A/K2Cm8JKZ1_IwM5Mc8286vFvTUlPLkxYdgCLcBGAs/s1600/boat_firelock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rxJQRFAYnA/W13si4_EUoI/AAAAAAAAC_A/K2Cm8JKZ1_IwM5Mc8286vFvTUlPLkxYdgCLcBGAs/s320/boat_firelock.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The longboat from Firelock Games</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<h3>Comparison</h3>Here are some photos of the two types of longboats next to each other.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMGEJTYjfCw/W13r08Cb8pI/AAAAAAAAC-0/Carb8PZlFwAD10DDKZmfhi98FhDFyJIUwCLcBGAs/s1600/boat_comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1500" height="202" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rMGEJTYjfCw/W13r08Cb8pI/AAAAAAAAC-0/Carb8PZlFwAD10DDKZmfhi98FhDFyJIUwCLcBGAs/s320/boat_comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The longboats from Games of War (front) and Firelock Games (back)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaiScCtMQWA/W13rfgQUx6I/AAAAAAAAC-o/QCe5m-4_dl8X4GgUtQ4S4ChU-yT_NhGMgCLcBGAs/s1600/boats_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaiScCtMQWA/W13rfgQUx6I/AAAAAAAAC-o/QCe5m-4_dl8X4GgUtQ4S4ChU-yT_NhGMgCLcBGAs/s320/boats_full.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GoW longboat and the Firelock longboat</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
For me, the deciding factor about the boats is the superior capacity of Games of War's boats. I also prefer their more natural detail compared to the exaggerated detail on the Firelock boat. Last, but certainly not least, Games of War's longboat is currently available for £10.00 while Firelock Games' longboat comes at $18.00, which is roughly £14.00 at the moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-65366214686836331502018-05-27T23:07:00.000+02:002018-05-27T23:07:43.332+02:00Walls from Empress Miniatures<b>To complement my Caribbean pirate town I recently painted up a set of walls that I ordered together with the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-style-church-from-empress.html">Spanish Church</a> from <a href="http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart14.htm" target="_blank">Empress Miniatures</a>.</b><br />
<br />
Simple walls like these can be used in a variety of settings. With the pantile roof of the gateway these walls fit nicely into a Caribbean piratical setting. Empress offers all the various sections and posts individually so you can order the pieces that best suit your specific needs. I went for nine wall sections, four corner posts and four intermediate posts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-213VneGA4mk/WwsUnaF6j7I/AAAAAAAAC90/zt0_rHfPVrQPsIXSMI3qr7WlO7QIYyADQCLcBGAs/s1600/overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1200" height="164" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-213VneGA4mk/WwsUnaF6j7I/AAAAAAAAC90/zt0_rHfPVrQPsIXSMI3qr7WlO7QIYyADQCLcBGAs/s320/overview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The walls can be set up to form a rectangle of roughly 18" x 20" size:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIMbe-UVH6k/WwsUuZk7kdI/AAAAAAAAC94/re5RCJ5XVXQI75iqANkJo61chunCStqeACLcBGAs/s1600/walls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1200" height="321" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RIMbe-UVH6k/WwsUuZk7kdI/AAAAAAAAC94/re5RCJ5XVXQI75iqANkJo61chunCStqeACLcBGAs/s400/walls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llIMvZZaBXQ/WwsUy4RlxSI/AAAAAAAAC98/wClYjOjOl0U2fRhdzhQE1V_RcOSdI-TLgCLcBGAs/s1600/town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1200" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llIMvZZaBXQ/WwsUy4RlxSI/AAAAAAAAC98/wClYjOjOl0U2fRhdzhQE1V_RcOSdI-TLgCLcBGAs/s400/town.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The walled area has enough space to contain my <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-pirate-buildings-from-games-of.html">Caribbean buildings</a> and the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-style-church-from-empress.html">Church</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wall Section with Gateway</h3>
The main entrance to the walled area is via the gateway:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEPLhOR9sbo/WwsTEq3WwhI/AAAAAAAAC9I/bkGxi9eGewgRy6rf9WFT0wkyimXn7R5xACLcBGAs/s1600/maingate_front2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1200" height="195" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dEPLhOR9sbo/WwsTEq3WwhI/AAAAAAAAC9I/bkGxi9eGewgRy6rf9WFT0wkyimXn7R5xACLcBGAs/s400/maingate_front2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1P-x9DCU2Q/WwsTM7rgluI/AAAAAAAAC9M/H8YEs0ckm_09YcUs81Un0v4F6cNStF4sQCLcBGAs/s1600/maingate_back1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="1200" height="157" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1P-x9DCU2Q/WwsTM7rgluI/AAAAAAAAC9M/H8YEs0ckm_09YcUs81Un0v4F6cNStF4sQCLcBGAs/s400/maingate_back1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wall Section with Door</h3>
In addition to the gateway there is a section with a regular door:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0hoT9xD_H-0/WwsTXnBI5tI/AAAAAAAAC9U/C5X1vzGtRI4AutonwRpYLGolyxGZr2eTACLcBGAs/s1600/smallgate_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0hoT9xD_H-0/WwsTXnBI5tI/AAAAAAAAC9U/C5X1vzGtRI4AutonwRpYLGolyxGZr2eTACLcBGAs/s400/smallgate_front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxMtuynOVfk/WwsTb9Rci_I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/cDF-kFOC9Ko084JBl9PRpSTlDc5rPPzJQCLcBGAs/s1600/smallgate_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1200" height="178" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxMtuynOVfk/WwsTb9Rci_I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/cDF-kFOC9Ko084JBl9PRpSTlDc5rPPzJQCLcBGAs/s400/smallgate_back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Ruined Wall Sections</h3>
There are three different sections which are ruined/crumbled:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obMQ-ZlT9CU/WwsT_5khQnI/AAAAAAAAC9k/4FrNLb7nmJslYqsMfL1abAOpTPHHzVWQgCLcBGAs/s1600/ruined1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obMQ-ZlT9CU/WwsT_5khQnI/AAAAAAAAC9k/4FrNLb7nmJslYqsMfL1abAOpTPHHzVWQgCLcBGAs/s400/ruined1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSWBd66h2tw/WwsUE9BSHPI/AAAAAAAAC9o/y17eKU1wVccl7WEve9Xxu6p7HSgp6kMKQCLcBGAs/s1600/ruined2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="1200" height="141" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSWBd66h2tw/WwsUE9BSHPI/AAAAAAAAC9o/y17eKU1wVccl7WEve9Xxu6p7HSgp6kMKQCLcBGAs/s400/ruined2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
The resin walls are quite nice models with detailed textures. I prefer terrain pieces that are not mounted on bases, so I find that to be a downside. Also, I find the gateway a little too small for my 28mm Foundry pirates (and similarly sized figures). It is not too bad though and still acceptable. Overall, I am very pleased with the walls and have already used them in a couple of games. Actually, I have used at least some of the sections in all of my recent games. In fact, now that I have these walls I cannot imagine playing without them (or apropriate substitutes) as they add so much to a gaming table. When you play skirmish games with only a few models per side where movement and positioning of the models matter, such walls are great for confining parts of the gaming tables, creating dead-ends or other barricades. If you don't have any walls yet, I can't stress enough how much they improve the experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-28564461765017157132018-05-11T09:08:00.000+02:002018-05-11T09:08:26.897+02:00British Unrated Cutter from Games of War<b>The <i>British Unrated Cutter "Fly" 1763</i> from Games of War is the latest addition to my shipyard. In this blog post I describe the painting and building process of the vessel, its sails and other accessories.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xHlhGzHSdo/WS8DMz1hOQI/AAAAAAAACmQ/q0u0ZF-HVhwImqkMitgAhjYJ8CFn8tNggCLcB/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin: 0; width: 100%;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xHlhGzHSdo/WS8DMz1hOQI/AAAAAAAACmQ/q0u0ZF-HVhwImqkMitgAhjYJ8CFn8tNggCLcB/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
1. The Model</h3>
The Fly is a medium sized ship from <a href="http://www.gamesofwar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Games of War</a>. With its hull dimensions of 31cm length and 11.3cm width, however, the ship is pretty large for a 28mm scale model - especially compared to other manufacturers' models. Or, put differently, it is more true to scale.<br />
<br />
I already have the <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2013/12/small-ships-from-games-of-war.html">smaller ships and boats</a> from Games of War and they are all excellent. Like their previous ships, this model is very nicely detailed and the cast is nearly flawless, which means that you can quickly move on to painting the model.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiTOGwpSG6k/WluBty_jl1I/AAAAAAAACx8/pmDjexCfIUQY1TItoOx6eImJ3m8n7cMwgCLcBGAs/s1600/cutter_kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QiTOGwpSG6k/WluBty_jl1I/AAAAAAAACx8/pmDjexCfIUQY1TItoOx6eImJ3m8n7cMwgCLcBGAs/s400/cutter_kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parts of the Cutter kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
2. Painting</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brRT2m5iIuw/WCmW4Q1UvLI/AAAAAAAAClM/tVDKQZUj5xwfymAQtw6hMl-6NSrNjv9wwCPcB/s1600/19712a5bbd9d444fe04779af1ec684fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brRT2m5iIuw/WCmW4Q1UvLI/AAAAAAAAClM/tVDKQZUj5xwfymAQtw6hMl-6NSrNjv9wwCPcB/s200/19712a5bbd9d444fe04779af1ec684fc.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
"USS Syren" brig from</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shipmodel.com/">www.shipmodel.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I decided to go with a traditional color scheme of yellow and black on the hull and red on the inside. Photos of the ship model "USS Syren", which I came across multiple times on various sites (Facebook, Pinterest, etc), were my main reference while painting.<br />
<br />
Games of War offer great paints with their <i>Admiralty Paints</i> range and I can highly recommend them. Their <i>Yellow Ochre</i> and <i>Red Ochre</i> are nice muted colours.<br />
<br />
For the wood I went with my trusted Vallejo paints with <i>Beige Brown</i> being the defining wood colour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2axQPn4Nhwg/Wucc0o0mo4I/AAAAAAAAC7c/w1zC6yIv68Mst7j69_2jYeKaRqv7JUq7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2axQPn4Nhwg/Wucc0o0mo4I/AAAAAAAAC7c/w1zC6yIv68Mst7j69_2jYeKaRqv7JUq7wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1166.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painted cutter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
3. The Anchor</h3>
I use model ship anchors for the cutter. A piece of rope is tied to the anchor with an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchor_bend" target="_blank">anchor bend</a> knot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1jscSumgoI/WluC23dVTiI/AAAAAAAACyM/PazTU6ZYtMQXLYuGwIzhhXy_lBHXnDragCLcBGAs/s1600/acc%2B-%2Banchors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V1jscSumgoI/WluC23dVTiI/AAAAAAAACyM/PazTU6ZYtMQXLYuGwIzhhXy_lBHXnDragCLcBGAs/s320/acc%2B-%2Banchors.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMcAjMycReE/WluCdenlIrI/AAAAAAAACyE/El461Eg6pcMYC0cDWKUqfBkf78sRTMe6QCLcBGAs/s1600/acc%2B-%2Banchors%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1500" height="221" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sMcAjMycReE/WluCdenlIrI/AAAAAAAACyE/El461Eg6pcMYC0cDWKUqfBkf78sRTMe6QCLcBGAs/s400/acc%2B-%2Banchors%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I spent a little extra time and effort attaching the anchors:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdPOyKiHz3w/Wuca44tL8KI/AAAAAAAAC7A/iBX_w_kaVoYdnYHWlEMzG5ovu2S0jQl_ACLcBGAs/s1600/anchor_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="900" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdPOyKiHz3w/Wuca44tL8KI/AAAAAAAAC7A/iBX_w_kaVoYdnYHWlEMzG5ovu2S0jQl_ACLcBGAs/s400/anchor_detail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up on the anchor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
4. Cannons</h3>
<div>
The model has 12 gunports but it does not come with cannons. For the first couple of photos I took the cannons from my <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2009/10/old-glory-brigantine-sets-sail.html">Old Glory Brigantine</a>. Then I dug out some cannons that I had ordered from Games of War years ago and which are no longer available. They are very small overall so they take up little space on board.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9RvQa6F5KE/WnjCI2XnOPI/AAAAAAAACzo/87p6anZFxCkl7NU29e9eBPv9F54Zht9EACLcBGAs/s1600/cannons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9RvQa6F5KE/WnjCI2XnOPI/AAAAAAAACzo/87p6anZFxCkl7NU29e9eBPv9F54Zht9EACLcBGAs/s400/cannons.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small cannons from Games of War</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
5. Spars & Sails</h3>
I bought a couple of small beads to attach to the boom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0oxF7eGkqY/WluDw_nEBFI/AAAAAAAACyY/SBbyvmmMxdU3tk5zn4Zx3MXBBhSeay_DACLcBGAs/s1600/boom%2526gaff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1372" height="291" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0oxF7eGkqY/WluDw_nEBFI/AAAAAAAACyY/SBbyvmmMxdU3tk5zn4Zx3MXBBhSeay_DACLcBGAs/s400/boom%2526gaff.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boom and gaff (the spars to which the gaff sail is attached)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Creating and attaching the sails was definitely the most pain-staking part of all. My girl-friend has a sewing machine and she was kind enough to try out various techniques and approaches until I was happy with the results (did I say already that <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/02/dice-bag-with-compartments.html">she's the best</a>!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oio7SReausI/WrlCGebb_3I/AAAAAAAAC2I/Hg4AxPu-PDMQ-FEGmu8VZc_xbQQAt4PUACLcBGAs/s1600/sails_prototypes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oio7SReausI/WrlCGebb_3I/AAAAAAAAC2I/Hg4AxPu-PDMQ-FEGmu8VZc_xbQQAt4PUACLcBGAs/s400/sails_prototypes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various prototypes for testing the stitchings of the jib</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hojsypyHyEs/WrlCQaf_gRI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/tKqqpYWP788A0Gg4rnogxAHMo7wnAuapgCLcBGAs/s1600/sails_initial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1200" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hojsypyHyEs/WrlCQaf_gRI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/tKqqpYWP788A0Gg4rnogxAHMo7wnAuapgCLcBGAs/s400/sails_initial.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stitchings for the gaff sail, forestaysail and jib applied</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The most difficult thing was deciding how to do the edges of the sails. The fabric I had chosen doesn't hold the thread very well. Eventually, we decided that I simply cut out the sails along the stitching and seal the edges with watered down white glue.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Gaff sail</h4>
The cutter is gaff rigged with a large four-sided mainsail. This gaff sail is attached to the boom and gaff.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxQOeM6Zb2k/WuccGaXHvnI/AAAAAAAAC7M/yRK6NATmN1Qkb0YGqcg6a68T55q_JPLpQCLcBGAs/s1600/gaffsail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1000" height="332" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxQOeM6Zb2k/WuccGaXHvnI/AAAAAAAAC7M/yRK6NATmN1Qkb0YGqcg6a68T55q_JPLpQCLcBGAs/s400/gaffsail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gaff sail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
Headsails</h4>
Headsails are the sails set forward of the mast. The cutter has two staysails: the forestaysail and the jib. They are fixed to the bowsprit, to the bows (or to the deck between the bowsprit) and the mast.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdRzmGuaaks/WuccM2PZgbI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/ZmdQEFOv73wXP_d08vSrL01YhiTVcaTGwCLcBGAs/s1600/foresails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1000" height="376" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdRzmGuaaks/WuccM2PZgbI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/ZmdQEFOv73wXP_d08vSrL01YhiTVcaTGwCLcBGAs/s400/foresails.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The headsails of the cutter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Square Topsail</h4>
It appear that the cutter is not intended to be equipped with a square topsail. However, all the references I had a look at suggest that this was the right thing to do, so I took two wooden sticks (from other ship models I have lying around) and made a template for the topsail. And again, another request for my better half:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_-fO6FkkIs/WvRmSEyWqbI/AAAAAAAAC8U/OaQiO5Sf8lc9tnJuKHNpPmpoL86L5yzewCLcBGAs/s1600/topsail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1200" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_-fO6FkkIs/WvRmSEyWqbI/AAAAAAAAC8U/OaQiO5Sf8lc9tnJuKHNpPmpoL86L5yzewCLcBGAs/s400/topsail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The square topsail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="border: 3px solid #777; float: left; margin: 1em 0 3em 0; padding: 0.5em;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zgHweRu9zQ/WPNvZ2OElTI/AAAAAAAACmA/HOF-UR7w154_w9AgnXNhWNEewR9rPCI_wCPcB/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zgHweRu9zQ/WPNvZ2OElTI/AAAAAAAACmA/HOF-UR7w154_w9AgnXNhWNEewR9rPCI_wCPcB/s200/7.jpg" style="border: none; box-shadow: none;" width="153" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8jTv1w5oRk/WlFbRXms-tI/AAAAAAAACww/c6llhGKes-oUspXpABkv16wwuUrbn6rYQCLcBGAs/s1600/rigging_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="box-shadow: none; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8jTv1w5oRk/WlFbRXms-tI/AAAAAAAACww/c6llhGKes-oUspXpABkv16wwuUrbn6rYQCLcBGAs/s200/rigging_cover.png" style="border: none; box-shadow: none;" width="152" /></a><br />
<h4>
Rigging Period Fore-And-Aft Craft</h4>
The book by Lennarth Petersson describes the rigging of three period vessels: The British Naval Cutter, the French Lugger and the American Schooner. If you want to properly rig your Cutter model, this book is the perfect companion: It depicts all the details of the rigging with very clear illustrations. For each of the ship types there is a single page of introductory text followed by detailed and clear illustrations - in the case of the cutter it is 27 pages full of illustrations (112 pages overall). Sadly though, the book focuses on the rigging only and mostly excludes sails. For the cutter, only the jib and foresail are depicted so other sources need to be consulted if you are interested in sail configurations.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
6. Flags</h3>
An important feature for bringing a ship to life is giving it some proper flags. This ship obviously deserves British flags, but the question is: what ensign exactly and where to attach it?<br />
<br />
For the British Navy in the Caribbean, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Ensign" target="_blank">Red Ensign</a> is appropriate. The ensign has evolved over time: the one that was in use from 1707 to 1800 is the right one for 1763 (see the model's name) and, more importantly, for the era I am targeting - the later part of the Golden Age of Piracy.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I had to decide on a size for the flag. The battle ensigns of the time were huge, <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-flag-captured-french-battle-9824839" target="_blank">really huge</a>. Examples are the Spanish <i>San Ildefonso</i> with a size of 32 x 47 ft (9.8 x 14.4m) from 1805, and the French <i>Généreux</i>, 27 x 52 ft (8.2 x 16m), from 1800 (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_ensign" target="_blank">source</a>). Granted, the cutter is not a <i>ship of the line</i> but these flags had to have a certain size so that they could be seen from a distance. Based on a 1/64 scale, a flag of even 6 x 12m would be about 9 x 18cm. Looking at various photos of models and paintings of cutters and similar size ships, I felt that I could go with a smaller size though.<br />
<br />
I took images of the Red Ensign and the traditional <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jolly_Roger" target="_blank">Jolly Roger</a> from Wikipedia. Then, I applied some filters and shadows to give the flags a more natural look. I went to a copy shop to have the flags printed out in a decent quality. In a future blog post I will describe in detail how I made the flags.<br />
<br />
<h3>
7. Finished! aka Gallery</h3>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwui43LlD6s/WvRpSIfRCUI/AAAAAAAAC8g/NWpLwzeo1R8Eh0KvuUxHNrSg8jF6-uLgACLcBGAs/s1600/full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jwui43LlD6s/WvRpSIfRCUI/AAAAAAAAC8g/NWpLwzeo1R8Eh0KvuUxHNrSg8jF6-uLgACLcBGAs/s200/full.jpg" width="129" /></a>And that was it! This has been one of the largest modeling projects I have worked on so far. That is mostly due to me procrastinating because I was unsure how to tackle the sails. I have learned quite a lot and for the next ship (either the even larger Bermuda sloop or the slightly smaller Sea Prince, both from Games of War as well) I should be a lot faster and I might step up the rigging game a notch. For now though, I am quite happy with the result and look forward to fielding this mighty ship in a naval game of <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/search/label/Dogs%20Ahoy">Dogs Ahoy</a>.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos of the cutter in action:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e84NIYctc9M/WvRpbZMXSqI/AAAAAAAAC8k/bTpPakMbUdAi2bTe5s-cwh0RRdUw8YolgCLcBGAs/s1600/closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1200" height="217" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e84NIYctc9M/WvRpbZMXSqI/AAAAAAAAC8k/bTpPakMbUdAi2bTe5s-cwh0RRdUw8YolgCLcBGAs/s400/closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYQnyvK182Q/WS8GNXhs2SI/AAAAAAAACmc/X6H-QgwUGhMCglmlFoGSgwrKhORyoj3ugCLcB/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYQnyvK182Q/WS8GNXhs2SI/AAAAAAAACmc/X6H-QgwUGhMCglmlFoGSgwrKhORyoj3ugCLcB/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-csc1Iifl-vY/WS8G-Ihq9BI/AAAAAAAACmk/VLlH-XpB2kMAszER7qHCahICkMSn5fvNgCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-csc1Iifl-vY/WS8G-Ihq9BI/AAAAAAAACmk/VLlH-XpB2kMAszER7qHCahICkMSn5fvNgCLcB/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-86826188552826192982018-04-28T13:00:00.000+02:002018-04-28T13:00:43.700+02:00Gangs of Rome: Blood on the Aventine<b>One of the new games that I have been following with keen interest recently is <i>Gangs of Rome</i> by War Banner. Since I prefer small scale skirmish gaming with a focus on the individual fighter and great terrain, Gangs of Rome appears to be just right. As a member of the Gangs of Rome Facebook community I was super lucky to win a copy of the newly released starter box set "Blood on the Aventine". So now is the time to take a closer look at the game and boxed set.</b><br />
<br />
Ever since the first photos of <a href="https://gangsofrome.com/" target="_blank">Gangs of Rome</a> surfaced on the web, I got increasingly interested in the game. Granted, ancient Rome hasn't been one of my preferred eras for wargaming (yet), but the photos of small groups of fighters roaming the streets of an ancient Roman city look so cool that it's hard to not want to try this out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LocEiyeDSE/WuRD9w8vjeI/AAAAAAAAC5s/xPv5IF9wxpoaACv9NDGcX7T6Not__riFgCLcBGAs/s1600/138cc1ba8f03b4323fc1f1264a5be66a-rimg-w720-h479-gmir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LocEiyeDSE/WuRD9w8vjeI/AAAAAAAAC5s/xPv5IF9wxpoaACv9NDGcX7T6Not__riFgCLcBGAs/s400/138cc1ba8f03b4323fc1f1264a5be66a-rimg-w720-h479-gmir.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gangs fighting it out in the streets of Rome</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjT1grX4b7Y/WuRD1EGI_OI/AAAAAAAAC5o/n08Yx0R0NSk0IibgBcz71x72UFO9Dq7RQCLcBGAs/s1600/25626288_323716391449316_8701341923201116279_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjT1grX4b7Y/WuRD1EGI_OI/AAAAAAAAC5o/n08Yx0R0NSk0IibgBcz71x72UFO9Dq7RQCLcBGAs/s400/25626288_323716391449316_8701341923201116279_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman fighters in front of a mighty temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The new box set "Blood on the Aventine" is the perfect way to get into the game. For only £35 you get a lot of stuff: 7 miniatures, an MDF temple under construction terrain piece, a rulebook for Gangs of Rome, dice and lots of other accessories. Check out the full list of contents in the product description in their <a href="https://gangsofrome.com/collections/deals/products/blood-on-the-aventine-scenario-starter-set" target="_blank">online store</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RDXmHjNKw4/WuREUwR8-8I/AAAAAAAAC54/zR374qu2hmoIIBJ-Dybfaam3iEuvY0UjwCLcBGAs/s1600/Gangs-Of-Rome-Blood-Of-The-Aventine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1203" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RDXmHjNKw4/WuREUwR8-8I/AAAAAAAAC54/zR374qu2hmoIIBJ-Dybfaam3iEuvY0UjwCLcBGAs/s400/Gangs-Of-Rome-Blood-Of-The-Aventine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Blood on the Aventine" starter box set (front)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zY-b1CDghn8/WuREZHEdvUI/AAAAAAAAC58/ZXPpifyzLqgTPA_ulDVPqFwqpYG19v09gCLcBGAs/s1600/Gangs-Of-Rome-Rear-Blood-On-The-Aventine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1179" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zY-b1CDghn8/WuREZHEdvUI/AAAAAAAAC58/ZXPpifyzLqgTPA_ulDVPqFwqpYG19v09gCLcBGAs/s400/Gangs-Of-Rome-Rear-Blood-On-The-Aventine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Blood on the Aventine" starter box set (back)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnc1A76pT1Q/WuRTsryCuOI/AAAAAAAAC6s/wjynMaGWk0MCRJTyV6psIUyPdF9SFoqkgCLcBGAs/s1600/bota_box_contents1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnc1A76pT1Q/WuRTsryCuOI/AAAAAAAAC6s/wjynMaGWk0MCRJTyV6psIUyPdF9SFoqkgCLcBGAs/s400/bota_box_contents1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the box's contents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPQSwbPV5AU/WuRTyW5Fr8I/AAAAAAAAC6w/4ALJRd4M3bAmZACws_wFXvLUd55dkmrHwCLcBGAs/s1600/bota_box_contents2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XPQSwbPV5AU/WuRTyW5Fr8I/AAAAAAAAC6w/4ALJRd4M3bAmZACws_wFXvLUd55dkmrHwCLcBGAs/s400/bota_box_contents2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the miniatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One really has to point out how much value this is: the temple set by <a href="https://www.sarissa-precision.com/" target="_blank">Sarissa Precision</a> alone would be worth the price. Speaking of Sarissa, I am very impressed by the <a href="https://gangsofrome.com/collections/rome" target="_blank">terrain range</a> they created for Gangs of Rome. In general, I am not a fan of MDF terrain. I prefer the higher detail of resin models. However, the <a href="https://www.sarissa-precision.com/Streets_of_Rome/cat1603369_4067836.aspx" target="_blank">Streets of Rome</a> range features a huge variety of nice buildings and other terrain pieces: different buildings, walls, cranes, a temple, a fountain, a bridge and a giant amphitheatre. I especially like the many "under construction" buildings - something you rarely see in other terrain ranges and a nice "trick" to create accessible terrain pieces without going the usual "ruined building" route.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mK59A8594HU/WuRNwn8FaCI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/TCjZE_tPQcAJ4U06B4-i0l2gnIGateLFwCLcBGAs/s1600/amphitheatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mK59A8594HU/WuRNwn8FaCI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/TCjZE_tPQcAJ4U06B4-i0l2gnIGateLFwCLcBGAs/s400/amphitheatre.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The impressive amphitheatre (<a href="https://gangsofrome.com/collections/rome/products/amphitheatre" target="_blank">source</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zUeU75JgQ/WuROBEZI6bI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/1mOmOyi6bekfioh5Y2pvYm4MGEPS3BHPwCLcBGAs/s1600/amphitheatre_raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9zUeU75JgQ/WuROBEZI6bI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/1mOmOyi6bekfioh5Y2pvYm4MGEPS3BHPwCLcBGAs/s400/amphitheatre_raw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The raw amphitheatre with miniatures for reference<br />(photo taken from the Gangs of Rome Facebook group)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So far I had only had a quick look at the rules when the game was first released (the rulebook is available as a free PDF download from <a href="https://gangsofrome.com/collections/downloads/products/digital-gangs-of-rome-rulebook-pdf" target="_blank">their website</a>!). Now, with a printed copy of the rules and everything else at hand, I can't wait to run my first game of Gangs of Rome.<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-85895136012328832132018-04-11T21:45:00.000+02:002018-04-11T21:45:49.760+02:00Spanish Style Church from Empress Miniatures<b>No village is complete without a church. To complement my Caribbean pirate buildings I got the Spanish style church from Empress Miniatures.</b><br />
<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="1000" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4ZuctIpoVU/WsohZWExsKI/AAAAAAAAC4s/A2gcWiAvbeMnqDcGmZQHFiXIAkDhCRlOQCLcBGAs/s640/church_dio_b.jpg" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; max-width: 100%;" /><br />
<br />
I had been tempted to buy the <a href="http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart14.htm" target="_blank">Church from Empress Miniatures</a> for quite some time. Then, while I was painting the <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-pirate-buildings-from-games-of.html">pirate buildings from Games of War</a>, I decided that those few houses would not be enough to form the nice little pirate settlement that I had in mind. The church would be the perfect addition to the lot.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Assembly</h3>
The church is composed of a number of parts that require assembling. Basically, there are two buildings: the church itself and the tower. Beside the resin parts that make up the majority of the buildings there are a few metal pieces for extra detailing: a bell (for the church), decorative crosses and a statue and doors.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1a65c0vxEI/Wq2DiJUHxxI/AAAAAAAAC1E/NzLScUkAQmUl9heniT1zVrpG4QF1D8VLgCLcBGAs/s1600/church_kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1500" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1a65c0vxEI/Wq2DiJUHxxI/AAAAAAAAC1E/NzLScUkAQmUl9heniT1zVrpG4QF1D8VLgCLcBGAs/s400/church_kit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the parts of the Spanish Style Church kit from Empress Miniatures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In theory, assembling the kit is pretty easy and straight-forward as you only need to glue the church's front/facade to the main body and that's it. The roofs and tower sections should remain removable anyways.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsSo3UZNwW4/Wq2DmmrETpI/AAAAAAAAC1I/fnstpvgyk-oRTbWxKyS-U6G3OKUBm06wgCLcBGAs/s1600/church_assembly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1231" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsSo3UZNwW4/Wq2DmmrETpI/AAAAAAAAC1I/fnstpvgyk-oRTbWxKyS-U6G3OKUBm06wgCLcBGAs/s400/church_assembly.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glueing the front of the church to the body of the building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, the roof piece was a bit to long/think on one side to place and remove it smoothly from the church after the facade was attached. Therefore, I spent a good amount of time on filing off a few millimeters of the roof section.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebu_u2XMYno/Wq68Nmcs20I/AAAAAAAAC1k/pTE4m_QPQaEAj68NS74e0aoS47zqnnBrACLcBGAs/s1600/church_roof_file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1200" height="273" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ebu_u2XMYno/Wq68Nmcs20I/AAAAAAAAC1k/pTE4m_QPQaEAj68NS74e0aoS47zqnnBrACLcBGAs/s400/church_roof_file.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filing off a few millimeters of the church's roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The separate tower is pretty useful for gameplay purposes. I could immediately see a sharpshooter climb up the tower and pick off targets across the battlefield. To allow for positioning figures inside the tower and at different heights, I added some basic floors to the tower sections by glueing some balsa/stirring sticks in place.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS-09wZbeAc/Wq68S0D1-yI/AAAAAAAAC1o/cAR6bFEoiu4zt7egR9nM-TsepU_JHqG1wCLcBGAs/s1600/church_floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1200" height="242" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cS-09wZbeAc/Wq68S0D1-yI/AAAAAAAAC1o/cAR6bFEoiu4zt7egR9nM-TsepU_JHqG1wCLcBGAs/s400/church_floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding floors to the church tower sections</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Painting</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ8Qh2_iHD8/Wsomk5i2ttI/AAAAAAAAC5I/euV_09w6g-wZD0Sjne9KfvUqs-rnmRzbACLcBGAs/s1600/tower_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ8Qh2_iHD8/Wsomk5i2ttI/AAAAAAAAC5I/euV_09w6g-wZD0Sjne9KfvUqs-rnmRzbACLcBGAs/s320/tower_back.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After painting the walls of the pirate buildings was rather Chaotic as I tried a number of paints and methods I decided that I need to be a bit more structured if I wanted to achieve a coherent look on the tower and the church itself - not only because the two pieces belong together but also because the church is a larger body that would not be finished in just one or two sessions.<br />
<br />
After the usual black base coat and I used a mix of brown and Basalt Grey (Vallejo) as the first layer to set the tone. Subsequent layers contained more grey and/or some off-white ("bone"). I find that painting these types of walls is quite fun because you get to mix and try a lot. You don't want to come up with a uniform colour anyway so it makes sense to try a few different paints and make sure you add enough water so that the layers blend nicely.<br />
<br />
Painting the roof was much more daunting as it took quite some time to paint each individual shingle. There might be a smarter way to get this done but I couldn't think of any other way to do it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6BL2fK8Mxw/WsO6WWrLXWI/AAAAAAAAC2k/t8LSmNSK9MsBTSzbNVzIV8E8fRItRt79gCLcBGAs/s1600/wip_roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1200" height="332" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6BL2fK8Mxw/WsO6WWrLXWI/AAAAAAAAC2k/t8LSmNSK9MsBTSzbNVzIV8E8fRItRt79gCLcBGAs/s400/wip_roof.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the individual shingles with Saddle Brown (Vallejo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
Gallery</h3>
<div>
The finished church and tower:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjFYhZZxfno/Wsofmyh_m0I/AAAAAAAAC4g/oTj7QGAfotgVGXFq56OrGsKOZwFXrmPtgCLcBGAs/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjFYhZZxfno/Wsofmyh_m0I/AAAAAAAAC4g/oTj7QGAfotgVGXFq56OrGsKOZwFXrmPtgCLcBGAs/s640/church.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYIvKzbsjGw/WsomgPJYSmI/AAAAAAAAC5E/mljkhlNyEOYH0lyF0FFxiarJjN4MQQLkgCLcBGAs/s1600/church_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1200" height="386" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYIvKzbsjGw/WsomgPJYSmI/AAAAAAAAC5E/mljkhlNyEOYH0lyF0FFxiarJjN4MQQLkgCLcBGAs/s400/church_back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5cYR1Hrigo/WsohcrATucI/AAAAAAAAC4w/X9sXTAAbG0Mus5hPWdN-_JywCFcMdQdpwCLcBGAs/s1600/church_dio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5cYR1Hrigo/WsohcrATucI/AAAAAAAAC4w/X9sXTAAbG0Mus5hPWdN-_JywCFcMdQdpwCLcBGAs/s640/church_dio.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates roam the streets of the Caribbean town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-18854133843683259452018-04-08T14:17:00.001+02:002018-04-08T14:17:29.235+02:00Spanish Pirate Buildings from Games of War<b>A pirate gaming table for the Caribbean is made up of more than jungle and a beach. Interesting games require buildings so I got me some Spanish-style pirate buildings for my Caribbean pirate table.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVxowhrBVcA/WsoBMm8DuJI/AAAAAAAAC30/5DgEnFirikwjdZqdn12PiBOKxLl9-Pk7QCLcBGAs/s1600/dio3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVxowhrBVcA/WsoBMm8DuJI/AAAAAAAAC30/5DgEnFirikwjdZqdn12PiBOKxLl9-Pk7QCLcBGAs/s640/dio3b.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Blackbeard raids a Caribbean town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The pirate buildings from <a href="http://gamesofwar.net/acatalog/Buildings---Terrain-p1.html" target="_blank">Games of War</a> are made up of a few individual modules that allow to configure them so that you come up with three different two-storey houses:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pirate Building with Doorway (PB009)</li>
<li>Pirate Building (PB010)</li>
<li>Pirate Pan Tiled Roof Section (PB005)</li>
<li>Small Pirate Pan Tiled Roof Section (PB006)</li>
<li>Pirate Balcony (PB007)</li>
<li>Pirate Portico (PB008)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IT4ohACYLZc/Wq2FB149-qI/AAAAAAAAC1U/AGATMMAXFXoX4PlZ6XIDMFR3MVsJKHB5QCLcBGAs/s1600/buildings_raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1500" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IT4ohACYLZc/Wq2FB149-qI/AAAAAAAAC1U/AGATMMAXFXoX4PlZ6XIDMFR3MVsJKHB5QCLcBGAs/s400/buildings_raw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three two-storey pirate buildings from Games of War</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
The windows are laser-cut plastic. The pieces with doorways (PB009) come with resin doors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The buildings require slightly more cleaning than the ships from Games of War but still not much. You need to glue the windows, doors, portico, balcony and small roof section in place. I filled the gaps between the buildings and the porticos and balcony with putty to achieve a smooth transition between the pieces.<br />
<br />
In addition, I glued a few wooden bits below the upper storey pieces to prevent them from sliding across the ground floor.</div>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
Painting</h3>
Painting pan tiles roofs was new for me but I am quite happy with the initial colour choices: A base layer of Concrete (MIG pigment) on the black undercoat and a first layer of Burnt Red (Vallejo) for the tiles. Then I added some variation to individual tiles by mixing the red with Orange Brown (Vallejo) and Neutral Grey (Vallejo). Drybrushing the entire roof with red/grey then causes the pigments to spread across the tiles which gives them a nicely gritty appearance. Lastly, I applied some green and brown as the finishing touches.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoIKiACmK0g/Wrk_qzssZtI/AAAAAAAAC18/EIaTQyeTEtwD-ifbQF04SqEdOis-fH5rwCLcBGAs/s1600/roof_wip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RoIKiACmK0g/Wrk_qzssZtI/AAAAAAAAC18/EIaTQyeTEtwD-ifbQF04SqEdOis-fH5rwCLcBGAs/s400/roof_wip.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After <i>Concrete</i> pigments from MIG for the gaps<br />
I painted the shingles in different shades of red</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
I did a lot of experimenting with the adobe walls before setting on a final "recipe". Because of that, the buildings looks somewhat different and I can't even really describe what paints I chose in the end. Greys, browns, beiges in all sorts of combinations were used.</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
Modular Double Storey Pirate Building</h3>
<div>
This is the simplest of the two storey buildings consisting of PB009 and PB010.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ3eRQUny-g/WsoHZJh1g4I/AAAAAAAAC4E/lmxFx5fHt8wa5LpeuaiWd26kO1u1FV-1wCLcBGAs/s1600/building1_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1200" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ3eRQUny-g/WsoHZJh1g4I/AAAAAAAAC4E/lmxFx5fHt8wa5LpeuaiWd26kO1u1FV-1wCLcBGAs/s400/building1_front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Modular Double Storey Pirate Building with Portico and Balcony</h3>
This building has a portico and balcony. To provide a door for the balcony the first floor is made up of the same module PB009.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-uWDH5weXk/WsoHfbC--DI/AAAAAAAAC4I/ysk6VGdUJDwHRgzuWqzjFTq6kiTvjVPSgCLcBGAs/s1600/building3_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1200" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-uWDH5weXk/WsoHfbC--DI/AAAAAAAAC4I/ysk6VGdUJDwHRgzuWqzjFTq6kiTvjVPSgCLcBGAs/s400/building3_front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Modular Double Storey Pirate Building With Portico and Side Roof Section</h3>
This building is configured to have a portico and side roof (PB009, PB010, PB006, PB007).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifgNlcOmDxU/WsoHjLC5GsI/AAAAAAAAC4M/FXtQFjO65iY4I3X7oItVBJKV7TPiu0NCQCLcBGAs/s1600/building2_front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1200" height="372" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ifgNlcOmDxU/WsoHjLC5GsI/AAAAAAAAC4M/FXtQFjO65iY4I3X7oItVBJKV7TPiu0NCQCLcBGAs/s400/building2_front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Note: The buildings are also modeled on the inside but I was too lazy to properly paint them up since this is only sometime visible during gameplay. Also, it seems that I did not wash the buildings enough since the paint is peeling off of the interior floor tiles. So when you prepare your buildings, make sure you clean then thoroughly before painting.<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-43981832932617719132018-04-07T11:38:00.000+02:002018-11-10T11:54:23.128+01:00Aquarium Decoration Plants for Jungle Terrain<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atyrkjFPDbI/WsiOMox0PrI/AAAAAAAAC3U/LQFWsmf3D68u34QzU9o3YCepY2C_INcQwCLcBGAs/s1600/hobby_plantmats1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1200" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atyrkjFPDbI/WsiOMox0PrI/AAAAAAAAC3U/LQFWsmf3D68u34QzU9o3YCepY2C_INcQwCLcBGAs/s200/hobby_plantmats1-4.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Aquarium decoration is a great source for all sorts of wargaming jungle terrain. I recently showed off some very nice <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/02/aquarium-decoration-jungle-ruins.html">ruins</a>, today I want to share some useful plastic plants.</b><br />
<br />
Plants form the core of any jungle-themed gaming board. The occasional palm tree is nice but what you really want is dense vegetation made up of many many plants. The best source of affordable and nicely sized plants is aquarium decoration supplies. I used a few aquarium plants for the <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/02/jungle-terrain-sections-finished.html">jungle terrain sections</a> that I finished recently. Now I found some very nice products on Amazon: Plant Mats from the "Hobby" range by <a href="http://www.dohse-aquaristik.com/en" target="_blank">Dohse Aquaristik</a>. They come in four different versions:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq0OSAp6OKM/WsiLv7YzN_I/AAAAAAAAC20/pyesk4DYbFYRXcC0sC-oDRqHnf3mbucagCLcBGAs/s1600/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="1181" height="85" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pq0OSAp6OKM/WsiLv7YzN_I/AAAAAAAAC20/pyesk4DYbFYRXcC0sC-oDRqHnf3mbucagCLcBGAs/s200/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobby Plant Mat 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5XOktPC5mo/WsiL2v1NaxI/AAAAAAAAC24/Yv4qs7j5QUgf3i0vRpoBHRQGnAKlPbsIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1040" height="107" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5XOktPC5mo/WsiL2v1NaxI/AAAAAAAAC24/Yv4qs7j5QUgf3i0vRpoBHRQGnAKlPbsIQCLcBGAs/s200/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobby Plant Mat 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwr5SKxtkKw/WsiL9GyA0JI/AAAAAAAAC28/APKck8BTHCcOivJjRntOjs87dqmD_ENFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="1040" height="99" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uwr5SKxtkKw/WsiL9GyA0JI/AAAAAAAAC28/APKck8BTHCcOivJjRntOjs87dqmD_ENFgCLcBGAs/s200/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobby Plant Mat 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGs7Zzif-7A/WsiMClLLl7I/AAAAAAAAC3A/Bhn_VoLKU40vnrlYsSJenG9Xt7GfePlUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1038" height="81" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGs7Zzif-7A/WsiMClLLl7I/AAAAAAAAC3A/Bhn_VoLKU40vnrlYsSJenG9Xt7GfePlUgCLcBGAs/s200/Hobby%2BPlant%2BMat%2B4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobby Plant Mat 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Mats 1, 2 and 3 are basically grass blades in different sizes, mat 4 is an entirely different type of plant. Below are two photos for size comparison of the four plant types with 28mm pirates from <a href="http://www.crusaderminiatures.com/prod.php?prod=64&cat=3&sub=7&page=1" target="_blank">Crusader</a> and <a href="https://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/pirates-and-swashbucklers" target="_blank">Wargames Foundry</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rK05QlqYew/WsiOkR51oRI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/Px6oEcTmuGcS1K8hIYZHKHqAee5P3vSbgCLcBGAs/s1600/plants_sizecomparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1000" height="206" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rK05QlqYew/WsiOkR51oRI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/Px6oEcTmuGcS1K8hIYZHKHqAee5P3vSbgCLcBGAs/s400/plants_sizecomparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size comparison of the plants and pirates from Crusader and Foundry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfriexunsnA/WsiOn47YhmI/AAAAAAAAC3c/AtWiwFZivQY6BgUjJZoCbTjHllrVs-qOACLcBGAs/s1600/plants_sizecomparison2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="1000" height="141" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pfriexunsnA/WsiOn47YhmI/AAAAAAAAC3c/AtWiwFZivQY6BgUjJZoCbTjHllrVs-qOACLcBGAs/s400/plants_sizecomparison2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size comparison of the plants and pirates from Crusader and Foundry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
You get nice results when you combine and stack the plants. I already look forward to creating a couple of simple but effective terrain sections with these plants.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01SwN69BU84/WsiOx2z9jII/AAAAAAAAC3g/gQBGgHrEkc8OxziY8ujiPE0vpLCs5NqEQCLcBGAs/s1600/plants_stacked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1200" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01SwN69BU84/WsiOx2z9jII/AAAAAAAAC3g/gQBGgHrEkc8OxziY8ujiPE0vpLCs5NqEQCLcBGAs/s400/plants_stacked.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the plants stacked to create more dense results</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-88094125569760972192018-02-21T17:41:00.001+01:002018-11-10T11:54:23.307+01:00Aquarium Decoration Jungle Ruins<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm2J8uiaoPE/V-QGzWukSAI/AAAAAAAACiw/yJFak8SSVP4pmBEazTZy296_DIXsAtp0ACLcB/s1600/BrickGate_EuropetBernina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sm2J8uiaoPE/V-QGzWukSAI/AAAAAAAACiw/yJFak8SSVP4pmBEazTZy296_DIXsAtp0ACLcB/s200/BrickGate_EuropetBernina.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decor Brick Gate from <br />
Europet Bernina (234-105382)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>In preparation of some upcoming pirate gaming on tropical treasure islands I purchased a few aquarium decoration pieces to enhance my jungle gaming board.</b><br />
<br />
I bought the first aquarium deco piece years ago when I first started pirate gaming: the <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/07/aquarium-terrain.html">Decor Brick Gate</a> from Europet Bernina (234-105382). I saw this item and a few others put to great use as 28mm scale terrain on the old website of <a href="http://www.backofbeyond.de/" target="_blank">Alex Bews</a> (aka Witchhunter, which is sadly <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20170714005532/witchhunter.net/" target="_blank">no longer online</a>). For the base of my jungle board I got myself the beautiful 4x6 <a href="http://www.deepcutstudio.com/product/wargames-terrain-mat-beach/" target="_blank">Beach wargaming mat</a> from Deep-Cut Studio and now I need terrain to fill it. So aside from some <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/02/jungle-terrain-sections-finished.html">jungle terrain sections</a> I dediced to get some more aquarium terrain. Here it is!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Most pieces below are from the Aqua Ornaments range by <a href="http://nobby.de/" target="_blank">Nobby</a>, a German producer of pet supplies. If you are interested in these items, it is best to look them up by their product codes. I have noted the names of some of these items differ slightly between what what reads on their tags, on the Nobby website and on amazon. Speaking of amazon: the prices for this type of aquarium terrain change basically daily, sometimes drastically. So it's well worth putting them in the basket and waiting a bit, watching the prices develop as you can easily save a couple of Euros or Pounds this way.<br />
All pieces are made of light-weight but durable polyresin and come nicely pre-painted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Ruined Gate w/ Plants (Nobby 28277)</h3>
L21,3 x W9,3 x H12,3 cm<br />
I got this piece for 13,14 EUR which is an awesome price, I think.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVARBEApVcI/V-LP3l3FvrI/AAAAAAAACig/FcNmNiWWnnguYurLIsXYaTaemGruwuu8QCLcB/s1600/Nobby28277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target=""><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVARBEApVcI/V-LP3l3FvrI/AAAAAAAACig/FcNmNiWWnnguYurLIsXYaTaemGruwuu8QCLcB/s400/Nobby28277.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruined Gate w/ Plants (Nobby 28277)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAr_j9nmPxI/V-QdSbtqpmI/AAAAAAAACjY/Yxxkm4UzyWACYu6og6wrOpEiZuUdFXz0gCLcB/s1600/ruinedgate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAr_j9nmPxI/V-QdSbtqpmI/AAAAAAAACjY/Yxxkm4UzyWACYu6og6wrOpEiZuUdFXz0gCLcB/s400/ruinedgate2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_xmdnOM-aQ/V-QeD3gQuxI/AAAAAAAACjc/SiRSpMUHtuEGymcRAEQnvhqiiM6LfqyawCLcB/s1600/ruinedgate4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_xmdnOM-aQ/V-QeD3gQuxI/AAAAAAAACjc/SiRSpMUHtuEGymcRAEQnvhqiiM6LfqyawCLcB/s400/ruinedgate4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Agaegyev72M/V-Qej8KO-oI/AAAAAAAACjk/5uU-dHYJWGokh9IuYGlqk9o832WhL-lugCLcB/s1600/ruinedgate6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Agaegyev72M/V-Qej8KO-oI/AAAAAAAACjk/5uU-dHYJWGokh9IuYGlqk9o832WhL-lugCLcB/s400/ruinedgate6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Column w/ Bonsai w/ Plants (Nobby 28280)</h3>
L21,5 x W14,5 x H16 cm<br />
This piece was 20,62 EUR.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWa6a2WCY10/V-LPixttCEI/AAAAAAAACic/TTKrxBby1Y8M9jwaOPcsWpkPjoS8LbTTgCLcB/s1600/Nobby28280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target=""><img border="0" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWa6a2WCY10/V-LPixttCEI/AAAAAAAACic/TTKrxBby1Y8M9jwaOPcsWpkPjoS8LbTTgCLcB/s400/Nobby28280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columns w/ Bonsai w/ Plants (Nobby 28280)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjAfb0CUGYA/V-QanBknxsI/AAAAAAAACjA/0tc7mnTEtV4DX3R2COmcGnLeKIWhXXWZwCLcB/s1600/columnwbonsai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjAfb0CUGYA/V-QanBknxsI/AAAAAAAACjA/0tc7mnTEtV4DX3R2COmcGnLeKIWhXXWZwCLcB/s400/columnwbonsai2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84ogCFhjxsM/V-Qa1bwCKRI/AAAAAAAACjE/NzygoF234wMlujWDJgP8zLRqwH5tI-MSACLcB/s1600/columnwbonsai3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-84ogCFhjxsM/V-Qa1bwCKRI/AAAAAAAACjE/NzygoF234wMlujWDJgP8zLRqwH5tI-MSACLcB/s400/columnwbonsai3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo0mcPp4BCU/V-Qa6ZOK9iI/AAAAAAAACjI/uyGnYROOUigtvuhCnvDALQQXMfbWmNOPQCLcB/s1600/columnwbonsai4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo0mcPp4BCU/V-Qa6ZOK9iI/AAAAAAAACjI/uyGnYROOUigtvuhCnvDALQQXMfbWmNOPQCLcB/s400/columnwbonsai4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uryr_-YkDVc/V-QcDCe-d2I/AAAAAAAACjQ/a2YvmgEiCKYcFWbAZBZw6rCI1eQnLYfOgCLcB/s1600/columnwbonsai1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uryr_-YkDVc/V-QcDCe-d2I/AAAAAAAACjQ/a2YvmgEiCKYcFWbAZBZw6rCI1eQnLYfOgCLcB/s400/columnwbonsai1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<h3>
Ancient Tunnel Ruin (Rosewood 915645)</h3>
L12 x W13 x H10 cm<br />
13 EUR<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
This last piece is probably the most iconic and well-known one. It is the only piece that is not from Nobby but from <a href="https://www.rosewoodpet.com/aquatic/aquarium-decor" target="_blank">Rosewood</a>. If you've been following the recent release of <a href="https://ospreypublishing.com/frostgrave-ghost-archipelago" target="_blank">Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago</a> you will probably have seen this item as part of the photos produced by <a href="http://www.northstarfigures.com/" target="_blank">NorthStar</a> for the book.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="border: none; box-shadow: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUCjySKi0ME/WfQzUo6OSoI/AAAAAAAACu0/MPL6K_lhwYkn8Gb6SP2D0IjqMxR--vOmwCLcBGAs/s1600/Rosewood%2B915645%2BAquariumdeko%2B-%2Bantike%2BTunnelruine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WUCjySKi0ME/WfQzUo6OSoI/AAAAAAAACu0/MPL6K_lhwYkn8Gb6SP2D0IjqMxR--vOmwCLcBGAs/s400/Rosewood%2B915645%2BAquariumdeko%2B-%2Bantike%2BTunnelruine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Tunnel Ruin (Rosewood 915645)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOwa7PVPGIw/Wo2ah7QsftI/AAAAAAAAC0o/ycK8DXIyuCA9N9YIQXvu_whZtq96sL7xgCLcBGAs/s1600/ancient_tunnel_ruin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dOwa7PVPGIw/Wo2ah7QsftI/AAAAAAAAC0o/ycK8DXIyuCA9N9YIQXvu_whZtq96sL7xgCLcBGAs/s400/ancient_tunnel_ruin2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Foundry pirate in front of the Ancient Tunnel Ruin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhN0jbz2dBM/Wo2amsl8D7I/AAAAAAAAC0s/q9_NEHdRH6IV2AU_EwRN8dlS-Tob86ZCgCLcBGAs/s1600/ancient_tunnel_ruin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UhN0jbz2dBM/Wo2amsl8D7I/AAAAAAAAC0s/q9_NEHdRH6IV2AU_EwRN8dlS-Tob86ZCgCLcBGAs/s400/ancient_tunnel_ruin3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back side of the Ancient Tunnel Ruin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-88054260082899963282018-02-11T12:21:00.000+01:002018-11-10T11:54:23.247+01:00Jungle Terrain Sections FinishedMany years ago, I built some <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/08/palm-trees-jungle-sections.html">jungle terrain sections</a> which I never finished. Now, as I am focusing on my Caribbean jungle board, I took them out again and finished them.<br />
<br />
The first step was to paint the bases and stones. Then, I ordered some aquarium plastic plants from amazon for some simple additional vegetation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJvf7-pjmq8/WmOz7CklPJI/AAAAAAAACyo/JtJepG5HSIco7VRUkJye9NQffBIyN8zkQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJvf7-pjmq8/WmOz7CklPJI/AAAAAAAACyo/JtJepG5HSIco7VRUkJye9NQffBIyN8zkQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1995.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jungle section after painting without additional vegetation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uq_9TD6jo9o/WmOz_Owni4I/AAAAAAAACys/Z9QMKbmrPdkNAfYOCxuTWAVMNGDXKAdHACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uq_9TD6jo9o/WmOz_Owni4I/AAAAAAAACys/Z9QMKbmrPdkNAfYOCxuTWAVMNGDXKAdHACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_1997.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquarium decoration plastic plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Some aquarium plants and simple grass is obviously not enough so I ordered some more stuff from <a href="https://www.pk-pro.de/" target="_blank">PK-PRO</a>: A box of <i>Ground Detail Jungle Forest</i> from <i>Reality in Scale</i> and various laser-cut paper plants by <a href="http://www.migjimenez.com/en/" target="_blank">MIG</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIX9CJ4oWv4/WmO0G0kr5gI/AAAAAAAACyw/RDdUAR4--dEcxqWIkztywRAC-TDa_i58ACLcBGAs/s1600/plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIX9CJ4oWv4/WmO0G0kr5gI/AAAAAAAACyw/RDdUAR4--dEcxqWIkztywRAC-TDa_i58ACLcBGAs/s400/plants.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jungle scenery from MIG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xXmZOuTi6g/WmO0Kc9Q4yI/AAAAAAAACy0/yumhRMAD8pIfcgEfSVEahYiU6dOrDoeWgCLcBGAs/s1600/plants2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xXmZOuTi6g/WmO0Kc9Q4yI/AAAAAAAACy0/yumhRMAD8pIfcgEfSVEahYiU6dOrDoeWgCLcBGAs/s400/plants2.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser-cut paper plants from MIG</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Finished Terrain Sections</h3>
Below are photos of the terrain sections with the various scenery and vegetation applied. I am quite happy with the result and will probably do a few more pieces like these.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJYe8mEGMo/WmO1KqA0cHI/AAAAAAAACzI/JJokrLHDtnIgw6NL7weJMUgt-MtrThUsACLcBGAs/s1600/detail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJYe8mEGMo/WmO1KqA0cHI/AAAAAAAACzI/JJokrLHDtnIgw6NL7weJMUgt-MtrThUsACLcBGAs/s400/detail1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHBsMcNf6tY/WmO2JpyxooI/AAAAAAAACzU/xlpGcaJs2R4wsxPCIFyS6zqw4C1wzjUKQCLcBGAs/s1600/detail3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHBsMcNf6tY/WmO2JpyxooI/AAAAAAAACzU/xlpGcaJs2R4wsxPCIFyS6zqw4C1wzjUKQCLcBGAs/s400/detail3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ikMOuG2wYEg/WmO1ucpK-DI/AAAAAAAACzQ/lij6PuLQ86YGEH5eeyZOVL10o65c6RttACLcBGAs/s1600/detail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1200" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ikMOuG2wYEg/WmO1ucpK-DI/AAAAAAAACzQ/lij6PuLQ86YGEH5eeyZOVL10o65c6RttACLcBGAs/s400/detail2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-29331655492411481502018-02-10T16:06:00.000+01:002018-11-11T11:37:18.523+01:00Dice Bag with CompartmentsSomething I wanted to share quickly: My girl-friend made this dice bag with compartments for me. It is especially useful since I use quite a number of markers and counters for my <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/p/dogs-ahoy.html">Dogs Ahoy</a> game. I am super happy with it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpKPa66M2Cg/Wn8I78aOhxI/AAAAAAAAC0M/Yr_gwNaHrgA9KmJt48RygtfiYZNWJ5kUQCLcBGAs/s1600/dicebag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1000" height="306" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpKPa66M2Cg/Wn8I78aOhxI/AAAAAAAAC0M/Yr_gwNaHrgA9KmJt48RygtfiYZNWJ5kUQCLcBGAs/s400/dicebag1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoBdSOotCCE/Wn8JCem0zUI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/T4BZpPC33h0N_74BnebRtPBGwHw1X5hugCLcBGAs/s1600/dicebag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1000" height="318" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoBdSOotCCE/Wn8JCem0zUI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/T4BZpPC33h0N_74BnebRtPBGwHw1X5hugCLcBGAs/s400/dicebag2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldxKVVJb9lU/Wn8JSQoBUTI/AAAAAAAAC0U/aiwDCjCU83IVWCr4lKzmrbgf0iViU3bWgCLcBGAs/s1600/dicebag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1000" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldxKVVJb9lU/Wn8JSQoBUTI/AAAAAAAAC0U/aiwDCjCU83IVWCr4lKzmrbgf0iViU3bWgCLcBGAs/s400/dicebag3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2783170621031025073.post-15802341349246661182018-01-07T15:44:00.001+01:002018-12-25T20:00:46.390+01:00My Wargaming Goals for 2018<b>The beginning of a new year is always a good occasion for recapitulation and contemplation. However, I don't want to look back but ahead: What do I want to do in 2018 in terms of tabletop wargaming hobby activities?</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Firstly, I have to say that I am not the type for new year's resolutions. But I must admit that I have been posting less and less on the blog, which is mostly due to the large number of in-progress works and projects. It is easy to get lost and carried away in the many wonderful facets of the hobby (hence the lead mountain syndrome, which is more a "resin mountain" in my case). I think that if I prioritize the little and big projects that I am working on and articulate some goals, that I will find it easier to work on them with a bit of discipline. Granted, this is all still hobby in the end, but I do find it satisfying to complete things - be it the painting of a building, the building of a terrain piece or the definition of the rules for a certain scenario. Throughout the year, the following will hopefully help me remind myself which projects I really need to finish, or at least make some progress, instead of switching to another project that tickles my fancy.</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Ships</h3>
<div>
I really really want to finish the British cutter model from <a href="http://gamesofwar.net/" target="_blank">Games of War</a>, which has been sitting here in its near completed state for more than half a year now. All that's left is the sails and maybe a bit of rigging. The vessel can already be seen in some photos in <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2017/07/pirates-at-port-of-gierburg.html">the blog post</a> about the pirates crew by <a href="http://stonecoldlead.webs.com/" target="_blank">Simon Bradley</a>.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDTB7FdOS8M/WXUCzj25SKI/AAAAAAAACog/VvePSXfG51Y_JqjhaMOKCeCk6zQPvL4BQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01843_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="1000" height="161" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oDTB7FdOS8M/WXUCzj25SKI/AAAAAAAACog/VvePSXfG51Y_JqjhaMOKCeCk6zQPvL4BQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC01843_small.png" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIlLMFhs6yE/WXULdqkF_LI/AAAAAAAACpA/ldeO77CKwOceJnc9eSUTaMYg2R1Z1LyXwCLcBGAs/s1600/dio2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIlLMFhs6yE/WXULdqkF_LI/AAAAAAAACpA/ldeO77CKwOceJnc9eSUTaMYg2R1Z1LyXwCLcBGAs/s200/dio2b.jpg" width="200" /></a>I am still a bit unsure of how exactly to do the sails although I have been collecting some useful posts and videos I came across on Facebook. The facebook group for <a href="http://www.firelockgames.com/" target="_blank">Firelock</a>'s "Blood & Plunder" is a great resource for ship modeling, even if you are not playing their game.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of Blood & Plunder: They will deliver their second Kickstarter around May and I am looking forward to holding their new massive Galleon in hands. So besides finishing the cutter, I would like to do at least one more ship - either the galleon or another large ship by Games of War, which are really beautiful models.<br />
<br />
<i>Update:</i> <a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/british-unrated-cutter-from-games-of-war.html">The British Cutter is finished</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Jungle Board</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKsGeW48z4Q/WlIkIw0ZWhI/AAAAAAAACxA/w68mPpUt2NQ8fsUJlah2x2AwvwTHPzaaACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKsGeW48z4Q/WlIkIw0ZWhI/AAAAAAAACxA/w68mPpUt2NQ8fsUJlah2x2AwvwTHPzaaACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_2001.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The incomplete jungle table for now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I began "working" on a jungle board <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/06/jungle-board.html">back in 2010</a> when my gaming group was playing "Legends of the High Seas". I built a few small <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/08/palm-trees-jungle-sections.html">jungle terrain sections</a> which I finally painted a few weeks ago. In theory, a jungle board is amongst the easiest to do: Get a good gaming mat with a grasslands motif and add <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2010/07/aquarium-terrain.html">aquarium decorations</a> as terrain and aquarium plastic plants as vegetation. Well, as usual the devil is in the details and it comes down to how ambitious you want to be with your table.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0MhojtFHFw/WlIkOa5WOUI/AAAAAAAACxE/3_cSDfGys94TfI-Ad9QUJLwhXz-MrI_zgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0MhojtFHFw/WlIkOa5WOUI/AAAAAAAACxE/3_cSDfGys94TfI-Ad9QUJLwhXz-MrI_zgCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_2004.JPG" width="150" /></a>I plan to do a few more jungle sections so that the board is properly filled and I hope to find some good materials for vegetation so that it doesn't look too cheap. Also, I bought the Caribbean pirate buildings from Games of War and the Spanish Style Church from <a href="http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart14.htm" target="_blank">Empress Miniatures</a>. Thanks to the wonderful beach gaming mat from <a href="http://www.deepcutstudio.com/" target="_blank">Deep-Cut Studios</a> it doesn't take that much to have a cool jungle table. Once the buildings are painted and the jungle sections are done, I think I will be happy with my jungle board.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>Update:</i><br />
<a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/02/jungle-terrain-sections-finished.html">Jungle terrain sections finished</a><br />
<a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-pirate-buildings-from-games-of.html">Pirate buildings from Games of War are finished</a><br />
<a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/04/spanish-style-church-from-empress.html">Church from Empress is finished</a><br />
<a href="https://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/2018/05/walls-from-empress-miniatures.html">Walls from Empress is finished</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Port of Gierburg</h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4Y4iEJgf5g/WlItUNW9iXI/AAAAAAAACxg/92-1oJbeSp0Gc8hGRotmNfgEpr6RK0S-ACLcBGAs/s1600/DFmMK5cW0AAZDK6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1200" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4Y4iEJgf5g/WlItUNW9iXI/AAAAAAAACxg/92-1oJbeSp0Gc8hGRotmNfgEpr6RK0S-ACLcBGAs/s200/DFmMK5cW0AAZDK6.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WIP photo of the second section of<br />
the <i>Port of Gierburg</i> board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The <a href="http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/p/port-of-gierburg.html">Port of Gierburg</a> is my ever ongoing gaming board project. I am at a point where I need to get my hands dirty and build the elevated level with integrated facades and stuff. I made some good progress in 2017 and I should really make some more progress on the board this year. I won't be lying to myself here: I don't think it is reasonable to assume that I finish the board section this year but hopefully I can at least finish the building of it. I totally want to run some games on this board and the sooner the better.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Dogs Ahoy!</h3>
<div>
By now it should be obvious what my overall theme is. <i>Dogs Ahoy!</i> is the name of my pirate skirmish rules set. I have been working on these rules over the last couple of years (well, on and off, of course) and they are usually what we use when we run games. I use these rules to put all the things into it that I learned from playing Mordheim and creating <a href="http://bordertownburning.ciantygames.com/" target="_blank">Border Town Burning</a> and playing other pirate games or small skirmish games in general: different (swashbuckling) fighting styles, relevant positioning of characters and activations, campaigns with objectives and special scenarios for attaining infamy or glory, and so much more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made a huge step forward with the rules during December last year and I am almost at the point where the first full draft is done, i.e. all aspects of the rules are defined so it is a matter of fine-tuning and tweaking from then on. I don't have any concrete plans with regards to publishing yet. My focus is on getting things right and I am taking the time that's necessary.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWt7qxm7C8U/WlIqFHmSmkI/AAAAAAAACxU/gcce31UH7Zo-oK6rP7OfyTz0NiHAtyDCQCLcBGAs/s1600/dogsahoy-book-preview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="652" height="274" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWt7qxm7C8U/WlIqFHmSmkI/AAAAAAAACxU/gcce31UH7Zo-oK6rP7OfyTz0NiHAtyDCQCLcBGAs/s320/dogsahoy-book-preview.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs Ahoy! rule book (provisional cover and layout)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Stuff put on hold</h3>
<div>
<b>All the other ships:</b> Beside the ships I mentioned above, my shipyard is full of other models, including the three ships from Ainsty and the first three models from Firelock Games. I must admit that I won't have the time to paint them all and I really do not need any more ships. No. No...</div>
<div>
<b>The Ruined Coaching Inn:</b> The huge ruin by Tabletop World is now out of production and I am happy that I bought it back when it was available. I have already started painting it and I am about half-way done. Before I continue with it, though, I need to finish my jungle terrain pieces. And there are still many more lovely half-timbered houses waiting for paint (mostly Tabletop World but also some from Grand Manner).</div>
<div>
<b>Coaches & Wagons:</b> These are the three architectural/terrain/non-mini things I love: half-timbered houses, sailing ships and coaches. I just love the elegance of a stage coach or hansom cab. As usual this results in having a huge collection that waits to get painted. Just like ships and actually houses as well I need to accept that I really do not need any more coaches. I recently started painting one of the coaches and I just might finish that one so that I have at least one finished coach. But the others will have to wait.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYmKVmeEcF8/WlIxpHydyBI/AAAAAAAACxs/heJcici_0KQzdR4X-ZLcOWv06wsbjHVOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DOblq0tXcAAiwcH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1200" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYmKVmeEcF8/WlIxpHydyBI/AAAAAAAACxs/heJcici_0KQzdR4X-ZLcOWv06wsbjHVOQCLcBGAs/s320/DOblq0tXcAAiwcH.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coach, work in progress (available from <a href="http://schilling-figuren.de/" target="_blank">Schilling-Figuren</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Alright, so that's my plans for 2018. Let's hope I pull through. Now time to get cracking!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
ciantyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14277558354281975514noreply@blogger.com3