The Alternative Armies Blog

Welcome to the Alternative Armies blog. This blog tells you all about what we are up to and it is where we post our latest tabletop gaming news and articles.
We cover Flintloque and Slaughterloo, High Fantasy, Other Ranges as well as our 15mm scale fantasy, science fiction and historical ranges.
Our game systems and free content such as PDF downloads and reading articles. Enjoy and do dig back in time to see what was going on before now.

Feel free to comment and ask questions. We are always happy to help gamers with their hobby.

Tuesday 25 June 2019

New HOF 15mm Cultists, Rim Mercs, Octopods, Bodybags and Scatter Scenics

It is a bumper set of new releases and more into the HOF 15mm Science Fiction range at Alternative Armies to end the month. Go to the range or read on for more. Seven new codes across Octopods, Rim Mercenaries, Cultists as well as scenics. 


The HOF range is huge and diverse with humans, aliens, robots, vehicles and much more suitable for any setting or game system. You can spend quite a while browsing and digging. As well as that you can get packs or choose poses from the packs. We have also added new larger images of all the existing codes for the Octopods, the Rim Mercenaries and Cultists. Here are the details of the new. 




We have three value pack platoons which gather together all the infantry and small vehicle codes for a force from its pack codes and gives you one of each pose with a ten percent saving. A massive sampler if you will for skirmishing. Each is a different price since the contents are different. We have HOFP02 Octopod Platoon for tentacle sporting aliens. We have HOFP03 Rim Mercenary Platoon for your paid soldiers. We have the HOFP04 Cultist Mob for your fanatic warriors. These go alongside other value packs in the range such as HOF51 Grey Alien Landing Party and the mighty HOFA01 Security Force Alpha core army



Not every actor on the battlefield is a soldier or civilian there are others... Two new packs give you body bags for the dead and also scatter scenics of boxes and cans which are very useful. Have a look at HOF128 Body Bags which has 15 pieces in it for a great price. Also HOF129 Cans and Boxes Scatter Scenics which is three different pieces with ten in the pack with a 10% saving. Excellent! 




Bring out the dead of the future battlefield! We have three new packs in high quality grey tone resin giving you ten in two different poses of HOF125 Octopod Casualties and HOF126 Rim Merc Casualties plus HOF127 Cultist Casualties. These are at half the price of a normal HOF pack as we do with all resin casualties. An asked for addition from wargamers. 

All of the new packs were sculpted by Elton Waters and painted by the Alternative Armies studio. 


HOF Fire-Team is an original dynamic tactical game with a setting from ultra modern to the far future. Fire Team pits squads of soldiers, guerrillas, police, and thieves or just about anyone else with a grudge against one another. Use miniatures from your existing collection, on single bases, or add any new ones of your choice. Players command a number of Teams. These being Fire Teams, Support Teams, Command Teams and trusting to sound small unit tactics and the luck of the dice they attempt to carry out their mission objectives. Go HERE for the book and tiles of this gridded game by Bob Minadeo as a paid for digital download. Features three different background settings. 

Thanks for Reading, 

GBS

Friday 21 June 2019

New 15mm Malig Space Goblins (more than fifty poses total) added to The Ion Age

The Legions of the Shia Khan Empire are the main fighting force of the Empire and the expendable cannon fodder of the Legions are the Space Goblins or Maligs as they are known.  Drawn from endless slave worlds in great hordes the Maligs are treated roughly and given weapons beyond their understanding. Commanded by all and in command of nothing.  Shoved into Tesserans (8 Troops) and Ordos (32 Troops) the Maligs don't last long in combat but they perform a valuable role; they kill Humans.  Crass, brutal and often savage the word Malig is hated by all.  

Welcome to the first new release into the 15mm Ion Age range since the return of the ranges to Alternative Armies.  This is our only Ion Age release this month and we have taken the chance to not only put out eight new Maligs but also to highlight the now more than fifty poses of Space Goblin which we have.  Click HERE for the whole 15mm range.  Remember to use the 'filter' option on the page to narrow down the packs which appear.  As always you can purchase a pack, three packs with a saving or single poses from any pack.  Great in any 15mm game system including Patrol Angis.


IAF166 Malig 5th Tesseran – Maia Mpi
This is the new Malig 5th Tesseran which is eight miniatures dressed in unpowered armour.  Created by request from IonFans as they felt they were missing from the choice of Space Goblins.  An officer (pose 1) with a Maia and Cupid Pistol along with seven poses of trooper (privates) armed with Maia 9.2mm Mpi's. Great for skirmishing and then combining with other Khanate codes for larger formations and battles.Go HERE.

Here is a list of all the Space Goblin codes we have in 15mm scale from infantry to bike, to vehicle, riding beasts and characters.  They are linked to make them easy to find on the website.


IAF047 Malig 1st Tesseran – Juno Rifles
IAF048 Malig 2nd Tesseran – Support Weapons
IAF049 Malig 3rd Tesseran – Grenadiers
IAFP01 Malig Ordos – Platoon Pack (includes Senga character with Frying Pan)


A 15mm scale vehicle kit.








IMP10 Malig Tank Ace (One Character)
IMP22 Malig Campaigner (One Character)
IMP31 Padraig O'Malig (One Character)
IMP44 Malig Egg Thief (One Character)

So many verminous outer space little buggers!  But who are their masters?


IAB03 The Khanate Return
An Army Book for the Patrol Angis game system.  You need Patrol Angis and Callsign Taranis to make full use of this expansion title.  This Army Book brings you to the Camarthen star system for a desperate campaign for possession of a planet upon which sits an alien Matter Gateway. Now that it is switched on the gateway has brought a mythical enemy of Humanity back to reality from far across the galaxy; The Shia Khan Empire. Making use of the Patrol Angis rule book for skirmishes and the Callsign Taranis expansion book for larger games you can now add the Khanate Empire and also Planetary Defence Forces to your games. Read all about the tragic fate of Camarthen Prime and the start of the second Khanate War as a world burns. You can then create and assemble your own Tesserans and Ordos (platoons) along with vehicles and more for the Khanate with armoury and army lists. Then consult army lists for the Planetary Militias to do the same with Troop Types, Armour, Weapons and platoon composition guides. There are also advanced rules for both new armies covering Nebula Charges, Humascare,and Robotic Infantry among other skills and equipment. The book ends with three small scenarios of varying complexity for new and experienced players. This Army Book joins up with other titles expanding the forces and the universe of The Ion Age. Put forces from a half dozen miniatures to more than a hundred including vehicles into play. Fight for victory on Camarthen Prime or take your fight elsewhere in the Prydian Precinct.  See the Ion Age Publications page for all these titles in print and as digital downloads.


Free Ion Age Downloads
We have a page on the website HERE where you can download nine folders of free content for our space opera setting which tie right into these miniatures and the Patrol Angis game system.  There are full scenarios which include the Maligs.  You can also have a dig through the Ion Age Blog but keep in mind that any free files mentioned are now on this new page and that all links to the other website are deactivated.  That said it is a massive free resource of fiction and images.  Use the search box on the Alternative Armies site if you see codes you like the look of.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Tuesday 18 June 2019

New 15mm Komosu and Sohei Monks plus free bolt on game for Sengoku

Now released as Alternative Armies new 15mm scale miniatures sculpted by John Bell added to the Sengoku range of Japanese Fantasy.  As we build towards the next mega set of miniatures this time it is a pack and singles of Komosu and Sohei Monks to add to your collection.  As well as this we are delighted to present a simple two page game written by John Bell as a free download which bolts onto the Monster Hunter rules.  Go HERE or read on for more.


Last time we brought you the Gashadokuro (Giant Skeleton of the Dishonoured Dead) the largest model in the range thus far.  Work continues upon the sequel to Sengoku Monster Hunter and its going well.


SGFP35 Komosu and Sohei Monks
This pack contains twelve mixed miniatures some in two parts.  Four Komusu Monks with flutes mixed from two poses.  Eight Sohei Monks with weapons as well as unarmoured or armoured legs taken from four different poses. Supplied with a correct mix of armoured and plain legs.  Taken from codes SGF114-119 as singles. The pack offers a small saving off the single purchase of these codes.  Go HERE.





You can also get these new poses as single miniatures under their own codes as outlined.  There are now more than one hundred and twenty miniatures in the Sengoku range making it (as far as we know) the biggest 15mm Japanese Fantasy selection in the world.  Have a browse HERE.


Ace Gaiden – Sengoku Monster Hunter
Written by presented by John Bell you can download this two page leaflet format bolt on game by CLICKING HERE hosted on our website.  An interesting simple bolt on to the Monster Hunter rules which allows you to play the game in a format like a classic vertical shoot 'em up video game of the arcade era!  You need the book and some tokens and figures.  It is a real hoot to play.  Give it a go.


Sengoku Monster Hunter  
A Tabletop Game for up to Four Player or Solo Play using the Sengoku range of 15mm miniatures
A game for one to four players set in medieval Japan where monsters and creatures of myth roam the jagged crags and hidden valleys of the Sacred Mountain. It is from the Sengoku setting and has merciless hunters who track down the monsters and slaughter them at every opportunity. Who you Play. Hunters are the players characters in the game. Each hunter has a profile of attributes, skills and special abilities that players can improve if their hunters are successful. There is a range of weapons, armour and equipment that hunters can acquire as well hired henchmen, spirit guides and others to assist them in their expeditions. The more powerful the hunters get…the greater challenges they can take on!  Author:  Steve Danes. A4 Format, 52 pages.  In PRINT or a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD at a twenty percent less.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Friday 14 June 2019

OH35 Goblin Gunners and Kraken Fish Bombard released!

“No one told me that those damn Goblins had artillery! My men took this contract with your king on the understanding they would be fighting a bunch of stick waving savages. This is the Iron Guard! Bring me my horse squire. This campaign is over!” 

The expansion of our Goblin Knights continues with the release of a new pack of armoured gunners and a new artillery piece. Back in 2018 and earlier this year we spoke about and then began the new releases (see our blog on this TAG to read all the articles and see the pictures including the painted collection of Benamon Tame) in our 28mm Orcs and Goblins range. There are more than thirty packs (all can be had as single miniatures too) in the range now including other Armoured Goblins plus a Giant Troll as well as artillery pieces, chariots and many Orcs. Go HERE or read on for more.

The new gunners were created by Zach Martin while our own Sam Croes worked up the bombard. These go perfectly with the open handed Goblin Knights with a choice of weapons. You can get the bombard on its own and it fits right in with any Goblinoid or evil orientated army. 


OH35 Goblin Knight Gunners with Kraken Fish Bombard 
This code contains two different 28mm scale white metal miniatures approx 22mm in height plus a three part bombard artillery piece decorated with iron banding and the face of a mighty extinct fish. Select your choice from the drop down menu on the website. Poses in this code are as follows: 

OH35-01: Goblin in full plate armour and helm pointing. 
OH35-02: Goblin in full plate armour holding a cannon ball. 
OH35-03: Bombard kit. 

These miniatures are not supplied with bases and are supplied unpainted. Choose from a pack, three packs with a 10% saving applied and single miniatures. Assembly is required with some miniatures. Go HERE


OH35-03 Kraken Fish Bombard 
This code contains one 28mm scale white metal artillery piece kit. Composed of three pieces the bombard is decorated with iron banding and the face of a mighty extinct fish. Great for use in any evil orientated or barbaric army. When built it is 40mm from barrel end to tail. This model is supplied unpainted and unassembled without a base. Choose from a pack or three packs with a 10% saving in the options menu on the website. Go HERE



The gunners go great with the FL1 and FL2 packs of Armoured Goblins to create infantry units and that is not all... 


Alternative Armies has a huge choice in 28mm fantasy miniatures and we also have the classic Fantasy Warlord range as well. Have a browse and see what these miniatures can bring to your tabletop. 

Thanks for Reading, 

GBS

Thursday 13 June 2019

Build a Bear Cat – 15mm Battlesuit Parts selector released in the HOF Range!

“Sometimes you want to Build a Bear.  But when the enemy comes into view you want to build a Bear Cat!”

It is my pleasure to announce the release of a special new code in the HOF Range at the request of the mighty player base of 15mm Science Fiction wargaming around the world. We have five different variants of the Bear Cat Battlesuit and now all the parts used in them can be had as single pieces in one place meaning you can assemble any suit you like.  Go HERE or read on for more.


HOF121X Build a Bear Cat Battlesuit parts selector
This special code gives you the ability to purchase any parts from our range of Bear Cat Battlesuits (all from code HOF121) to create your own battlesuit.  All the parts can be had in any amount using the menu on the page.  White metal and grey tone resin 15mm scale.  Keep in mind that you will need a body and legs to begin with (unless you are adding to your bits box) and that there is a left and right arm.  Also that some weapons are meant for the top mount and some for the arms.  Here is the list of choices each with a number making it easier to identify.

1. Bear Cat Upper Body
2. Bear Cat Legs
3. Closed Claw Left Arm
4. Open Claw Right Arm
5. Heavy Shield Left Arm
6. Heavy Flamer Right Arm
7. Fist Left Arm
8. Open Socket Right Arm
9. Chainsaw (fits part 8)
10. Drill Bit (fits part 8)
11. Double Gatling (fits part 8)
12. Heavy Railgun (fits part 8)
13. Missile Pod (fits part 1)
14. Comms Dish (fits part 1)
15. Heavy Lamp (fits part 1)
16. Light Bar
17. Fuel Tank
18. Machine Gun (fits part 1)
19. Rotary Gun (fits part 1)
20. Grenade Launcher (fits part 1)

Go HERE.  Every part is priced fairly and as part of a completed Bear Cat.


The HOF Range contains more than one hundred and forty different packs.  This includes Security Force Alpha with its array of infantry, bikes, battlesuits, portable weapons and vehicles.  There is also the Grey Aliens, the Rim Mercenaries, the Zidhe space elves, the Octopods, Human Cultists, Corporate Ashigaru, Automata Robots, Post Apocalyptic Warriors plus civilians and many special packs like Starship Crew and Refugees.  Well worth a browse and excellent for any 15mm science fiction, near future, space opera game system or setting.

We will have further releases later in June 2019 in the HOF Range but more on this at the time.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Monday 10 June 2019

The Ikwen Uprising 15mm Kickstarter underway now

Loud Ninja Games has a second Kickstarter ending July 1st 2019 now running to expand the well loved Ikwen.  Ikwen are alien freedom fighters who fit right into any science fiction setting.  Go HERE to see and learn more and we hope you decide to pledge to see these new packs come to life.


Alternative Armies manufactures and sells Loud Ninja Games miniatures from here in Scotland.  We shall also be the people behind the molding and production of the Ikwen Uprising upon its funding.  We will be sending out all pledges to the UK and Europe while Eli the chap behind Loud Ninja Games will be handling the North American backers.  You can see the existing codes as well as the existing Ikwen on our website HERE.


This Kickstarter campaign comes from the heart from a talented life long wargamer and roleplayer who has a vision of creating a 15mm scale story of an alien world called Kwiell.  A modest funding target offering good value.  Work is currently underway on RAP047 Ikwen with Assault Rifles pack two.  Sculpted by Sean Harrison.


There is a mighty fine vehicle included in this project which I am looking forward to getting on the table.  Alternative Armies has taken on the role of sculpting this vehicle and all of its variants.  Cool!


To keep up to date with what Loud Ninja Games is doing we suggest following their Facebook page HERE.  You can also join the Alternative Armies Tabletop Wargaming Group on Facebook HERE for all of our latest news.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Friday 7 June 2019

Army of Pudigrochumsberg free booklet to download for Flintloque and Slaughterloo

“A blackened and burned land is all that remains of the once thriving kingdom of Pudigrochumsberg the victims of the Ostarian Emperor Klaffenhund’s madness.  In an attempt to gain popularity during the Ferach Revolution the Emperor decided to test his newly uniformed in white and musket armed Dog soldiers against this prosperous nation.  The few ready corps of troops that the  Houndian King Bonio of Pudigrochumsberg could bring to battle were scooped up and binned after a few weeks of campaigning.  Klaffenhund the head of the Yapsburg dynasty would accept no surrender and ordered the sacking of every city in their land and sowed salt into the fields. King Bonio and several regiments escaped and sought refuge with the Elves becoming a small force sworn to destroy the Ostarians at any opportunity.  Some Pudigroan soldiers with  Finklesteiner assistance fight on in their  ravaged country in attempts to dislodge the Ostarians unfortunate enough to be assigned garrison duty in Pudigrochumsberg.” - The Ruined Kingdom of Pudigrochumsberg


Now online for free download our Army Booklet for players of Flintloque and Slaughterloo to add the Dogmen of Pudigrochumsberg to your games. Skirmishing and Mass Battle statistics plus profiles of main regiments and their uniforms.  As well as this a page on the the part King Bonio took in the Bier Wars after the Ferach Revolution.  To see this army from The World of Valon go HERE or read on for more and to download.


Army of Pudigrochumsberg
A six page booklet containing background for the ruined kingdom and allies of the Emperor Mordred of the Ferach.  Flintloque and Slaughterloo rules and game statistics as well as information on the Bier Wars plus many pictures and a link to another free download too on King Bonio.  A great short read which will slot right into your collection of published titles such as 5028 Bier and Bones and 5030 Slaughterloo.  CLICK HERE to get the PDF from our online storage.



There are more than ten different choices of troops in this Army. Above you can see core favourites 56589 Pudigroan Line and 56592 Cruellest DeVille Cuirassiers which is where many players begin their journey with this force.

If you are wanting to get into Flintloque then of course you should begin by checking out 5024 Escape the Dark Czar in which there are miniatures which work well with Pudigrochumsberg including a Dogman character.  If you are keen on Mass Battle then check out Slaughterloo and the Divisional Army Pack (DAP) for these Dogmen (saving 19% as code 56604).  As with all codes in the World of Valon range you can select a pack, or a unit, or single trooper booster plus the option of purchasing painted and based ready for play when it comes to the Pudigroan Army.


There are a great many other free files at Alternative Armies for download including a great deal for Flintloque such as the insert for the Regimenta Santa Annie and the expansion scenarios for the Escape the Dark Czar beginners set.  Check them out HERE and just scroll down and click on what you want.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Wednesday 5 June 2019

Article 19 The Adventures of Gorgon Lightfoote - Part 1

Following up on his look at using the recent new VNT 28mm Fantasy Wraiths in your games of Flintloque the series continues with Andy Jefcoate bringing in a new character of his own creation. If you missed any of the previous seventeen articles you can see them all for free on the blog by clicking on this TAG.  A variety of adventures in Flintloque.  If you would like to Begin in Flintloque visit our website HERE for Escape the Dark Czar and free content and videos.  Enjoy!  GBS


The Adventures of Gorgon Lightfoote - Part 1

I've been promising to tell you about the adventures of Gorgon Lightfoote for a while now. He is a Spy Master in the Britorcn Army and leads a group of specialists that volunteered to be sent to the Witchlands to spy on and disrupt the Ferach forces. Once they arrived though they found the Dark Czar's army to be unwelcoming and aggressive towards their small force, so they knew that they were on their own. Lightfoote decided to stay to gather all the information he could about both sides of the conflict in order to better defend the Realm. 

This has enabled me to create some interesting little scenarios, and establish a third party with no loyalty to the Ferach or the Witchlands armies. These have initially been small scale raids to capture supplies or personnel for interrogation as Lightfoote's force is fairly small and spread out, but I'm sure he will gather reinforcements over time which I will tell you about. As his force is made up of volunteers it has enabled me to use Orcs, Hob Goblins, Ogres, Rats and Elf Deserters which has been great fun (despite the more complicated section rosters which result). 


Gorgon Lightfoote
Lightfoote is a Hob Goblin from Taffsea and was a major with the Ram Raiders before his retirement. He was loved by his troops and an excellent tactician which is why he didn't actually retire but was instead recruited into the Britorcn Secret Service where he has risen to the position of Spy Master. While he's not the toughest leader around his intelligence more than makes up for it, although he has some skill with a pistol or blade when the situation calls for it. 

For the man himself I've used the Hob Goblin Miser Figure. It's a great casting and Lightfoote dresses in civilian clothes to disguise himself. I have added a sword in its scabbard (from accessory pack BS14) to show that he is armed.

In the game he is a Veteran Hob Goblin Regular Officer armed with a Sword and a Ferach Elf Duelling Pistol. He has the Magicke Talent of Prevent Injury (potent), the Duellist Skill and the traits of Steadfast and Massive Jamminess.


Corporal Fixit
This KGL trooper has been Lightfoote's bodyguard and battlefield companion for many years. An Ogre of few words, his name has come from his habit of saying 'me fix' before sorting out a situation he and Lightfoote find themselves in. The sorting out usually involves someone getting a thumping, normally the enemy but not always which is why his comrades are often wary around him. For Corporal Fixit I've used the 56031 KGL Trooper who looks like a tough old campaigner with his eye patch! 

In the game Fixit is a Veteran KGL Ogre armed with an Orc Bessie Musket. He has the Iron Hard and Knuckles traits, and in addition if he is within 3 inches of Lightfoote any wounds that Lightfoote takes can be transferred to Fixit as he throws himself in the way.

Daisy
This Highland Cow carries the supplies of Lightfoote's force and is usually led by Corporal Fixit. I've used 56511L the resin Highland Limber Cow for Daisy with the simple conversion of adding a box and keg one side, and a festoon the other as a basket carrying their victuals, all from pack 5003B. I've put a pie from pack BS001 on top of the festoon to highlight this fact.


Stab and Grab
If you've read my 14th article concerning the Civilians of Valon, then you've met these guys before. They are former Orc line troopers from the Britorcn Army of Catalucia. In the army their exploits were legendary amongst the rank and file but frowned upon generally by their officers. Comrades in their section never went hungry as their reputation for scavenging and thievery meant that they would always 'acquire' whatever they wanted. Unfortunately they pushed their luck by plundering the baggage of their own general and the rumour is that they were only saved from being hanged by their Major who intervened on their behalf. He saved their lives but they were still dishonourably discharged. 

In the Witchlands their real names are only known by Lightfoote who recruited them into the Secret Service and they just use their knicknames of Stab and Grab. They have joined the followers of the Ferach army and are regularly reporting back to Lightfoote on troop movements and interesting events. They get in places that wouldn't normally be possible by hiring themselves to Ferach Officers as additional guards, thugs or labourers. They don't mind if their tasks require a moral flexibility which has seen them regularly called upon during the Ferach retreat especially as units compete with their own side for resources. If more Elves happen to go missing then Stab and Grab see it as one less to fight at a later date!

As part of Lightfoote's force they are used as Experienced Orc regulars. They each carry 2 pistols and have knives hidden all over their bodies. In close combat they both fight with 2 knives but such is their skill they get a +2 melee modifier as if they were using a sword. When Lightfoote's force is attacking a Ferach force Stab and Grab are always deployed last after all other characters from both sides and may be deployed anywhere on the table as long as they are not less than 6 inches from an enemy figure. This is to represent the fact that they are often hired by Ferach officers who think that they are part of their own section! 



Blacke Watchit
Lightfoote's escort are composed of Highland Rat Blacke Watchit troopers from pack 56533 armed with Bessie muskets. They are highly thought of troops within the armies of Albion and the importance of Lightfoote's mission is shown by the fact that these elite troopers accompany him. They are tough in a fight and good shots so are solid troops in any situation. 

What's next
As always I hope that you've enjoyed reading about Lightfoote's band. In this article I've given you details of the core of his section, and in future articles I plan to expand his force and tell you about some of his adventures. 

Thank you for reading.

Andy