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.

Friday 26 June 2020

Ten different 28mm Elf Duellists now at Alternative Armies

The new page for En Garde the game of duelling in the Crystal Empire of the Elves is here!  The game itself will be released later in 2020 but now we have put all of the classic now re-mastered Elf duellists onto the website.  Ten single miniatures and two packs with a saving.  Go HERE or read on for more.  Great for any fantasy setting.  Our last news and releases for June 2020.


Duelling in the Crystal Empire at the dusk of Wylde Magick and on the eve of the Elvish Civil War.  In a time just before Flintloque the Skirmish the Elves placed honour above all else.  Each regiment in the armee had its own heroes and they fought to first blood or even to the death.  


This collection of 28mm scale miniatures are all suitable for use in the En Garde game as well as other World of Valon titles as officers or personalities.  Packs and single miniatures for maximum choice.  All Elves shown in 25mm square bases.


CE25 Elf Garde Duellist Pack
The Garde are the new wave of regiments in the Crystal Empire who ally themselves to Crown Prince Mordred ahead of his mother the Empress Morgana.  They feud with the backwards looking Imperials and their regiments.  This code contains five different 28mm metal miniatures approx 28mm average height. Elf duellist with Sword, Elf duellist with Rapier, Elf Officer duellist attacking with Sword, Elf Officer duellist at guard with Sword and Elf Officer duellist lunging with Sword. These miniatures are not supplied with bases and are supplied unpainted.


CE26 Imperial Elf Duellist Pack
The Imperials are the heart of the Crystal Empire and their loyalty is to the Empress Morgana.  They feud with the new wave of Garde regiments and their officers who claim the Crown Prince Mordred as their paragon. This code contains five different 28mm metal miniatures approx 28mm average height. Elf Officer duellist in plate armour lunging with Sword, Elf duellist with twin Swords, Elf duellist attacking with Sword, Female Elf Officer duellist running with Two Handed Sword and Elf Officer duellist with Sword raised. These miniatures are not supplied with bases and are supplied unpainted. 


The Crystal Elf Empire range contains many suitable figures for duelling.  You can see the whole range HERE.  Among these the pack CE18 Crystal Elf Warriors is one of the finest for this.  Above are three figures from CE18 all ready to duel.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Thursday 25 June 2020

By Sword the Running Through is Done – Free Flintloque Micro Scenario

You are a lone Ferach Elf officer.  Your patrol was set upon by foul bestial Orcs and now you are all that remains.  Your horse has bolted and it is long gone.  Your pistols are smashed, dropped in the mud and then trodden upon. All you have is your blade, your wits and your skill taught by the Academie.  Can you evade the enemy and make it back to your fellow Armoricans?

This week the popular poses of Elf Duellists return to Alternative Armies. These will get their own news but you can see them HERE before that.  Great for fantasy and for Flintloque in the lead up to the release of the duelling game En Garde.  Micro Scenarios are something we used to do many years ago so here is a new one for free!


By Sword the Running Through is Done
A free one page Flintloque Micro Scenario for two players or solo play.  A single Elf swordsman trying to escape from eight Orcs.  Great on its own or as an insert into a larger skirmish.  Get it from our online storage by CLICKING HERE.


We have hundreds of free files for our game systems which you see see HERE on the website; just scroll down.  You can also get yourself something to read now with our DIGITAL PAID BOOKS range of titles.

Thanks for Reading!

GBS

Wednesday 24 June 2020

Uniformation for 2nd Heavy Dragoons free article

This month we released the unit and pack codes for the 2nd Heavy Dragoons Dismounted which followed on the heels of the 2nd Heavy Dragoons on horses.  A full Orc force for Flintloque and Slaughterloo players.  You can see all of these miniatures HERE.  We now have a free article for you with game rules and more for this force.  You can find all of our free downloads on our website HERE or read on for more.


Uniformation 2nd Heavy Dragoons
A two page free article which gives game statistics and weapon profiles for Flintloque and Slaughterloo used to field the mounted and foot Orcs of the 2nd Dragoons.  It also has a special character officer and uniform details plus large pictures. Hosted on our website you can download it by CLICKING HERE.


We are continuing our ongoing Flintloque project which you can read about in full on our blog using the FLINTLOQUE tab on the blog to get all these posts in a line up as they proceed.  This is a mix of classic codes with new molds as well as new poses expanding those codes and new poses in new codes. Black Blob Crowfoot, Orc Exploring Officer, Major of the 45th Regiment, Dismounted Dragoons, Dark Elf Inquisitor and more such as 5005 Lady Wintermore above.


If you wish to get started in Flintloque then there is no better way than with the excellent 5024 Escape from the Dark Czar beginners set.  It contains core rules, scenarios as well as ten resin 28mm miniatures plus dice and bases.  Allowing you to learn the game and then expand in any direction.  There is also a lot of free downloads and such on our Begin in Flintloque page.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Thursday 18 June 2020

New Tents and Scenics added to our 15mm Renaissance range

Now added to the Altuos 15mm Renaissance range seven new codes which will sit well on your table in games of Furioso or any other game system for historical or perhaps high fantasy use.  Sculpted by Andy Gorman they come as singles for maximum choice.  These are our last 15mm releases for the month of June 2020.


Visit the range HERE for the game books for Furioso as well as over one hundred different miniatures of the 15th, 16th and early 17th century on foot and mounted including Ottoman Empire as well as Buildings and other scenic pieces.  Read on for more information.

MRS1 Stone Well
This pack contains one single 15mm metal piece depicting a round stone well with a coil of rope next to it.

MRS2 Campfire
This pack contains one single 15mm metal piece depicting a circle of stones with a wooden fire stack within it. Can be painted up lit or unlit. 

MRS3 Logpile
This pack contains one single 15mm metal piece depicting a double stack of cut logs with a felling axe resting on top.

MRS4 Folded Blankets and Cloth Piles
This pack contains two different one piece 15mm metal models both are folded stacks of cloth or blankets or clothing. 

MRS5 Wedge Tent
This pack contains one single piece grey tone resin model.  A simple wedge tent which is about 22mm long.  

MRS6 Herald Tent
This pack contains one single piece grey tone resin model.  A square herald type tent which is about 35mm at tallest point.  
MRS7 Pavilion Tent
This pack contains one single piece grey tone resin model.  A rounded pavilion tent which is about 35mm wide and 40mm tall.  


Furioso is a set of wargames rules that covers European warfare in the sixteenth century. The rules allow players to fight large scale land battles with a simple to use and enjoyable gaming system. Furioso can be fought using any scale figures from 6mm to 28mm. There is a core rule book with army lists and there is also the Italian Wars expansion title too. See the game books in print and as digital download along with information on the rules plus the 15mm miniature range and starter army packs on our website HERE

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Fist full of Coins free DarkeStorme three part scenario by Vic Dobson

While he usually opts for penning adventures for USEME the talented Vic Dobson is also a fan of high fantasy skirmishing.  It is our delight to present to you now a three part linked scenario for the DarkeStorme game system.  You can download it for free below or see all of our free content HERE on the website. 


Fist Full of Coins - DarkeStorme
An eight page three part linked scenario for two players written by Vic Dobson. Markus Dante's Mercenary Company is trying to rescue the kidnapped daughter of a rich merchant, whilst the bandits who kidnapped her are determined to prevent that.  Can you defeat the bandits?  Also includes suggested miniatures and ways to expand the scenarios.  Find out by CLICKING HERE to download the PDF from our website storage.


DarkeStorme
Skirmish Level High Fantasy Wargames Rules  (28mm or 15mm)
A character driven skirmish game written by Gavin Syme (GBS) creator of Erin 2nd edition, Typhon and Flintloque 3rd edition along with many other wargame rule systems and fiction. These rules can be used with our High Fantasy miniature range or any other suitable range of miniatures. Easy to learn D6 engine. Full rules for character combat. Full Magic System with ten levels of spells. Monster Handling system with 'Amok' rules. Creature generation formula and many Mortal and Undead races. Expansion rules for Cavalry, Artillery and Chariots. A Full Points System. Terrain and Weather generation and special terrain generator. Create Characters from nothing and lead them through linked adventures and progression. Units of roughly ten to twenty characters in games lasting twenty minutes to over an hour in length. A game system suitable for younger gamers, those with less time or starting out or those looking for an easy play wargame with a traditional high fantasy feel from the era of the 1980's and 1990's.  You can have the book in PRINT or as a DIGITAL TITLE at 20% less.  There are links to an impartial review as well as free files and scenarios on the website when you click through.


Alternative Armies has a huge selection of miniatures for fantasy wargaming in two different scales including Mages, Knights, Barbarians, Skeletons, Zombies, Orcs, Goblins, Elves, Dwarves as well as many Monsters and much more.  Have a browse through.  You can see above all of the range are down the left hand menu of the website.  Go HERE and enjoy!

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Monday 15 June 2020

Vasseth Strike Tank at Loud Ninja Games 15mm range

In the month plus since the temporary retiring of the Vasseth Strike Tank we have been getting ready for today's announcement that the Vasseth is back!  Re-mastered from the original parts and now with a single piece hull it is once more front and centre in the Loud Ninja Games 15mm range.  Go HERE for the whole range or read on for more information.


There are two codes for this vehicle RAP027 for one and RAP027P for a platoon of three.  The platoon offers a 5% saving over single purchase.  Until the end of June 2020 we have taken 10% off both codes (meaning 15% off the platoon) as a treat.  Discount is on screen already. Enjoy!

The Vasseth is a nimble anti-gravity or GEV tank which can be outfitted with a scout load out as was battlefield plus projectile and fire support roles.  It has a crew of two and these Chuhuac are masters of the tankers trade.  Often running ahead of the Sirrus armoured personnel carrier and battlesuits it softens up the enemy.


RAP027 Vasseth Strike Tank
This pack contains all the parts needed to make one Space Raptor Vasseth Strike Tank. This anti-gravity propulsion vehicle has a one piece hull and has seven different weapons and sensor units included giving many options in build.  It is about 70mm long. Cast in high quality resin and metal and gives you extra pieces for conversions and your bits box.  Use them with magnets or on other portable weapons or scenics. Great for all your near or far future skirmish and battle games in 15mm scale.


RAP027P Vasseth Strike Tank Platoon
VALUE PACK. SAVE 5%. This pack contains all the parts needed to make THREE 15mm scale Space Raptor Vasseth Strike Tanks. This anti-gravity propulsion vehicle has a one piece hull and has seven different weapons and sensor units included. It is about 70mm long. Cast in high quality resin and metal these tanks give you extra pieces for conversions and your bits box. Great for all your near or far future skirmish and battle games in 15mm scale.


The range contains a lot of excellent miniatures such as the army of the space raptor Chuhuac and the Yandrassi Empire of several species.  There are Rad Zombies and Wasteland Warriors and of course the Ikwen rebel fighters of galactic oppression.  Great for any 15mm game system and for facing off against Security Force Alpha or perhaps Retained Knights of the Prydian Precinct too.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Thursday 11 June 2020

Dismounted Orc Heavy Dragoons new packs and unit for Flintloque

The new releases this month for Flintloque and Slaughterloo from Alternative Armies introduces the counterpoint second half of a whole new regiment into the Army of Albion.  These are the dis-mounted versions and more to go with 54523 2nd Heavy Dragoons mounted Orcs. These Dragoons consists of one classic now re-mastered code as well as six brand new poses for a total nine different big Orcs.  Go HERE for the Army of Greate Britorcn or read on for more.


The Dragoons of the Army of Albion are lightly armed Orcs who use their swords and carbines to scout and range ahead of the marching battalions. If they have to fight on foot or they lose their horses they will dismount otherwise they ride into the fray.

If you play in Catalucia or Al-Garvey then these Dragoons will give you added muscle against Elf Dragoons and other Ferach forces.  A full unit (with discount) with single trooper option as well as packs with single pose purchase options within them for full customisation of your section.  There are many more images on each page; click to scroll through them.  Each Orc is about 30mm tall and are beefy fellows!


54524 2nd Heavy Dragoons Dismounted
This code contains twelve 28mm scale metal larger Orcs on foot with a total of nine different poses.  An Officer with sword and bandaged arm, a Standard Bearer  with pole and raised sword, a Musician with bugle, Trooper loading carbine, Trooper with arms out and sword raised, Trooper in greatcoat clutching a sword, Trooper carbine pointing down looking, Trooper firing carbine and lastly a Trooper or Coronet aiming pistol.  All are in dragoon uniform with bicorne. All models are single piece and this code is supplied with our resin cartouche bases.  You can also select a full twelve miniature unit with a saving which has all poses and four more randomly selected troopers added.  Miniatures are from packs 54013,54054 and 54055.  Go HERE


54054 Dismounted Dragoon Command
This pack contains three different 28mm scale metal larger Orc Dragoons on foot. An Officer with sword and bandaged arm, a Standard Bearer with pole and raised sword plus a Musician with bugle.  You can purchase the pack or choose a pose from the pack in any quantity.  See the page for more and larger images.  Supplied with bases.


54055 Dismounted Dragoon Troopers
This pack contains three different 28mm scale metal larger Orc Dragoons on foot.  Trooper with his carbine pointing down looking around, Trooper loading carbine plus  Trooper firing carbine. You can purchase the pack or choose a pose from the pack in any quantity.  See the page for more and larger images.  Supplied with bases.


54013 Dismounted Orc Dragoons
Three 28mm scale metal larger Orcs dismounted from the Dragoons.  Armed with Swords and Pistols they are dynamic poses great for skirmishing and acting as officers and cavalry on foot. You can purchase the pack or choose a pose from the pack in any quantity.  See the page for more and larger images.  Supplied with bases.

These Orcs are the on foot counterparts to the mounted Orcs meaning you can field this force on horse and off the horses too.  Did you see the mounted Dragoons?


54523 2nd Heavy Dragoons
This code contains five different 28mm scale metal larger Orc riders on resin Horses.  An Officer with separate pistol arm, Standard Bearer with sword and pole, Musician with bugle and two different poses of trooper with sword and carbine.  Some assembly is required and this code is supplied with our resin cartouche bases.  You can also select a full ten miniature unit with a saving which has five more randomly selected troopers added.  Miniatures are from packs 54004, 54052 and 54053.  Go HERE


We are continuing our ongoing Flintloque project which you can read about in full on our blog using the FLINTLOQUE tab on the blog to get all these posts in a line up as they proceed.  This is a mix of classic codes with new molds as well as new poses expanding those codes and new poses in new codes. Black Blob Crowfoot, Orc Exploring Officer, Major of the 45th Regiment, Dismounted Dragoons, Dark Elf Inquisitor and more.




If you wish to get started in Flintloque then there is no better way than with the excellent 5024 Escape from the Dark Czar beginners set (above in pictures).  It contains core rules, scenarios as well as ten resin 28mm miniatures plus dice and bases.  Allowing you to learn the game and then expand in any direction.  There is also a lot of free downloads and such on our Begin in Flintloque page.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Wednesday 10 June 2020

Article 21 The Adventures of Gorgon Lightfoote - Part 3

After a break Andy Jefcoate returns with the twenty first article on Flintloque the third in the adventurers of Gorgon Lightfoote. This time Lightfoote is joined by the song filled Hob Goblins who add to his ranks. . If you missed any of the previous articles you can see them all for free on the blog by clicking on this TAG. 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 3 - The Ram Raider Scouts

In my last two articles I initially introduced you to the core of Gorgon Lightfoote's Britorcn section that I've included in my Witchlands games and then to my method for fighting battles with three opposing forces. In this article I would like to expand Lightfoote's force by telling you about his Ram Raider Scouts!

As I explained in part 1, Lightfoote is a proud 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. It makes sense then that when he called some of his former troops answered.


Who are the Ram Raiders?
Normally stationed in Catalucia the Ram Raiders are mounted infantry so are excellent as scouts or for harassing the enemy. A full section would normally have around 15 members including an officer with a sword, a sergeant with a carbine or pickaxe, a musician with bugle and troopers with either standard carbines or swords. As their name suggests they ride on Rams. 

Their usual uniform consists of a light grey tunic and breeches, with yellow facings and black helmets and boots. The light grey uniform has been useful as camouflage against the snow but for the Witchlands they have adopted more heavy duty boots for the times they spend spying on the enemy or waiting in ambush. In addition, the rams are smaller than horses and often chest deep in the snow along with the legs of their riders!


Why use Mounted Infantry?
As highlighted in the 5025 War in Catalucia Game Book
"Mounted Infantry are a rare type of section operating on the battlefield but have a useful tactical flexibility. The Corps Imperial Des Dragons is a famous formation of Mounted Infantry. Mounted Infantry can operate as Cavalry when mounted and as Light Troops when dismounted. A section may split their troops into mounted and dismounted at the same time with their type changing as they mount and dismount"

They are therefore great for my Witchlands scenarios as they can form a firing line to shoot their foes from a distance but if threatened can mount up and move out of trouble. Rams are quick for their size and as cavalry can match a heavy horse at full speed, although light horses will outpace them. 


What models are available?
The 5106 Taffsea Ram Raiders box has all that you need to field a Ram Raiders section. You get 8 foot figures and 5 mounted figures on Rams including command figures as the Ram Raiders in Catalucia are led by Colonel Aspeth 'the miner' Pritchob and his trouble making Major Hobvens.  However you can just purchase 3 Raiders on foot with carbines or 2 Raiders mounted on Rams with carbines. There is also the option to buy 4 Hob Goblin casualty figures. As ever those kind people at Alternative Armies will provide pro-painted versions of any of the packs listed.

What did I purchase?
As I'm using a mixed section I didn't need additional command figures at this stage so took the opportunity to buy a selection of Raiders troopers on foot and mounted to support the rest of Lightfoote's section either as cavalry support or to boost the fire power of his 'Blacke Watchit' escort troops.

As ever with Flintloque they are lovely castings, very unique and characterful and a joy to paint too.


In Conclusion
These troops have been perfect for my small scenario driven skirmishes such as raids to capture supplies, ambushes or kidnap attempts to get personnel for interrogation. As mentioned above the ability to use them as cavalry or infantry makes them very flexible, especially if you are playing a random scenario such as in my last article or you just don't know what your opponent will include in their force. 

They are invaluable for Lightfoote in the Witchlands as he needs a good screen of scouts so that his small force doesn't get ambushed. The Rams have adapted surprisingly well to the snowy conditions, with the mountains of Taffsea preparing them for effortlessly bounding through snow drifts!

What's next 
As always I hope that you've enjoyed reading about my growing Britorcn section for my games of Flintloque set in the Witchlands. I will continue to expand this force in future articles and as ever I'll let you know how I get on!

Thank you for reading.

Andy

Wednesday 3 June 2020

Wargame News and Terrain reviews 59539 Closed Wedge Tent

Timmy over at Wargame News and Terrain has posted an impartial review of our new 28mm Closed Wedge Tent which is great for fantasy and historical uses. Enjoy the read HERE.


You can find the tent along with the rest of our 28mm Scenery which is also great for Flintloque on our website HERE.  It includes Barricades, Camp Fire, Wagons and much more.


Thanks for Reading,

 GBS

Magical Youth miniature free in every June order plus June News

The summer is here! Well at least in Scotland we know it is as the rain is now warm once more. In these troubled times the team continues to create new miniatures and to bring you hobby fun and relaxation. June will be no different and as our customers know we like to offer something extra for free. All this month you will get a 28mm miniature automatically included in your package as it mails out across the world. Go HERE to the website or read on for more plus the news. 


"A college of magic is the place for any aspiring Wizard. See the Youngling who is trying a feeble first in spell making. A Wizards Progression can be a rewarding one...leading to a life of adventure." 

CA1-01 The Magical Youth 
Sitting cross legged with a book of spells upon his lap this lad is beginning his journey in magic. A useful miniature for all manner of game systems. This code contains one 28mm highly detailed metal miniature which is a single piece and is shown on a 25mm square base. Note this miniature is taken from the pack CA1 Wizards Progress pack. Go HERE 


Ending 1st July 2020 we will automatically add The Magical Youth (worth 2.50GBP) to every order shipped out from here in Scotland. You need do nothing but place your order and we will put one in for you. Of course you can order from CA1 as normal as well and if you do you will get the free model as well. Please note this offer applies to any order placed by webstore, by phone or by email and post which requires shipping (Digital Download books only does not count sorry!). Supplied unpainted and without base. 

News from Alternative Armies for June 2020

The Corvid 19 pandemic is still very much with us and our suspension of new print titles and book releases remains in effect. It is certainly possible that restrictions may be lifted this month and allow us to get existing titles such as the Patrol Angis trilogy back in to stock but for the moment we assume not. Titles such as En Garde and new USEME booklets are in the que and waiting. If you wish to be informed of when new and existing titles will appear please contact us on sales@alternative-armies.com and we will let you know. 

This month we will have several new releases in 28mm and 15mm scale. We will also have re-mastered releases of existing codes as well. We are working at a reduced capacity just now but we understand how important the hobby is to wargamers and thus you can expect the following. Pack and Unit codes of the 2nd Heavy Dragoons on foot for Flintloque; these are following up on the mounted Dragoon packs and unit (54523 2nd Heavy Dragoons) in April. The 15mm Vasseth Strike Tank by Loud Ninja Games is returning and will feature a wee offer on it too. New tents and scenics for the 15mm Renaissance range sculpted by the 'Boy of Bronze' Andy Gorman which will be great for Furioso and fantasy settings too. Classic CE codes of Crystal Elf duelling miniatures will return. Plus there will be a free Flintloque scenario and Uniformation article as well. Lots to look forward to. 

Thanks for Reading, 

GBS