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.

Saturday 30 November 2019

Nessie is here on St Andrews day a collectable model

Alternative Armies is a wee company in Scotland and every now and again we like to do something that promotes this deep green and misty land of the Celts.  So..what better than a national monster.  Now on our website and it would look great on your desk or shelf.  Go HERE.



The Loch Ness Monster otherwise known as ‘Nessie’ is a world famous creature native to Scotland. Is it real or just a myth? Is it a hoax? It matters not since our Nessie collectable model is such fun and great for your desk or mantle. It comes in two pieces these being Nessie herself (a scaly monster) and the scenic base (featuring the waves of Lock Ness and a man in a rowing boat). When assembled it is 80mm long with Nessie being 50mm long and 35mm tall. Nessie is metal and the base is in resin.


Supplied unpainted and unassembled. You can choose the set or Nessie on its own (for use in your rivers or lakes).  You may also select the painted and based option on this page in which case your Nessie will be supplied assembled and painted as per the images on this page direct to you.  Please note that the model is hand painted so it may differ from what is shown but it will be of a high standard; painted in Scotland.

Have a great St Andrews Day!

GBS

Friday 29 November 2019

Sekmet Assault Rig 6mm mecha kits released by Bradley Miniatures

It is my delight to present to you the new releases in 6mm from Bradley Miniatures.  In fact in my opinion this is one of the best models in the expanding range with masses of build options.  Gentlemen...the Sekmet Assault Rig!  Go HERE for the range or read on for more beginning with a short fiction snippet written by this mecha's designer Lawrence Hitze.


The side of the administration building shattered and blew out in a cascade of masonry, bricks sloughing off of the Sekhmet's armored hull like a bow wave as the machine charged through the wrecked building. The abrupt impact didn't slow the assault rig enough to even jolt Sergeant Morres in his combat harness, not that he would have noticed the discomfort in any case. No sooner was their 'rig was through the deluge of masonry than it was replaced by the sound of small impacts like hail on a tin roof. 

“Contact, we have them!” called Belkaries's voice from the pilot harness just in front of Morres. The Pakh pilot's scaly ears were just visible over his console, twitching to and fro in excitement. Morres shared her eagerness to finally close with one of the marauding Kartel bands that were looting the dead capital city. Before the final wisps of dust brushed past the canopy and its sensor ports, Morres's eyes flicked back and forth, tagging contacts as the sensors found them. In the broad avenue before them, the war band's vehicles were spread out in chaotic battle line. The thunderous approach of the assault rig had given them some time to bring their weapons to bear, but not enough. 

Morres performed reverse triage, prioritizing the heaviest vehicles to appear and highlighting the biggest threats on Belkaries's own holodisplay. A lone Kartel skirmishing truck was highlighted last, almost too close under the 'rig's snout to be picked up. Its small cannon slewed right at it spewed a stream of high density slugs at the machine's belly. A hunting snarl erupted from the pilot station as Belkaries twisted in her harness, turning the 'rig's next stride into a hasty kick. Well over one hundred tons of armored cleat plowed into the side of the truck, sending the stricken vehicle cartwheeling over the broken pavement in an expanding halo of debris and fire.

In the same heartbeat Morres manipulated his own control gauntlets, setting his targeting sights over a heavier eight-axled Kartel vehicle tearing across the far side of the clearing. Pulling the firing studs on his gauntlets triggered the 90mm autocannons nestled in racks on each side of the Sekhmet's torso. The last bits of dust and debris from the collapse of the admin building were blastsed away, replaced by a new bow wave of fire and thunder erupting from the cannons. Hypervelocity tracers streaked across the short distance, slamming into the ramshackle armor of the Kartel eight-rad's flank. The vehicle shuddered as armor shattered and blew apart. Several more rounds walked across the front axles, punching through the wheels and peeling them off their mounts. The eight-rad plunged forward helplessly as it listed drunkenly to the side. A moment later the ruined axles struck the ground, bringing the vehicle to a catastrophic halt, it's ruined armor collapsing inward and igniting the store of munitions within. Morres couldn't help but echo his pilot's howl of glee as they plunged into the center of the panicking enemy formation.

Yes, this was going to be a lovely day....

Each Sekmet stands around 50mm tall when assembled and comes with eighteen different weapons as well as different posed arms and hands plus pistol grip piece allowing most weapons to also be hand held.  There are two different codes each is the same except for the leg pose meaning your mecha can be walking or running.  Our example builds in the pictures are just a couple of dozens that could be created.



BR028A Sekmet Assault Rig Walking
Composed of a high quality resin torso and set of walking legs as well as eighteen different weapons, two choices of arms and three different hands plus two pistol mounts in metal. Big Missile Pods, Big Cannons, Small Missile Racks, Energy Cannons and machine guns.



BR028B Sekmet Assault Rig Running
Composed of a high quality resin torso and set of running legs as well as eighteen different weapons, two choices of arms and three different hands plus two pistol mounts in metal. Big Missile Pods, Big Cannons, Small Missile Racks, Energy Cannons and machine guns.


As you can see the Sekmet towers over all the other vehicles in the range such as the Tiger Walker, the T47 Tank and the Ironclad super heavy tank.


Bradley Miniatures continues to expand its 6mm science fiction range and will keep doing so into next year.  Go HERE and see what is in the range such as infantry, bikes, walkers, light vehicles, tanks, super heavy tanks, transports and a drop ship.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Thursday 28 November 2019

Mecha X1 Giant Robot with two head choices released

The last release into the HOF 15mm Science Fiction range during the Winter Mega Event 2019 is now unveiled!  Mecha X1 is a towering robot that is a slave to the enigmatic Grey Aliens or a construct of the Atomic Wasteland.  Indeed it could also be a war walker or a sentient being.  A resin kit which is very easy to assemble from a few pieces and comes with two different heads to chose from.  Go HERE or read on for more information and also details of the new pictures of our Greys and Post Apoc Warriors in the range.


How will you paint up your Mecha X1 as a giant of iron or as a rusted remnant or perhaps a goblinoid scrapper?

HOF142 Mecha X1 
15mm Scale. This high quality resin kit contains all the parts needed to assemble the mighty Mecha X1 with a choice of two different heads. Note this model is shown in two painted versions, one with each head type, you are purchasing ONE kit with two different heads. Standing at about 90mm when built it is composed of a set of legs, an upper body with shoulders, two arms, a rear power unit plus a saucer head (silver version shown) and a humanoid head (rusted version shown). Classically styled giant robot. It is a great centre piece for your 1950’s retro setting or your Post Apocalyptic Future setting. Sculpted by Kieran Billings. Supplied unassembled, unpainted without a base.  Go HERE.


We have now upgraded the pictures of our Grey Aliens on the website and you can see the poses from codes HOF47 Grey Alien Command, HOF48 Grey Alien Science Team, HOF49 Grey Alien Soldiers and HOF50 Flying Saucer as well as HOF44 Robotic Servant and HOF45 Robot Scout Drone.  There is also a value pack containing one of each Grey pose and the saucer in HOF51.  Packs and singles within packs. Filter by Grey Alien on the website.


Recently we upgraded the pictures of our expanded Post Apoc Warriors and you can see them here from codes HOF18 Post Apoc Command, HOF19 Post Apoc Support, HOF55 Post Apoc Warriors, HOF20 Post Apoc Warriors II and HOF21 Post Apoc Assault.  There are more packs as well as HOFP05 a value pack containing one of each pose.  Packs and singles within packs.  Filter by Post Apocalyptic on the website.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Wednesday 27 November 2019

Kitoka Ashigaru Senior Command released plus Kitton in 2020

The 28mm Catman range at Alternative Armies expands by another new pack this month.  You can see the whole range and learn more by going HERE which includes a blog link to an origin article for the range.  Sculpted by Sam Croes our lead designer this is a new pack of the World of Valon home of Flintloque.


58013 Kitoka Ashigaru Senior Command
This pack contains four different 28mm scale metal Kitoka Catmen miniatures of an average height of 23mm. The Ashigaru are the foot soldiers of the warlords of Kitton and are armoured. This is the senior command to lead your Ashigaru. Three are supplied with a separate sword bundle. They are leaders for your forces. The poses are: (A) Kitoka Commander drawing Katana. (B) Kitoka Messenger with Bird..looking longingly at it. (C) Kitoka with Banner hand on hip. (D) Kitoka with Banner making hand signal. These miniatures are supplied with bases and are supplied unpainted. Choose from a pack and single miniatures.



Click on the images above to see the four poses in the new pack much larger.  There are now twenty Catmen in the range!


Alternative Armies is currently working on its plans for next year.  The first year in the new roaring twenties!  Alongside Flintloque, High Fantasy and other projects and titles there is provisional news on Kitton for you.  We will be continuing our promise to release at least one new code into the range each month.  We are going to continue to fill out the military poses of the Samurai and the Ashigaru building towards skirmish section sized forces.  The islands of Kitton will see the first packs of civilians and specialised poses following up on the Ronin which will include female Kitoka.  It is planned to introduce some of the Yokai and creatures to this more Magicke land as well.  Lastly once the range reaches a sufficient size I will be penning a Kitton version of Flintloque the Skirmish which will likely be along the lines of 5024 Escape the Dark Czar meaning a beginning place for the game.  We have been so pleased with the response to this new land that we are sticking full with it.  If you have a question or want to suggest something for Kitton please do so by email to sales@alternative-armies.com and I will come back to you.

A special treat for you now as an end to this article.  There were a series of lovely photos taken over the last couple of months and only two of these have been seen so far.  So here they all are now.  If you view these on our blog you can click on each to make them much large.  All of the miniatures are in the KITTON RANGE.










Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Tuesday 26 November 2019

Shogi Player and Norimono Palaquin released with free rules for Sengoku Monster Hunter

Now released at Alternative Armies new 15mm scale miniatures by John Bell added to the Sengoku range of Japanese Fantasy.  Two stand alone codes which are characterful and slot right into any historical system or into Sengoku Monster Hunter game.  More encounters for your Hunters.  Go HERE for the range or read on for more information and a free download of rules for these new miniatures.


Will you go for a players of games or a carrier of nobles?


SGF146 Shogi Player with Bench
This pack contains one model set in 15mm scale from Japanese culture for use in Sengoku Monster Hunter or any historical system. Supplied in two pieces those being the player with the game board and the bench (25mm long). Sculpted by John Bell. You can purchase the set or each piece on its own on its page. Supplied unpainted, assembled and without a base (shown on a 20mm round SGFP32 Monster Hunter Token base).


SGF149 Norimono Palaquin with Two Bearers
This pack contains one model set in 15mm scale from Japanese culture for use in Sengoku Monster Hunter or any historical system. Supplied in three pieces these being the Palaquin itself with crossbar and two bearers. When assembled it is 35mm long and 15mm tall. Supplied unpainted, assembled and without a base (shown on a 40mm round base).


Shogi and Palaquin in Sengoku Monster Hunter
This one page free article which adds to the game gives you the rules in play to field two new encounters with special rules.  It includes monster tokens to add to your collection.  Download it from our website storage by CLICKING HERE.

The Sengoku 15mm range contains over one hundred and forty poses of 15mm scale miniatures including Humans, Cavalry, Goblins, Kappa, Tengu, Oni and all manner of monsters.  It also has several buildings and other scenic pieces.  It is the biggest range of its type in the world!  Have a BROWSE. Great for any Japanese period placement 15mm game system. 


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. 


Sengoku Rampage
Rampage is the second book in the Sengoku Monster Hunter series; the game set in a mythical Japanese past of fierce monsters and even fiercer monster hunters. This is a supplement to the original rules and it provides much more material for playing Sengoku Monster Hunter. Players will need to be familiar with the original rules and will of course need the first book to be able to make use of Rampage.  It's features are: More Monsters More Encounters.  New Hunters and Clans.  New Hunting Grounds including the Underground.  Monster Rampage which is a larger version of the game where the Hunters become the hunted. Author: Steve Danes. A4 Format, 52 pages. In PRINT or a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD at a twenty percent less. 

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Alternative Armies titles in print and digital download

I would like begin by thanking our customers for their continued support of Alternative Armies as we near 2020 while still expanding and adding new items every single month across many of our ranges.  We do not often speak of our game titles as an entity..but they are. These titles often link to a miniatures line such as Flintloque or Furioso or they stand alone for use with any miniatures such as USEME or Doom Squad.  We offer the books in print and we offer many of them as paid digital downloads too.


We have three collections of titles on the website which includes The Ion Age which returned to Alternative Armies this year.  Here are the direct links:



Here at Alternative Armies I am often the face of the company (and an ugly mug it is too!) the little arrowhead on black next to my name.  We like to talk about our miniatures, our games, ideas and more.  We have places for this and if you are keen I would welcome you there.  Here are the links.


Thank you for Reading,

GBS

Monday 25 November 2019

Guild Room 28mm returns with Wizard on Throne and Drunken Carousers

Alternative Armies is bringing the Guild Room back to the website and it starts here with two classic codes in new molds.  The Guild Room contains 28mm scale metal and resin scenery and characters great for historical or fantasy wargaming or simply collecting.  Go HERE or read on for more.


The codes in the Guild Room are the Asgard and Tabletop Games miniatures from the 1980's which have been brought back to the world.  Under this header name will be the Wizards Workshop (WW) collection, the Bar Room (BR) collection, the Marketplace collection and others as they were originally titled.  We are using original codes when possible.


WW1 Wizard on Throne
A classic 28mm scale scenic set for collections or dungeon crawl and adventures. Contains four metal miniatures these being Throne (with a demon perched upon it and a leering face on its rear 40mm tall), a sitting Wizard reading a spell book, the Young Apprentice in robes with a broom (28mm) and the Wizards Familiar a crouch hairy little creature (15mm tall). You can purchase the set or parts of the set. Supplied unpainted and without bases.  


BR23 Drunken Carousers
A classic 28mm scenic set for your townscape or collection. Contains two metal miniatures these being a chair and the carousing couple. When sat on the chair the models combine to 28mm tall. There is an element of female nudity in this code. Censored in main image. You can choose from the pack or the two elements from it. Supplied unpainted and without bases.


These releases join our other scenics in a new menu on the website which has our 28mm Napoleonique Terrain HERE of Barricades and Abandoned Wagons  plus the Torture Chamber.  Note the Torture Chamber range contains adult themes and nudity in miniature form be aware before you click HERE for it.

We shall continue these releases across 2020 and we thank you for your support and custom.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Sunday 24 November 2019

Retained Knights of Castella by Sam Croes

It is my pleasure to present to you pictures of the Knights of Castella miniatures in the collection of Alternative Armies very own lead designer and painter Sam Croes.  These Retained Knights along with Noblesse and Knight Errant are taken from the 28mm Ion Age Miniature Range on the website and include a customised Moth Type 12 carrying Knight.

The images which follow can be clicked upon to make them much larger and there is a helpful note with each to tell you a little more if you are keen on the miniatures.



Four Retained. Codes from IB022 and IB020 packs.



Four Rapid Assaulter Knights.  Codes from IB020 and IB022.


 A customised Moth Type 12 Retained based on IA085 miniature.

 Currently not in production Moth Type 88 Twin Barrel Cannon with Muster Gunner



 A Retained Noblesse and a Knight Errant both excellent characters. Both from IB32 pack.


 The whole force assembled and ready to fight for Castella!

Castella is a Barony in the Prydian Precinct which will be featured in the fourth book of the Patrol Angis series currently titled 'Baron'.  You can play Patrol Angis in 28mm rather than 15mm simply by changing centimeters to inches and it works just fine.  Of course MOTH is our 28mm skirmish system and you can try out Firefight 2.0.


There are several hundred 28mm scale miniatures on the website as well as hundreds of codes of miniatures, vehicles, mecha, buildings and more in 15mm scale.  You can see above the menu on the website which has these ranges.  Here are direct links:



During the transition of The Ion Age website back into Alternative Armies back in May of this year there was a blog article published which also dealt with Castella but that time in 15mm scale.  Above you can see Sam Croes custom built Magog mecha (80mm tall).  Go HERE to read that article.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Friday 22 November 2019

HOT23 Sitting Dragon returns among the 15mm Monsters

Among our new releases in our ranges Alternative Armies is also constantly re-molding existing models and bringing in print runs of existing titles.  Typically we do not tell you all about this as it is ongoing.  But every now and again a code will also be re-mastered (meaning its design is tweaked or tightened for easier casting or production) and it gets a new paint scheme or other improvement.  These we like to share and we put an offer on them too passing the saving on to wargamers.  This time it is the preening HOT23 Sitting Dragon in the HOT 15mm Fantasy range.


HOT23 Sitting Dragon
"She sits, she broods...she is the mother to the scaled horde.  The sitting, preening Dragon. Fire and death are to come..." This code contains one metal monster.  A finely detailed Dragon great for use in any game system in an interesting pose.  Dragons live for millennia and this one plots and schemes. Three pieces and assembled stands 35mm tall at the head.  Go HERE.


We have several 15mm scale ranges which are fantasy or suitable for fantasy use.  See our website or click through for the Tabletop 15mm Fantasy, HOB 15mm Buildings, HOTT 24AP Armies, Sengoku Japanese Fantasy and Medus 15mm Medieval plus Altuos 15mm Renaissance range.  Have a browse.


One of the favourite packs we have is HOT35 The Giant Hydra is one of more than two dozen monsters in the range and it is among the largest of the miniatures in the HOT Range too.  It has been reduced in price since its re-mastering process.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS