Website remodelling and replacing Blogger this June

It has been near a decade since the last major update of the ‘look, layout and feel’ of the mighty Alternative Armies website and we have been using Blogger for all our news since 2007. During this time 15mm.co.uk ended and was taken back into us and The Ion Age had its own website, grew hugely and then was taken back into us as well.  Since last remodelling we have not only begun producing resin models but now have near three hundred such codes and our overall inventory of miniatures has grown by nearly fifty percent. We have created a vast amount of our own miniatures and restored hundreds of those of Asgard and Tabletop too.  

We have outgrown the ability of the current site to properly cope.  The lads have a plan though...

It is our aim by the end of the current free miniature period (26th June 2025 while you get two scales of the Planetary Archivist free in your packages) to do the required work.  There will be no other news and no releases for the rest of June beyond that which follows below.

Our website will have a new look. This will be easier to navigate and will have a greatly deeper and expanded search function. Some pages will shrink or even vanish and others will come in their stead. Your account with us and the cart will not be affected so you can order as normal during this time (the team will be working as normal) and do not be concerned when the look of the website changes. We will be working on it the whole time. Any questions are welcome to sales@alternative-armies.com as always.

The sculpt of the 28mm Elf Banner Bearer in the dismounted Lancers

When the new iteration of the website is in place we will be adding the most requested features to it. This will include a dynamic Wish List, more functionality in Account Management and a full Loyalty System. More on each of these at the time. Alternative Armies always gives you more and listens to its customers.

Lastly at the same time the website attains its new look, layout and feel we will cease our use of Blogger for our news and articles. Instead a new dedicated portal will begin which will contain all news, free articles, scenarios, resources and such for us and the game systems.  This will be announced once ready and will be linked centrally to the website.  It will become a great place to digitally hang out as it were.

So expect a wee bit of viewing disruption in the next two weeks as work progresses but be assured all is well and the end result will be worth it.

Thank you for your Time.

Planetary Archivist Garren Madwon in two scales free in all orders until 26th June

“Garren Madwon serves as a guardian of knowledge across the known galaxy. His beautifully sown robes signify his revered status while the astrotech staff is a multi-functional tool capable of accessing ancient data archives, projecting holographic star charts or even defending against threats. His helmet with a visor connects him to a wide neural network, allowing interface with planetary databases or to scan alien artefacts in real-time. He travels between worlds preserving history and uncovering lost technologies. Garren is a bridge between the past and the future.”

This new free in all orders code is a first for Alternative Armies. The same character in two scales!  Yes, 28mm and 15mm versions of a sci-fi Human.  You get both automatically free in every order shipped out (no digital download only orders sorry) until 26th June 2025.  You need do nothing but order and as many orders as you desire.  You may also purchase one or other or both of the free miniatures and you will still get the pair free in the package.  

AS032 Planetary Archivist Garren Madwon: Two nearly identical metal miniatures in 28mm and 15mm scales which are both one piece.  Great for any sci-fi game system. A Human in robes laced with golden threads with an astrotech staff, neuro helmet and a holstered blast pistol The pair are one code and you may have the 28mm on its own as AS03228 in the Alternate Stars Range and the smaller one in the HOF 15mm Range as AS03215 if you desire.

With his astrotech staff this 28mm character will work as a specialist or a civilian or even a space opera monk on your table.  Above next to other Alternate Stars miniature a Star Merc and Info Bot as well as a Female Betrayer from the Ion Age and Psi Operative by Halcyon Miniatures.

Exploring alien worlds and recording their histories in 15mm scale gaming he can be a neuro-jacker or an interfacer with non-human technology. Above next to the SHM100 Security Droid as well as Security Force Alpha, Post Apoc Warrior and Rim Merc from the HOF Range.

The idea for Garren Madwon came from a pencil sketch by our dear friend Andy Gorman who is a talented chap and did (among other things) the cover art for HOF Fire Team written by Gav Syme and Bob Minadeo.  He has been rather under the weather so it was our pleasure to turn his sketch into a dual scale metal reality!

It has been a year since Halcyon Miniatures partnered up with Alternative Armies and to celebrate until 2nd June 2025 we have three offers on that range. See the ARTICLE for full details but in essence buy three figures get one free, buy a set get that one and another free and buy all the sets get the mighty Gnawbuck Mutagen plus two miniatures free.

Thanks for your Time.

Another Cold Dawn a Free Flintloque Scenario

Part two of the World of Valon articles to enjoy.  Following the recent release of the 55524 Skeletov Cossacks we present a full size free Flintloque scenario which sees them face off against Elf Dragoons in a snowy cavalry action. See and download here or head for the Free Downloads page for everything there is to have.  You will need the free Uniformation article for the Skeletov Cossacks for this scenario.

Weak rays.  Always weak.  The sun here took the seemingly endless ink of night away in this accursed land but it never made it truly day. Not the day of Armorica where the grass was lush and green.  Where the maidens danced with flowers in their hair and smiled at dashing young officers about to make a name for themselves fighting the savage races.

“Captain.  I think we are about to have some company. Riders a league off.”

Captain Pierre Sanson of the 22nd Line Dragoons was dragged from his memories and pleasures once known back into the now.  The now which had his beard coated in frost and the metal of his helmet able to remove the skin from unprotected hands. Reaching down to pat the neck of his horse he felt the animal shivering despite its thick blankets and saddle fittings. He cooed it and soothed it. This campaign had been the worst any Elf had ever seen; worse than the sands of Aegpyt.

He knew it was the enemy before he gazed into the distance and it was.  It was no mortal cavalry.  The horses were nothing but bones animated by some Wylde Magicke unknown in civilised Urop and their riders the same. Leering skulls with bright blue sashes and caps. Wicked swords raised in silent challenge....

Another Dawn Flintloque Scenario: A four page PDF with all you need for a solo play or two player game taking the side of the Undead or the Ferach Empire...who will see another dawn? CLICK HERE to Download.

We have a wide array of 28mm scale scenics suitable for your Flintloque scenarios including barricades, camp fire, walls, wayside shrine and the Bread Oven.

Currently in our Deals and Offers are two character miniatures 5005J Madame Boniface and 55017 Count Kustosov ideal for the Witchlands and your collection.

Enjoy the scenario!

Celebrating a year of Halcyon Minatures with mini event until 2nd June 2025

It has been just over a year since Halcyon Miniatures partnered up with Alternative Armies to produce their range of high quality metal and resin 28mm miniatures.  This sci-fi range has grown to over forty codes since with all manner of space adventurers, soldiers, knights and more for a space opera setting; even some mighty Warlouses and the hulking Gnawbuck Mutagen.  We felt a wee celebration was on the cards so until 2nd June 2025 these excellent offers apply to every ‘HAL’ Halcyon code.  Here we go!

Every 28mm miniature in the range requires a ‘slot base’ as they are on tabs.  Alternative Armies has created slot bases in resin and every one of Halcyon’s figures on foot comes with a free 30mm round resin slot base.

Offer Number One: If you purchase ANY three Halcyon Miniatures (infantry miniatures) or one Warlouse with Rider (HAL032 to HAL040) or the HAL042 Gnawbuck Mutagen you will automatically get HAL003 Helmet Homunculus with base in your package.

Offer Number Two: If you purchase ANY ONE of the Halcyon Miniatures Sets (HALP01 to HALP05) not only will you have a saving but also you will automatically get HAL003 AND you will also gain for free HAL002 Psi Operative with base in the package!

Offer Number Three: Going all in. If you decide to purchase ALL of the Halcyon Miniatures Sets (HALP01 to HALP05) gaining yourself the entire range with a saving we will put in HAL042 Gnawbuck Mutagen kit (worth 27.50GBP) in the package along with HAL003 and HAL002.

Please note you get each free miniature at the level of purchase requiring to be met and it shall not double.  For example if you buy six single miniatures you will gain only one free HAL003 and if you buy two Halcyon Sets you will gain HAL003 and HAL002 one of each.

Lastly until 29th May 2025 every order placed with us for shipping (include all Halcyon Miniatures event orders) will automatically get AS030 Repair Bot included in the package.  After 29th May a new free code will be announced and it shall be included in all orders up to 2nd June and beyond.

We hope you enjoy this celebration of a talented sculptor.

Free article Skeletrov Cossacks for Flintloque and Slaughterloo

Part one of two World of Valon articles to enjoy; next week for the other.  Following the recent release of the 55524 Skeletrov Cossacks we present the ‘Uniformation’ article for these bone riders for use in Flintloque and Slaughterloo.  Giving you their uniforms, game statistics and more.  See and download here or head for the Free Downloads page for everything for every system we publish.

Like a cloud of glittering snowflakes the cossack riders of the Dark Czar hound the Grande Armee du Norde circling ever around its trudging troops.  Skeletons and Zombies drawn from all over the vastness of the Witchlands dressed in a multitude of colours and atop silent dead mounts. The Skeletov Cossacks are numerous and remorseless on the battlefield sweeping in on isolated groups and putting them to the sword.  They are hunters and chasers. 

The Skeletal Cossacks follow up on the Moskova Volunteers expanding the ranks as we move towards an entire new division of the dead to oppose the Emperor Mordred and his Elves.

55524 Skeletov Cossacks: This code contains five different 28mm scale metal Skeletal riders and five Skeletal Horses.  Dressed in robes these Cossacks of the Donne are armed with curved sabres with bone hilts.  An officer with pistol, musician with horn, standard bearer with pole and two poses of trooper.  

The horses are supplied with two pieces (55524H) easily assembled. As with all larger codes you can choose from the set of five riders with five horses or a unit of ten with a saving or a single pose with horse. Supplied with our resin cartouche style bases. 

Uniformation Skeletov Cossacks:  A two page PDF with game rules for Flintloque and Slaughterloo. CLICK HERE to Download or visit the Free Downloads page for this and a vast array of free resources. 

Get into Flintloque by taking the side of Mordred or the Dark Czar…. 5026 Death in the Snow.

The second article to come is a full size solo or two player Flintloque scenario which sees a patrol of hungry and tired Elf Dragoons having to drive off Cossacks before the infantry following them draw near....in Another Dawn...

Thanks for your Time.

Pirate Rich Paints 28mm Erin Celtic Myth

Sometimes we get a treat and a little journey to follow on ‘X’ by getting tagged.  This happened with Pirate Rich Paints (check him out) when he came across a 30 year old blister from our Erin Celtic Mythology Range and decided to assemble and paint it followed by a few more miniatures from the range.  Kindly he gave permission to share this..enjoy!

One of the highlights of the entire Erin range is the war chariot.  Code CM11 Milesian Chariot was remolded two years ago and comes in many pieces including a driver and warrior along with two horses.  

By request you can choose the pack or parts of it on its page.  There it is in its 1990’s packaging about to be assembled and painted.

Pirate Rich did some excellent brushwork he really did.  Super vivid in its colours and he added some scratchbuilt reins as well.  A rather different take to our own.

CM15-03 Wolfhound Walking and CM15-02 Wolfhound Sitting are the ‘pets’ of Fionn MacCumhail and Pirate Rich took his ones and gave them a super deep grey tone of fur.  We went with a reddish hue on our own ones on the website.

Thank you for your Time.

SHM111 Farfield and Mauser new 15mm release

“Mercenaries and privateers, Farfield and Mauser fight wherever there is profit to be found. When not under contract, they ply the space lanes in their twin ships, smuggling and seeking out opportunity. The two seem an unlikely pairing: Farfield the burly, brooding barbarian from a backwater star system, and Mauser the small, impish rascal from a metropolis-planet, wrapped in a Chameleon stealth-cloak. But each of the rogues complements the other's skills, and goads the other to ever more daring feats. Commanding their two crews of star-borne buccaneers, the two wandering sword masters seek adventure, whatever side it may come from.”

The SHM (Self Help Miniatures) Range expands today with a new aspiring sculptor’s first molded miniatures.  Two 15mm scale characters sculpted by Ed Willems great for your sci-fi table.  See the whole range of over one hundred codes of aliens, robots, humans, creatures, vehicles and more.  Rather odd and unique.

SHM111 Farfield and Mauser:  This pack contains two different 15mm scale metal miniatures which are supplied unpainted and without bases.

Alternative Armies likes to foster talent and interest and to that end back in 2008 we created the SHM idea. 'Self Help Miniatures' are designed by aspiring sculpters who in return for giving their creations to us to get into the hobby and gain experience. As a result a dozen designers have submitted designs to the SHM Range. If you are keen on seeing what it takes to get into this send us an email on sales@alternative-armies.com with your idea.

Have a browse for unique miniatures that otherwise would likely not exist. Designers in the SHM Range include: Sergio Gonzalez, Eli Arndt, Steve Hazuka, Fjodin (Nick Kondratov), Rob Alderman, Elton Waters, Jeff Worley, Hugh Bannerman, Layton Fellows, Eve Hallow, Tom Dee, Christian Cuello, Craig Armstrong and Will Grundy.  The range also includes Richard Smith’s entire Star Viking array of miniatures.

This is our last general new release before we announce the overhaul and upgrading of our website and our news site as well but more on this next week plus the next new free in all orders code...

Thanks for your Time.

3D Roleplay Con V 2025 the After Action Report

The fifth annual 3D Roleplay Convention took place over the weekend of 4th May 2025 and was a roaring success!  Alternative Armies sponsored again this year with prizes for the winners on the day from our 28mm Monsters and Creatures range. Here is organiser Hank’s account of the event.  If you have a tournament or convention and would like to ask us about sponsoring please make contact by email on sales@alternative-armies.com and tell us about it.  We have a budget set aside for this.  Take it away Hank and count us in for next time!

Saturday morning started bright & early with several volunteers getting up & converging upon the Peninsula Odd Fellows Lodge to set up nearly 20 large gaming tables. The terrain was set, armies unpacked & dice ready to roll as convention goers poured in around 9AM. Friends old & new arrived & we kicked off the convention with two fantastic games, Kryomek & Man O' War respectively. Early in the game of Man O' War, an Imperial great ship was set ablaze from stern to mast and an epic wizard battle ensued. Powerful greatships & other nautical war machines battled over the next four hours, with many shouts & laments on how the battle proceeded. 

Kryomek saw the Nexus marines make an impressive breach into an infested colony on planet Orion III, driving back the initial alien enemies as they emerged from the colony. The marines were able to immobilize a kryomek tank positioned on the northwest ridge, though it could still fire. Things started to go wrong for the marines as their Nexus battle tank fell to an alien bio-acid weapon wielded by the warmaster. Several helions then closed on the eastern group of marines & were able to drive the human menace back. By the end of turn 6, the marines were scattered & had not destroyed any kryomek eggs or rescued any colonists. So, the game ultimately went to the alien player.

From there, a hybrid WFRP 1st edition & WFB 3rd Edition game called "Dawn of the Golden Spawn" started & several players were tasked with Slaan warbands navigating their way during the spawning rituals as they witnessed the hatching of the sacred spawning of the cycle. Concurrently, a game of 54mm Inquisitor took place & folks seemed to really enjoy themselves. 

In the afternoon, there were lots more games played: some RPG's such as Shadowrun and other wargames like Rogue Trader with the "Battle at the Farm" classic scenario. There was also some WFB 2nd edition with the classic scenario "Terror of the Lichemaster", which was really fun. There was a tunnel mining siege game called "Sapper" that used the Siege rules supplement for WFB 3rd edition. Then, we had a local game creator demo his game Rumpus which folks spoke very highly of after playing. We ended Saturday with one of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay's first one-shots called "The Black Knight" from an old Dragon Magazine issue. We capped off the first day with a great session at the local watering hole. Many beers were had & new friendships made!

(Rogue Trader era Space Marines led by 28mm Ion Age metal miniature IA001 Retained Knight)

The second day of the convention was more relaxed & people played several pick-up games throughout the morning. Folks played an original scenario by one of the GM's of WFRP called "The Red Baths" which was visually and narratively stunning. Then, the massive centerpiece of WFB 1st Edition, "Ziggurat of Doom" took everyone's attention as dwarves battled goblin hordes in a last stand on an ancient ziggurat. One of the best looking tables of the convention! Finally, there was another session of "Sapper" & then a glorious session of MERP (Middle Earth Roleplay) from the 80's I.C.E. edition. High-powered minions of Mordor duked it out with a demi-god like wizard and colossal snake in the northern moores. 

All & all, 3DR Con V was a massive success. So many friends, laughs, and unforgettable gaming experiences. Everyone is talking about next year's con already!

Not Your Usual Flying Circus by Just Needs Varnish blog

It is not often that something takes us by surprise (the big Scottish spring storm of this year aside!) but when we were contacted by Just Needs Varnish Blog to show us an article he had published we were!  A flying circus indeed!  You can read the whole article on his blog where he takes a dozen Octopod Racers (HOF110) from the HOF 15mm Science Fiction Range and converts them into Steampunk or Weird War One flyers. Lovely work and a cool read too.

Sculpted in the main by Elton Waters the Octopods are an army within the HOF Range comprising infantry, casualties, jet bike and the jet flyer too.  Just as with the Rim Mercs, Cultists, Post Apoc Warriors among others the Octopods have a platoon pack ideal for skirmishing with a saving.

If you have painted, converted or diorama set any of our miniatures or written scenarios for our rule systems such as USE ME and would like to show us and perhaps be featured like this please email on sales@alternative-armies.com.  We would love to hear from you.

Thanks for your Time.

Lincombe Barn HOTT Tournament 2025 sponsored by Alternative Armies

We are delighted to announce our sponsorship and prizes given to Bristol Wargaming Club in England for their annual Hordes of the Things (HOTT) tournament. BarnHotT 2025! The event happens on Sunday 15th June 2025 and its a small 15mm scale friendly event with an entry free and free food for those playing too.  Read more and get involved on their WEBSITE.  Good luck to everyone on the day.

Alternative Armies has a huge array of suitable Fantasy miniatures in the HOT 15mm Range (HOT154 Skeleton Giant above) as well as the classic Tabletop Games 15mm Fantasy Range not to mention the mighty Sengoku 15mm Japanese Fantasy Range and our HOB 15mm Buildings.  

We also have over twenty different pre-made HOTT 2nd Edition 24AP Armies each of which comes with all needed element bases included for free.  Above is HOTT1001 High Elf Army.

Recently restored a true 1980’s classic monster F24 Seven Headed Hydra which is a very different take on this legendary foe to our own HOT35 Giant Hydra.

If you run an event and would like to ask about our sponsoring of it with prizes please contact us on sales@alternative-armies.com with its details and we will be in touch.

Thanks for your time.

Fomorian Axe Warriors new for 28mm Erin Celtic Mythology

“The true and original inhabitants of Erin are the Fomorians or the Fomori as they call themselves. Though other Peoples would debate this claim it is true that their remote ancestors battled the Partholan and were perhaps created by the Ancient Craft that raised Erin from the primordial black seas. The Fomori inhabit the cold seas and have many rocky enclaves of the coasts and roughly build stone fortifications inland; they even have a few Crystal Towers left from the times of Culach and his successors. 

A Fomori is a creature of the cold waters and though they stand from three feet to near twelve feet in height, with a normal Warrior being about six foot, they all have wet, scaly and blotched leathery skins.  The Sea Devils, or Helpers of the Fomori, are the smallest and weakest of their Peoples and the mighty Champions of the Fomori are the largest.  A typical Warrior will go to battle near naked armed with his teeth and sharp fingers carrying perhaps an iron sword or a spear and a poorly constructed shield. 

Lofty ideals form no part of the Fomori soul. They war for very simple reasons: conquest, cruelty, and avarice.  Their plans are evil and darkness embodied, none walk the coastal paths without one eye on the foaming waters of the cold sea.” - From Erin the game of Celtic Myth (2005) 

The original Fomorian Warriors (CM13 and CM16) in the Erin Celtic Myth range are 30 year old classics and have been remolded several times since.  We are proud today to announce the first of many coming new Fomorian Warriors!  Three new 28mm metal miniatures sculpted by Sam Croes. These three have as with EVERY other code in the range been added to the All of Erin Bundle which gives you everything in the range with a 5% saving built in.  The last new release of the Spring Mega Event 2025.

The new codes are:

CM33-01 Fomorian Warrior axe raised

CM33-02 Fomorian Warrior axe and shield

CM33-03 Fomorian Warrior two handed axe

The warriors of Fomor are bigger than Pucci but smaller than their Champions and Heroes.  They out bulk a Man but look puny next to Morc of Chicol the monster.

Every miniature in the range is a single and alongside this we have five different Warbands which give a force with a saving. A hero, champion and warriors.  Choose from Fomorian (above) or Pucci along with Sidhe, Firbolg and Milesian.

Thanks and may the gods be kind to you.