“Earth Elementals Speak Terran But Rarely Choose To Do So.”

"Though an earth elemental moves slowly, it is a relentless opponent."

This 67mm tall model of an Earth Elemental is produced by “Wizkids” and can be bought from their Nolzur’s Marvellous Miniatures range. Able to “travel though solid ground or stone as easily as humans walk on the earth’s surface” the summoned creature made its first appearance in the original 1974 “Dungeons & Dragons” boxed set by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and “can come in almost any shape, size, and composition imaginable.”

Unable to swim, the monster was first primed using a double-layer of “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna and somewhat submerged in “The Army Painter” Strong Tone Quickshade. The figure was then enthusiastically dry-brushed in (more) “Vallejo” Heavy Sienna, before receiving a significantly lighter ‘dusting’ with a make-up brush containing a little Heavy Brown.

Alien warriors tear down the mighty Godzilla, whilst some Alien Stalkers fast approach Mister Fantastic

The Elemental’s formidable maw was darkened using a combination of “Citadel” Abaddon Black and Nuln Oil, and subsequently shaded with (more) Strong Tone Quickshade by “The Army Painter”. Finally, I ‘picked out’ the model’s eyes with a couple of dabs of “Vallejo” Heavy Ochre and shaded them with a spot of “Citadel” Reikland Fleshshade…

I have also paid another visit to the LVL Up Gaming Store in Bournemouth so as to play-test the revised statistics for H.R. Giger's Aliens for my homemade rule-set "M.I.S.S." On this occasion I brought along one of my 3 x 3 foot "Deep Cut Studio" mats for us to battle over, and absolutely covered the Space Hulk with as much pre-painted terrain by “Tablescape” as we could muster.

Groot attempts to hold off an Alien attack on one flank, whilst Ben Grimm decides its Clobberin' Time

Facing eight lethal Xenomorph warriors, including their leader Grid, as well as a unit of Alien Stalkers and Alien Infants, my opponent went for an odd mix of super-heroes with which to fend them off; including such notable "Marvel Worldwide" characters as The Thing and Mister Fantastic, alongside the fearsome Godzilla and smart-mouthed Rocket Raccoon. The game ended being rather long, and reasonably bloody, with the 'King Of The Monsters' somewhat surprisingly being overrun rather quickly on one of the heroes' flanks.

Fortunately, the likes of Man-Thing and Vampire-By-Night managed to steady the ship, whilst The Thing and Groot kept the other flank somewhat more secure. The fight was finally won by Reed Richard's 'Fantastic Ten' by only a handful of Victory Points, with the 'Man Of The Match' award going to Rocket Raccoon, after the gun-toting animal solidly held the centre throughout from atop a pile of wooden crates. 

"Weird War Two" 28mm Battle Report: Dunkirk Evacuation

THE BRITISH BRAVELY TRY TO HOLD OFF A NAZI ZOMBIE INVASION AT DUNKIRK

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) in order to allow us to play out a game utilising many of my painted "Secrets Of The Third Reich" 28mm miniatures by "West Wind Productions", and took place upon a 3' x 3' "Deep Cut Studio" Beach Playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of sandbagged positions produced by "Tablescape" from their dugout range.

The British started 'holed down' inside a series of trenches running the length of the tabletop's eastern half and consisted of two units of Commandos armed with carbine rifles (20pts), a unit of Commandos armed with Bren light machine-guns (10pts), a heavy machine-gun team (10pts) and a two-man sniper team (10pts). Whilst the German forces started the fight along the western edge of the table, and consisted of two units of Mech Grenadiers armed with 45 auto rifles (20pts), a unit of Mech Grenadiers armed with assault rifles (10pts), a unit of Mech Grenadiers armed with sub-machine guns (10pts), a two-man sniper team (10pts), and five zombie packs (50pts). In order to win the Germans had six turns in which to either eradicate all of the British, or have a unit still at full strength reach the English Channel.

THE TABLETOP - DUNKIRK BEACH

“The story so far… British Prime Minister Winston Churchill has authorised Operation Dynamo and initiated the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in northern France. Cut off from any reinforcements and surrounded by German troops, a small force of British infantrymen decide to make a final stand so as to give their colleagues as much time as possible to escape. However, the brave Tommies soon realise that they won't just be facing the Wehrmacht, but an undead enemy which is desperate to feed upon their brains...!"

THE BRITISH FRONT LINE AWAITS THE WALKING UNDEAD OF NAZI GERMANY

With a disconcerting groan of "Brainssss" the forces rushed east towards the British lines with their zombie packs leading the way. Stumbling forwards on their cumbersome legs, the flesh-chomping ghouls didn't worry about seeking any cover in the grassland and were completely exposed to the weaponry of their enemies. Behind them, the Axis infantry matched their pace, using the walking cadavers as a 'meat shield'.

Only the Nazi's Sniper Team held back, simply adjusting their position so as to have a better view of the Allies' Heavy Machine Gun Team. However, this availed them naught when it came to the Shooting Phase. Indeed, the German's firepower was sporadic and ineffective as their bullets sought to bypass the flailing zombies just in front of them in order to penetrate the sand-bags of the British positions. A lucky shot from the Second Wehrmacht did though manage to take down one of the British Heavy Machine Gun Team's operatives.

THE GERMAN ZOMBIE PACKS RACE TOWARDS THE BRITISH POSITIONS

In return, the British remained steadfast at their posts with the First Rifles, Sniper Team and Bren-carrying Commandos unsurprisingly focusing all of their firepower upon the oncoming zombie packs. All of the zeds in front of the Mech Grenadiers armed with Assault Rifles fell before this stinging attack, whilst another brain-hungry cadaver fell further north was brought down by a shot from the Second Rifles. Ominously, the British Heavy Machine Gun Team utterly tore up a second zombie pack, yet despite being riddled with holes the German Undead continued to rush forwards with loss...

The zombie pack's continued to rush east regardless of the casualties they had already taken, and would soon potentially be in charge range of their decidedly mortal prey. At their backs, the German infantry kept stride, lining themselves up into positions so as to wreck havoc across the entire length of the British lines once they opened fire. Both the German Assault Rifle section and those Grenadiers armed with submachine guns poured bullets into the British First Rifles, killing one of the brave Tommies. To the north, the British Heavy Machine Gun Team were similarly peppered by the Nazi Sniper Team and the Second Wehrmacht. The Allied crew was reduced to a single soldier, and he only survived thanks to his bullet-proof vest sparing him from a bullet.

AS THE GERMAN ZOMBIES CLOSE THE BRITISH SOLDIERS START TO GIVE GROUND

Realising that the Germans were about to overrun their first defensive position, all the British units apart from the Heavy Weapons Team began to fall back. This move invariably lead to an impotent firing display, with only the Second Rifles and the lone member of the heavy weapons team causing any casualties to a fast-approaching zombie pack.

Desperately outnumbered and on the back foot, the British continued to retreat behind the sandbags of their secondary line, with only their Heavy Machine Gun Team remaining in its initial position. Disappointingly, the Allied southern flank continued to fire poorly, causing the British to once again rely upon the Second Rifles to finally dispatch the last zed of a zombie pack. However, in a moment of heroic magnificence though, the British Heavy Machine Gun Team also managed to mow down an entire unit of flesh-craving cadavers too.

THE GERMAN FORCES REACH THE CLOSEST BRITISH TRENCHES

Despite the sudden appearance of three large holes in their Undead 'meat shield', the Germans continued to advance east, with their southern zombie packs finally reaching the Allied trench vacated by the British First Rifles. Behind them, the bulk of the Axis infantry marched on, with the Second Wehrmacht even cautiously approaching the noble British Heavy Machine Gun Team in the hope that their Sniper Team would take out the lone Tommy operating the lethal gun before they died before it themselves. With the Allied forces hunkered down behind their sandbags, the Germans had few targets except the somewhat exposed Commandos carrying Bren guns, and resultantly, two of these brave lads fell dead into the sand.

With a savage snarl the zombie pack closest to the surviving Commandos armed with Bren guns, launched themselves into a frenzied charge upon the infantrymen and tore them to pieces. To their south, the other zed horde closed in upon the British First Rifles' position, whilst to the north the Second Wehrmacht dispatched the Allied Heavy Machine Gun Team with some murderous bayonet work. The vast majority of the German forces were now stood in the first line of British trenches, and peppering the Allies' sandbags for all their worth. This formidable firepower slowly started to whittle away at the Allied numbers, as a Tommy from the Second Rifles fell to a Nazi Sniper's bullet.

THE BRITISH START TO FALL BENEATH THE TEETH AND BAYONETS OF THE THIRD REICH

The situation for Winston Churchill's men was getting increasingly desperate. However the firing from the First Rifles and their Sniper Team managed to reduce the zombie packs swirling about them. But disappointingly the British Second Rifles were unable to wound any soldiers from the Second Wehrmacht.

Gritting their teeth, the First Rifles gripped their carbine rifles tightly and bravely charged the Undead enemies before them in the south-east corner of the battlefield. Medals were clearly in order for all, as unbelievably the Tommies emerged from the brutal slaughter victorious, having wiped the gruesome cadavers out. Inspired by their colleagues' 'steel' the Second Rifles charged the Second Wehrmacht, and managed to topple one of the German soldiers.

NAZI ZOMBIES OVERRUN THE BRITISH TRENCHES WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE WEHRMACHT

In retaliation, the Axis response was game-winning, with the remaining zombie pack tearing through the British Sniper Team in seconds. Behind them the First Wehrmacht raced east to reach the coastline, but victory wasn't claimed until after the combined firepower of the German's assault unit, submachineguns and First Wehrmacht had completely eradicated the heroic First Rifles. Only the battered British Second Rifles survived, and wearily they were forced to surrender to the Second Wehrmacht.

Adolf Hitler's forces had won the day, and now only the English Channel stood between the Axis army and the green grasslands of the United Kingdom...

"Black Tree Design" 28mm Battle Report: Sutekh Verses The Voord

THE SERVANT OF SUTEKH INVADES A VOORD WORLD

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) in order to allow us to continue a universe-sized campaign utilising many of my painted "Doctor Who" 28mm miniatures by "Black Tree Design", and took place upon a 2' x 3' "Deep Cut Studio" Tundra Playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of scenery produced by "Gale Force Nine"; most notably several Rocky Outcrops from their "Battlefield in A Box" range.

“The story so far… The Cybermen, Voord, Great Intelligence, Sutekh, Nimon and Silurians have all decided to try and establish their dominance over the Universe once and for all, by conquering numerous planets, moons, stars, and galaxies in an effort to be declared the undisputed master of all space and time. Most recently however, this furious fight has been made all the more ferocious by the appearance of outlaw Sharaz Jek and his highly-developed android army..."

THE UNIVERSE - THE SERVANTS OF SUTEKH ATTACK AN OUTER VOORD WORLD

"The campaign so far... With the Nimon Empire suffering severe losses to both Sharaz Jek and the Silurians, all attention has seemingly turned towards Voord controlled space. A sudden attack by the robotic Yeti of the Great Intelligence soon sees the extraterrestrial mutants' territory split asunder, and resultantly Sutekh has dispatched his own automatons, lead by his black-clad servant, to oversee the capture of another Voord planet. Desperate to maintain a grip on his fast-dwindling galactic kingdom, Yartek orders his flipper-footed warriors to push back the Osiran service robots, but it just might be that the Voord will need more than sharp-edged knives to defeat the forces of Sutekh the Destroyer..."

THE TABLETOP - A FROZEN PLANET WITHIN THE NIMON EMPIRE

The Voord, which started along the western edge of the battlefield, consisted of four warriors and their white-robed leader, Yartek. They were all armed with knives and due to their aquatic nature would suffer no movement penalties for traversing the partially-frozen lakes. Across from their position, along the eastern edge, stood the Servant of Sutekh and four Osiran service robots. None of these carried any particular weapons but were all capable of delivering death with their 'bare' hands. The snow-covered tabletop had five strategic locations, each worth an unknown number of victory points. These would only be revealed once they had been discovered during the confrontation and could only be claimed by an unopposed unit being in direct contact with it at the end of Turn Six.

THE VOORD AND SUTEKH'S MUMMIES RACE TOWARDS THE BATTLEFIELD'S OBJECTIVES 

Winning the initiative, the Voord rushed east and succeeded in reaching the Destroyed Robot [Objective One] on the edge of the Small Frozen Lake. This was revealed to be worth an encouraging 4 Victory Points. Meanwhile, the much more ponderous Mummies of Sutekh lumbered towards their master's enemies, whilst the Destroyer's servant rushed to claim the Fuel Barrels [Objective Four] and discovered they were only worth 1 Victory Point.

One of Sutekh's robots made its way to the Destroyed Dalek [Objective Five], and ascertaining it was worth just 2 Victory Points, indicated to his fellow automatons that they needed to press on towards the Cosmic Cube [Objective Three]. As a result the Osiran service robots ended up bunching together near the northern edge of the Large Frozen Lake.

AS BOTH FACTIONS ACQUIRE OBJECTIVES ALL EYES TURN TO THE BATTLEFIELD'S CENTRE

In response a lone Voord captured the Ruin [Objective Two], temporarily acquiring 3 Victory Points in the process, and compelled Yartek to head towards the Cosmic Cube with a pair of bodyguards. With two such wealthy objectives already 'in the bag', the Voord leader realised that all he needed to do was prevent Sutekh from taking control of the battlefield's centre to successfully stave off the invaders.

Determined to push past Yartek's black wet-suited blockade, one of Sutekh's Mummies charged into the Voord leader's northernmost bodyguard. Behind him, the Destroyer's Servant lead the rest of the Osiran robots west towards their opponents, including the unit momentarily guarding the Destroyed Dalek [Objective Five].

OBJECTIVES ARE FORGOTTEN AS THE FACTIONS FIGHT FOR THE COSMIC CUBE

Sensing this was the 'make or break' moment in the battle already, Yartek rushed east with his remaining bodyguard into one of the Mummies slowly approaching the Cosmic Cube [Objective Three]. The pair savagely hacked through the automaton's bandages and after a plethora of satisfying strikes finally saw their electronic enemy fall to the ground lifeless. The Voord by the Destroyed Robot [Objective One] also joined the fray by utilising his "Water Walker" ability to cross the Small Frozen Lake and significantly damage one of the Mummies by the Servant of Sutekh. The Voord by the Ruin [Objective Two] also deserted his prize post so as to advance towards the Osiran Robot previously by the Destroyed Dalek [Objective Five].

 With the fighting clearly favouring the flipper-footed Voord, the Mummy moving away from the Destroyed Dalek [Objective Five] suddenly found himself facing a ferocious opponent, whose dagger tore away at his protective bandages. Fortunately for the Osiran Robot though his cytronic particle accelerator was undamaged, and he managed to stand his ground. To the north, Yartek's frenzied assault upon the automatons accompanying the Servant of Sutekh destroyed a second Mummy.

YARTEK AND THE VOORD CLOSE WITH THE MUMMIES OF SUTEKH THE DESTROYER

With little but poor scoring objectives behind him, and down two units already, the Servant of Sutekh decided to enter the fighting himself, and almost immediately made an impact by practically frying the first Voord he touched alive. The one remaining nearby Mummy managed to cause another Voord a debilitating wound with a powerful hand chop, whilst the robot battling beside the Destroyed Dalek [Objective Five] caused a single wound upon his rubber-clad assailant.

The penultimate turn saw some ferocious fighting in the centre of the table with a second Voord joining the attack on the Servant of Sutekh. The darkly-dressed mysterious character almost fell under such blows, but somehow managed to evade a fatal wound and then utilised his all-powerful master's regenerative power to start healing himself. The huge Mummy beside him however was finally starting to take a toll on the Voord with his enormous hand chops, so when an opening appeared, the Servant of Sutekh killed one of Yartek's weakened warriors seemingly with the simplest of touches...

THE VOORD DESPERATELY TRY TO CUT THROUGH THE MUMMIES' BANDAGES

What was clear was that all the battlefield's objectives had been utterly forgotten about, and what initially had appeared to be an easy victory for the Voord had suddenly turned into a tense kill count contest. The Servant of Sutekh continued to regenerate himself back to full health, before launching a harrowing attack upon his nearest flipper-footed opponent. The assault wasn't quite enough to destroy his foe, but it was only a momentary lapse as a Mummy crushed the injured Voord to death with his bare arms. It was neck and neck...

The close combat by the Destroyed Dalek [Objective Five] was also reaching a tense conclusion, as the Osiran Robot there clubbed his enemy with his mighty hand, and almost killed the Voord. However, because the automaton was just in range of the Servant of Sutekh's "Command" ability, he was able to re-roll one of his attack's misses and sensationally successfully felled the knife-wielding warrior with the new result.

THE SERVANT OF SUTEKH AND HIS REMAINING MUMMIES STAND FIRM BEFORE THE VOORD

Throwing himself into an 'all or nothing' assault, Yartek futilely hurled himself at the Mummy before him, but simply couldn't seem to find an opening through the machine's torn bandages to damage a vital internal component. The Voord beside him was similarly as unsuccessful in penetrating the dark robes of the Servant of Sutekh, so as the battle ended it was clear that the Destroyer's forces had won a most unlikely victory for the Osiran who "planned to destroy all life in the universe."

"Black Tree Design" Battle Report: Sharaz Jek's Androids Verses The Nimon - Part Two

A RAIDING PARTY OF SHARAZ JEK'S ANDROIDS ATTACK A NIMON INFESTED WORLD

"The story so far... Having witnessed the Nimon Empire and the Silurians creep ever closer to a destructive confrontation, the mad terrorist Sharaz Jek has decided to launch a surprise raid against one of the Nimon's ruined conquests in an attempt to establish his own territory. Dispatching a small task force of his highly developed androids, the facially disfigured outlaw soon learns that the parasitic species won't give up their valuable resources without a fight and swiftly finds his faceless automatons taking casualties..."

THE ORIGINAL TABLETOP - A RUINED PLANET WITHIN THE NIMON EMPIRE

"Black Tree Design" Battle Report: Sharaz Jek's Androids Verses The Nimon - Part One

Realising that their firing line was about to be overrun by the large, black-skinned humanoids with bull-like heads, Sharaz Jek's robots retraced their steps back towards the eastern edge of the tabletop, ensuring that they were out of range of any more Psionic mind beams. They then returned fire with their sub-machine guns, and almost brought down the southernmost Nimon right there and then. One of the Minotaurs near the Chemical Sample [Objective One] was also reduced to his final wound of four following a ferocious burst of gunfire from the android near the Drinks Machine [Objective Four].

SHARAZ JEK'S ANDROIDS FIRE AT THE ONCOMING NIMON ASSAULT

Despite taking some significant hits however, the Nimon were still seemingly dominating the battlefield, and shrewdly re-positioned its injured combatants back to secure both the Broken Robot [Objective Two] and the Space Antenna [Objective Three]. The rest of the Minotaurs stalked towards the automaton positioned by the Drinks Machine [Objective Four] and with a deafening roar sought to destroy the machine with a blast from their Psionic mind beams. Disappointingly though, they only managed to partially buckle the android's outer shell.

In response the southernmost robot moved south towards the Fuel Barrels [Objective Five]. Whilst the other featureless artificial beings aimed their weapons in the direction of the Nimon who was approaching the Drinks Machine [Objective Four] and reduced the alien to a lifeless heap on the ground. Having obliterated one Minotaur, the robots then turned their attention to another of the extra-terrestrials by the Chemical Sample [Objective One] and wounded it.

THE NIMON START TO DIE AS SHARAZ JEK'S ANDROIDS BEGIN THEIR OWN ADVANCE

Sensing that their full-frontal assault was taking a distinctive turn for the worse, those Nimon that could sought cover behind whichever ruins they could reach. In front of them the injured Minotaur by the Chemical Sample [Objective One] tried to give some covering fire, and managed to score a palpable hit on one of Sharaz Jek's androids.

To the south, one of the robots moved to retake the Fuel Barrels [Objective Five]. Another automaton approached the Chemical Sample [Objective One]. It was becoming clear that the masked maniac from Androzani Minor's minions were slowly starting to win the day. To reinforce this viewpoint a scattering of automatic gunfire struck one of the Nimon hiding near the Broken Robot [Objective Two] and killed the black-furred beast.

MORE NIMON SUCCUMB TO THE FIREPOWER OF SHARAZ JEK'S ANDROIDS

With their ascendancy assured, one of Sharaz Jek's androids reached the Chemical Sample [Objective One], and injured the Minotaur nearby. This Nimon was then killed by another automaton hiding in the south-eastern ruins. Finally the Android by the Fuel Barrels [Objective Five] fired at the alien close to the Space Antenna [Objective Three] and felled the brute. The battlefield well and truly belonged to the Spectrox smuggler's forces...

"Black Tree Design" Battle Report: Sharaz Jek's Androids Verses The Nimon

SEVERAL SHARAZ JEK ANDROIDS INVADE A PILLAGED WORLD BELONGING TO THE NIMON

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) in order to allow us to begin a universe-sized campaign utilising many of my painted "Doctor Who" 28mm miniatures by "Black Tree Design", and took place upon a 2' x 3' "Deep Cut Studio" Urban Ruins Playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of scenery produced by "Gale Force Nine"; most notably several ruined walls from their Gothic "Battlefield in A Box" range.

“The story so far… The Cybermen, Voord, Great Intelligence, Sutekh, Nimon and Silurians have all decided to try and establish their dominance over the Universe once and for all, by conquering numerous planets, moons, stars, and galaxies in an effort to be declared the undisputed master of all space and time..."

THE UNIVERSE - SHARAZ JEK RAIDS THE NIMON EMPIRE WITH A FORCE OF ANDROIDS

"The campaign so far... Having witnessed the Nimon Empire and the Silurians creep ever closer to a destructive confrontation, the mad terrorist Sharaz Jek has decided to launch a surprise raid against one of the Nimon's ruined conquests in an attempt to establish his own territory. Dispatching a small task force of his highly developed androids, the facially disfigured outlaw hopes to take the parasitic species completely by surprise but soon realises the large, black-skinned humanoids with bull-like heads won't give up the valuable resources of one of their worlds without a fight..."

THE TABLETOP - A RUINED PLANET WITHIN THE NIMON EMPIRE

The Nimon, which started along the western edge of the battlefield, consisted of five figures, all armed with Psionic mind beams. Whilst Sharaz Jek's android force began the fight along the eastern edge, and was composed of five sub-machine gun carrying robots. The dilapidated battlescape had five strategic locations, each worth an unknown number of victory points. These would only be revealed once they had been discovered during the confrontation and could only be claimed by an unopposed unit touching it at the end of Turn Six.

THE NIMON AND ANDROIDS RUTHLESSLY ADVANCE TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER 

Seizing the initiative, the two southernmost Nimon sauntered east towards the edge of the ruins overlooking the Space Antenna [Objective Three]. Whilst the lone Minotaur in the centre of their formation rushed towards the Chemical Sample [Objective One] hoping the small ruins surrounding it would protect him. Finally, the pair of Nimon to the north began moving around the walls blocking their route to the Broken Robot [Objective Two].

In response three of Sharaz Jek's androids took up a firing position alongside some ruins close to the Fuel Barrels [Objective Five]. The remaining two robots moved towards the Drinks Machine [Objective Four]. Utilising its sub-machine guns greater range than the Nimon's mind beams, one of the automatons managed to fire a burst of bullets at a Minotaur sheltering near the Space Antenna [Objective Three], and despite the difficulty of the shot due to the large alien being in cover, the android managed to cause a flesh wound. First blood to Sharaz Jek's forces.

THE NIMON QUICKLY APPROACH OBJECTIVE THREE USING SOME RUINS AS COVER

Determined to seize control of the battlefield early, and despite already being under-fire, the southernmost Nimon moved around the southwestern ruins and claimed the Space Antenna [Objective Three]. This was revealed to be worth 3 Victory Points. In addition, the northern Nimon took control of the Broken Robot [Objective Two], and an extra 4 Victory Points. Invigorated by this achievement, the Minotaur in the centre of their formation strode east up to the small ruins close by the Chemical Sample [Objective One]. Unfortunately however, due to the close proximity needed for their Psionic mind beams, the Nimon were unable to attack any of their opponents.

In response, Sharaz Jek's forces moved west and quickly took the Drinks Machine [Objective Four] and the Fuel Barrels [Objective Five]. These were worth 2 Victory Points and 5 Victory Points respectively. The rest of the androids formed a firing line along the length of the ruins near their deployment position, and discharged a withering hail of bullets at the closest Nimon within range. The Minotaur which had previously been injured bellowed in pain as it was struck twice more. Just one more wound would see the formidably-tall beast fall...

DESPITE THE ANDROIDS' FIREPOWER, THE NIMON CONTINUE TO ADVANCE

With the exception of their badly injured brethren, who wisely sought shelter behind some ruins just north of the Space Antenna [Objective Three], the Nimon boldly marched east, lowering their horns in anticipation of discharging their Psionic mind beams and relying upon their great bulk to absorb the hotly anticipated returning fire from Sharaz Jek's androids. With a huge explosion the robot holding the Fuel Barrels [Objective Five] was blown asunder by the Minotaurs' attack, granting the parasitic species another Victory Point and costing the mask villain's minions control of a highly valuable objective. Fortunately however, the automaton by the Drinks Machine [Objective Four] managed to weather the Psionic storm without any injury to its circuits.

Dum Da Dum, Diddly Dum, Oo-ee-oos… 

"Wizkids" Battle Report: The Howling Commandos Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Verses Dire Wraiths - Part Two

THE HOWLING COMMANDOS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. CONTINUE TO BATTLE THE DIRE WRAITHS

"The story so far… Having received intelligence that a band of Dire Wraiths are weaving a spell which will resurrect the formidable Hybrid, the Howling Commandos have been dispatched to an abandoned village in the Sahara desert, Tunisia. However, upon their arrival Warwolf's team realise they have very little time with which to stop the extra-terrestrial Queen's dark arts and resultantly have immediately launched an assault upon the shape-changing aliens' location..."

THE TABLETOP -  A GHOST VILLAGE IN THE SAHARA DESERT

"Wizkids" Battle Report: The Howling Commandos Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Verses Dire Wraiths - Part One

With the green-hued Dire Wraith matriarch in her sights, Vampire By Night hot-footed her way east into the settlement believing her ability to regenerate any wounds would ensure her survival until she at least reached her intended target [Regenerate: At the start of its turn, a model may roll a D6 for each missing Mass point. Upon the roll of a 6, a single Mass point is returned to the model].

Nearby, Manphibian fired at the northernmost alien and despite the evolutionary offshoot of a Skrull taking on the appearance of an innocent villager so as to 'throw off' the Howling Commandos' aim, the Dire Wraith was struck by a bullet and injured. Determined to put an end to his red-skinned foe, Manphibian utilised Warwolf's Command ability [Command: A friendly unit that is within 12" may re-roll a single dice roll once per turn] and trained his firearm at the snarling, vaguely humanoid-looking creature from the Andromeda Galaxy. The monster fell dead under a hail of bullets.

VAMPIRE BY NIGHT LEADS THE CHARGE AGAINST THE DIRE WRAITH QUEEN

Sensing the close proximity of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s super-powered agents, the Dire Wraith Queen weaved her sorcerous arts and generated a staggering 6 points of Dark Magic. It would not be long before the Hybrid was returned to her coven. In the meantime, one of the monarch's sisters by the settlement's western wall charged into Vampire By Night, causing the blood-drinker one wound [Attack: 2 + 2 dice for the Charge].

To the south, the Dire Wraith watching the large palm trees sent a magical blast hurtling towards the Man-Thing and due to the fiery attack's supernatural origin it caused Ted Sallis' alter-ego some noticeable discomfort as it scorched his vegetable matter. Disconcertingly however, the Howling Commandos' mission was about to become even more difficult as Warwolf was twice struck by more missiles summoned from within the Dark Nebula and fell unconscious to the sand...

THE DIRE WRAITHS AMBUSH NINA PRICE WHILST THEIR QUEEN PERFORMS HER DARK ARTS

Encouraged by James Marks' manifestation being close at hand, the Dire Wraith Queen used her arcane spells to produce two additional points of magic. The alien was now just three points away from success, and her human opponents were leaderless. With a haunting shriek she directed one of her fellow witches, who was just north of the tower, to charge into Vampire By Night. Already locked in close combat with one Dire Wraith, Nina Price was unable to fend off this second onslaught and sadly fell before the extra-terrestrial's numerous blows.

The defeat of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s vampire/werewolf hybrid left the shape-shifter who had originally been fighting her free to unleash a sorcerous blast upon Man-Thing. The Howling Commando was partially protected by a small rocky outcrop [Cover: -1 to hit], but still caught the best part of the magical attack. The Dire Wraith south of Theodore also fired at him, and the former Legion of Monsters member shook in pain. Having been wounded thrice the "large, slow-moving, empathic, humanoid swamp monster" was literally on his last legs.

MANPHIBIAN SLOWLY CLOSES IN UPON THE DIRE WRAITHS' STRONGHOLD 

Bravely however, Man-Thing was still determined to stop the Dire Wraith Queen in her unholy ritual, and ploughed into the Dire Wraith who had vanquished Vampire By Night, partially crippling the alien [Mass: 2]. Elsewhere Manphibian moved northeast to the northern edge of the settlement's wall.

For a moment time seemed to stand still as the Dire Wraith's monarch weaved her spells for a fifth time. But the matriarch only managed to generate two points of magic meaning the Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. had one move chance to stop her foul machinations. Unfortunately for Nick Fury's special agents though, the Queen's sisters took the opportunity to 'swamp' Man-Thing, and brought Ted Sallis' vegetable matter-made form down under a flurry of blows.

THE DIRE WRAITH QUEEN SUCCESSFULLY SUMMONS THE HYBRID

Alone, with no hope of reaching his mission's target before she uttered the final incantation necessary to bring about the resurrection of the Hybrid, Manphibian decided that a tactical retreat was probably the better part of valour. The super-strong gill-man had gained some valuable intelligence on the Dire Wraith menace, and would return for revenge...

"Wizkids" Battle Report: The Howling Commandos Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Verses Dire Wraiths

THE HOWLING COMMANDOS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. BATTLE THE DIRE WRAITHS

This game was played using some homemade rules (M.I.S.S.) in order to allow us to quickly field a handful of my re-painted "Heroclix" miniatures, and took place upon my 3' x 3' "Deep Cut Studio" Desert Playmat. The battlefield was populated with a variety of scenery produced by "Gale Force Nine"; most notably several buildings and walls from their "Galactic Warzones" range.

The Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. started along the western edge of the tabletop and consisted of Warwolf (10pts), Vampire By Night (10pts), Man-Thing (10pts) and Manphibian (10pts). Whilst the Dire Wraith Queen's forces started the fight dotted throughout the town situated on the eastern side of the desert, and consisted of the extra-terrestrial monarch herself (10pts), and four of her sorcerous sisters (total 40pts). At the start of each of her turns the Dire Wraith Queen would roll a D6 to establish how much Dark Arts energy she had been able to summon. Once her combined total exceeded 18 points worth of magic, then the evil alien would successfully summon The Hybrid and win the game. The Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. would only win if they killed the Queen and prevented the summoning from taking place.

THE TABLETOP -  A GHOST VILLAGE IN THE SAHARA DESERT

"The story so far… Nick Fury has received intelligence that a band of Dire Wraiths have assembled at an abandoned village in the Sahara desert, Tunisia in order to resurrect the formidable Hybrid. Unable to contact the Space Knight, Rom, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director instead dispatches his Howling Commandos in a desperate bid the stop the magic ritual before it is too late. But no sooner has Warwolf's team landed than they realise the Dire Wraiths occupy the entire township, and to make matters worse, their Queen herself has already begun the spell..."

WARWOLF'S TEAM MAKE THEIR PLANS AS THE DIRE WRAITH QUEEN STARTS HER SPELL

Ignorant to the arrival of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s strangest agents close by, the Dire Wraith Queen weaved her sorcerous arts and generated an impressive 5 points of Dark Magic. Hissing with the success, the red-coloured alien furthest south waddled west to wards the edge of the dusty derelict township, having thought she her the sound of hated humans approaching her sisters' location [Move: 6"]. Elsewhere, the other extra-terrestrials were also responding to the noise coming from behind a pair of palm tree plantations to their west, and started running to wards the edge of the village using its walls as cover [Run: 8"].

Activating the gene package embedded on his right mechanical arm in order to transform into a werewolf, Martin Reyna used his superior speed to head east straight towards the co-ordinates S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellite had provided him with as the Dire Wraith Queen's position [Move: 8"]. Similarly as fast due to her lycanthrope form, Vampire By Night kept pace with Warwolf and noticed with satisfaction as Man-Thing lumbered his straight into the large plantation of palm trees without the trees impinging upon his speed whatsoever [Forest Walker: Does not have its movement rate halved whilst crossing a woodland or forest]. Manphibian meanwhile, shouldered his large blaster rifle and run east using the southern edge of the smaller palm tree plantation as cover.

MAN-THING MAKES HIS WAY THROUGH A PALM TREE PLANTATION

Man-Thing continued to lurch east through the large spread of palm trees, all the time under the protection of the towering tall plants from any sorcerous blast or attack. Vampire By Night also continued travelling east, this time using the rocks around her to protect her flank, whilst Manphibian confidently strode behind her to provide some additional firepower should Nina Price's sharp claws and fangs fail in their mission to cut down any dire wraith foolish enough to get in the white-furred immortal's way.

Using his supernatural sight to its limits, Warwolf's eyes drew a clear line straight across the battlefield to the Dire Wraith Queen's position, and immediately started firing at the blubbery-shaped, green-skinned monarch [Shooting: 2 Dice]. Unfortunately, the leader of Area 13's S.T.A.K.E. (Special Threat Assessment for Known Extranormalities) subsequently gave a howl of frustration, as he was still too far away for his bullets to reach the alien.

Realising that her mission to summon James Marks back from beyond using the blood pillar her incantations had already created, the Dire Wraith Queen set her arcane spells to work for a second time, and successfully produced three more points of magic. The alien was already almost halfway to achieving her goal, and her opponents had not yet even reached the village's sand-blasted walls.

VAMPIRE BY NIGHT AND MANPHIBIAN NEAR THE DIRE WRAITH INFESTED TOWNSHIP

Spotting the trees swaying as if some massive monster was lurching through them, as indeed the Man-Thing was, the southernmost Dire Wraith made her way to the entrance of the town's tower and faced the large pal tree plantation in front of her. Another of the Skrull evolutionary offshoots hid themselves by the wall by the western edge of the settlement and motioned for one of her sisters to sneak around the northern tip of the self-same wall so as to blast their attackers with dark magic just as soon as they spotted them.

Silent and sombre-faced, Man-Thing suddenly strode out from the large palm tree plantation. Ted Sallis knew he was in plain sight of one of the Dire Wraiths, but trusted upon his body being "practically invulnerable to harm" to keep him safe [Armour: Saves any hits on a roll of 6]. In addition, Warwolf appeared to his north, having used his werewolf-based super-speed to lead his freakish team from the front...

To Be Continued...

"Warlord Games" Battle Report: Doctor Who - Battle For A Draconian Desert Moon - Part Two

THE TENTH DOCTOR LEADS AN ARMY OF ZYGONS, SILENTS, JUDOON AND SEA DEVILS

“The story so far… Dalek Sec has landed a Dalek invasion army on one of Draconia's moons. But the Doctor has assembled an army from some of the Earth's mightiest defenders, in order to buy the Draconians. Unfortunately, having landed upon the desert satellite, the Time Lord has discovered that the Skaro mutants are not alone in their ambition to conquer Draconia, and have brought some 'friends' of their own..."

THE TABLETOP - A DRACONIAN DESERT MOON

"Warlord Games" Battle Report: Doctor Who - Battle For A Draconian Desert Moon - Part One

With Dalek Sec's forces pressing ever further west, the Vashta Nerada attacked the Zygons stationed by Objective Two (a destroyed Dalek hulk), and literally ate two of the shape-shifting extra-terrestrials in mere moments. Behind the microscopic beings a group of Cybermen fired at the recently retreated Silence, but to no avail. Disappointingly for the race of cybernetically augmented humanoids, the silver giants near Objective Five (a container of green goop) were equally as unsuccessful when shooting at the close-by Sea Devils.

From his position atop the Badlands Bluff, it was clear to Dalek Sec that his allies were failing in their tasks. The leader of the Cult of Skaro subsequently directed some ineffective covering fire towards the Judoon whilst his two drone units re-positioned themselves to cover Objective Three (an ancient bronze statue of a Draconian Emperor) and Objective Four (a space-radio system).

DALEK SEC WATCHES THE CYBERMEN'S FAILURE, AS THE VASHTA NERADA ATTACK

The fighting around Objective One intensified as the surviving Zygons fought back against the Vashta Nerada and electrocuted enough of the swarm to cause an astronaut suit to crumple to the ground. Sensing electrical discharges might be a solution to the ravenous "dust specks", the Silence moved up behind the refugees from Zygor in support. Sensing the moment was at hand, the Tenth Doctor closed in with the Cybermen just south of the large swamp pool and used his sonic screwdriver to bring down one of the Mondasians.

The Sea Devils and Judoon poured their combined firepower into the Daleks just in front of the Badlands Bluff, and scored three hits. But the drones were all saved by their dalekanium armoured shell-casings [Saving roll of a 5 or 6]. En mass the Zygons in the north continued to battle with the Cybermen and incredibly managed to 'fry the circuits' of three of the silver giants.

THE CYBERMEN BATTLE BOTH ZYGONS AND THE TENTH DOCTOR

With the battle on a knife's edge, and the invaders northern flank seemingly close to buckling, the Tenth Doctor cried out in frustration as the Cyber-centre held fast despite the buzzing of his sonic screwdriver. Momentarily exasperated, "Sandshoes" turned to see his Zygon allies proving far more successful against the Vashta Nerada as another two space-suited skeletons collapsed onto the moon's surface.

THE ZYGONS FIGHT OFF THE LAST OF THE VASHTA NERADA

However, all was not lost for the Time Lord, as the orange multi-suckered aliens to the north swarmed the remaining Cybermen in that area, and stood poised to assail the nearest Dalek unit - if they could only survive the imminent rain of destructor rays... Fortunately, not all the golden drones were focused upon the Zygons though, as the energy blasts belonging to the Sea Devils and Judoon finally destroyed one of the Daleks in front of the Badlands Bluff.

The thousands strong swarm of Vashta Nerada tried to re-inflate their fallen space-suits [At the start of their turn, they must roll a D6 for each missing model. Upon the roll of a 6, that model is returned to the unit], but failed, and additionally struggled to bring down any more Zygons. The story was the same for all of Dalek Sec's forces, with both the Cybermen and entire Dalek firing line all proving successful in their attacks.

DESPITE LOSING IN THE NORTH THE CYBERMEN CAPTURE OBJECTIVE FIVE IN THE SOUTHEAST

As the battle entered its final stage, the Vashta Nerada managed to eat another Zygon, whilst poor Wilfred Mott was brutally chopped down by a Cyberman's hand. One unit of Daleks quickly trundled towards Objective Three, whilst the other fired upon the northern 'horde' of Zygons, and killed one of them. Dalek Sec hovered down to Objective Four to claim four Victory Points for the glory of the Supreme Dalek. This was subsequently added to the single Victory Point the Cybermen attained by holding Objective Five.

POOR WILFRED MOTT IS KILLED AS THE DALEKS RE-POSITION THEMSELVES

The Zygons fried the remaining Vashta Nerada, and were awarded three Victory Points for Objective Two. The Tenth Doctor was unable to overcome the Cybermen in the centre of the battlefield, so only attained a stalemate against the silver giants. The Sea Devils captured Objective Three, earning two Victory Points, whilst the Judoon charged into the nearby Dalek unit and almost destroyed it.

Further north, one party of Zygons launched themselves upon Dalek Sec, and incredibly took out the commander of the Seventh Incursion Squad's two bodyguards. Nearby, the other group of Zygor refugees travelled west back to Objective One and five Victory Points.

DALEK SEC AND HIS DRONES ARE BRUTALISED IN THE BATTLE'S FINAL STAGES

It quickly became clear that despite the combined might of the Dalek/Cyberman invasion force, that the Doctor's rag-tag army had somehow managed to thwart the Skaro mutants' plans to conquer Draconia... for now at least.