"Bad-tempered And Aggressive..."

"...Wild boars are also very tasty and thus much sought-after in the Frozen City."

This 28mm scale model of a Boar is manufactured by “North Star Military Figures” and can be bought together with three Giant Rats as code FGV309 from their “Frostgrave" Range. The miniature has been based so as to fit in with the rest of my collection of figures for Joseph A. McCullough's fantasy wargame in the Frozen City, but, having been recently inspired to purchase "Palaeo Diet: Eat Of Be Eaten" by "Ganesha Games" thanks to Joe's wonderful coverage of the game on his superb blog "Zabadak's ZombieWorld", I'm currently eyeing the wild swine as a possible start to a menagerie of giant grazers for that "stand-alone set of gaming rules for recreating prehistoric animal hunts" as well.

To begin with I undercoated the wide-ranging mammal with two layers of “Vallejo” Heavy Brown and heavily washed the beast with "The Army Painter" Strong Tone Quickshade. I then dry-brushed the boar's well-sculpted hide with (more) "Vallejo" Heavy Brown, before 'picking out' its ridge of shaggy fur, eyes, mouth and hooves in Black. I also applied a light dry-brush of "Vallejo" Heavy Charcoal to the model's ridged back.

"The Invasion" Cyberman WIPs - The silver giant has been primed, washed and dry-brushed for the AHPC

In order to help blend the black and brown elements of the figure together I carefully dry-brushed some additional "Vallejo" Black up the animal's legs, and then washed all these areas with some "Citadel" Nuln Oil. Lastly, I dry-brushed some additional "Vallejo" Heavy Brown around the top of the hooves, before gluing a double helping of "Citadel" Snow around the plastic 40mm circular base.

With another of my long-forgotten, partially-painted models finished, I have turned the vast majority of my attention to my contributions for the Ninth Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge (AHPC). As in previous years I will be attempting to attain a target score of 500 points during the next three months, with the vast majority of my entrants being 28mm scale models (scoring a humble 5 points apiece).

Yewan Grove The Treeman and Grove's Shrubs WIPs - The Treefolk have been dry-brushed 

Resultantly, I wanted to get at least some points on the board straight away, so have started work on a lone Cyberman from the 1968 "Doctor Who" eight-episode long adventure entitled "The Invasion". This particular piece was a much appreciated gift from "Warlord Games" during my most recent visit to their Nottingham-based Headquarters, and once finished will give me enough of Tobias Vaughn's emotionless allies to use the 'Cybermen & Cybermats' Recruitment card in "Doctor Who: Exterminate!"

Admittedly, I'm never going to successfully attain my AHPC target tally by simply painting one-off models, so have also begun shading and dry-brushing five of the treefolk from the "Toon Realms" range by "Lucid Eye Publications". These 'Ents' will be the start of a 'Lord Of The Toons' project I have in mind, and are packed full on wonderful tiny details such as grass-beards and tiny toadstools growing across their back's bark.

Mutants & Death Ray Guns Report: Judge Dredd & Mad Max Verses T-800 Terminators

JUDGE DREDD AND MAD MAX BATTLE KILLER T-800 ROBOTS

This game was played using the basic rules of “Mutants And Death Ray Guns” by “Ganesha Games”, and is the second in a series of adventures involving Mega-City One's toughest lawman as he attempts to thwart the break-out of a virus strain left over from the Great Germ War. The scenario comprised of a small party of four Pure Human characters facing a larger (and slightly more expensive) group of Pure Robots across a 3’ x 3’ tabletop populated with some "Battlefield In A Box" Badlands terrain by “Gale Force Nine” and some additional resin pieces by "Wargames Terrain Workshop".

“The story so far… Finding his city once again threatened by the deadly 2T(FRU)T virus, Judge Dredd has travelled into the Cursed Earth so as to search for vaccine crates. Accompanied by Judge Giant (Senior), Old Stoney Face encounters the road warrior Mad Max and Immortan Joe's favoured soldier, Imperator Furiosa. Together, the band of heroes follow a rumour that some T-800 Terminators might have data on a long-lost supply of medicine."

THE TABLETOP - THE CURSED EARTH

Positioned in the northeast, Judge Dredd assembled his small force just behind Mad Max's black Interceptor, with a somewhat clear view of some promising-looking robot remains. The lawman's mission was to extract eight points worth of data from various locations dotted about the barren landscape before his party were either eliminated by the murderous killer robots which were known to inhabit the local plateau, or the 'intelligence deposits' were wantonly destroyed.

Because the Judges were wearing standard street-uniform, they were all treated as having a Flak Jacket (for armour) as well as carrying a pistol (to represent a lawgiver). "Old Stoney Face" had the additional special rules for being a Hero [always automatically rolls one success, regardless of their Quality], as well as being the group's Champion [+1 to Combat Score] and Leader [Quality increases by +1]. Judge Giant was made Steadfast [+1 Morale Rolls]. Max Rockatansky was also given the Hero trait, as well as Opportunistic [+1 to Activation rolls if there is a Knocked Down or Transfixed opponent a Short move of hi,]. He was given a Shotgun [+2 Combat Score]. Imperator Furiosa was awarded the special rule Coup-de-Grace [May immediately perform another attack against an opponent they've just Knocked Down in hand-to-hand combat] and Sharpshooter [+1 to Hit with ranged weapons but suffers -1 in melee combat]. She was given a Sniper Rifle [Long range and +2 Combat Score].

T-800 TERMINATORS PREPARE TO DESTROY SOME HUMAN INTRUDERS

The T-800 robots were grouped together as if emerging from the southwest. They were all treated as if they had Heavy Armour [If the model is beaten in Combat by only one point, the armour turns the blow and the round is a draw], and armed with Assault Rifles [Long range and +2 Combat Score]. In addition they were given the special rule Energy Cell [useful to manage "Ammunition Expenditure"].

The Terminators won the Initiative and immediately started to move northeast, with three of Skynet's first cybernetic organisms stomping towards a nearby Wrecked Car, and the remaining two moving west towards a Toxic Pool.

Judge Dredd moved west towards a large outcrop of rocks, whilst Max (with three successes) closed to within almost touching distance of some robot remains [Objective Two]. Furiosa, clutching her firearm, took up a sniping position behind the interceptor and Judge Giant started his 'long walk' towards a tall ruin [Objective Four] in the south.

MAD MAX REACHES SOME ROBOT REMAINS AS THE TERMINATORS FAN OUT

Detecting non-robotic lifeforms approaching their positions, the sentient hyperalloy endoskeletons momentarily paused in order to calculate the best strategy to nullify their oncoming opponents (or rather immediately failed their first Activation roll).

Using his experience of 'Hot Dog Runs', Joe Dredd ran behind a small rocky outcrop just northeast of a small grave marker [Objective One], and steadied himself ready to start shooting at any T-800s which unwisely approached his position from the southwest. Mad Max set about collecting data from the robot remains [Objective Two] and 'bagged' three points of intelligence regarding the long lost 2T(FRU)T virus vaccine. He then sprinted towards the Badlands Plateau. Furiosa, realising it would be some time until a Terminator entered her sniper rifle's range, headed west to give Dredd some added support. Judge Giant continued moving south.

AS MAX APPROACHES THE PLATEAU, A T-800 SIZES UP JUDGE DREDD

A T-800 marched towards Judge Dredd's position and opened fire. The robot's target was thrice its assault rifle's range and in cover, so it took a hefty -3 penalty, but because the weapon itself carried a +2 Combat bonus it was still a potentially lethal attack. Indeed, the outcome initially showed "Old Stoney Face" would have died a Gruesome Death, if he hadn't utilised his "once per game" Hero ability, which allowed him to "re-roll a single Combat or Quality roll." This 'second chance' fortunately lead to both the shot simply missing its target and the robot's weapon jamming.

A second Terminator joined the 'momentarily weaponless' T-800 intending to destroy some nearby oil barrels [Objective Three]. Whilst another of the Neural Net Processor CPU-driven automatons stalked past the Wrecked Car towards the Badlands Plateau.

As Judge Dredd calmly waited for a Terminator to enter his lawgiver's range, Furiosa moved ever further west into to provide him with even more firepower support. Max athletically hauled himself up onto the top of the Badlands Plateau and approached a rusty Dr. Pepper drinks machine [Objective Five]. Judge Giant continued south, trying to put the small ruin [Objective Four] between himself and the robots' assault rifles.

MAD MAX REACHES FOR A REFRESHING DRINK AS THE TERMINATORS TAKE UP FIRING POSITIONS

The Terminator with the weapons jam failed to clear his firearm. The 800 series beside him fired at Dredd, missed his target and reached the oil barrels [Objective Three]. The robot closest to the Badlands Plateau started to clamber up the rock formation's natural steps.

Taking a bit more 'heat' than he liked in his current position, Judge Dredd moved back behind a rocky outcrop a bit further northwest. Furiosa moved to take up his vacant position. Mad Max collected two points of data from the derelict Dr. Pepper drinks machine [Objective Five], whilst Giant, having reached and subsequently searched the ruin [Objective Four] for one point of intelligence, ineffectively fired his lawgiver at the T-800 climbing the Plateau's rocky stairway.

With a demoralising explosion, a Terminator destroyed the oil barrels [Objective Three], setting four points of data alight in the process. To the east one robot fired at Judge Giant but missed (and also ran out of ammunition), and another 'hunkered down' beside the Wrecked Car.

MAD MAX BATTLES A T-800 TERMINATOR ON TOP OF A BADLANDS PLATEAU

Sensing the moment had come for decisive action, Dredd broke cover and rushed south towards the grave marker [Objective One]. The Senior Street Judge had left himself badly exposed, but his effort could win him the day, if there was enough vaccine data buried beneath the tiny tombstone. Furiosa fired her sniper rifle at the closest Terminator and found her weapon jammed. Max rushed towards the T-800 clambering up the Badlands Plateau and at almost point-blank range discharged his shotgun at the automaton. The firearm ineffectively clicked... it had misfired!! Judge Giant also tried to dispatch the robot fast-approaching Rockatansky, but also failed to hit his target.

The Terminator stood by the remains of the oil barrels and took an aimed shot at Dredd. Incredibly, the T-800 momentarily staggered back as its assault rifle blew up in its hands. The robot with the jammed firearm finally cleared its chamber, and the 800 series by the Wrecked Car harmlessly fired towards Judge Giant. The endoskeleton in front of Max raised its weapon and momentarily appeared to have gunned the road warrior down. But using his "once per game" Hero ability, Rockatansky, despite still being Knocked Down, actually cheated death and saw the Terminator's weapon blow up!

JUDGE DREDD ATTEMPTS TO WIN THE DAY AS MAD MAX IS SHOT BY A TERMINATOR

Miraculously, the assault rifle of the fifth T-800, who had just joined its colleague beside the Wrecked Car and fired at Judge Giant, also exploded in its users hands. Skynet had clearly issued them with some bad stock. With so many ineffective opponents momentarily 'out of action', Dredd continued on to the grave marker [Objective One], collected the five points of data buried beneath it, and sealed a strong victory for his team-mates and Mega-City One's Justice Department.  

Mutants & Death Ray Guns Report: Star Wars - "Rogue Two"

BEN KENOBI AND DARTH VADER BATTLE OVER A SECOND SET OF DEATH STAR PLANS

This game was played using the basic rules of “Mutants And Death Ray Guns” by “Ganesha Games”, and was 'thrown together' using some pre-painted "Wizards Of The Coast" miniatures in order to represent the Rebellion's attempt to steal a second copy of the Death Star plans on the planet Scarif. The scenario comprised of a party of six Pure Human characters facing a smaller (but better equipped) gang of Pure Humans across a 2’ x 2’ tabletop populated with Island Palms by “Battlefront Miniatures”.

“The story so far… During the Battle of Scarif a shuttle containing a copy of the Death Star plans has been blasted into pieces before it could reach Princess Leia's CR90 corvette. Believing that she could still recover the data from the wreckage, Organa has enlisted the help of Jedi Knight Ben Kenobi and flown to the planet's surface on a recovery mission. Unfortunately, Grand Moff Tarkin, aware of the shuttle's fate, has also arrived at the crash site, and together with Darth Vader, is personally scouring the area for the battle station's schematics..."

THE TABLETOP - THE PLANET SCARIFF

Landing on of northwestern corner of the tropical planet, the Rebel's mission was to visit three debris locations (Objectives Alpha, Beta and Omega) and extract as much valuable data as was hidden there. The Empire, arriving in the southeastern corner, had to try and stop Princess Leia, and additionally retrieve as much of the Death Star plans as they could. No-one would know how much information had survived the crash at the three locations until they had used an Action to search for it.

Because all of the Stormtroopers were wearing their instantly recognisable white armour, they were all treated as having Flak Jackets, and carried Assault Rifles to represent their E-11 blaster rifles. Darth Vader had some additional special rules for being both a Hero [always automatically rolls one success, regardless of their Quality] and the group's Champion [+1 to Combat Score]. He was armed with a Powered Weapon [+2 in Melee Combat unless opponent is wearing a force field] and was given a Force Field in order to better replicate a Sith at the height of his defensive powers. Grand Moff Tarkin was armed with a Pistol and a Fragmentation Grenade, and was the group's Leader [Quality increases by +1].

GRAND MOFF TARKIN INSTIGATES HIS PLAN TO RETRIEVE THE DEATH STAR SCHEMATICS

The Rebel Troopers all wore Flak Jackets, and were armed with Pistols (to represent DH-17 blaster pistols). They were also given the Slippery skill to allow them to retreat from hand-to-hand combat without penalty. Obi-Wan Kenobi had the special rules Hero and Champion. He was armed with a Powered Weapon, and was treated as wearing Flak Armour to represent his aged skills with a 'swirling' lightsaber. Princess Leia was armed with a Pistol and a Fragmentation Grenade, and was the group's Leader.

Confidently striding northwest, Lord Vader made his way directly towards Objective Beta in the centre of the battlefield. Behind him, Tarkin began moving west, just south of some palm trees, with an accompanying stormtrooper providing the Grand Moff with some protection. Two more 'bucketheads' headed north in the direction of Objective Alpha.

Realising that the Sith Lord could not be allowed to dominate the middle ground, Ben Kenobi began hurrying towards Objective Beta himself. Perhaps it was time for the former friends to meet one another a final time..? Behind the 'Clone Wars' general, a couple of Rebel troopers started to fan out towards Objective Omega. Whilst Leia and another of her men, raced east towards Objective Alpha.

BEN KENOBI RACES TOWARDS DARTH VADER TO STOP THE SITH LORD IN HIS TRACKS

Straining his elderly muscles, Obi-Wan managed to get within touching distance of the crash debris at Objective Beta. He momentarily smiled as he realised he had arrived before his 'young' padawan. Surely the Force was with him. Unfortunately however behind him, perhaps somewhat intimidated by how powerful Anakin Skywalker had become, the Rebel advance faltered and no-one else moved...

To the north, one stormtrooper continued on his journey towards Objective Alpha, whilst his companion fired at the 'crazy old wizard'. Sensing the attack, Ben easily batted away the shot with a flick of his lightsaber. Hearing the sound of battle commencing, Tarkin increased his pace west and momentarily spotted Darth Vader purposefully stomping up to the elderly Jedi Master; an epic confrontation was about to occur...

THE OLD JEDI KNIGHT PERHAPS FOOLISHLY LEAVES HIS REBEL FRIENDS FAR BEHIND

Standing amidst the shuttle's wreckage at Objective Beta, Vader launched himself at the old man in front of him, and frustrated, stepped back when he saw his blow parried by the bearded Jedi Knight. The northernmost Stormtrooper continued on his trek towards Objective Alpha, but perhaps enthralled by the lightsaber duel taking place in the middle of the battlefield, no-one else from the Imperial party moved.

Realising she had a chance to strike for the Rebellion, Princess Leia fired at the Stormtrooper fast approaching Objective Alpha. The shot flew wide, and frustratingly was all the offence Organa's party would muster. Had Obi-Wan missed an opportunity to strike down his protege..?

Firing again at the seemingly hapless Imperial trooper in the northeastern corner, Alderaan's senator cursed as she saw her intended target remain untouched. Padmé Amidala's daughter was clearly far deadlier in the senate's debating chamber than she was with a laser pistol. To the south Obi-Wan Kenobi attempted to defeat his opponent with a powerful strike, mistimed his blow and was killed by Vader gruesomely... Fortunately for the Rebellion, no other Rebel troopers were within range of the Jedi Knight's death to warrant an obligatory Morale Test. But Ben's death clearly rattled Leia's forces as they all momentarily stopped to grieve.

DARTH VADER DEFEATS HIS OLD MASTER AND CLAIMS OBJECTIVE BETA FOR THE EMPIRE

Successful in his personal duel, Darth Vader retrieved the Death Star data located at Objective Beta and discovered it was worth two victory points. Turning northeast, the Sith Lord then started to make his way towards Princess Leia and Objective Alpha. He would soon crush the Rebellion with one swift stroke.

However before Anakin Skywalker could get any further, the stormtrooper by Objective Alpha arrived at the shuttle's debris field, and managed to fire at Organa's approaching figure. The Alderaan senator was hit, and crumpled to the ground dead. Horrified at their inspirational leader's demise, and already unsettled by Vader's seemingly simple victory over General Kenobi, all but one of the Rebel Troopers fled. With Grand Moff Tarkin close to Objective Omega it was clear the day belonged to the Galactic Empire and the Dark Side of the Force... 

Mutants & Death Ray Guns Report: Judge Dredd & Tweak - "2T(FRU)T" - Part Two

“The story so far… Finding Mega-City One once again threatened by the deadly 2T(FRU)T virus, Judge Dredd, Tweak, Judge Giant (Senior) and Judge Hershey have travelled down into the metropolis' Undercity in order to recover some vaccine crates. However, the virus has already spread to the ruinous landscape's denizens, and after an attack by the frenzied horde Joe's furry extra-terrestrial friend has been infected himself..."

Mutants & Death Ray Guns Report: Judge Dredd & Tweak - "2T(FRU)T"

THE TABLETOP - THE UNDERCITY

Already starting to struggle from the symptoms of the 2T(FRU)T virus, Tweak returned to the open entrance of Dai's Den. The alien momentarily turned at the sound of Judge Giant still futilely banging on the stubborn front door to Zabadak House. Seeing her Justice Department colleague's problem, Hershey moved over to give John Clay's son a much-needed hand. Dredd meanwhile, had had no such issues kicking down another interior door within Martin Cooke Apartment Block, and now had one more between him and his vaccine-filled prize.

To the north the 'search & recovery team' could just make out the low rasp of someone muttering "Tooty Fruity", but the sound was still someway off. Clearly the death of their homicidal leader by Tweak had shaken the local inhabitants of the Undercity, despite their manic madness...

HERSHEY AND GIANT'S SEARCH STALLS OUTSIDE ZABADAK HOUSE

With a big boot, Judge Dredd split asunder a pair of double doors in Martin Cooke Apartment Block, and wrenched open the crate before him. There was enough antidote serum inside the eagle-insignia covered box for half his city's needs, so the search for more vaccine would need to go on.

Aware that the door to Zabadak House was taking far too long to physically break open, Giant pulled out his lawgiver and blasted the lock apart. Hershey immediately rushed inside the building, but came to a jarring halt as she put her shoulder to an interior door and ignominiously came off second best...

Outside, the increased noises emanating from the surrounding darkness indicated that the insane dwellers of these ruins were becoming braver. Indeed, a ghoulish-green figure suddenly emerged near the town centre from the north, whilst another denizen appeared approaching from the west.

MEGA-CITY ONE'S TOUGHEST LAWMAN DOMINATES THE TOWN CENTRE

Hearing the disturbance, Joe Dredd rushed outside from Martin Cooke Apartment Block and placed himself near a half-empty dumpster, which was located in the middle of the street. From here the senior judge had some protection from any missile attacks, and could easily cover anything thinking of sneaking up behind his colleagues in Zabadak House.

Deep inside the aforementioned building, both Hershey and Giant blazed away at the interior door before them. But clearly both law officers needed to spend some more time at the Academy of Justice's firing range, and neither judge managed to destroy the obstinate lock. Tweak meanwhile staggered towards a bed located between himself and another vaccine crate in Dai's Den.

Chattering excitedly, a 'Tooty Fruity' infected reached a battered blue mail box just north west of Dredd and prepared to launch himself at Mega-City One's toughest lawman. The Judge Fargo clone's eyes narrowed as he spotted a further two of the crazed killers rushing towards his location from the western end of the street as well. It was time for the maniacs to taste Justice Department lead...

DREDD FACES THE 'TOOTY FRUITY' INFECTED AS GIANT DISCOVERS MORE VACCINE

Dredd took aim at the loon by the mail box with his lawgiver, and disconcertingly watched as his shot simply caused his target to back away into the surrounding darkness. Hearing the senior judge, Hershey finally managed to break down the door hindering her progress through Zabadak House, and gesturing to her companion to carry on without her, rushed back outside. With no further impediments before him, Judge Giant ripped open the lid of another vaccine crate, and grimaced at the amount of antidote inside. The Justice Department needed just a little more serum before they had recovered enough to thwart the 2T(FRU)T outbreak in the metropolis. Tweak meanwhile rested himself against the bed... it was becoming hard for the furry alien to even gather his wits...

Incensed by Dredd's bullet wound the insane Undercity resident rushed towards the lawman as fast as his legs would allow. Soon his teeth would taste Justice Department flesh... The other 'Tooty Fruity' infected to the west, slowly moved ever closer themselves, almost as if they were waiting to see whether their comrade-in-insanity would manage to bring the senior judge down alone.

THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUCCEED AS MORE CRIMINALLY INSANE CITIZENS APPEAR

Tweak, finally succumbing to the effects of his contagion, collapsed in front of the crate inside Dai's Den, his pincers twitching just inches from his wood-packaged prize. Sensing his Cursed Earth companion's poor condition, Judge Dredd yelled for Hershey to take out the demented denizen before him, and with one shot, Barbara did just that; albeit her lawgiver jammed in the process. With no 'Tooty Fruity' zombies close to his position, Joe rushed into Dai's Den, past his friend's failing body, and tore off the vaccine crate's lid. There was just enough serum inside to enable the judges to inoculate Mega-City One's population. They'd done it... 

Mutants & Death Ray Guns Report: Judge Dredd & Tweak - "2T(FRU)T"

JUDGE DREDD AND TWEAK BATTLE "TOOTY FRUITY" INFECTED CITIZENS

This game was played using the basic rules of “Mutants And Death Ray Guns” by “Ganesha Games”, and is the first in a series of adventures involving Mega-City One's toughest lawman as he attempts to thwart the break-out of a virus strain left over from the Great Germ War. The scenario comprised of a small party of three Pure Human characters and a Mutant, facing a larger (but similarly costed) horde of the Wretched across a 2’ x 2’ tabletop populated with the Urban Apocalypse Terrain by “Battle Systems”.

“The story so far… Finding his city once again threatened by the deadly 2T(FRU)T virus, Judge Dredd has sought the aid of Tweak, and accompanied by Judges Giant (Senior) and Hershey, has travelled down into his metropolis' Undercity in order to locate the last known location of some vaccine crates. Unfortunately, the virus has already spread to the ruinous landscape's denizens, so not only must the Justice Department retrieve its precious prize but simultaneously fend off the attentions of a frenzied horde...

THE TABLETOP - THE UNDERCITY

Located at the Eastern end of the Undercity, Judge Dredd positioned his small force in between Zabadak House and Martin Cooke Apartment Block. The lawman's mission was to locate eight points worth of vaccine from inside five crates dotted about the dilapidated buildings, and, despite no-one knowing how much vaccine each of the unopened wooden boxes were holding, the starting point provided the party with a good opportunity to quickly access three of them.

Because all of the Judges were wearing standard street-uniform, they were all treated as having a Flak Jacket (for armour) as well as carrying a pistol (to represent a lawgiver). "Old Stoney Face" had the additional special rules for being a Hero [always automatically rolls one success, regardless of their Quality], as well as being the group's Champion [+1 to Combat Score] and Leader [Quality increases by +1]. Giant was Steadfast [+1 Morale Rolls] and Hershey had Stealth [cannot be targeted by Ranged Attacks when adjacent to Cover]. Tweak, as a Mutant (so as to better represent him being an alien), was awarded the special rules for Food (5), Hand-to-Hand Specialist [+1 Melee Attacks and -1 Ranged Attacks] and Tough [when receiving a normal kill result are instead just wounded].

JUDGE DREDD LEADS HIS TEAM AGAINST AN INSANE HORDE OF HOMICIDAL KILLERS

The "Tooty Fruity" infected citizens were split into two groups with a Leader-led horde emerging from the west and a second band containing a Champion (former-Judge) appearing in the north. As the Wretched are referred to in "Mutants And Death Ray Guns" as "zombie-like humans" who have been "mutated by a terrible disease" and turned "into living plague carriers," their statistics weren't altered in any way, including their ability to potentially infect a Human "adjacent to a Wretched for the first time". They were also given the special rules Drug:Stimulant and Savage [inflict Gruesome Kills by doubling an opponent's score].

The Justice Department won the Initiative and Hershey immediately moved south-east behind a discarded sofa, which was sat just outside Martin Cooke Apartment Block. Judge Giant moved over to the southern door of Zabadak House and Tweak cautiously walked west down the main street. Judge Dredd marched to the entrance of the nearby Apartment Block, but failed to budge its rusty door.

To the North, two of the diseased dwellers of the Undercity started moving south towards the sound of the intruders. Whilst from the East, the "Tooty Fruity" leader, her crazed eyes already resting upon the bizarre form of Tweak, scuttled towards the extra-terrestrial... 

JUDGE GIANT FAILS TO ENTER ZABADAK HOUSE, AS TWEAK HEADS WEST

Barbara Hershey saw the infected woman racing at them from out of the westernmost darkness, and raised her Lawgiver. Her target was double her weapon's range, as well partially hidden by several stacks of shelving which had been left discarded in the street, yet it still came as something of a surprise when the shot went wide; especially as the Judge had had time to rest herself against a stale-smelling sofa and take aim. Giant was also having difficulties, for despite his best efforts, John Clay's son could not make the door to Zabadak House budge. Both Dredd and Tweak however, had no such difficulties, as Fargo's clone broke into Martin Cooke Apartment Block and the former alien slave smashed his way inside Dai's Den.

With so much crashing and banging taking place, it was no surprise that more "Tooty Fruity" scavengers were heard moving ever closer from both the North and East. Encouraged by the proximity of her insane brethren, the horde's leader raced ever closer towards her opponents.

Continually banging on the door before him, Judge Giant was getting angrier and angrier with his performance, whilst his former mentor, Dredd, continued to work his way through Martin Cooke Apartment Block searching for the vaccine crate Justice Department intelligence suggested was inside. Judge Hershey once again took aim at the green-haired she-hag running towards her colleagues, and this time the shot took the wild woman down; albeit only momentarily as the homicidal fiend was merely wounded. Realising that the "Tooty Fruity" leader was still alive, Tweak quickly made his way to her side, and with a 'snip' from his formidable pincers clipped the zombie mistresses head clean off!

DREDD ENTERS MARTIN COOKE APARTMENT BLOCK AS HERSHEY PROVIDES COVERING FIRE

Unfortunately in touching the infected creature, the "short furry alien with dark brown fur" took the risk of contracting the 2T(FRU)T virus himself, and within moments felt the lethal strain affecting his physiology. As a result Tweak's Quality was instantly worsened by 1, his movement reduced to Short and he was -1 to all Combat rolls.

The impact of their leader's death was arguably far greater upon the surviving "Tooty Fruity" maniacs however, as many of them failed their subsequent Morale Test. Indeed, only one scavenger remained in the north, skulking near Zabadak House. Whilst just three of the ferocious infected stalked the Judges from the west. But the Justice Department had yet to recover any of the much-needed vaccine, and had already effectively lost a quarter of its scouting force's strength...

To be continued...

Rasputina And The Cult Of December

Having purchased them from “MCS Miniatures” (mcsminiatures.co.uk) in November 2009, I've only recently completed painting this “Wyrd Miniatures” boxed set of the “Cult Of December”. Originally bought as an introduction to the “Malifaux” rule set, my enthusiasm for this mini-project has remained relatively strong, despite my decision not to actually purchase the rulebook (or gaming card decks). Instead I plan to use these 28mm metal miniatures as a possible alternative as ‘ghosts’ for “Ganesha Games” “Song of Blades and Heroes” horror skirmish rule set “Fear and Faith”.

All three of the “Ice Gamin” were undercoated with Mordian Blue and then generously washed with Asurmen Blue. The single-piece metal models were then ‘dry-brushed’ Mordian Blue and Ultramarines Blue. Their claws, toenails and spines were ‘picked out’ first with Chaos Black, and then Skull White. These areas were then treated to a wash of Devlan Mud. Their eye sockets were first painted Chaos Black, before a tiny ‘dot’ of Skull White was used for their eyes.

“Rasputina” was undercoated Chaos Black and then ‘dry-brushed’ Mordian Blue for her skirt. Her stockings were painted Dheneb Stone and Devlan Mud, whilst her sash was painted Mechrite Red and Baal Red. To make her skin appear icy and cold, it was painted Skull White and Asurmen Blue. Areas such as her nose, cheeks, thighs and fingers were then ‘picked out’ with Skull White, and all of her flesh was again treated to a wash of Asurmen Blue. The Arcanist’s bearskin armour was painted with Fortress Grey and then washed with watered-down Asurmen Blue. However, to make the cuffs, collar and hat stand out they were painted using Codex Grey and Devlan Mud. These areas were then ‘dry-brushed’ Fortress Grey. Ice Blue and Asurmen Blue was used for her hair.

As with the “Ice Gamin”, the “Ice Golem” was undercoated Mordian Blue and then washed with Asurmen Blue. However the four-piece metal construct was then heavily ‘dry-brushed’ with Fortress Grey before being given a light ‘dry-brush’ of Skull White.

The “Hoarcat Pride” was bought separately from the “Rasputina” boxed set and proved fiddly beyond belief, as each model (despite its tiny size) came in two pieces. Each beast was undercoated Codex Grey and then washed with Devlan Mud. The pride were then ‘dry-brushed’ Fortress Grey before and Skull White. Their eyes were ‘picked out’ with Blood Red.

With the exception of the “Ice Golem” and the one of the three “Ice Gamin” models, the “Rasputina” “Cult Of December” set has proved somewhat disappointing. Two of the “Ice Gamin” figures appear to have been ‘squished flat’, whilst painting “Rasputina” herself proved a real test due to the uninspiring nature of the (rather frail and thin-looking) figure. At £4.50 the “Hoarcat Pride” does seem somewhat overpriced for what the blister actually contains but the “Malifaux” range is expensive.

An additional demoralising disappointment was the dour effect simply gluing “Games Workshop” “Citadel Snow” directly on top of “Modelling Sand” had for the miniature’s bases.

"Who You Gonna Call?"

One of my smaller projects for 2010 was a planned set of homemade rules based upon the “Ghostbusters” films and cartoons (using the 1986 Ghostbusters Role-Playing Game” by “West End Games” as a starting point). However my recent exposure to the numerous variants of “Song of Blades and Heroes” has lead to my discovery (and purchase) of the “Fear and Faith” Horror Skirmish miniatures rules by “Ganesha Games”, and as a result I’ve concentrated simply on painting some models for the venture instead. Indeed, one of “Ganesha Games” forthcoming supplements is entitled “Ghost Rangers” and is described as “A full campaign for those guys you’re gonna call when the town is full of spooks. Hunt them, stock them, and remember, never cross the streams.”

I’ve previously seen these “Heresy Miniatures” superbly converted with proton backpacks and ghost traps but I quickly wanted them painted, based and ready for action. The models consist of HSF008 ‘Inspector (with coffee) Bob Jones’, HSF009 ‘Inspector Johnson’, HSF010 ‘Inspector Camille Van Towe’, HSF011 ‘Inspector (with scanner) Kane’, and HSF012 ‘Inspector Knuckles’.

I wanted my ‘Ghostbusters’ to wear their original ‘light brown’ costumes so Venkman, Stantz, Spengler and Zeddemore were all predominantly painted Dheneb Stone and washed with Devlan Mud. The red emblems were simply painted Mechrite Red and Baal Red; and their belt buckles Burnished Gold and “Coat d’arms” Brown Ink. As I thought Melnitz should stand apart from the foursome I painted her uniform with Astronomican Grey and Badab Black.

The stone circle is a resin piece I purchased a couple of years ago whilst at “Colours” in Newbury. As I plan for it to ‘emerge’ within a cityscape (as an objective), it was undercoated Chaos Black, and then dry brushed using Codex Grey and Fortress Grey. The standing stones were painted with Calthan Brown and Devlan Mud, before being dry brushed with more Calthan Brown.

Highlanders to March to the “Song of Drums and Shakos”

I first encountered the fantasy skirmish rule set “Song of Blades and Heroes” by “Ganesha Games” last year, and immediately purchased the PDF version from the “Wargame Vault”. At the time I planned to use them to help encourage me to paint a rather hefty consignment of “Heresy Miniatures” I bought a couple of years before, but alas, the project never took off.

A few days ago however, I discovered that Sergio Laliscia has written an adaptation of the rules for the Napoleonic era. “Song of Drums and Shakos” seems the perfect solution to help me maintain my enthusiasm for my long-term “Black Powder” project. It should let me ‘field’ my painted 15mm "Essex Miniatures" models almost straight away, as opposed to having to wait several months before I’ve painted enough to play a (small) game of “Black Powder”. Admittedly instead of using single based models I’ll be using a (40mm x 20mm) base of troops, but it should make the skirmishes appear more ‘large scale’.

As a result I have already set aside eight bases of my (already painted) Napoleonic French into a 401-point force, and begun painting (in earnest) a 395-point British contingent. This later ‘army’ will consist of three bases of (Gordon) Highlanders including an Officer, three bases of Chosen Men (Rifles), a base of Light Company infantry and a Grenadier Company.

The ‘standard’ Highlanders are from the ‘blister’ PNB6 ‘Highlander at the ready’ from “Essex Miniatures”. Having undercoated them with Chaos Black their straps and plumes were painted Skull White, treated to a wash of Devlan Mud, before being ‘picked out’ with Skull White again. Their face, hands and knees were painted with Elf Flesh, and their pouches in Calthan Brown. Both were then also washed in Devlan Mud. I painted their water bottles with Ultramarines Blue and Asurmen Blue; their backpacks with Astronomican Grey and Badab Black; their collars and cuffs with Sunburst Yellow and (oop) Yellow Ink; their rifles Dark Flesh and “Coat d’arms” Brown Ink; and Mechrite Red and Baal Red were used for their red coats.

In order to speed up the painting process, and ‘cheat’, the predominantly red tartan of their ‘Highland dicing’ consists of a simple wash of Baal Red over Skull White. Orkhide Shade and Thraka Green were used as an alternative for the dark green tartan of their kilts.

The red jackets of both the officer and standard bearer were painted using Blood Red to make them stand out. Mechrite Red was used for their sashes, and both areas were then washed with Baal Red. Both figures’ sword guards were painted using Burnished Gold and “Coat d’arms” Brown Ink.