AnnualYearOne FinalDraft HighRes

Annual
Annual
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Ironwatch Annual Year One |

Editors Gareth Humphreys Matt Gilbert mattjgilbert
Austin Peasley Gary Bomhoff Matthus Mieczkowski Max
darkPrince010 George Adsett-Knutsen Jet
Donn Turner Gerry Lee Matt Adlard
E. McIlraith Crow Glenn Allan Matthew Beer
Geoff Burbidge Grant Mahoney Matthew Lindsay
Chris Bahnweg lernaean- Giuseppe Aquino Walac Matt I. JoV
hydra Guido Quaranta Maxwell McDougall Lord
OnePageAnon Guillaume Bertin Marcus
Guy Sodin Mel BoseThe Terrain Tutor
Ian Powell Michael Carter puggimer
Contributors imm0rtal reaper Michael DeFranco MDSW
Aaron Leahy Sardonic Wolf Jack Evans ManticfanboyLAD Mike Carter
Aaron Magno sewersaint James Hewitt Mike Tittensor
Adam Morrow Jamie OToole Nathan
Alex Visentin reVenAnt Jason Flint Weedy Elf Neil Dixon
Alex Younger Jason Moorman Neil Jones
Alistair Moore platemail Jim Kew Nick Williams Daedle
Andrew Evans Joe Ketterer Nicodemus Sandberg
Andre KritzingerStratego Joe Murphy Karadram
Andy Beckett Needles John CousenMister C. Olaf Bressel
Arcaneshield John Hoyland katzbalger Panda
Azazelx Jonathan Faulkes Patrick Lefevre
Ben Stoddard Jonathan Hicks jontheman Patrick the Betrayer
Bil Orcsbain Jonathan Peace Paul Mitchell
Blake Earle Paul Mullis Osbad
Boris Samec Thane Bobo Paul Scott
Boz Androic The Boz Pete Harrison
Brad Pete Kijek Pathfinder Pete
Brad P. McF
C.A. Monteath-Carr Peter Bogdasarian
Owesome Peter Grose
Cedric Boudoya Boston Peter Tek Thornisson
Miniatures Raffaele Passarelli
Chris Cousen Mister C Raymond Mercer
Chris Davis Geist Jon Peletis
Jose Manuel Chasco Gonzalez Richard August
Chris Livingstone stlwarrior Richard RimingtonRimmo
Chris Schlumpberger Josselin Amoravain Joss
Juanje Rob Allen Briohmar
Darkover Rob Burnam
Christopher Verspeak Kara Brown
Keith Mullumby Robert Dunham
Ciaran Darcy Rob Phaneuf
Claudia Zuminich Kendunsforddownunder
Kenny Moncrieff Rob Taylor
C M Minis Rogue General Hunter
Cornonthecob left64
Leon Lynn Russell BarnesSpruce
Craig Johnson Spooney85 Ryan Shaw The Dire Troll
Daniel Darklord Liam Markey
Loic Boudoya Sharad Vora
Daniel King Shane Baker Shaneimus
Dave Johns Maccwar
Malcolm Blackwell Skolo
David Reid Sneaky Chris
Davyd P. Nash Marcel Popik marseall
Marek VlhaPaboook Steicy Jourdan
Dennis Browning-Saunders Stuart Smith Merlin
Dorf_Pally_Dan Maren Wolff
Mark Peasley Sukura636
Douglas Thoin Taylor Holloway
Doug Newton-Walters Mark Relf
Mark Smith scarletsquig Tristan Coulson TSNC
Hellebore Tyr E.
Dusty Mark Zielinski
Mart Hooiveld MArtyDagger Vane Dolenclord_blackfang
Dwarf Giant Vincent Pascaud
Ender ThompsonCivitar Martin Geibner Summoning
Matt Dustcrusher Wes Shipley
Frederic Ramirez
2 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

Abyssal
pages of content into our inaugural issue,
and with nearly enough left over to write
Issue 02 then and there. Furthermore,
Tidings Mantic had the incredible good grace to not
only give their blessing to the project, but to
A Message from also allow us use of the images on their
the Editor website and other digital sources for our first
issue. This was a massively welcome gift, as
Welcome to the first-ever Ironwatch Annual, we had not yet received the start of the
celebrating our fist year of Ironwatch surge of images from users that we would be
Magazine. This publication has been running able to use in future issues.
solid for over four and a half years, thanks to
the hardworking efforts of fans like you. We also welcomed the first of a few regular
Without your stories, your pictures, your posters and artists: Mark Smith helped
feedback, and you spreading the word provide initial title art, website background
across the globe, we never would have had art, and Ironwatch covers, Boris Samec has
the success and visibility we do today. established himself as our de-facto resident
Theres so much more room for us to grow artist with his great covers as well as interior
from here, but for now I wanted to thank the black-and-white sketch pieces, Michael Grey
Mantic fans out there who have helped posted the first few of what would become a
make this magazine possible. wide portfolio of amazing works focusing on
expanding the fiction of the Warpath
When the nucleus of this idea first began Universe, Orcsbain provided a regular
bouncing around, following the ending of series of thoughts and discussions regarding
the wonderful (if brief) official Mantic the gaming hobby from a veteran
Journal, I worried that the interest might perspective, and so many others who have
simply not be there, that when we finally shown themselves time and again to step up
opened ourselves up publicly and asked for to the plate with fantastic content for our
the first wave of submissions, that we would readers consumption.
get a trickle. The fear was also there that we
would be ignored by Mantic themselves, or Feedback that first year was also excellent; I
worse yet be asked to stop publication due learned some valuable lessons in formatting,
to legal worries. and proceeded from strength to strength in
growing the magazine. Our first issue had
The days following our initial announcement hundreds of hits on it; today, according to
changed all that. Bitly, the various forms of the first magazine
issue have been accessed over 1900 times!
We received far more articles and pieces Overall, our site gets around that many
than I had dared hope; our goal was initially views a month these days; our first half-year
for a magazine that was two, maybe three year we had just over 3600 views for August
dozen pages long. Instead, we received through December, and 2016 closed out
enough material to cram nearly one hundred with 23,300 hits for the entire year!
Ironwatch Annual Year One |3
The first year closed out better than I could
have imagined, and that was entirely thanks
to readers like you. Your passion and support
has helped buoy our fledgling publication,
and I can only ask that you continue to help
us move strongly into the future with the
issues of this magazine in the years to come.
Speaking of the future of Ironwatch, I

wanted to touch on the other aspect I put
forth recently with no small amount of
anxiety: Ironwatch Games, beginning with
the Star-Struck City but now expanding to
include Quarantine. These games realize
another large aspect of what I hoped Cover art by Mark Smith
Title art by Mark Peasley
Ironwatch could become: a source, not only
of stories, but of alternative and Contact us and submit articles at:
supplemental game systems and content, ironwatchmagazine@gmail.com
both in article form as well as standalone. If you find any errors, grammar
Again, your feedback for these has been mistakes, or rule imbalances, please
wonderfully positive, and I cant wait for contact us on the Mantic Forums
both the release of the Quarantine Deluxe (Look for the discussion labeled
Ironwatch Annual Year One
Rules, as well as future Ironwatch Games Feedback) and let us know what we
productions as well. could do to improve your fan-produced
magazine. If you are interested in
Weve also got Ironwatch Tales in the writing, illustrating, or editing for our
pipeline next as well, for those of you magazine, please let us know on the
craving your stories in an easy-to-read feedback discussion as well so you can
picture-free form. Were aiming to have that get in on the action!
ebook available for your enjoyment All models used in this publication are from
sometime within the next few months, so the respective author's own personal
collections, and any models displayed herein
theres bound to be some good reading to be are not intended to challenge the status of the
had this summer from Ironwatch. copyrights of their respective owners.
This publication is completely unofficial and
is not produced by Mantic Games. It is fan-
One last note is that we are always, always made material based on the original works by
seeking to expand. If you have stories of Alessio Cavatore and Jake Thornton, and
your armies, pictures of your models and produced by Mantic Games. Mantic,
Dungeon Saga, Kings of War, Warpath,
battles, scenarios and special rules youve Deadzone, Dreadball, and all associated
enjoyed, or just want to leave us some characters, names, places and things are TM
feedback, please email us and let us know. and Mantic Entertainment Ltd 2015. Used
without permission. No challenge to their
Thanks, and Welcome to the Watch! status intended. All Rights Reserved to their
-Austin respective owners.

Table of Contents
Arguns Luck, by Matt Gilbert ............................................................................... 9
Argun the Orc leads his warband into a set of foreboding and elf-infested ruins
Making a Splash at the Table: River Tutorial and Scenario by Jack Evans .............. 16
Jack shows us how to make quick and easy river terrain, as well as a scenario to
use with your brand-new river terrain!
Asset Procurement Part 1, by Michael Grey ......................................................... 21

GCPS Marines gain the assistance of an Enforcer squad as they explore a
mysterious alien ship
Malkis Prize: A KoW Battle Report, by Neil Dixon ................................................ 29

Follow Neil as the orc and Elf forces clash, including diagrams and photos of
the battle during the game
The Owl and the Blade, Part 1, by John Hoyland .................................................. 41

A disgraced dwarf attempts to find what allies he can following his exile
From Golden Orcy to Ironwatch, by Alex Visentin ................................................ 48

Alex shows us his Kings of War Undead, which won second in Mantics Golden
Orcy painting contest
Revenant Knights, by Alex Visentin ....................................................................... 51

Continuing from the last issue, Alex shows off his professional-level paintjobs on
his Undead cavalry
Kings of War Random Event Cards, by Stuart Smith ............................................. 54

Check out this set of awesome random event cards to change up your KoW games
And Now, A Word from Our Sponsors, by Michael Grey ....................................... 57

A taste into the world of Dreadball, as brought to you by hosts Gerry, Tom, and
their long-suffering partner Abe
Tn-y-loar Part I, by Matt Gilbert .......................................................................... 64

An old man tells a child of a tale of his youth, when the fate of a human and an
elf intertwined
Magic in Mantica, by Doug Newton-Walters ........................................................ 73

Enjoy this great variety of alternative spells for Kings of War games

Table of Contents
Magic in Mantica Spell Cards ................................................................................ 81
Printable spell cards, to help keep track of all of the newly-available spells
Lazarus, by Michael Grey ...................................................................................... 88

An agent-in-hiding is called upon for a final mission of utmost secrecy
The Keep in the Forest; A Tale from the Kings of War RPG. By Jonathan Hicks ..... 99
A thrilling tale, and companion to the Kings of War RPG rules in Issue #5
Engineering Special Weapon Corps, by Doug Newton-Walters ............................. 107

Check out this custom-made Dwarven unit, with a fun bit of story to go with!
End Transmission, by Michael Grey ...................................................................... .110

The situation is deteriorating down below, but the survivors are only just realizing
what the full scope of the emergency may be
All the Range: Dwarf Rangers, by Neil Dixon......................................................... 122

Neil discusses the tactical and modellins aspects of the Dwarven Ranger unit
Making the Special Weapons Corp, by Doug Newton-Walters ............................. 126

Learn how to make your own crazed and bloodthirsty Dwarven Weapon Corps!
Sergeant Nero: Painting the Mantic Orc Flagger, by Darren Lysenko .................... 133
See how a professional painter produces an amazing model, as an Iron Forge
Painter discusses how they painted Sergeant Nero, an Orc Flagger on a Gore
A Tale of Orcs and Dwarves, by Chris Cousen and Stuart Smith ............................ 145
Follow the life-and-death battle between the greenskins and the mountainfolk,
And see what their generals have to say about the tactics and battle outcome
Finding Inspiration from Historical Fiction, by Neil Dixon...................................... 155

Neil discusses some sources for fictional historical battles that can be adapted to
A Kings of War Scenario, as well as an example of one such Scenario
Last of the Brokkyr, by Michael Grey .................................................................... 160

A lone Forgefather brings a message for the Corporation, a message of vengeance
Battle of Gallohell, by Jason Flint ......................................................................... 173

Good and evil forces are building, in the calm before the storm

Table of Contents
Clash of Kings: Daedlehs Rampaging Hordes, by Daedle .................................. 182
This battle report covers Daedlehs fate in a Clash of Kings tournament game
No Loose Ends, by sukura636 ........................................................................... 192

Being an informant is risky enough, but Damen never expected an Enforcer
Goreaxe Marches On, by Stuart Smith and Chris Cousen ..................................... 194
An epic battle report for two battles between foul Orcs and besieged Elves
Clash of Kings, by Matt Gilbert ............................................................................. 203

Matt, Andy, and Neil discuss how their experiences with the Clash of Kings went
How to Paint Faces, by Zirrian ........................................................................... 211

A fantastic and easy tutorial for how to add eye and face detail for your models
Raising an Army, A new Players guide to Undead, by Dustcrusher ................. 214

A fantastic set of advice for players new to the various ins and outs of the units
and strategies for the foul Undead forces
Breach, by Michael Grey ....................................................................................... 224

Something is amiss on the quiet, backwater colony planet
The Iron Forge ...................................................................................................... 244

A selection of fantastic professional-level painting for your favorite Mantic models
More Journeys of the Weedy Elves, by Weedyelf.............................................. 253

Follow the continuing adventures, trials, and tribulations of this Elven army
The Haunting Promise, by Kenny Moncrieff.......................................................... 262

Twilight kin politics are nothing to trifle with, and assassination is but a game
Kings of War Bestiary, by Matt Gilbert .................................................................. 269

A selection of some new and awesome units and monsters to supplement your
Kings of War armies
Elven Tactics, by Jason Flint .................................................................................. 274

A great set of the strengths and weaknesses of the units for the Elven forces

Table of Contents
The Map-A KoW Scenario, by Neil Dixon and Alistair Moore ................................ 280
Neil shows us this awesome Kings of War scenario, centering around an
important and vulnerable courier
Year One Covers, by Boris Samec and Mark Smith................................................ 287

Check out he first year of Ironwatch covers
By Boris Samec

By Boris Samec
THE TWO DICE dropped from Arguns hand

and rattle-bounced across the wooden table.
ARGUNS LUCK One took an erratic deflection into the heavy
tankard of grog that sat in front of the brown
by Matt Gilbert -skinned thug to his left before coming to a
stop at the edge of the game board. The
other skidded off onto the floor. The orc to

his left, Jarl, picked his teeth
with the tip of a wicked
looking dirk.
Six he noted, his single

good eye staring at the die
remaining on the table. But
the other doesnt count
The third player at the table

contemplated this and then
slowly studied his hand of
painted wooden sticks.
Yeah he ventured, and then
does that mean the boss as
another go?
It means I ave to roll that

one again you idiot snarled
Argun. Just like all the other
times its appened
Argun took a swipe at the

orcling perched on his left
shoulder, causing it to flinch
away and then scamper on
Copyright Mantic Games,
to the floor to retrieve the Used with Permission
Ramming the die into the Argun.

orclings mouth, he held it
The orcling scrambled clumsily up the thick
by one leg and dunked it table leg, hampered by the load it was
in the beer before pulling it carrying. As it reached the top Argun
snatched it away.
out again.
errant die. It chattered as it skipped across Give that ere Spittle you little runt. Right,
the floor and then held the carved bone boys watch n learn. My luck never runs
cube up out of the shadows with both hands out.
for the players to see.
The die was dwarfed by the hand of the
Six again. So near yet so far Jarl said. Krudger and with his other he grabbed
Looks like your luck ran out this time Spittle by the head and held him dangling

over his own large mug of ale. Just in case his authority. Piece-negotiations Argun
though he said, grinning with yellowing called them. You talked. He left you in
teeth, lets get this die pissed so it forgets pieces.
not to screw me around. He squeezed the
helpless orcling until its mouth popped Like most nomadic warbands, his boys had
open. Then ramming the die into the scoured the plains; raiding Dwarf mining
orclings mouth, he held it by one leg and camps and terrorizing human towns and
dunked it in the beer before pulling it out villages. The horde had increased in size as
again. Right lads, watch this. He punched smaller warbands were subsumed and soon
the back of Spittles head with a wet thunk larger settlements became viable and
and the die popped out, landing with necessary targets. Arguns reputation for
unerring accuracy in the middle of the fortune preceded him and was only
board. enhanced by engagements like those at
Harvons Pass and The Bickervale where
Six. Jarl threw his own hand of sticks down theyd taken minimal casualties and routed
in disgust while Meathead, the other orc at larger and superior forces. At Yurdhaven
the table looked up and said so as e won Cross though, things had not gone so well.
then?.
The humans and elves had prepared well
Course I won said Argun, dropping Spittle and the elven general managed to take
to the floor. The orcling quickly scurried Arguns left flank by surprise. The resulting
across the flagstones into the
corner of the room out of
reach. I always bloody win.
LIFE WAS GOOD for Argun.

Hed always been one of the
biggest orcs in a race of
hulking brutes. His size gave
him power too, both
physically and psychologically.
But he was good at what
made an orc rise to the top;
he knew how to fight and
fight dirty. This and his wit
had seen him rise to power
quickly, the status of Krudger
coming easily with many orcs
willing to follow
Facesplitter a name hed
earned after altercations with Orc Warlord
a number of challengers to Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission
Ironwatch Annual Year One | 11

the lure of what might lie within too great to
resist the perils of the forest. The man had a
copy of the map and knew they were close.
On the morrow they were certain they
would find it.
Sensing an opportunity for some sport for

his demoralized band of grunts, Argun had
them search the bodies. The map found, he
had snapped the neck of the last survivor
Goblin Rabble and tossed the body aside.
Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission
collapse had scattered the Krudgers At daybreak, Argun roused the mob, kicking
warband, with only a regiments worth most onto wakefulness to angry snarls and
following Argun into the Forest of Galahir. grunts. With the map as a guide they
They had killed their pursuers but found discovered the humans were closer than
themselves wandering aimlessly for many they thought to their goal.
days. Argun violently suppressed any
mention of ill luck, as was a Krudgers right, And now here they were.
and drove the band deeper into the trees.
Four days into the trek, his fortune changed. Argun kept one of the
One evening, theyd accidently stumbled humans alive long enough
into a clearing occupied by a rag-tag band of
human adventurers and chancers. Having set to entice the man to
a poor watch and gotten themselves divulge the groups
intoxicated on cheap wine, the humans were
quickly overpowered and put to the sword
purpose
the fresh meat a welcome feast for the What Argun first saw as a minor set-back
voracious greenskins. Argun kept one of the had become a new opportunity. Sure theyd
humans alive long enough to entice the lost a handful of volunteers to the various
man to divulge the groups purpose. traps and surprises the place had to offer but
over the last year theyd made a good living.
The man-thing whimpered and cried and The hunting in the area was good so food
soiled himself more than once but was plentiful and in the first few months at
eventually explained that the group were least four different groups of adventures had
treasure hunters, following a map recently found the caves only to realize they were not
discovered in a library in Yolkston - two unoccupied. The treasure haul from these
hundred leagues to the West. They were unfortunates made the experience all the
looking for an ancient hideout said to be in more fun.
the forest nearby. Between the tears and
screams Argun deduced that other troupes Argun began to stoke things up, spreading
were also scouring the area for the hideout; rumors of the caves treasures while at the

same time terrorizing the
villages which lay within a
weeks radius of their new
lair. A steady flow of
opportunists and
mercenaries hired to clean
them out kept the boys in
shape and the bands hoard
of plunder increasing.
They themselves had found

none of the rumored
treasure of course. All that
lay at the center of the
tunnels was a large
cavernous hollow, its vaulted
ceiling hidden in deep
shadow. From the narrow
opening into the chamber,
they could see huge tree They could see huge tree roots like living stalactites dropping out
roots like living stalactites of the gloom, tapering to thin, delicate fronds that eventually
dropping out of the gloom, brushed a pool in the floor.
tapering to thin, delicate By Boris Samec
fronds that eventually
brushed a pool in the floor. themselves by playing crap-splash.
The orcs avoided the place; it felt unnatural Boss?

and repellent to them. The pool glowed with
a cold, insipid light which cast eerie Argun leaned back against the cold wall. The
shadows. If anyone wandered too close, they place was remarkably dry but no matter how
suddenly found themselves back at the many torches, wood or bodies the orcs
cavern entrance again with no recollection of burned, the chill was always there.
how they got there. The voices would not
stop whispering in their head for hours after. What?
Nearly a week ago, one of the goblins, Rikks, Argun had a space to himself at the end of
had thought it amusing to hurl night-soil in wide tunnel. Most of the lads slept in two
to the pool as a dare. Getting as close as he large communal chambers on the other side
comfortably could he succeeded in hitting of the complex. The original occupants had
the target with some if not all his seemingly taken a small, natural cave system
ammunition. Since then, the goblins had and carved out additional rooms and tunnels
spent any time not out scouting entertaining to extend the warren-like layout to twice its

original size. No trace or hint of who they Argun grabbed Tinker by the scruff of the
might have been had been found. neck and lifted him up level with his eyes.
He dont look great Ill grant you that he
Meathead stepped though the opening into observed casually, But then e always was
the room where Argun and Jarl were dicing an ugly sod. What appened Tinker?
again. Jarl was a sly one and useful for his
brains, but Argun only trusted him when he The goblin moaned and tried to lift its head
could see him and so liked to keep his but was struggling to find the energy to
lieutenant around when he wasnt otherwise speak. Argun tightened his grip and the
occupied. Meathead was his Sergeant from sentry squealed. E.e elves. Many-lots.
the former Greatax regiment and while a The effort of speaking too much, Tinker
little slow, he had a ferocious battle temper passed out and Argun, irritated, growled and
and could swing a Greatax like no-one Argun tossed him aside.
had seen before.
We got visitors boss. Tinker just came back The place was remarkably
in. The other scouts is dead e says.. dry but no matter how
Meathead began picking at the huge pale
green scar running down his left arm; a gift many torches, wood or
from a cavalrymans blade back at The bodies the orcs burned,
Bickervale. e dont look too good Boss.
the chill was always there.
Tinker, Gobban and Rikks were the only
three goblins who had survived the events at Seems weve got company lads. Good.
Yurdhaven Cross and Argun had employed Weve all been getting a bit lazy of late and
them as scouts and sentries in the woods Jarl and I were just discussing moving on out
around the complex. Meathead picked up of ere. We all need some bigger scraps and I
the small bundle of cloth and limbs hed want to be out on the plains again. If that
been dragging behind him and dumped it on upstart Chok still fancies imself a better
the floor in from of Jarl. Krudger than me I think Id like to show him
the error of is ways. We need to build the
band back up again. He stood and flexed his
massive arms, trophy rings clattering across
the blue tattoos and battle scars.
Get Jurk to prepare the traps he

commanded, and tell Brekkun to get is airy
arse out there and lure em in.
Brekkun dont ave an airy arse boss said

Orc Moraxes Meathead not since e sat on that knights
Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission oil lamp.

Argun chuckled, a deep crackling belly
rumble. He turned to Jarl. Want first
pickings?
It was at Harvons Pass where Argun had met

Jarl. The leathery skinned orc from the
deserts of the South had been taken captive
by slavers of the Twilight Kin during a raid.
The slavers were returning home and
converging with others of their kind in a
large host heading back to the Abyss. Jarl
knew his fate at the hand of the elves was
going to be despairing, painful and
ultimately fatal.
One evening, the Kin had picked Jarl out for

special attention. They had taken his eye that Goblin Sneak
night. Already tortured and tormented
during the journey, many captives had not was fed by hate.
survived by the time the Kin were
assembling in Harvons Pass before moving Yeah he snarled, picking up his Ax from
on. As the warhorns blew in alarm that where it rested against the wall. Show me
fateful evening, Jarl knew it would be his where they are.
chance to escape.
Continued in Ironwatch #2!
Strangling his guards with the chains that
they thought bound him, Jarl managed to
then free and rouse the other surviving orc
prisoners and began to run riot in the elven
encampment. Assaulted by
Arguns force on one side and
undermined by a revolt from
within their own camp, the
Kin were overrun and
slaughtered. Jarl impressed
Argun and quickly rose to
prominence in the warband.
Whenever there were elves

to fight, Jarl took the lead, his
loathing for the race ignited
in a frenzy of violence that By Boris Samec

Making a Splash at
the Table
A River Terrain Tutorial
by Jack Evans
Recently, I made a gaming board for my

house, so I can invite friends over and
game at home. This is great, however I
needed some scenery to make the
A Caulk Gun
board come alive. Many clubs struggle
to have enough scenery, or enough
interesting scenery. Whatever your
reasons for making a river like mine
are, I will promise you two things. Itll
be cheap (about a fiver for mine), and
a lot of fun.
Im really not the greatest modeller in

the world, but I made this river a few
days ago, and was really pleased with
the result, considering how easy it was,
and how cheap it was. So, without
further ado, youll need: Fold the plasticard to get the 4.5 width
A strong work ethic
Several sheets of 0.5mm
plasticard, (You could go thicker,
mine were about 50p each)
Gap filler, Spackling filler, or
Decorators caulk (See picture,
about 2-3. B&Q it, or eBay)
Sand, PVA glue, paint, flock and
brushes
A positive attitude.
First, youll have to decide on a size. I

made my river 3 wide, and then a Doodle out your banks to add caulk to later

3/4 bank on either side. I could lie
and say this was intentional, as the
river would halve movement, models
travelling 6 could move from bank to
bank in one turn But Id be lying. My
plasticard comes in A4 sized sheets,
and 4.5 just happens to be half the
size of A4. Fold it, cut it. Simple.
After cutting your plasticard to size,

It doesnt have to be perfectly smooth, as slightly mark out the banks. As I said, this is an
rugged banks look more natural. A4 sheet, cut in half, then half again,
but feel free to do whatever you want.
After this, were going to apply a

stream of filler on either bank. This will
raise them, and therefore make the
river look recessed. After Id piped
them on (like frosting on a cake), I
smoothed them out with a stick. I say
smoothed, it a lot of ways I made it
rougher - Just levelled off the bank to
make a steady gradient. Like the
The undercoated river, after applying sand. picture below.
Apply sand on the banks. This is

optional, but its best to texture it like
your gaming board. Im going with
sand and patches of flock.
This is the assembly done, so

undercoat your river.
Paint the banks to match your gaming

board. I drybrushed with Vallejo
Beastly brown (citadel bestial brown).
The initial drybrushing and bank coloration

(Ed note: Drybrushing is a technique
that that uses a paintbrush with almost
all the paint wiped off and brushed
lightly over the surface of the model)
When it comes to painting the water,

start with a very dark navy as a
basecoat. Apply this all over, but
especially to the water near the banks.
Move up to a lighter colour (I went
from citadel regal blue, to citadel Sketching out a corner section
enchanted blue) as you want the river
to be lighter towards the middle.
Drybrush a very light blue over the top,
moving downriver, and the
brushstrokes will make the river appear
to be moving. After this, I gloss
varnished the water, but feel free to
use water effects if you have it on
hand. I then flocked the banks with
some cheap flock.
Corner pieces, bridges, and fords are

You can almost hear the fish!
really simple. Done exactly like normal
pieces, but with whatever alterations.
The river section is now finished!
Pictured to the right are some of my

finished pieces lined up to form a
raging current.
Now to put the brand-new river

sections to good use!
A formidable obstacle for anything without Jump

Packs or the ability to Fly!

Deployment for the scenario A River Runs Through It
Theatre of War: Kingside and Castleside or even

A River Runs Through It Port and starboard if you feel so
nautically inclined.) Once assigned, a
This battle is fought on a standard 6x4 unit probably will not cross, or even
board. Running through the middle is a interfere with the other side (Unless
river, or a seam of rocky outcrops, or a they have fly, or a decent ranged
small forest. Whatever you use, it is attack) so think carefully about this
impassable terrain. Deployment zones choice.
are as normal, 12 from the center of
the table. The game is a standard KILL scenario,
scoring victory points for destroying
Before the battle starts, each player opponents units. However, during the
secretly assigns each of his units to battle, units may move off the board,
either the right hand side of the through their opponents board edge.
battlefield, or the left. (Feel free to From there, the models will ride on to
come up with better sounding names destroy the opposing encampment.

This has particular strategic value So damage to your opponent. Finally, will
for every unit that moves off like this, ranged weapons and warmachines
the player gains DOUBLE the units cost become prized, or pointless?
in victory points. (Example Albert has
scored 1200 points for killing units, and Any and all feedback would be greatly
has a 55 point unit move off his appreciated. Let me know if you
opponents deployment zone. His score enjoyed it, or found it pointless. If you
is 1310, [1200+2x55]) have any amazing ideas for a similar
Strategic Challenge, message me and
For added variation, add a small ford or we can work on it together. Enjoy!
bridge in the direct center of the river,
allow players to switch a set number of
units from right to left after seeing
their opponents deployment, or create
rules for holding units in reserve, which
can then appear on either side of the
battle.
Designers notes
Jack: What I like about
this is there is no obvious
set up thats best. You
could split your forces,
50/50 to ensure you
dont allow your
opponents to escape. You
could gamble, and place
a lot more on one side,
hoping to run through
your opponent and
escape with a lot of
victory points. Even
letting your units escape
is a tough choice - if they
stayed on the board, they
could continue to do Armored Troll Concept Sketch

Asset Procurement Better than nothing, he thought, and
mounted the platform.
By Michael Grey
Sub-Lieutenant, glad you could join us,
PART 1 Commander Zaman Kamry said, interrupting
whatever he was saying to Lieutenants
Klaxons blared, invading every section of the
Garcia, Kahn and Wehnn.
ship with a volume of almost physical
force. Spinning strobe lights accompanied
Apologies, Commander. Its the dichotomy
the clamor; a constantly rotating bar of
of rank; furthest bunk from the bridge, but
orange washing every surface, and ensuring
Im thankful for the exercise.
everyone onboard knew this was no drill.
Garcia and Kahn smiled at the joke but
Lieutenant Klein stalked down the loading
Kamrys expression hardened. His demeanor
ramp, passed the long line of marines. Their
matched the ironed naval jacket and
body amour's hard lines reflected the caustic
starched high collar precisely. This is no
light as they snaked forward to collect their
time for humor, Sub-Lieutenant.
rifles. To Klein, it was as if some monstrously
armored reptile was making its way to the
Zaman, let the boy go. Klein had not seen
hangar. Not entirely inappropriate, he
Captain Winters. He stood away from the
thought.
central table, staring into banks of monitors
rolling with data. His fatigues disrupted his
The ceiling reared above as he emerged
outline, blending him into what shadows the
from the confined corridor and into the
screens allowed. Klein felt a measure of
hangar. The ships bay stretched the length
relief to see they worked, only for that relief
of Andromeda Star. Rows of interceptors
to whither as Winters turned. The Captains
rolled out in either direction, hornets ready
for when the nest was disturbed.
And if disturbed could ever be applied to a

Corporation heavy cruiser, this would be
it. Activity boiled around Klein as flight
engineers primed the cepters, pilots
downloaded attack plans and marines
formed into teams.
He passed his own squad as he walked to the

command platform. Pride rose when he saw
they were among the first ready as Sergeant
Haskomb ran them through their final
checklist. Klein caught his eye as he passed
and received the curtest of nods in return.

As you can see we are still on course for D-
Five. SLAs contract on the planet still stands
and will be acted upon. But four hours ago
the navi-com picked up trace signals from D-
Six.
Kamry pushed another button and a

revolving net sprung up on the projection,
from the Andromeda towards the gas giant.
Moon? asked Garcia with a raised

eyebrow.
Kamry shook his head. Thats what it was

logged as initially, but it didnt match any of
the recorded moons orbits. The navi-com
Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission sat on it for another two hours, tracking and
usually congenial face was porcelain pale. monitoring. It raised the alarm when we
came into scan range. He held up his tablet
Now were all here, perhaps you can tell and flicked the screen. Uneven,
them everything you know, said Winters, asymmetrical object. Albedo of 0.17%. 18%
coming to the table. raw mineral of varying nature, 78% refined
ore in perpendicular layers, forming levels
For a moment it looked as if Kamry would airtight to vacuum.
say something in return. Instead decades of
naval training came to the fore, although the Klein and the other Lieutenants turned their
sour look on his face went nowhere. He attention to the projection, focusing on
turned a dial on the table and a deep green Declan Six. A ship, breathed Wehnn.
3-D projection of the local system sprung up
between them.
What was once one, certainly, said
The Andromedas position, lost amid the gulf Kamry. He pressed another button and a
of stars, was represented by the pulsing second icon illuminated over the table. This
orange coda of SLA Industries, spinning one, like the Andromeda, displayed by an
sedately as if it were just another icon holding seemingly still over the planet.
moon. Klein recognized the closest planet,
Declan Six; a hydrogen-heavy gas giant with Further scans could not identify the vessels
a lone silvery ring. Declan Six occupied most origin. Its not on our or any other
of the projection, with Declan Five, their corporations list of ship templates. The
destination, hovering innocently at the closest likeness is the Asterians, but if it is its
tables periphery. A ghostly thread linked not one weve encountered before. But
Declan Five to the Andromeda. what data has been returned is telling us its

old. Very old. Its been in space long enough
to be caught against several meteors. That
would be the 18% raw mineral, but
somehow the strikes fused to the hull rather
than destroy it.
So its a salvage op, said Garcia.
Not quite, said Winters. He leaned in and

pushed a button on Kamrys control
panel. Another bowed trail lead from Declan
Five, this time away from the planet, taking Corporation Heavy Weapon Team
it near the gas giants gravity Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission
well. Commander? said Winters.
recorded and was marked to
Kamrys expression at being interrupted was investigate. Once colonization had begun,
thunderous yet controlled. This is the route obviously. However, when the time and
of Corporation Planetary Mapper position of ASX609s route are calculated to
designation ASX609. That was the that of the new contact... he tapped a series
exploration vessel which mapped and logged of buttons on the panel.
the Declan system. It recorded D-Fives
Asset Level as Exploitable before leaving to A tiny representation of a Corporation
Mapper ship emerged from Declan Five and
Further scans could not identify began a steady loop along the plotted
the vessels origin. Its not on our course. At the same time the icon
representing the contact reversed its spin
or any other corporations list of
and began to backtrack, following D-Sixs
ship templates. The closest curvature.
likeness is the Asterians, but if it is
its not one weve encountered Kleins eyes went back to the Mapper. At
before. regular intervals an orange box would
appear above it, displaying flashes of data;
go out-system, logging this as their intended speed, course, engine metrics. He looked
route, he indicated the crescent path. between it and the contact again, and knew
what would happen before the little theatre
However, all signals ended as they neared D before him could play out.
-Six. It was assumed the planet had some
unusual makeup, such as an unusually high ASX609 followed its inexorable path, passing
magnetized iron core, or inner tectonic into what would have been Declan Sixs
activity releasing bursts of gamma radiation; shadow while the contact bore down on it
something which would cause ASX609 to fall from above. Once the two met, ASX609
into the gravity well. The incident was winked out of existence, and the contact

continued on its route. Which one is our pod?
What happened? said Klein. They all turned. Kaige had mounted the
command platform with his usual silence,
That is what were going to find out, prompting the same from everyone else.
Lieutenant, said Winters. Could have been
they simply collided with an object they Klein felt himself tense involuntarily. All the
didnt see. Could be something else. Enforcers had that affect on him, but none
more so than their leader, and the way
He shifted his stance, feet apart, hands Garcias hand flexed near his pistol it was
crossed at his lower back. Thats all the obviously not only him.
intel we have. Teams Alpha through Theta They had arrived the morning of their
will board at alternating levels with the Can departure. No warning, no
Openers, and be aware the superstructure is explanation. None necessary really, Klein
made of some kind of dense alloy, so well thought. Kaige had walked into their final
be out of radio contact with the prep meeting, announcing himself without
Andromeda. Sweep and find, people. Any expanding on the tag. If it was a name or
questions? rank Klein didnt know.
ASX609 followed its inexorable

path, while the contact bore down
on it from above. Once the two
met, ASX609 winked out of
existence, and the contact
continued on its route.
I didnt think youd be joining us after you

didnt answer the alarm, Kaige, said
Winters, loading his words with deference.
The Enforcer turned his face to Winters,

inclining it through the eight inches height
difference. We make our own preparations,
Captain.
With all due respect, Kaige, this appears to

be nothing more than a recon mission. I
wouldnt have thought your men would be
interested.

You do not need our reasons, Captain. We
will board at the foremost of the vessel. Our
coordinates have been uploaded to your
systems.
And with that, he left, and Klein felt himself

relax.
No one said the robotsd be coming,

Lieutenant.
Lawson you will not speak to an officer

unless spoken to. Goddamnit son, do I have
punch that information into you?
Robots? Is that what the men have taken to

calling them? Understandable, thought
Klein. Its all right, Sergeant, questions are
permitted. He leaned forward as much as
the pods restraints would allow.
We didnt know ourselves until we left. You

all know how the Enforcers work; if they
decided they were coming along, nothing
would have stopped them. Not even your
fearsome reputation, Lawson. That got a
laugh. But its a big ship and theres only They had arrived the morning of their departure. No
warning, no explanation.. None necessary really
five teams, plus them. Chances are you by Boris Samec
wont even see them on board. If you do, be
smart and stay out of their way, okay? of them, as far as he knew, although he
never saw more than eight, and everyone
The squad said nothing to that. They were else knew it was time to leave.
Corp Marines, and damn good ones. They
had pride, and being reminded they werent The first time Klein saw a younger marine do
the best rankled. what could have been the biggest mistake of
his life. He had just arrived, and didnt like
The Enforcers had been assigned their own having to leave straight away. He shouted at
deck of the Andromeda, and since departure the nearest Enforcer, mere feet from his
Klein had barely seen the black-armored faceplate, using insults from half a dozen
soldiers. When he had it was mainly in the different planets.
gym block, where the marines kept their
bodies and skills sharp. They would enter, all

Mk 4 Full Insertion Craft was roomier than
the old Mk 3s, but only barely so. A squad of
ten would have to be very comfortable with
another mans sweat before even a short
journey was made.
They were already on their way to the

contact, having been fired from the
Andromeda like bullets. Klein was not
looking forward to the landing. The Incisor
was deigned to puncture a ship, sealing off
the hole with quick hardening gel, securing
atmospheric integrity in a boarding action,
before the pointed lead end opened like a
flower. Although in this case a flower whose
Enforcer Strike Team petals could exert fourteen tons of force per
Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission square inch. And in typical marine fashion
the image of a flowering bud was passed
The Enforcer had done nothing. Just stand over in favor of Can Openers for a nick name.
there, face plate turned in the marines
direction, looking to Klein how someone else He had been on two such insertions
would regard an angry insect. before. Neither was pleasant. It was rough
and dangerous, with a thousand things
Whatever would have happened to the which could go wrong. And that was before
marine was averted when his sergeant the doors had even opened.
hauled him away, still yelling, out from the
room. Impact in T minus 10 seconds, gentlemen,
said a static-filled voice through the
That left Klein, and the Enforcer turned to intercom. Happy landings.
him. Klein didnt want to leave either but he
knew futility when he saw it, so packed his Go get f-, started one Marine before the
bag and headed for the door. He stopped at pod was shaken so violently Kleins vision
the Enforcer, however, and ripped off a blurred, and he thought his teeth would be
parade ground salute which would have jarred from his gums. The moment came
brought tears to his old drill sergeant. with the internal kick of turbulent
deceleration and the torturous squeal of
Before he left the Enforcer tilted his head a twisting metal.
fraction, and Klein left feeling lucky on more
than one count. The sensation was over as quickly as it
arrived. Sergeant Haskomb reacted first, out
He leaned back, wedging his shoulders from this seat, shotgun in hand.
between Haskomb and the wall. The Incisor

Alright ladies, what are we waiting for, a Haskomb swore. Goddamn navies couldnt
welcoming party? Lets go! Go! Go! find their arse with both hands.
He slammed the underside of his first onto No, not that. He walked over to the wall
the red, flashing button by the door. At once the Opener had turned into an
the pressure seals hissed, and hydraulic gas entrance. Were forty meters further in
discharged outside as the doors peeled than we should be. He rapped on the
open. The first marines were out before a wall. Dull metal flaked away where his
full breach could be declared. No one knuckles hit.
wanted to be on enemy ground in the
technological equivalent of a barrel. Rust, said Haskomb over his
shoulder. Havent seen that on a ship in a
Clear! came the cry, followed by three while.
others. Klein stood on unsteady legs and
followed the rest of the squad out. No, not rust. Klein picked up a lump which
Rifle lights lanced out this way and crumbled in his fist to sooty
that. They had breached in a hexagonal flakes. Degraded. He looked up at an un-
corridor, devoid of turns as far as the Can broken section and ran his hand over it. It
Openers lights allowed, and black as space. felt warm under his palms. Its no kind of
alloy I know. But everything degrades over
The Enforcer had done
time. The data said it was old. He dropped
nothing. Just stand there, face the rotting metal.
plate turned in the marines
direction, looking to Klein how Old enough to rot un-rustable
someone else would regard an metal? Haskombs voice had an edge of
angry insect. uncertainty hed never heard in the Sergeant
Breach secured, Lieutenant. Haskomb

marched behind his men, resting his shot
gun on one shoulder and tapping his
knuckles on the helmets of marines he was
particularly happy with the positioning of.
Klein checked his tactical computer

readout. Then rechecked it.
Problem, Lieutenant? Haskomb was

regarding him with a sardonic smile.
Klein ignored him and slapped the tac-com
with an open palm. We missed our target, Enforcer Suppression Team
he said when the screen didnt change. Copyright Mantic Games, Used with Permission

before.
It doesnt matter, the mission

remains. Klein wiped his hand on his
fatigues. The scans didnt penetrate this far
so well have to make our own map.
As you will, sir, said Haskomb, sounding

more like his old self.
Kleins radio crackled. Theta? Come in

Klein, this is Winters.
Captain, this is Klein. Enforcer Assault Team

He had been on two such There was a short pause before Winters
insertions before. It was rough answered. Sitrep, Lieutenant.
and dangerous, with a thousand
things which could go Breach successful. Although were deeper
than anticipated. He looked down the
wrong. And that was before the corridor in either direction.
doors had even opened
Us too, said Winters static laden
voice. Same with Beta. No word from
Delta or Gamma yet. They probably landed
in too far for radio. Orders remain,
Lieutenant; sweep and record. Winters
out. And with that the radio went dead.
He looked up to see Haskomb looking at him,

and shrugged. Sweep and record.
END OF PART 1
Tune into Issue #2 for Part 2!
For more stories like this, visit Michaels blog

at
www.michaelgrey.com.au
Enforcer Strike Section

Malkis Prize
A Kings of War Battle
Report
By Neil Dixon
Malkis lips curled into a smile. He was

expecting resistance, but an alliance of
Dwarfs and Elves? The desperation of his
opponents reeked of humiliation.
The order of the cleansing will never rest

while life breathes. Now is the time of the
hunters, the blood drinkers, the Vampires.
Malki looked towards his new born.
Eldessa my child, take our infantry and By Boris Samec

devour their right flank on my signal. For
victors of valour we shall claim our prize, he my Dwarfs boosted by 500 points of Elven
said. allies, I took on Andy Harris, who blooded his
Undead army for the first time.
The prize had been hidden from Malki for
too long. He would find his Masters After picking forces and setting up terrain, a
scattered armour and resurrect him to once Pillage! scenario was rolled with seven
again lead the Order. objectives. A force would count as winning if
it had captured at least two more objectives
His thoughts were interrupted as Lieutenant than the opposing force; otherwise the game
Arifficuss spoke. was a draw.
Turn 1
Sir, your commands?
The Dwarfs picked the table edge, and the
Ready the cavalry. We will charge these Undead won the first turn
fools into submission!
The Soul Reavers, Revenant Cavalry and
This was a practice game for Clash of Kings, Wraiths had no fear as they headed right
the Kings of War tournament in February towards the Dwarf lines at full speed! A
2013. 1500 points per side was the ideal size, suicidal move perhaps, considering the close
but with 1000 points ready, I was desperate proximity of the Cannon. The Ghouls moved
to field them in a Kings of War battle. With up on the right in support. The infantry

Undead
Andy Harris
I believe that Revenants are the best infantry

unit in Kings of War, so I included two
regiments as my mainstay. Skeletons and a
troop of Ghouls served as cheap backups,
and will give my opponents missile troops a
soft target to think about rather than
shooting my Revenants. My characters were
there to Dark Surge, with the Revenant King
supplying some close combat prowess.
Wights will support my infantry with added
punch, as their nine attacks always wound
on a two or more. As missile support I used
two Catapults and a troop of Skeleton
Archers with the Jar of Four Winds to extend
their range from 24 to 36. I really want a
hard hitting, fast column that could inflict
serious damage by the second turn. I went
for a troop of Soul Reavers, a Revenant
Cavalry regiment and a Wraith troop.

Dwarfs
Neil Dixon
I plumped for a missile themed force. Five

war machines and a Dwarf Warsmith to give
the Cannons one failed to hit reroll was a
good start. With the Ironwatch and Scouts
supplying extra shots, I was confident I could
take out at least one Undead unit per turn
before they reached my lines. My plan was
to sit back and counter charge. Berserkers
are excellent for this, as they have a 10
charge with twenty five attacks! Similarly, I
had to take Palace Guard, as they are one of
the best Elven combat units. A twenty model
regiment is needed for each war machine, so
I took Ironclad and Elf Spearman because
they are both cheap and solid.

Reavers. When the
smoke cleared they
were still standing! A
Bolt Thrower had more
luck, causing two
wounds but it would
not be enough to stop
the charge onslaught
next turn. The trend
continued on the right
flank, as the Revenants
received one wound
from a Bolt Thrower
and an Ironwatch
troop.
shambled forward on the left flank, aided by
Dark Surge. A character rolls a set number of Turn 2
dice, and for each result of a four or more,
an extra inch is moved. Very useful, as The Revenant Cavalry were the first to try
Undead Shambling units cannot move At the and win glory in battle as they received the
Double. A duel with the Dwarf missile order to ride down the Ironwatch, who had
battery was issued by the Undead artillery, conveniently marched into their path.
but only the Bowmen caused one wound on Wraiths, Soul Reavers and Ghouls on the
the Organ Gun. Undead right moved up in support ready to
charge next turn. The Revenants, Skeletons
The Ironwatch valiantly moved into the path and Wights on the Undead left advanced at a
of the Soul Reavers. Although it sacrificed steadier pace, Dark Surges willing them on.
their ability to shoot
this turn, by receiving
a charge it would
mean the Cannons
should get an extra
round of shooting. The
Ironclad looked on,
manoeuvring so they
could counter charge
the following turn.
Cannon balls were

polished, kissed for
luck and aimed
squarely at the Soul

The Undead firepower
again continued to
target the Dwarf
equivalents, with one
of the Balefire
Catapults causing
seven wounds and
taking off the Organ
Gun ouch!
As expected, the
Revenant Cavalry did
their work with silent
determination,
causing seven wounds
on the doubty
Ironwatch, making
them run from the field. The nearby Ironclad On the Dwarf right flank, the Berserkers and
sharpened their axes ready for revenge. the Elf Spearmen were content to
manoeuvre behind the Ironwatch, ready to
Crying out the names of their felled counter charge the approaching Undead
Ironwatch battle brothers, the Ironclad infantry.
smashed into the Revenant Cavalry in front
of the Cannons. Causing seven wounds and Predictably, the Cannon completely failed to
rolling ten for the nerve test, the cavalry cause any hits. The Warsmith may have to
were seen off just! start looking for a new job after this battle!
Luckily for the Dwarfs, their right flank had
more success as the
Elven Bolt throwers
were proving
consistently more
reliable. Combined
with a hail of crossbow
bolts from the
Ironwatch, a unit of
elite Revenants was
destroyed.
The Ironclad regiment reigned victorious over the Revenant Knights. The Soul
Reavers and Wraiths pick easier but no less deadly targets the cannons.

not their forte, pulling
back to let the Bolt
Throwers do their
worst. Five wounds
were caused, but it
failed to send the
Skeletons back to their
graves.
Turn 4
The Undead got the

chance to do what
they do best; fight in
combat. The Wights
Turn 3 charge a Bolt Thrower, the Ghouls charge
back into the Ironwatch, whilst the Soul
The relentless Undead infantry reached the Reavers charge the Warsmith.
Dwarf lines, as the Skeletons charged the
Ironwatch, causing two wounds. On the The Ghouls finally win the upper hand,
Undead right flank, the Ghouls charged scoring five wounds on the Ironwatch,
another Ironwatch troop, inflicting a running them down and feasting on Dwarf
respectable five wounds. The Cannon crew flesh.
prepared to sell their souls dearly as the Soul
Reavers and Wraiths finally got to grips with The Soul Reavers cause six damage on the
them. The Wraiths caused three wounds, but Warsmith. With his remaining Cannon taken
the hardy Dwarfs passed the nerve test and out by the Wraiths, he defies the odds
lived to fight another turn! The Soul Reavers stacked against him and hangs around for
showed the Wraiths how it was done, wiping
out the other Cannon.
The Undead missile battery again proved

their capability, causing eleven hits on an
Ironclad Regiment. The remaining regiment
looked on in disbelief as their battle brothers
pulled up their mail armour, threw down
their weapons and fled the field!
The Ironwatch on the Dwarf left charged

back into the Ghouls. It was turning out to
be a bloody tussle, with four wounds caused
on the flesh eaters. Meanwhile, the A Balefire Catapult overlooks the battlefield.
Ironwatch on the right decided combat was By Stuart Smith

this turn at least! silently do their work against Ironwatch who
retreated last turn, causing another five
On the Undead left, the Wights conclusively wounds, and running them off the field.
wiped out the Bolt Thrower, causing a very
impressive thirteen casualties. The Skeletons With battle cries of Revenge! the Dwarfs
on the right flank counter charge. The
Skeletons crumble to dust after an onslaught
by the Berserkers causes another twelve
wounds. The Elven Spearmen try to match
the blood thirstiness of the Dwarfs, but only
cause three wounds on the Wights.
The Ironclad edge towards the central

objective, wary that the Soul Reavers could
charge down the hill at any moment.
The Skeletons charge the Ironwatch as the Wights de-

scend upon the Bolt Thrower

The Skeletons promptly get wiped out by the counter-charging Berserkers, while the Elf Spearmen support
their allies by taking on the Wights
Turn 5 that stood against them.
The Revenants in reserve back away from On the Dwarf right flank, the Berserkers and
the Palace Guard, noting the important Spearmen force the souls of the Wights back
objective to their rear. Three dead warriors into the underworld. Five wounds were
rise from the grave, replenishing their caused, resulting in a failed nerve test. The
numbers the Bolt Throwers worked so hard Scouts move to capture an objective and the
to deplete. With no need to Dark Surge, the Palace Guard advance towards the
Necromancer named the regiment in his Revenants, remaining just out of range for
chants of the Heal spell. their counter charge. Again, the Ironclad
edge towards the objective in the centre,
The Revenant King charges the remaining hoping they might be able to end the battle
Bolt Thrower, causing three wounds. The alive.
Elves remain steady,
ready to fight again
next turn.
The Wraiths scream in

triumph, as the
Warsmith finally
succumbs. The
Undead right flank is
triumphant, as they
have completely
decimated all Dwarfs

Turn 6
The Undead force

receive orders to
consolidate their
positions, with the
Bowmen moving
towards the objective
in their deployment
zone, whilst the
Ghouls and Wraiths
both retreat towards their nearest Undead!
objectives.
The Soul Reavers rush down the hill to clash
The Palace Guard had not been as careful as with the Ironclad. They take the regiment to
they thought as the Revenants mustered thirteen wounds, reaping the souls of their
their dark energy to move. Eyeing the Elves, third Dwarf regiment this battle. The
and ignoring the objective behind, they objective the Ironclads jealously guarded is
charge into combat! Three wounds were now open for the taking by the elite Undead
enough to make the Palace Guard turn tail cavalry if another turn is rolled.
and flee. A costly mistake by the Dwarf
player, and a very well played gamble by the

The Revenant King
valiantly takes on the
Berserkers, but the
Undead general fails to
cause any wounds.
In the dying moments

of the battle, the
Berserkers ignore the
Revenant King and
capture an objective in
the Undead
deployment zone. The
Scouts try to break the
Revenants to win back
The Berserkers charge the Necromancer, their objective. They caused three wounds,
causing twelve wounds and easily but the elite Undead warriors remaining
annihilating the evil sorcerer. The Elf Scouts resolute.
have less luck, not causing enough damage
on the Revenants to win the objective. The final objectives are counted, resulting in
a win for the Undead!
Another turn is played on a D6 roll of four.
The die is tensely rolled, as the battle is
currently a draw, but could shift either way.
The result is a five and the battle continues!
Turn 7
The Soul Reavers capture the objective in the

centre, whilst the Revenants charge the
Scouts. The Revenants cause four wounds,
but the stealthy Elf warriors fight on,
continuing to contest the objective.
After a lull, the Catapults hope for a lucky

strike in the dying moments of the battle.
They target the Elf Spearmen but a double
one is rolled for hits! With the regiment now
on seven wounds, it remains steady after a
nerve test.
By Neil Dixon

could have combined
my fire I may have
caused more significant
damage. Faced with
that many missile
troops, it might have
meant my war
machines did not have
the Undead cavalry
breathing down their
necks!
Again, wishful thinking,

but my artillery may
By Neil Dixon have had chance to
Conclusion cause more damage if I gained the first turn.
Dwarfs I have learnt that I need to definitely stack

the odds in my favour when using a missile
If only it ended on Turn 6! A draw slipped troop themed force. Cannons are better than
from my grasp as an extra turn meant the Organ Guns, and I need to arm my Ironwatch
Undead contested the objective held by the with hand guns instead of crossbows to gain
Scouts and took the objective in the middle an extra plus two to the damage roll. With
with the Soul Reavers. It was a closer result Undead Wraiths and Revenants being
than the battle looked, as my forces were all defence six and five respectively, they are
but wiped out. very hard to hurt.
My left flank
completely collapsed
and my right flank
struggled to get
moving.
In hindsight I should
have deployed all my
war machines in one
big battery. Their luck
was mixed, with my
Cannons failing to hit
anything, but my Bolt
Throwers had
moderate success. If I

Undead
I am very pleased with my Undead army,

although I believe luck was on my side. The
fast attack and artillery sections lead by the
Soul Reavers cleared one side of the board
whilst the opposite side was contested till
the end. My regiment of the game was the
Soul Reavers. Man, these guys are tough. A
defence of six, hitting on a three or more,
and adding two to the damage roll in combat
from Crushing Strength, they certainly killed
more than they were worth this battle. The
Berserker Regiment would be the regiment
to avoid in future. With twenty five attacks
they are very nasty!
By Boris Samec

The Owl and
The gates were so much more than that little
word said. They were vast, and carried the
weight of a mountain above their lofty arch.
the Blade They were stone, and carved from the

mountain itself. They were closed, and could
not be opened from the outside, whether by
heralds plea or cannons demand.
By John Hoyland Deor Ule stared up at them, seeing as if for

the first time the runes of welcome and of
Part One: warding that were carved there.
The Sundering
Determination clamped Deors jaw shut and
I melancholy ringed his eyes around with grey.
The gates are closed to you and yours.
I will make such a home, he whispered to
Such simple words. Such a weight of himself, That for a hundred times a
meaning. hundred generations my people will be
proud of their Hold and of their name.
Such terrifying understatement.
Husband. There was a softness to the
voice; a kindness and also a longing. Set
By Neil Dixon

of the Lord Deor Ule),
whose number was
reckoned at three
thousand and seventeen
souls, have, in good
faith and by binding
oath sworn and attested
before the altars,
departed and sundered
themselves hence from
this Hold. Never more
shall their deeds be
recorded in these annals
as being the deeds of
our people. Never more
shall reverence be given
unto their ancestors, nor
praises sung of their
deeds.
By Neil Dixon
They are sundered from
your back to gates and your eyes upon the us and are numbered among the unHolded,
road. Your people would have you lead until such time as heralds shall come forth
them. from them bearing tidings of Settling. At
such a time, and if presented with petition,
Deor turned to his wife and offered her a the Lords of the Clans of this Hold will
wan smile and a shallow nod. He raised his determine whether the People of the Owl
hood, hiding his head from the sight of the should be considered Holded and thus a true
gates. He was a stranger to the Hold now. people, worthy of accord and of trade once
more.
Fare thee well, Deor the Owl, called the
Warden of the Gates he who had Thus it is and thus it shall be, from this day
pronounced them closed a moment earlier. hence until the world does diminish unto
May the Shining Ones ever guide you on darkness.
the paths you take. III
The first day of journeying was damp and
May they indeed, muttered Deor Ule. grey. Drizzle filled the air, soaking cloaks and
May they indeed. beards so that they clung to flesh, and
lending a despondent note to the songs of
II lament that the People of the Owl sang.
Let it be recorded and faithfully set down
that the People of the Owl (those of the Clan

The second day of journeying saw the sun city was already giving rise to streets and
break out and the north road dry hard so alleys, districts and quarters; here the
that by the third day of journeying the merchants, there the artisans. Here the
column of dwarfs hiked in a cloud of dust. wealthy, there the poor.
It was the dust, drying throats and eyes, The people grumble so soon? asked Deor.
which set the People of the Owl to We will face much harder times in the days
grumbling. That and the fact that three days to come.
of travel had seen the mountains recede to
little more than purple-grey smudges at the There are those of us here who are
horizon. Mountains which, until mere days warriors, said Breydd, commander of Deors
ago, had been their ancestral home. cavalry and, berserker or not, a voice whose
counsel Deor often sought. And for us the
Now the bitterness of our unHolding begins journey is yet easy. But your people are all
to bite, the people said. We are homeless here and those who know little of the
and abroad in the wilderness. Where will we military life, or of life above ground let
now call home and Hold? alone of the long roads in the wilderness
those for whom life has been easy, are
These things and others the elders brought finding the reality does not match the
to Deor, encamped in his tent at the center romance in their heads. The inclination of
of a canvas city. The nightly setting of this both head and voice made the target of his
comments clear.
You wish to level accusations, or merely

insinuate? snapped fat Areg, his cheeks
coloring.
I will spell it out as clearly as you wish,

merchant, growled Breydd. You are rich,
and your riches have made you soft. Do not
think I am ignorant to whose voice leads the
complaining.
Please, Deors voice was soft, but rich with

the authority of a Clan Lord. He sat hunched
forward at his state table, elbows propping
him up, fingers laced. He chewed a thumb
nail. Do not. Either of you. Areg; the road
will get much harder yet. You must learn to
live without the comforts you knew. This
Sundering will be something of a leveler to
By Pathfinder Pete McF us all. Breydd; you are a rare traveler among

my people and few are as hardy. Do not
measure others against your own hardiness
lest you come quickly to despise your
people.
I will need you both in the days ahead. Both

of you possess skills that the other lacks, as
do all here gathered. Deor looked up and
around the table. You are here all of you
for your skills and your wisdoms. The one
thing I ask of you of all my people is
patience. Our road will be very dark at times,
for we travel the wilderness. There will be
great losses along the way, such hardships
that it will seem the People of the Owl must
surely be brought low.
The road will get much

harder yet. You must learn
By Neil Dixon
to live without the
comforts you knew It is enough, said Breydd.
I am sworn to you, said Areg. As are we

But we will endure. We are an ancient Clan all. It is enough for me also.
with a proud history the proudest! We will IV
do more than simply endure; we will Here begins the Chronicle of the People of
overcome. the Owl.
Tell us where we are going, urged Areg. Let it be recorded and faithfully set down
Let your people know! that the People of the Owl are unHolded, a
wandering people with neither home nor
Ah, that I cannot do, whispered Deor, For I Hold.
do not know. But I will tell you this; I follow
the light of Ariadd, as I ever have. She will be We are thus because or Lord, Deor the Owl,
my guide. made bad bargain with the Children of Man,
who are a baseless folk and know little of
You will follow a star into the wilds? asked honor. The bargain our Lord struck brought
Areg. shame upon his head and upon his beard
and thus brought shame upon his people.
A star? said Deor. No. My star. Thus it was decreed by the Lords of our

By Pathfinder Pete McF
former Hold (the name of which shall not be They do my Lord.

besmirched by being given letter herein) that
we the People of the Owl should set forth Mantica cares little that we are unHolded.
upon the road and that the gates should be
closed behind us. Indeed not, my Lord, Eolos the Ranger was
never comfortable in the company of the
Let it be recorded that this Chronicle did not great. He was never comfortable in company
begin until one week of our unHolding had of any sort. The wilds were all he needed. To
passed. kneel at his Lords feet, to feel the eyes of
one so highborn upon him, filled him with
Let it be recorded also that it was on this, the something close to dread. He felt exposed
seventh day since our unHolding, that the and on show and Eolos the Ranger did not
first of our Rangers returned nigh to our like to be on show.
camp and knelt at our Lords feet.
Tell me of the world.
V
The world keeps turning? Sun and Moon Eolos the Ranger shifted his weight from one
continue to chase one another across the knee to the other. I have seen little of the
dome of the sky? world, my Lord, he said.

Deor Ule smiled down from
his dais. It was strange, Eolos
thought, that the great
should carry the trappings of
their greatness with them
when they journeyed. The
stone dais and the
hardwood throne sat upon it
seemed at odds with the
canvas they were under.
But this, Eolos supposed, was

no ordinary journeying. The
People of the Owl were
unHolded. Deor Ule had no
home in which to leave dais
or throne. Kingdoms of Men Kngihts by Andre Kritzinger
Tell me of those parts of the world that you Deor smiled, though without humor. I am
have seen, said Deor. Tell me of the lands well acquainted with the ways of Men and
my people march across. with their kings and kingdoms.
They are claimed by a King of Men who is Of course, my Lord. There was an edge to
named Gratticus. His line have been Kings Eolos words that made Breydd shift at his
here for five generations. He is very proud of Lords side. It was an edge that said, you do
this. Among the Kingdoms of Men this not know the ways of Man as well as you
counts as well-established royal lineage. think; we are unHolded for that very reason.
Deor held up a hand to forestall word or

action from Breydd. I know of this Gratticus,
though only by reputation. What I have
heard speaks of a harmful pride. I fear he
will not let us cross his kingdom cheaply.
More I have heard, Lord, even seen with

these eyes, and would urgently share. The
lands of this Gratticus are near overrun with
orcs. He has three cities in his realm; two of
them are destroyed. Only his capital is left.
His people mutter that, even if the orc
should be defeated, the Kingdom of
By Neil Dixon Gratticus is ended.

Deor considered Eolos tidings. What
number the orc? he asked at length.
The people of this land say ten thousand.
And when fear and rumor are removed,

what then number the orc?
I would say no more than two thousand,

from the evidence I have seen.
Two thousand. Thrice the number of

warriors I have to command. Deor lost
himself to thought for some moments. Then
he nodded. Can you get word to Gratticus
King? Eolos nodded. Then, Eolos the Dwarf hero by Jose Manuel Chasco Gonzalez
Ranger, I charge you thus; take word to
Gratticus King that I, Deor Ule, Clan Lord of A slow smile spread across Breydds face.
the People of the Owl, follower of the star Then let us answer them, he growled
Ariadd, unHolded but staunch in battle, shall happily.
rid his lands of the orc and as payment I ask
merely safe passage across his lands. To Be Continued in Issue #3
It shall be so. Eolos rose from his knees,

bowed deep and turned from his Lords tent.
Deor looked to Breydd. Battle and the orc

call us, he said.
By Neil Dixon

From Golden Orcy The first troop I was involved with
to Ironwatch painting was a Skeleton unit. Actually,
the first Mantic model I ever painted
An Undead Skeleton Hordes was just a Skeleton, which is now the
painting progression Champion of the Horde I'm talking
about.
By Alex "reVenAnt" Visentin
I arrived second in the Golden Orcy
As my contribution, both in this contest, but I discovered a good feeling
magazine and the following ones, I'm about these walking bones and,
gonna show you my Undead army, miniature by miniature, I've completed
whose creation has been made the entire unit (and I'm working for
possible thanks to amazing and cheap finishing a second horde...).
miniatures made by Mantic!
For painting my skeleton (and the
whole army too), I've chosen a very

bright color scheme, since it's Now, this unit always come with me on
complementary to my painting battlefields. I can't start making an
technique, with the use of a lot of army list without giving it the first
white for highlighting. The main color place, supported by a Necromancer of
is the purple, with red, white and course.
brown as complementary. One of the
most characterizing thing is of course In the end, one of the thing I love to do
represented by the "glowing eyes and after finishing painting a unit is to
blades", made with a bright teal. These provide it a proper hero. In this
color are a little inspired by Warcraft's contest, I used my "Executioner", the
undead, I have to admit! Revenant King leading this Skeleton

Horde (Pictured above) He was the one
who raised the skeletal corpses that
make up the unit. It's an old toy I've
found in my room, with just a few
addition and a nice paintjob.
That's all, see you on next issue for the

focus on another troop.
To see more pictures of Alexs models,

be sure to visit
www.WarGamesForum.it

Revenant
Knights
By reVenAnt
This time I'm going to show

you one of the best unit,
both in game and from the
miniature point of view,
which took part in the
Undead army list.
I'm talking about Revenant Knights: heavy

and fast enough, not that expensive, but there's the classic Undead logo designed by
always a menace for enemies with their Mantic Games.
charge!
You might recognize one of the more
As you might have seen in the previous characterizing and recognizable effect of the
issue, in which I've shown some shots of a paintjob, the teal paint that has been used
Skeleton Horde, my color scheme is always on knights and horses eyes, and of course on
bright and purple themed, although undead weapons too. In combination with the
horses have received a bloody painting on Skeleton Horde, this is a unit that cannot be
their flesh exposed parts, and a few on their not deployed in every battle...
bones too.
The unit is completely made from the Mantic
One of the models that took me more time Games Revenant Knights kit, very good
was of course the standard bearer, on which sculpt these, nothing to say! The only
banner I've freehanded a sort of ethereal expectations are the tombstone and the
horse, while on the other side of the flag champion's head. For making this model
even more epic and eye-
catching in the unit, I've made
a little conversion and
resculpt on his horses back
legs, so that it seems a bit
more dynamic.
Quoting a sentence I used in

the last issue : "One of the
thing I love to make after
finishing painting a unit, is to
provide it a proper hero.",

I hope you've like this article,
see you soon on next issue of
the fantastic Ironwatch!
-Alex "reVenAnt" Visentin

www.WarGamesForum.it
and so here we have another scratch-built

character.
The hero I've chosen to realize this time is

one of those who, although on foot and not
on a steed, is almost fast enough to compare
his speed with Revenant Knights ones. I'm
talking about the Vampire, introduced for
the first time in Kings of War 2011 edition
rulebook.
Once again, one of the childhood toys was

good enough as a base for a conversion. So,
starting form the Mighty Max Skull Master,
only replacing the weapon, adding a second
sword and making a proper base, I've got my
Vampire. Still no name for him, his story has
to be written on battlefields, maybe with the
campaign rules you'll find in the new Kings of
War rulebook!

KINGS OF WAR chance of course that the cards dealt to you
may unbalance a game unfairly in favour of
RANDOM EVENTS one side but then when was war ever fair
and balanced? Just enjoy the challenge.
CARDS.
To use the cards simple shuffle them and
By Stuart Smith deal (usually) one card to each player before
the start of the game. The information on
My gaming group have been using Random the cards let you know when it is best to use
Event cards for quite a number of years now them. We have used Random Event Cards in
fighting our way through Arthurian Wars one on one games but also in big multi-
with 10mm figures, battling the English Civil player battles, all to great effect. I hope you
Wars in 6mm or having six gun shootouts in enjoy using the cards and of course once you
28mm. Random Event Cards always add have used the cards a few times you may
extra spice, an enjoyable bit of an unknown wish to invent your own cards; just be sure
quality to a game. to share your ideas with us all here at
Ironwatch!
These Kings of War Random Event Cards
have been designed to fit in with any game
or scenario adding an element of surprise to
even a straight forward Kill battle. There is a

CALTROPS, p64 VETERANS
Mark out an area 6x6 within your own Add +1 to the Nerve values of any one of
deployment area (during deployment). your units.
Cavalry and Large Cavalry treat this area as
Dangerous Terrain, all others treat as Diffi-
cult Terrain.
INSPIRING MERCENARIES
Select one of your units which now be- Your force is enlarged by the hiring of a
comes Inspiring to itself only. troop of Ogre Mercenaries.
S M R D A Ne
p e a e t
3x Ogres 5 3+ - 5 9 12/1
+ 4
Special Rules: Crushing Str:1
BLANK MERCENARY HERO

But keep this card face down to worry your Your force is enlarged by the hiring of a
enemy. Human Mercenary Hero.
S M R D A Ne
p e a e t
Hero 5 3+ - 5 3 10/1
+ 2
Special Rules: Crushing Str:1, Individual
OUT OF AMMO HEALING POTION

ONE USE ONLY
Play this card on any one enemy unit. After
its next turn of missile fire it is deemed out One unit may restore 2xd3 hits when this
of ammo for the rest of the game. card is used. Note that a unit may not be
restored to Nerve values greater than its
original values.
WISE TATICIAN BLADE OF SLASHING

You may choose to deploy last, after all Add this magical weapon to one of your
other forces have deployed, including ene- characters/heroes which gain one extra dice
my units with the Vanguard special rule. when attacking in melee.

DANGEROUS TERRAIN BUNCH OF COWARDS
Play this card at the very start of your first Play this card against any one enemy unit
turn of the game. You can now designate and its Nerve values are reduced by 1 for
one area of terrain on the board as Danger- the rest of the game.
ous Terrain as per the rules on p.52 of the
main rulebook.
QUICK THINKING LUCKY DEVIL

(RE-THROW)
You gain a +1 or -1 bonus (your choice) to
the dice throw for who goes first as de- This card allows you to re-throw one dice
scribed on p.47 of the main rulebook. throw (including all of one set of melee dice
for example) at any point in the game.
BREW OF HASTE QUICK FIRE

One of your units counts as just having One of your missile armed units (not Indi-
drank deeply of a Brew of Haste thus in- viduals or Artillery) may fire twice on the
creasing its movement rate by 1 for the turn that this card is played as long as they
rest of the game. are stationary (on Hold) this turn.
CURSE HEALING POTION

ONE USE ONLY
Play this card against one enemy unit, that
unit has -1 to hit on all melee attacks on the One unit may restore 2xd3 hits when this
turn the card is played. card is used. Note that a unit may not be
restored to Nerve values greater than its
original values.
CONFUSION BLANK
Play this card on any one enemy unit at the But keep this card face down to worry your
start of its turn and it must be on HOLD enemy.
orders, the chosen unit may not move or fire
this turn.

And Now a Word
rattling with the howl of the crowd!
Thats right, Gerry. Its a sell-out crowd

from Our tonight of 250,000 at the Draconis Dome.
The only stadium which would allow the fans
Sponsors of alleged pirates which follow an alleged

pirate team in, even though all alleged cases
were dropped against them.
By Michael Grey
It truly is a sight to behold, Tom. Lets go
And welcome back to this Confederacy Cup down to our friendly Judwan on the spot,
match up between the Oorte Cloud Raiders Abe, for more on the mood on the pitch.
and the Ikean Flat Packers. The game stands Abe?
at 5-3 to the Raiders, with the Flat Packers
struggling to hold on. Youre with Gerry We Have Been Over This On More Than
Arnholt and myself, Tom Phelps. Gerry, this One Occasion, Gerald. My Proper Name Is
is turning in one heck of a game here, AbuyBdrjjidgbag-
wouldnt you say?
You got that right, Tom. Remember; were

in playoff season here, and whoever loses
this one is gone. And in the case of the
Raiders, that could mean forever with them
being the only team to be a legitimised
pirate crew. I dont think the fans of these
particular marauders would welcome their
team back if they lose to the Ikeanese.
Whoa there Gerry! I should point out here

that those were Gerrys own, personal
opinions and do not reflect those of the
Dread League, Channel 799, Ropa Cola or, er,
me.
Just expressing the word on the street

there, Tom, no need to start sweating. Ha,
ha.
Ha, ha indeed Gerry. But enough of that,

the players are back on the field, and blow
me if the glass on the booth here isnt
By Boris Samec

We know that, Abe, but unless we want to trailing by one at this point.
go to commercial well stick with Abe.
Thats right, Gerry. The Flat Packers are
Even So, I Would Like It Noted- obviously still haunted from just missing out
on the finals last year, and the players and
Mind on the job, good buddy. fans are out for blood.
Yes, Well. Unfortunately Due To The

Woeful Inadequacy Of Your Language I Will Unfortunately Due To The
Have To Settle For Tense To Describe The Woeful Inadequacy Of
Feeling On The Field. The Stress Is Beginning
To Show With The Coaches Also. I Asked
Your Language I Will Have
Coach Martin Of The Flat Packers How He To Settle For Tense To
Would Come Back From Being Behind For A Describe The Feeling On
Full Quarter. He Suggested I Leave And
Fornicate Myself With A Stick. A Most Vulgar The Field.
Man I-
And the players are in position, with the
Well have to leave you there Abe, because two line backers eyeing each other over the
the players are taking their places ready for centre circle. Up steps the referee, out fires
play. the ball and play begin-Oh! Well, you did say
the fans wanted blood, Gerry, but I think
Ill say it again, Tom; looking at them side by they would have preferred some of the
side I dont know how the Ikeanese can hold Raiders.
their own against these marauders. The
humans must want this game bad just to be Too right, Tom. That right there is a perfect
example of why its not just
the players who have to be
quick on their feet. But the
balls in play as the medics
drag the body off and a
replacement referee runs
out.
And hes going to be needed,

Gerry. That ball is being
passed from one Ikeanese
hand to another like its red
hot. The Flat Packers are
sticking to their plan of fast
Marauder Greenmoon Smashers, By Mantic Games hands which has seen them
Used with Permission cling to this game by a knife

edge.
It really is beautiful Dreadball, Tom. But for

all their speed, the humans still cant get by
the Raiders defence. Theyre going to have
to take some chances if theyre going to
score before the break.
He jinks left! Dodges

right! Back left,
and- Oooh...
Thats an unexpectedly
creative approach to the
rules there, Gerry.
It looks like they heard you down on the

pitch, Gerry. Frank Handlebar Tolson is
making a break for an opening in the
Raiders line, and- Ooh! He slides off
number nine, Grocth The Knife, as if hes
covered in butter.
Nice simile, Tom. And Tolson is still up and

running. He shimmies between numbers 17
and 20, Dok Forceps and Driver Robbn.
Some quick feet there, and now hes in the
open field! Hes got the ball, with only
Grabber Grab Grabson between him and Jonathan Gabriel MVP, By Mantic Games
the goal! He jinks left! Dodges right! Back Used with Permission
left, and- Oooh...
the planets lateral sphere. Holding a player
Thats an unexpectedly creative approach upside down by the ankles and using his
to the rules there, Gerry. head as a punch bag still constitutes a
penalty.
Thats right, Tom. The book says to keep
contact below the neck, but that applies to Thats a good point, Gerry, and one I think
the plane of the physical body rather than Grabson will remember as the referee blows

*hssssssssss*
...nd welcome back! That

was some half time show,
right Tom?
You got that right, Gerry.

Those stripper bots were
really grinding those poles.
Yes they were. Of course it

helps when you have an
industrial grinder for a
parent.
John Doe MVP green sculpt, By Mantic Games And that roar your hearing is
Used with Permission the crowd as the teams come
out of the tunnel. Lets go
his whistle for the break. back to our Judwan on the spot, Abe. Abe;
what have you got for us, good buddy?
Both teams head for the tunnel with their
heads held high. Its three to five for the You Know, I Do Believe Sometimes You
Oorte Cloud Raiders, but the Ikean Flat Place A Further Inflection On My Name
Packers are still very much in the game. Which Denigrates Me Even Further Than
Well talk more on this after these messa- Your Refusal To Use my Full Title. Furtherm-
*click * Times a factor here, Abe.
*hsssssssss*
...the only cream guaranteed to regrow
Holding a player upside
limbs... down by the ankles and
using his head as a punch
*click*
*crackhsssss* bag still constitutes
a penalty.
...one of these days Alice; Bang! Zoom!
Straight to the moon!
Which moon? Yes, Well. I Believe It Is Safe To Assume

Both Teams Believe They Can Still Win This
I dunno Titan! Brutally Under-Evolved Contest Of

Appendage Sizing. I Attempted To Speak To You have to wonder at the wisdom of that,
Coach Hrakk Of The Oorte Cloud Raiders, Gerry. The smallest marauder on the
However He Insisted I Leave Him Alone In No Raiders team has a clear 50 kilos on
Uncertain Terms, And Continued To Question Phimmel.
Both My Maternal And Paternal Parentage.
The Frightful Beast Did Not Even Allow Me
To Explain That My Kind Do Not Have Parents
I Believe It Is Safe To
In The Normal Sense, Rather We Are Assume Both Teams
Spawned From A Clutch Of Three Females Believe They Can Still Win
And Then The Eggs Are Fertilised By All The
Males In The Tribe, Thus Taking Full This Brutally Under-
Advantage Of The Genet- Evolved Contest Of
Whoa there, Abe. Its a little early in the
Appendage Sizing.
evening to go into that. Children are still
watching, buddy. Thats a point to remember, Tom, but I
think Phimmels forgotten or just plain
And theres no time anyway as the players doesnt care, as he picks out the Raiders
once more take their positions. biggest player, Hokk The Hammer, and
makes a bee line straight for him.
Youre on the ball Gerry, and it looks like the
replacement referee learned from his
predecessors mistakes and
has stepped a few metres
back before the ball fires out,
and game on! Theres no
clear winner as the contested
ball skids between hands,
rolling free, and is picked up
by the Flat Packers number
18, Lance The Mower
Phimmel!
That was a demonstration

of sure hands there, Tom,
and it looks like Phimmel is
breaking from the Flat
Packers tactics which have
seen them this far, and is
going in solo.
Teraton MVP, By Mantic Games
Used with Permission

Skittersneak Stealers, By Mantic Games
Hokk holds the season record for I suppose its true what they say, Tom; the
dismemberments, Gerry. I cant see this hammers not the sharpest tool in the box.
ending well for Phimmel. Ha ha, good one Gerry. Phimmels in the
open, with no one to stop him! Surely he
I dont think hes heard you, Tom. cant miss from this range... Goal! Its 4-4!
Phimmels picking up speed, and Hokks Phimmel puts the Flat Packers back into the
cracking his knuckles in expectation. game!
I dont know if I can watch another one of Is that a cruiser taking off or is that the
these, Gerry. crowd, Tom? The Flat Packers fans have
gone wild!
Im with you, buddy, but wait! Phimmels
gone into a slide! Hes on the ground, feet Thats right, Tom. The Ikeanese end of the
first, straight under The Hammers grab and stadium has erupted, and its all play for with
between his legs! Phimmel completes the just four rushes left.
slide and is up and running behind the
Raiders defence! And unfortunately we have to leave
Channel 799 now. The Flat Packers held out
That was one ballsy move, Gerry. Luckily much longer than we expected, right
for Phimmel it worked, and look at The Gerry?
Hammer! He followed Phimmel all the way
through his legs until he fell literally head Youre not wrong there, Tom. Join us on
over heels! Channel 800 to continue watching what will
surely be one of the matches of this season.

Next up on Channel 799;
Days of Our Lives. Can
Ridge and Bridge-bot patch
things up again? Stay
tuned to find out.
*click*
*hssssssssss*
Trontek 49ers and Convict MVP,

By Mantic Games

was one of our villages Trakken, tasked with
guarding the annual caravans plying the
trade routes between the great plains here
By Matt Gilbert out to Galahir and into Letharac. One year I
even went so far South as Primantor on the
THANK YOU CHILD. An old man like me likes shore and took a ship a ship! Such a sight
simple comforts. youve never seen and the sea Ive never
seen so much water. But that is another
And heres your blanket Ur-pa. story. We have a little time and you are old
enough to stay up a while longer. So settle
You are a good girl. Now, its nearly the down and Ill tell you how it is I have seen
hour of the Wolf. The light is failing and you the Fey.
should be in your bed before the People
come for you. Now dont giggle girl, the THE AIR WAS cooling. Even under the trees
People are not some childish fancy. They are where the temperature was reduced due to
real. They are dangerous. I have seen them. the shade, we could feel the turning of the
seasons; the heat and wetness of the
Is that what they look like Ur-pa? They look summer yielding to the drier, more tepid
strange. They dont look
real.
They are real enough my

dear and yes, that carving on
the wall there is a good
likeness. Yes, take it down
and hold it in your hands.
Thats it, careful now. See
how lovingly the figure has
been carved from the wood.
Close your eyes. Can you feel
it? It feels alive, like the
carving has sustained the
wood and life still flows
through its core.
How do you know about

the Faery People Ur-pa?
Youve never left the village.
Ho ho, child you are too

young to remember. Before
even your father was born, I By Maccwar

I knew would soon be a riot of browns,
oranges, yellows and reds. I had seen the
forest like it once before when I was just a
boy. It is a beautiful sight to behold.
We had been delayed. The caravan Master

Per Vortlek had dallied too long we felt,
haggling over the value of the Ox-hides we
had bought with us in exchange for iron pots
and tools. The Master wanted unmade iron
too in the bargain, knowing the Smiths out
on the plains were always in want of fresh
supplies. The elves tolerate it you see but
they consider it an unclean necessity. They
are happy to trade it away for the right price.
Per Vortlek was an unpleasant man, but he
was good at his job, and fastidious in his
negotiations, ensuring he got the best for his
clients and his reputation. He did well that
trip, so I believe he thought the delay was
worthwhile.
I had seen the forest like it

once before when I was
just a boy. It is a beautiful
sight to behold.
We finally left Ileutherin on a cool, clear

morning. Vortleks hired and permanent
By Michael DeFranco caravan guards took up their positions in the
train and the order was given to roll out. My
climate of the fall and the inevitable chill of father was in charge of our wagons towards
winter. The visual cues were there too; the the front of the train and myself and two
colors of the forest beginning their transition others from the village had made the trip as
and the odd leaf here and there, drifting the men entrusted with the villages wealth
down to the floor to be lost amongst the and goods. Once the train neared our village,
roots and undergrowth. What was a canvas we would break off and complete the last leg
of green when we had arrived eight weeks of the journey ourselves, trusting we knew
previously was slowly transforming into what the land and the risks travelling alone

entailed well enough.
Two lithe elves had been

assigned to us as an escort to
see us safely through to the
outskirts of the forest. The
forest is a paradox: both
wonderful and terrible. The
maze of paths can be
treacherous and lead the
careless far astray. Without
an escort it is a lucky man
who easily finds his way
through the trees. Even the
widest trade routes,
ploughed yearly by the traffic
flow from the plains can
deceive and mislead, taking By imm0rtal reaper
the unwary deep into the
darkest places. Deep into danger. They had them, they struck me as more a part of the
been with us for two days, waiting forest than beings that dwelled within it.
impatiently to get moving but keeping With long, slender bows lying across their
themselves apart from our camp. Or at least backs, they eventually signaled for us to
as far apart as decorum permitted. move out and without waiting for
acknowledgement, struck out along either
The forest is a paradox: side of the path, leading the way.
both wonderful and terrible. As the wagons rolled out and began to pick
The maze of paths can be up speed, Mok, a huge hulk of a man from
treacherous and lead the the arid wastes to the South, hawked and
spat into the undergrowth. Haughty, skinny
careless far astray. bastards. he sneered, Bet theyd snap like
the twigs they resemble in a fight. Think
themselves too good for the likes of us. He
The elves spoke little to the men and never glared ahead and began cleaning his nails
to me. I could only observe them from a with a dirty, wicked looking knife which
distance. My father had dealt briefly with appeared from somewhere inside his jerkin.
them in the past on previous trips, but this He was a hired thug, selling his sword arm to
pair only conversed with Vortlek and then it Vortlek for the first time this year. He was
seemed, only sparingly. Dressed in soft distrustful, arrogant, aggressive and didnt
leathers that seemed to blend in and mimic tolerate weakness, but as some minor
the changing colors of the trees around incidents had proved on the journey so far,

could handle himself in a fight and I suppose, I felt a hand placed firmly on my shoulder.
if you are hiring muscle, thats all that My father reached down from his seat in the
matters. wagon and shook his head. Leave us Mok.
Go and bother someone else. Perhaps youd
My father glanced at me to keep quiet but like to tell our guides up there what you
Mok had irked me. really think of them?
We need them to help get

us safely out of here I said
You cant be any Mok scowled and spat again
on the path in front of us,
as I lead my horse more than sixteen before stalking off along the
alongside the train. summers old, you line.
Besides, theyve done you
no harm. It is in their young whelp. I bet I Steer clear of that one boy.
interests to see the trade could snap you too No point getting into
caravans in and out the
forest so providing an
with one hand trouble.
escort can only make WE TRAVELLED SLOWLY for

sense. three days and it was clear our guides were
getting irritated with the pace we were
What makes you an expert, boy? I moving. They probably wanted to leave and
remember the demeaning, goading be home as much as we did ourselves. I was
emphasis on the last word just as clearly glad they had accompanied us though, for
today as I heard it then. You cant be any the path we took through the trees was
more than sixteen summers old, you young unfamiliar and lonely. Not another soul did
whelp. I bet I could snap you too with one we see during that time just the colors of
hand. the vegetation to distract us from the
monotony of the trek but after a while, even
the majesty of the trees dwindled in our
By Maccwar

eyes as the path lazily rolled by under our
column of trudging feet and creaking wheels.
On the third evening, Per Vortlek called a
halt as normal and the command rippled
back down the line. My father pulled himself
on to his plains-horse, a feisty and powerful
piebald that would enjoy the freedom of the
grassland once we finally left the forest
behind us. He trotted up to the head of the
train to confirm the situation and returned
shortly calling out for us to make camp for
the night.
Tolk was the older, almost

of an age with my father.
The two of them often
talked fondly of times
when they were children
and the mischief they had
shared in.
We are close to the edge of the trees Eran.

We settle here tonight and then can be a
way clear of the forest edge before sunset
tomorrow. He jumped down from the
saddle and handed me his reins. Here.
Water the horses and then help Weasel build
the fire. Tolk and I will prepare the food.
By Michael DeFranco
Weasel and Tolk were the villages other
Trakken; skilled warriors and experienced getting in and out of places he wasnt
scouts and guards. Tolk was the older, almost wanted had earned him his nickname from a
of an age with my father. The two of them very young age. I never found out his real
often talked fondly of times when they were name. He didnt talk much but was trusted
children and the mischief they had shared in. well enough and fiercely loyal to the village.
Weasel was younger, but still had at least On a trade journey, where the village wealth
five years on me and the scars to show it. His was in your hands, such traits were essential.
small pointed features and his knack of A village needs to know that the men who

will take what they have to sell and bring in the evening, after our supper, the singing
back what they purchased or bargained for started. We were an eclectic mix of cultures
will return no matter the odds. Life on the with songs to match. Each singer was
plains was harsh but trade sustained it and increasingly well received and when Mok
made it bearable, elevating the villages from rumbled out a gruff yet surprisingly melodic
their nomadic and tribal roots. ode from his homeland, even he received
some cheers of encouragement such was the
The mood in the camp was lifted that feeling of goodwill. As Mok finished his song
evening. The wagon drivers, guards and there came from the furthest fire, a voice
ancillary staff could all sense that this step of like none I had heard before, and rarely
the journey was nearly over. The traipse since. A second voice joined in and as the
through the forest had become monotonous men around us fell silent, a hauntingly
but spirits were raised with the knowledge beautiful duet wrapped us in its gentle
that we would soon spill out onto the plains, embrace. Tolk and my father closed their
free from the forest in a place where we eyes and as I did too the music entered my
could feel the raw breeze on our faces a mind and body, becoming an almost physical
feeling of liberty and the tug of home you experience as images of ancient times and
can feel in your heart. Happy faces showed places, emotions and desires washed around
the glow of the campfires and at some point me.
Life on the plains was

harsh but trade sustained it
and made it bearable,
elevating the villages from
their nomadic and
tribal roots
I dont know how long they sang for but our

daydreams were harshly shattered when
Mok snarled and, rising from where he sat
alone, kicked at the pots at his feet, storming
off into the dark of the woods and muttering
under his breath. Perhaps he felt
uncomfortable with what we had collectively
experienced or perhaps his disdain for the
elven singers eventually overcame his
reverie but his reaction broke the spell and
By imm0rtal reaper the singing faded into the night. Silence took

I shivered. My father and one or two others
down the line loosened the weapons in
sheaths and slings. At the raise of a hand
from the nearest elf, the caravan came to a
halt. I could see nothing in the trees but the
elves were looking West, and fingering their
bows. As we sat there, the absence struck
me. No sound. No sigh of wind, no rustle of
leaves. No scurrying, no scrabbling, no song
of any bird. The silence rang in my eardrums
louder than sound it had replaced.
I had seen and heard of

these foul abominations
the warped and mutated
consequence of
experimentation and
twisted magic.
I saw the elves move split seconds before it

crashed out the trees in front of them. I had
seen and heard of these foul abominations
the warped and mutated consequence of
By puggimer
experimentation and twisted magic. That
mortals have conspired to willingly bring
hold and gradually the fires were doused such grotesque monstrosities into the world
and the caravan settled down to sleep. defies belief. Born from the depths of the
world and tempered with the fires of the
A cold, dewy day greeted us as we stirred at Abyss, the huge, galloping, snarling and
dawn. After a brief, cheerless breakfast, the frenzied halfbreed thundered into the path
caravan organized itself for the last leg of the and with one ferocious swing of its axe,
journey and slowly lumbered into the cleaved the first elf cleanly in two. Not
wearisome pattern of the last few days. I breaking stride, the fiend smashed into the
remember little about the early hours, but at closest wagon, stomping through the
some point I was aware of something petrified driver the wood and the helpless
strange, something different. Others had felt horses and driving into our other guide who
it too, and up ahead I saw our guides casting took a hefty blow and fell away. As wagon
furtive looks into the trees and at each other. wood and bones shattered it let out an

almighty, sonorous, terrifying bellow. Fear believe.
gripped me then Im not afraid to tell you.
The sound that thing made as it tipped back As I came to my senses and started to draw
its head and roared its challenge stirred my own weapon, two things happened. Our
something in me that was primeval: the second elf guide hauled his broken body into
terror of hunted prey, the despair of the a sitting position and drew his bow. Waiting
weak and the hopelessness of flight. but a heartbeat for a clear shot, he loosed an
arrow which flew true and buried itself with
a snap-crump deep into the flank of the
Waiting but a heartbeat for beast. It roared in pain and reared up in an
a clear shot, he loosed an attempt to locate its tormentor but then out
arrow which flew true and of nowhere it seemed, came Mok.
buried itself with a snap- Bellowing his own cry Mok swung his huge
crump deep into the flank blade in a scything diagonal sweep. The
beast barely raised its own parry in time, the
of the beast two weapons meeting with a bone
shuddering impact. The two of them
The caravan exploded into life. Guards from exploded into a bewildering and brutal
all around charged in with screams and war- conflict and we watched amazed at the
cries in a multitude of tongues united in a strength and skill Mok displayed as he
common cause and a common revulsion. matched the hacking and slashing of the
The huge double-headed axe of the Abyssal Abyssal while still managing his own attacks
monster chopped effortlessly left and right and counters. They fought like Titans and
and its hooves stomped and lashed out at time slowed as we watched in horrified
whatever the axe could not reach. The thing fascination; Death prowled the scene,
was a furious blur of fur and muscle, metal watching for a mistake, a weakness: so one
and blood. I saw three, four,
five men cut down by vicious
sweeps of that dreadful
blade. As it turned I saw a
hideous gaping wound down
one flank which looked alive
with an inner fire and, even
in the brief glimpse I had,
decayed and festering.
Perhaps this is what had
driven it mad a mortal
wound that was rotting its
mind as well as its body. Ill
never know for sure but after
all these years, that is what I By Maccwar

might fall as must surely happen. No Eran! Tolk cried after me. Stop, stop!
The Abyssal made the error, overstretching The man had been my father.
with an arcing swipe. Mok dropped and
rolled under the swinging blade and cut his END OF PART I
own across the open, livid wound in the
beasts side. The monster screamed and I
The monster screamed

and I covered my ears the
sound was so painful a
cacophony of spite,
anguish, pain and suffering
covered my ears the sound was so painful
a cacophony of spite, anguish, pain and
suffering. It instinctively lashed out with its
front leg, the hoof smashing into Moks
helmet and crushing his face and skull. The
big man crumpled to the ground, the strings
of life severed; the violent animation which
had consumed his body extinguished forever.
A cry of despair rang out from the men and

we all moved to fell the creature. But it
seemed it had no stomach left or was too
much in pain as it launched itself from the
wreckage of the wagon and crashed through
the man nearest to it as it made for the trees
once more. The man stood no chance and
was mercilessly cut down where he stood,
the body trampled under the hammer blows
of the beasts legs as it passed into the
darkness. The numbness and shock hit me
first but they rapidly dissolved into loathing
and without thinking I kicked my horse into
life and plunged into the forest after the
creature.
By Michael DeFranco

Caster Cost Lores Maximum
Spells
Warsmith 75 Fire 1
Iron-caster* 85 Fire, Astromancy, Spirit 2

By Doug Newton-Walters
Mage-Queen 65 Fire, Astromancy, Spir- 3
Magic takes on many forms in it, Nature, Ice
Mantica. From the fiery Wizard** 20 Fire, Ice, Spirit, Nature, 3
conflagrations of the Dwarven Astromancy
Warsmiths to the icy touch of the
Necromancer 65 Spirit, Ice, Necromancy 3
minions of Winter, magic permeates
the world.
Wiz 35 Nature, Ice, Fire 2
The following is an expanded set of
rules for magic in Kings of War. It High Priestess 50 Fire, Astromancy, Spir- 3
adds more complexity and variety to of the Abyss it, Ice
the current magical rules and
provides the ability to modify magic *Iron-casters retain their Heal (1) for war machines.
users in the Kings of War army lists. **Pick 3 Lores to select spells from.
Advanced Wizardry
For the purposes of these rules, the
following are the only units that can use
them. Any other unit with magical abilities
retains their standard rules. A unit may only
take a spell once. The spells that follow are
broken up into Lores and a caster may only
take spells from the Lores indicated below.
Each of these units has had any Heal (n), Zap

(n) and Breath Attack (n) special rule
removed from their profile. Their cost has
been adjusted accordingly. You may if you
wish take the unaltered form of these units.
However if you wish to give them new spells,
you must use these costs and spell rules,
even if a spell is worse than the standard
version. This is the price of variety.
By left64

two different spells per phase instead of one
and increase their maximum spells by one.
Magic Focus 15 points

Many magic users wield a weapon attuned
to their minds, using it to store magical
energies and even spells.
Gain +1 Attack and Crushing Strength (1), or

if the unit already has Crushing Strength,
increase it by 1. You may purchase an
additional spell (including one you already
have) to put into the Focus. It may be cast
once per game in addition to the normal
number of spells you may cast.
Orcs
Its unusual for an orc to develop magical
aptitude. They just arent sophisticated
enough. However there are those half casts
born with the magical heritage of one parent
that can draw on it in a limited fashion.
By puggimer
If you wish, you can upgrade a Flagger to a
Half Cast. Half Casts lose their Inspiring rule
Casting Spells and choose a single lore (not Necromancy)
Youll notice that not all of these spells are that they have access to. They may take a
used in the shooting phase, leaving one single spell at the cost indicated.
wondering how many can be cast. For
clarity, Heroes can cast up to one spell per Necromancy
phase. This is basically an extension of the This vile art is the product of ceaseless
current rules, where you can only make one experimentation. It is the unholy corruption
shooting attack per turn. You may choose a of nature magic with spirit magic,
different target for each spell cast. channelling the life-giving energies of nature
into the lifeless void of undeath. Where the
Master Wizard 20 points undead walk nature withers and dies, its
Some magic users become extremely energies drained to feed their endless
powerful, hurling spells in quick succession. hunger.
Warsmiths
You may purchase this upgrade for any of The few dwarfs capable of magic become
the listed units. If a unit has taken the warsmiths. Their fiery souls channel the
Master Wizard upgrade they can cast up to flames of their goddess, giving them an

insight into smelting and industry second to
none. Some warsmiths will take their fire
magic to the battlefield, smashing their
enemies to cinders with burning hammers,
or razing regiments to the ground.
Notes
For spells that affect an enemy unit during
their own turn, place the spell card next to
the affected unit to help remind you.
You can place the number of re-rolls for
Curse on the card to indicate to your
opponent how many they will have to make.
Fire Lore
Fireball 25pts
Phase: Shoot
Fiery beams of energy shoot from the
casters hands, incinerating all in their path.
Roll 5 dice for this ranged attack rather than
using the Attacks value of the unit. This
attack has a range of 24, always hits on 4+
(regardless of modifiers) and is Piercing (1). By Boris Samec
Burning Blade 15pts Molten Curse 30pts

Phase: Melee Phase: Move
Like the scream of a furnace the casters Cinders fly as the caster spits out a
weapon bursts explosively into flame. sulphurous curse, melting enemy
Roll 1D6 when you activate the caster weapons.
in the Melee phase but before making Roll 1D6 after issuing the caster orders. On a
attacks. On a 3+ the caster gains 1 additional 3+ one enemy unit within 12 suffers -1 to
attack with the Blast (1D6+1) rule. damage on melee and ranged attacks until
the beginning of your next turn.
Flame Burst 25pts
Phase: Shoot Blazing Slag 30pts
Roiling flame spews from the casters mouth, Phase: Move
sending the enemy shrieking in pain. Unnatural heat infuses enemy armour,
Roll 8 dice for this ranged attack rather than burning them as the casters allies strike.
the Attacks value of the unit. This attack has Roll 1d6 after issuing the caster orders. On a
a range of 12 and always hits on 4+, 3+, all attacks against one enemy unit within
regardless of any modifier. 12 gains +1 to Melee and Ranged damage

until the beginning of your next turn. Attacks value. It has a range of 12-24,
always hits on 4+ (ignoring modifiers) and is
Ice Lore Piercing (1). You may target a unit you cant
see, but you need 5+ to hit.
Ice Gale 20pts
Phase: Melee Hoar Frost 20pts
An unnatural sleet storm forces the Phase: Melee
enemy backwards. Blade-sharp crystals sprout around the
Roll 1D6 at the end of your Melee Phase. On casters allies, impaling the advancing
a 3+ one enemy unit within 12 is moved enemy.
1D6+1 away from the caster (maintaining Roll 1D6 at the end of your Melee Phase. On
facing). a 3+ one friendly unit within 12 counts as
defending an obstacle from all directions
Freeze 25pts until the beginning of your next turn.
Phase: Shoot
Creeping ice grips the foe, freezing their Darkvoid 35pts
blood and slowing their movements. Phase: Move
Roll 5 dice rather than using the units All heat drains from the air, enveloping the
Attacks value. It has a range of 24, always enemy in a freezing darkness.
hits on 4+ (ignoring modifiers) and reduces Roll 1D6 at the end of your Move Phase. On
the targets Speed by 1 per die until your a 3+ one enemy unit within 24 receives
next turn. an additional -1 to hit.
Hailstorm 30pts Astromancy Lore

Phase: Shoot
Icicles of dark ice rain from the sky, impaling Mirage 35pts
and tearing the foe apart. Phase: Shoot
The foe fights themselves in panic as
ephemeral foes drift amongst them.
Roll 1 die rather than using the units attack
value. On a 3+ one enemy unit within 12
inflicts 1D6 attacks on themselves in melee.
Witch Eye 20pts

Phase: Move
The casters second sight grants their allies
unearthly accuracy.
Roll 1D6 at the end of your Move Phase. On
a 3+ one friendly unit within 6 receives the
indirect fire rule until the beginning of your
next turn.
By Dusty

Scry 25pts Invigorate 25pts
Phase: Move Phase: Shoot
The future is laid bare before the caster, The vitality of the wild fills the troops,
granting their allies uncanny luck. spurring them on.
Roll 5 dice at the end of your Move Phase. Roll 4 dice rather than using the Attacks value
Each 4+ grants one friendly unit within 6 of the unit. This may only target friendly
one re-roll to attack or damage in melee and units, has a range of 12, always hits on 4+
at range until the beginning of your next and each hit moves the unit straight
turn. Choose after they roll. forward 1 (an enemy unit touched is
Curse 25pts
Phase: Melee
A vile epithet flies from the casters lips,
sending the enemy reeling.
Roll 5 dice at the end of your Melee Phase.
Each 4+ forces one enemy unit within 6
to re-roll one attack or damage roll in melee
and at range until the beginning of your next
turn. Choose after they roll.
Ether Bolt 30pts

Phase: Shoot
Starlight arcs down, drawn to the heavy
armour of the foe.
Roll 1 die rather than using the units attack
value. On a 4+ one enemy unit within 48
takes 1D6+1 hits. Only damage rolls that roll
under the targets Defence cause damage.
Nature Lore
Heal 30pts
Phase: Shoot
Soothing energy fortifies the casters allies,
repairing their minds and bodies.
Roll 3 dice rather than using the Attacks value
of the unit. This attack can only target
friendly units (even in melee), has a range of
12, always hits on 4+ and each hit removes 1
point of damage.
By Michael DeFranco

additional attack for that phase.
Hawks Speed 20pts

Phase: Move
The caster instils their comrades with
lightning fast avian reflexes.
Roll 1D6 when issuing the Caster orders. On a
3+ one friendly unit within 12 may perform
a free Change Facing order and does not
count as having Flanks or a Rear until the
beginning of your next turn.
Spirit Lore
Soul Shrive 30pts

Phase: Shoot
Insubstantial blades cut through the
enemys soul.
Roll 3 dice rather than using the Attacks value
of the unit. This attack has a range of 12 and
each 4+ rolled inflicts 1 point of damage on
By left64 the target, ignoring defence.
Charged).
Drain 25pts
Wild Wrath 35pts Phase: Melee
Phase: Melee The enemys fighting strength is drawn from
The forests anger manifests as slashing roots their bodies.
and vines, tearing at the foe. Roll 5 dice at the end of your Melee Phase.
Roll 1D6 at the beginning of your Melee Each 4+ removes one attack from an enemy
Phase. On a 3+ any enemy unit that moves unit within 6 until the beginning of your next
within 6 of the caster counts as moving into turn.
a Living Forest until the beginning of your
next turn. Bolster 15pts
Phase: Melee
Wolfs Fang 25pts Allied spirits are boosted by the casters
Phase: Melee power.
The primal force of the predator sends the Roll 1D6 when issuing the Caster orders. On a
casters allies into a frenzy. 3+ one friendly unit within 12 causes a -1
Roll 5 dice at the beginning of your Melee modifier on any Nerve tests made against it
Phase. This may only target friendly units until the beginning of your next turn. This is
(even in melee), has a range of 6, always in addition to any other modifiers.
hits on 4+ and each hit grants the target 1

Shroud 35pts Shambling units, has a range of 12 and each
Phase: Move hit moves the unit straight forward 1 (an
Allied troops are briefly concealed in the enemy unit touched is Charged).
spirit realm.
Roll 1D6 when issuing the Caster orders. On a Corpse Bomb 15pts
3+ one friendly unit within 12 is removed Phase: Melee
from the table (leave a marker), returning Concentrating corrupted energy in his
to the same place at the beginning of your minions, the caster causes them to explode,
next turn, moving as little as possible. killing the enemy.
Roll 1D6 at the beginning of your Melee
Terrorize 25pts Phase. On a 3+ one friendly unit within 12
Phase: Move suffers 1D6 damage and inflicts the same
Soul-sapping energy cuts through the number of Crushing Strength (1) hits on one
enemy, sending them running or killing them enemy unit in melee with them.
on the spot.
Roll 1D6 when issuing the Caster orders. On a Resurrection 40pts
3+ roll a Nerve test on one enemy unit within Phase: Move
6. This is in addition to any Nerve tests it As the enemy are slaughtered the casters
may have to make during the rest of the turn. power increases allowing him to create new
forces on the battlefield.
Necromancy Lore Mark the caster for each enemy unit Routed
within 12 (max 3). Roll 1D6 when issuing
Reanimate e 30pts the Caster orders (using up all markers). 1
Phase: Shoot marker = 6+, 2 = 5+, 3 = 4+. Success creates a
Plants whither and animals die as the caster Skeleton Troop within 12 of the caster,
powers the corpses of the dead. which acts as normal.
Roll 3 dice rather than using the Attacks
value of the unit. This attack
can only target friendly units
(even in melee), has a range
of 12, always hits on 4+ and
each hit removes 1 point of
damage.
Dark Surge 35pts

Phase: Shoot
The caster drives their
minions forward by force of
will.
Roll 8 dice rather than using
the Attacks value of the unit.
By Maccwar
This may only target friendly

By imm0rtal reaper
Death Snare 25pts

Phase: Move
The enemy are attacked by the corpses of
their own comrades as they fall to the
ground.
Roll 1D6 when issuing the Caster orders. On
a 3+ one enemy unit within 12 suffers an
additional attack hitting on 5+ for each point
of damage they suffer until the beginning of
your next turn. Roll when the damage is
caused.
Please see the following pages to find

printable cards Doug has made for each of
these spells and lores, so you have a quick
reference during your own games! In
addition, weve included blank spell cards for
each of the lores, so you can make your own
spells!

Lazarus
He reached his building, its side only slightly
spattered with lit windows. The rest resident
to those who couldnt afford the power, or
by Michael Grey were too stupid or too wasted to steal it.
Home. For the present.
It was already dark outside. Either his timing
was out or the Ministry had diverted power The lobby door was off the hook, giving the
from the Lowsides day cycle to the Upside hookers a warmer place to wait for the next
for their hot tubs and flyers. Almost trick. One crooked a knotted finger at him,
certainly the latter, though he was not one to more exhausted than alluring. He walked
trust in probabilities. past, ignoring the bones prominent on her
shoulders and the damp patches on her
In the scheme of things, however, it did not shirt.
matter. He left the store, stepping over
detritus left by the latest drain backup as if it For the briefest of moments he considered
were full light. Gangs already populated the reaching into his bag and giving her a can of
streets, drawn from their holes by the beans or potted meat. Something to help.
promise of darkness. He crossed to the But it was only for a moment. It would be
roads middle, walking equilaterally between gone before he reached the apartment;
groups on either side, ignoring and in turn pawned for another hit of whatever her
ignored. It was too early for them to a particular poison was, and then she would
bother a lone man, even if he did carry bags follow him around like a spurned dog,
of food. It would still be hours before the waiting for the next kick.
first shots rang through Lowside.
No. He did not need the attention.
By Jonathan Hicks
The steps were climbed two at a time for
nine flights, until he stood on his landing. As
dark and dank as he left it that morning.
Rust still ate through the welded wall sheets.
The EMERGENCY EXIT sign sparked where an
illegal hook-up bled power from the grid, its
ozone mixing with the mildewed carpet to
give this floor its particular odour.
Down the corridor, brown water

compressing from the carpet where his
boots trod, he paused just slightly halfway,
leg mid-swing. To the casual observer it
would barely be noticed, and he was on his
way again within a beat.
While he was still three metres away the

door unlocked in a solid clack with no
external action from him, and swung open
without the need to shift his hands from the
grocery bags, swinging shut behind his heel.
The EMERGENCY EXIT By Skolo
sign sparked where an Hello, Lazarus, said a female voice.

illegal hook-up bled power Youre good, he said, still placing the cans
from the grid, its ozone according to food type. Relocking the door
mixing with the mildewed would have been particularly complicated.
And that was some nice work on the alarms,
carpet to give this floor its although you missed the tertiary. So, with all
particular odour. that I would have to guess he placed the
last can from one bag and turned, leaning
Inside, the apartment was all dark shapes against the countertop and facing the
and grey outlines, benefiting only slightly woman. Agency?
from what halogens filtered through the
lone window. He walked on surely, never She sat in the easy chair. The only one in the
brushing against the mouldy furniture, to the apartment. Low, its zigzag thread worn
kitchen. The bags were placed on the smooth on the seat and back, and angled to
counter and cupboards opened, all in a where the occupant could see the window
darkness most would find impossible. and door simultaneously. The choice was
tactical, and told him as much as her ability

she sat in it. I apologise for
disturbing your sabbatical,
but Im afraid something has
come up.
Something always does.
I know you will appreciate

just how important this is if
we came for you. You are not
the easiest person to find.
You choose some interesting
places for your safaris.
He kept his eyes on her the

whole time, unblinking,
gathering. She had remained
still so far, legs crossed at the
knee, fingers interlaced
casually on her abdomen.
Her body language gave off
quiet confidence. But the
signs were there; a tension
across her lips as she spoke,
the minor tick of a forefinger.
She was nervous, and
whatever she was here for
By Boris Samec was important enough to see
him in person. And his
to break past his alarms. augments said she was disconnected from
the net. Interesting
She nodded. We have met, Agent Lazarus,
although not in person. He looked out of the window where the
evenings first gunshots began to pepper the
He cocked his head, Miss Dancer? night. I like to keep things engaging. Act
incorrectly and the Lowside can be as
She nodded again, short and precise, much dangerous as any jungle. And I have to make
like the rest of her. Her business suit was myself scarce, otherwise someone always
understated but immaculate, and her hair turns up to cut things short.
was pulled back to a strand-perfect bun. He
could imagine her dusting the chair before

You are a member of the Council Protection He paused, as much to run a search on his
Agency, Lazarus. You are ours to call on as memory as wonder what she was getting at.
we need. Only whats listed, he said eventually.
Why?
Perhaps next time Ill find a nice quiet
asteroid. That should keep you away for a We need you to kill him.
while longer.
And suddenly the net isolation was
She was nervous, and understandable.
whatever she was here for You want me to kill one of CPAs, one of our
was important enough to own, agents?
see him in person. Hunt and kill, yes. His ocular vision sprung
up with a handshake request from Miss
Dancer, indicating she had files to share.
Agent you will listen, or would you prefer What youre receiving now is an order of
stasis containment until you remember your
prerogatives?
He looked at her, locking eyes until it was

obvious she would not look away, and
nodded.
Good, she said. Now, what do you know

about Agent Caspar?
His memory broke into action, retrieving the

information as he spoke. Caspar, Silus, M.
Notional rank; Captain. Effective rank;
Lieutenant Commander. Height; 186. Skin,
hair and eye tone; variable. Last known
sphere of operations; the Outer Perseus
Arm. Mission aim; Classified.
That is correct. Do you know Agent Caspar

at all?
On a limited basis. We never worked

together.
Are you aware of his training and abilities? By Jonathan Hicks

magnitude above top secret, and I do not way down to Top Secret.
need to describe the penalties for divulging
this information. The data stream brought with it some
halting images. One was a pic file of
He accepted the handshake and his someone he recognised as Agent Caspar,
peripheral vision swam with overlapping laying on a surgical slap, seemingly alive and
images, documents and recordings. A unconcerned while his head rested in the
cascade of data, too much for even him to centre of a round machine, the size and
take in in one glance. A word was made complexity of a super-collider cross section.
His head rested in the The second was a vid file. A tank, reinforced
centre of a round machine, to hold the super heavy med gel it
the size and complexity of contained. Inside a shape, just on the other
side of definable, floated, held static by
a super-collider cross tubes and wires. It shook once in a while,
section through the external stimulus of whatever
the tubes brought or some reaction to its
known to him, Iapteus. The mention of his situation, Lazarus did not know. Although he
triggered an awareness, like someone suspected if it were the latter the image
turning on the lights in a dark room. Iapteus would take on a degree of the sinister.
was a security level, and it being known
showed a ladder of similar codewords His mind parsed the data and offered him a
below; Atlas, Prometheus, Astraeus, all the short prognosis, with a full report to go over
later at leisure. He took the
prognosis, read it, blinked,
and looked questioningly at
Dancer. She nodded.
The project is so secret it

does not even have a name.
She noticed one of the chairs
few remaining loose threads
had attached itself to her
sleeve. She pulled it free,
held it to the light, then
tossed it away, shaking her
hand as if it might have
contaminated her. Its
purpose was twofold. Firstly,
for situations where an agent
may need to be in two places
By Skolo at once, and for whatever

reason a gene-level disguised
proxy would not be enough.
Secondly, where the survival
of an agent was assessed to
be less than likely, and their
replacement too costly.
I understand. Is the copy

implanted in the new body or
the original?
The original mind state

always resides in the original
body, Agent Lazarus. It
avoids any potential errors
to proliferate.
Errors? An eyebrow raised

at the pause.
Miss Dancers mouth curled

in a smile which went
nowhere near her eyes. An
outcome with the potential
in an order of decimal
magnitude so small I wont
even bother to quote it. It is By Jonathan Hicks
The original mind state Sometimes the new body is altered to fit
always resides in the operational requirements, such as changing
an agents ethnicity or gender, but its usual
original body, practice to keep the host similar to the
Agent Lazarus original to avoid possible body shock or
degradation to and agents skills.
a relatively straightforward process, even if
the science behind it is not. The subjects I could see how that could be useful. Why
mind state is read and recorded. Every isnt it used more?
synapse, connection, memory, everything it
contains and the way they speak to each A few reasons. The foremost that it is not a
other is copied and imprinted onto the blank cheap procedure, nor quick. Also the
mind of a body grown in a vat for just that greater its use, the greater the possibility of
purpose. its tech becoming known. Even the Forge

realisation.
Indeed, he said. Are they

aware of their impending
reward?
Their very existence is on a

need-to know basis-
And they dont need to

know?
They are not people, Agent.

They are briefed as if they are
the original in a temporary
body to reduce the risks of
losing focus, and to ensure
they return for debriefing.
The inverted commas
By Skolo
dropped like tombstones into
Fathers do not know this is possible. Lastly, the sentence.
if it became known that we were able to
produce people at a whim, it would throw Some may call that a tad ruthless, Miss
up some serious friction within the Sphere. Dancer.
She let the sentence die. Lazarus sensed a Our business is the safeguarding of the
frustrated teacher about her, and supplied Spheres continued future, Agent Lazarus.
the un-asked question. Not in being nice.
Because theyre intelligent. He accepted the reprimand with the minimal

obeisance required. And now youre here.
She nodded, another artificial smile his Is it safe to assume a copy of Agent Caspar
reward. Some of the more libertarian has absconded?
societies in the Sphere would classify these
assets as people, given that they are self Its safe, she nodded. Agent Caspars
aware and cognisant. Secondary, as they classification goes, did
not report in five Terran cycles ago, and has
And because you send them to live on a failed to respond to further hails. Our
farm afterwards, he deadpanned. intelligence shows the Secondary is still
active and moving freely, and we can only
She smiled again, this time chillingly sincere. assume it has not intention of returning.
All assets are liquidated after operational The target requires termination and all its

physical evidence destroyed before it can fall
into anothers hands.
The target requires
termination and all its
Lazarus cocked his head slightly to see her physical evidence
from a different angle. What are you not
telling me, Miss Dancer? destroyed before it can fall
into anothers hands
She shifted under his gaze. A less
complimentary way to put it would be
squirmed under institutionalised The system and the unexpected arrival from
embarrassment. subspace of the Trading Fleet was well
enough reported on, even in the civilian
She began slowly, The reason we believe channels, that Lazarus did not have to access
this occurred is because the Secondarys his archives to realise, You copied him into a
brain was not the same shape as Agent Forge Father?
Caspars original.
Imprinted is the accepted nomenclature,
Lazarus blinked. Excuse me? but essentially yes.
Agent Caspar was assigned to investigate Lazarus was uncharacteristically speechless.

the tech leap in the Hydronas systems. The The idea that the Agency would try and
increase in their scientific understanding is infiltrate one of the secretive galactic
hampering House Phrissures attempts at societies. The face, the very gall, of an
integrating them into the Sphere. And this attempt to break into a civilisation whose
happening just as the Trade Fleet Orieum every purpose spoke of a desire for a reason
arrived cannot be mere coincidence. to wage war on the Sphere, and most likely
wipe them out in the process, was
frighteningly brazen.
By Jonathan Hicks

He was impressed.
And how did Caspar take to

being placed in a one point
five metre body?
He went AWOL, she said

evenly, I think that tells us
all we need to know. Were
assuming the Secondary
found out its true nature,
either through its own
deductions or, at the worst,
worst, case scenario, the
Forge Fathers know of the
program and fed the
information to foil the
operation and spread further
problems. If so, they
succeeded.
A little Forge Father version By Boris Samec

of Caspar running around.
That would be funny were it not so serious. He is. Agent Caspar is well known for his
operational thoroughness. He is being
Dancer gave him a further hint of teacher debriefed as we speak for more details.
with another reprimanding look. With
what I have told you, and the information So I would have to move quickly. One more
now in your files, I think you understand the question.
situations gravity.
Yes?
He nodded, giving the news the solemnity it
deserved, and then turned back to stocking And how did Caspar take
the shelves, ignoring Dancers indignity.
to being placed in a one
Is this the time you ask if I have any other point five metre body?
questions? he said.
I yes. Have you always referred to us as it?
Is Caspar expected to have assets of his Lazarus pulled the pistol, one of many
own in place? A support network? Caches? secreted about the apartment, from the

By Jonathan Hicks
cupboards false partition, turned, and fired. neck back and nearly tipping the chair. By
the time its legs found equilibrium and fell
The gun was a primitive thing, a chemically- back, the cordite smell was beginning to fade
projected slug fired down a rifled barrel. It and the report was long gone. Just another
was mechanically brutal, but effective; gunshot lost in the night.
punching Dancer further into the chairs
fabric. Her eyes remained open, the shock of the
last few seconds still evident on them as she
He had time to appreciate the look on her stared eternally at the mottled ceiling. In
face; incomprehension, to realisation, to any normal operation he would have closed
shock, all within the time it took for his them, a final act of respect for an honoured
question to register and the shot to puncture enemy. But her last comment was still raw in
her left breast, where a coin sized hole now his mind, and they remained open.
leaked a red line down her
tailored suite. The gun was a Well well. Old Caspar had a
Secondary. That was
She still looked at him. Mouth primitive thing, a interesting.
open, working silently around a chemically-
situation she could not accept
was happening.
projected slug He ran a quick inventory of the
apartment while he checked to
fired down a see what contacts he had in
He fired again, this time into rifled barrel. the Perseus arm. He would
her forehead, snapping her have to be quick. Miss Dancer

would soon be missed, and it would not be The end
long before another agent would be on
Caspar, and now his, trail. For more stories like this, visit Michaels blog
at www.michaelgrey.com.au
But still, it would be worth it to bring
another into the fold.
His subsystem finished the inventory. There

was nothing in the apartment which would
risk giving away who Dancer met with. The
security would scream Agency but there was
no time to take that apart.
He pocketed the pistol and went to leave,

pausing at Dancers body.
His augments told him she was dead, but still

he felt her pulse. It paid to certain in these
situations. And he really wasnt one to trust
in probabilities. Deadzone Reb by Jamie OToole
By Skolo

The Keep
in
the Forest
A Tale from the Kings
of War RPG
By Jonathan Hicks
The companions spread out

in a line, not more than ten
paces from each other, and
descended into the valley.
The town at the bottom had
all but vanished; there were
some traces of buildings, By Darren Lysenko
foundations of larger ones
and rubble from others, but very little to
suggest that a settlement once existed here. washboard. It was disconcerting and out of
As they passed through there was evidence place in this area of beauty and nature, and
of a dried-up stream and the thick stone of a the men grimaced, especially Grum who had
road running along the base of the valley. It obviously heard the sound before. He looked
had cracked and split as ferns and weeds at Draybar and said, in as low a voice as
pushed their way up into the light, and the possible, Goblins! Pass it on!
roots of new trees had heaved the stones
and rocks to one side. The wild had Goblins, pass it on!
reclaimed the valley floor.
Goblins, pass it on!
They then began the ascent up the other
side of the valley. Although Tere had Knowing this, they readied their weapons.
suggested patience he had also taken his
shortbow from his shoulder and strung it, As they ascended the hill the outline of the
but had not notched an arrow. castle finally began to take shape. The trees
had crowded about it, as if protecting it from
When they were half way up the hill a cackle the outside world, and the vines and weeds
rang from the trees, a laugh that sounded had covered the walls. It was a simple affair;
like stones being dragged along a there were four walls with a tower at each
corner and a keep rose from within, only The trail of smoke was winding its way into
slightly higher than the protecting walls. As the air from just beyond this collapse but
the elf Eyanur and his brother Eyon had said, none of them could see the fire or if
it wasnt a large place and the keep didnt anything attended it. They all kept low and
reach higher than the tallest trees that quiet as they came together.
surrounded it. The sun filtering through the
canopy created a patchwork of light and The fire in the courtyard will be a sentry,
shadow that covered the grey, bleak walls. the dwarf Grum said, obviously
knowledgeable of these creatures. Probably
They were approaching it from the front and one or two, depending on the size of the
the great gate was closed, but it hardly raiding party.
mattered as to the right of the gate the wall
had collapsed outwards, probably from
neglect and wear. It wasnt a recent collapse The great gate was closed,
as moss, vines and greenery had covered the but it hardly mattered as to
mound. It appeared easy to traverse and one
by one the men gathered on the outside of the right of the gate the wall
it. had collapsed outwards
How do you know its just a raiding party?
Tere enquired, his human eyes narrowed.
Because if it was a warband this keep would

be swarming with them and thered be a lot
more fires. Now, Im thinking seven to ten of
them, probably someone big in charge, so
we take the sentries fast and quiet.
Draybar, a human lady of barely twenty

summers, hefted her crossbow. Shall we
shoot them?
Grum nodded. Indeed. You, Tere and

Cuthred can move up
Wait, Cuthred, another man, hissed. Youre

not in charge.
Grum has dealt with goblins before, wed be

wise to listen, Tere suggested.
By Dusty I agree, Eyanur said. Grum?

goblins out on our flanks who
were giving us trouble. Yes, I
learned a lot.
Tere nodded and was about

to say something else when
Cuthred snarled, Are you
ready?
I am.
Okay. Ill count to three.

One.
They all took deep breaths

and focused on the fight that
would no doubt occur in the
By Boris Samec next few moments.
Grum briefly looked at Cuthreds grimace of
displeasure, smiled and continued. If we Two.
take the sentries as fast as we can then get
to the keep and get inside, They pulled back on their
take them by surprise. Goblins are easy bows. The wood creaked
Goblins are easy one on one one on one but softly. Draybar licked her lips
but when theyre in a group
they can be vicious, theyll
when theyre in a in anticipation.
try to swarm over you. If group they can be Three.

they do come out then vicious, theyll try to
spread out, try to keep them As one they rose from the
apart, dont let them group swarm over you rubble to see two goblins
up too much. Itll be easier. stood at the campfire. They
were green-skinned and hunched over, with
Sounds like you have had a lot of bowed legs and long arms. Their armour was
experience, Tere said to Grum as he readied what they could scavenge from their victims,
his bow and took position with Cuthred and patches of chainmail, leather and even plate.
Draybar. Eyanur and Eyon waited just behind Their weapons were notched and serrated
them, ready to follow them up and over the axes and one of them had short throwing
rubble after they had fired on the goblins. spears in a quiver over his shoulder. They
were mumbling to each other, watching the
The War to the North lasted eight years. I sparks of the fire flicker and the smoke curl
fought in the army but I also travelled with upwards.
scouts and skirmish parties trying to root

With a thud two arrows lodged into the first would have been. In the centre of the hall
goblins chest, whilst Draybars crossbow was a small fire, and around this fire were
bolt took the second one in the throat. nine goblins, all eating fresh uncooked meat
Without a scream of pain or a cry of warning and drinking filthy water.
the two creatures fell to the ground, dead.
But it was not the goblins the companions
were staring at. On the opposite side of the
Around this fire were nine fire was a huge figure, a creature so bulky in
its armour that it must have easily towered
goblins, all eating fresh ten feet. The armour was beaten metal, like
uncooked meat and someone had simply taken sheets of iron
and nailed them onto the monster. The
drinking filthy water helmet was covered in horns, the shield that
it now took up had a wicked spike protruding
As quickly as they could the companions from the centre and the huge curved
hurried down the other side of the collapsed serrated sword it slowly raised in one hand
wall and into the courtyard. It was strewn would have been a two-handed weapon in
with debris and filth, the wood of buildings the hands of a normal man. It stood to its
that would have been propped up on the full height, the firelight making it glow as if
inside of the walls obviously used to shore possessed, and it crashed through the fire,
up the other walls or used as firewood. Like scattering burning wood and embers
the outside it was overgrown and young everywhere.
trees sprang up here and there.
Directly across from them

were the open main doors of
the keep and they could see
the light from another fire
flickering inside. They ran
quickly and quietly across
and ran up the steps,
weapons at the ready. When
they reached the door they
all came to a sudden, sliding
halt.
Inside, the hall was empty

apart from several rotting
wooden benches piled up
against the far wall behind
the raised place where the
master of the castles seat By Darren Lysenko

Grum took a step back, his hard face now
twisted in shock and horror.
Giant! he roared, and ran back down the

steps.
The men scrambled down the stairs. Tere

and Cuthred both shot at the giant as it
crashed through the hall, swatting goblins
out of its way in its efforts to get to them,
but one arrow simply bounced off the
armour and the other penetrated the metal
but appeared to do very little.
They all headed back to the collapsed wall

but Eyon slowed. What do we do? he cried.
We run! Grum shouted as he started to
ascend the rubble.
But we have to clear this place Eyanur

began, but he was cut off by a mighty bellow
of rage. By Boris Samec
The giant stood at the top of the steps, the As he took position by the side of the
table-sized shield and sword raised into the brothers he heard Grum behind them crying
air as it roared its fury. Eyanur and Eyon out, You fools! What are you doing? Run!
looked at the retreating men, then at each
other.
It stood to its full height,
Then the elves readied their weapons and the firelight making it glow
faced the giant as it stamped down the as if possessed, and it
steps.
crashed through the fire
Tere watched the brothers stand shoulder to
shoulder, one with sword raised the other Run!
with spear levelled, and he gritted his teeth.
They seemed like children with toys in front But Tere didnt hear what he shouted after
of this huge black-armoured creature. that. The giant was upon them.
Without truly thinking about what he was
doing he dropped his bow, unsheathed his With a huge, ear-shattering cry it bought the
sword and unslung his shield from his back. sword down in a huge overhead arc. They all
dived out of the way and it buried itself
easily a foot deep into the hard ground, but giants actions, came screaming down to aid.
the giant pulled it free with little effort. It
then took a sideswipe at Tere first who was
The first one found an arrow in his chest the
forced to dive to the floor to avoid it, and
second was shot through the eye by a bolt.
when the brothers stabbed at the creatureThe others faltered and slowed as Cuthred
with little effect it turned on them, batting
and Draybar reloaded their weapons, and
Eyanur back and through the air with itsGrum came sailing through the air with his
shield and thrusting at Eyon with the sword.
axe chopping wildly. He felled another two
goblins before they realised what was
Eyanur crashed into the happening.
piled rotting wood The goblins finally Get up, you idiot! Grum
stacked by the wall and appeared at the top of was shouting. Get up
it smashed and
splintered. He cried out
the steps... and run!
in pain and rolled to the The first one found an The brothers! Tere
ground. The giant arrow in his chest the shouted back, and
ignored him and gathered his wits enough
concentrated on Eyon second was shot through to skewer another goblin
who ducked and dived the eye by a bolt. running at him.
out of the way of the
wildly swinging sword, which enraged the Theyre dead! Grum cried as he downed
giant more and more. another one. An arrow punctured another.
The giant will kill them!
It was then the goblins finally appeared at
the top of the steps and, emboldened by the
By Maccwar

We fought thousands of these monsters in
the War to the North, Grum growled. Why
do you think it went on for eight years? We
have to run!
Tere tore himself away. Then run! he

shouted angrily, directly in Grums face, and
jumped over the bodies of the fallen goblins
to get to the giant.
He dropped his shield and grabbed his sword

in both hands and with a wild cry he leaped
through the air and onto the back of the
towering foe. Where the armour was tied
together there was a narrow gap and the
sword point slipped between it and into the
giant.
By Michael DeFranco
Tere traded blows with one of the last two There was a gush of black blood from the
goblins whilst Grum faced off with the other. pale-green monster and its bellows of fury
Tere glanced over to the giant as he fought turned suddenly into screams of pain. It
and saw Eyon leading the monster away staggered forward then backward, and it
from his brother, jabbing the creature with tried to reach around to swat Tere off,
his spear and shouting taunts. Eyanur was dropping the huge sword and shield. When it
slowly getting to his feet. realised it couldnt reach far enough behind
it started to thrash wildly but Tere hung on,
We fought thousands of wrapping his legs around it and hanging onto
these monsters in the War the sword hilt with all his strength. An arrow
to the North, bounced off its armour as Cuthred tried
another shot, but a crossbow bolt from
Why do you think it went Draybar slammed through the armour and
on for eight years? buried itself deep. The giant roared again.
Knowing that the creature was intent on

He finally hacked the creature to the ground ridding itself of the man on his back Eyon
as Grum finished his and turned to help the and Eyanur stepped in. They jammed their
brothers, but Grum grabbed him by the arm. weapons in the gaps of the giants armour
Dont! Youll lose! now that they could get clear strikes, and
before long there was black ichor pouring
We have to try! from a dozen wounds. As the giant grew
weaker they stood back and it sank to its
knees, then fell to its face. With a wheeze it

exhaled its last breath as Eyanur despatched
it with a thrust to the neck.
Slowly Tere stood, black blood covering his

armour and face, his sword dripping with it,
his long hair matted and filthy. He stared at
Grum and then the others, and any traces of
the friendly, smiling man they had come to
know on their brief journey was gone to be
replaced by a glaring, almost maniacal
stranger.
I do not run, he hissed.
By puggimer

Engineering Special In their attempt to create ever more
portable and potent weapons the special
Weapons Corps division has produced what they call WMDs,
or weapons of messy destruction.
Developed as part of the psychological
By Doug Newton-Walters warfare section, these weapons are intended
to sow terror in the enemy ranks by rending
Dwarven engineers have developed all their fellows apart in screaming puddles of
manner of strange devices over the gory mush.
centuries, from Garaks
famous Longiscope to Finellas Special Weapon Corps*
terrifying Steam Weevil. Large Infantry
However it is in the area of Size Spd Me Rn Def At Nv Cost
weapons construction that
Troop (3) 5 4+ - 5+ 3D6 11/13 80
they excel and a special
Regiment (6) 5 4+ - 5+ 6D6 12/14 145
engineering section was
created exclusively to develop Special: Crushing Strength (1), Horrifying Weaponry (treat
as Musician)
more powerful weapons of
war. It is from this engineering Options:
division that such infamous Take Pavises (Def 6+ to the front) OR Blasting Tips (Crushing
weapons as the Steel Strength (2)) for 15pts for Troops and 25pts for Regiments.
Behemoth and Battle Drill
Take Grapeshot Defenders (treat as Pike Phalanx) for 10pts
were produced.
for Troops and 25pts for Regiments.

The special weapons corps was assembled
from seasoned war engineers as a means of
practically testing the WMDs. Deployed in
loose formation units so as to avoid impaling
one another with their varied saws and
drills, they have proven devastating if erratic
on the battlefield.

End
Transmission
by Michael Grey
The following are excerpts

from The Steenkamp Plan:
Cover-Ups and Suppression
around the Tallaxia
Pandemic, a chronological
series of intercepted
communications from
different Sphere sources at
the time of the rumoured By Jonathan Hicks
Tallaxia Pandemic. The
referred to sources, while mostly confirmed Ill get straight to the point; if anyone else is
independently as actual people or agencies in the room with you, ask them to leave now.
at the time of the outbreak, have never been I know how you like your emails read to you,
verified as genuine and should be handled but this is important.
appropriately.
Okay? Good.
The book is banned Sphere-wide, and
rumoured to be listed on the Council Do you remember the sub-space emergency
Protection Agencys so-called black library of messaging system you championed a few
prohibited texts. Because of this it is years ago? I know it was voted out as too
recommended this file is read while expensive, but, well look, Im not proud of
disconnect from the net. it, but the CPA appropriated the idea and ran
with it. Hands on the table, I knew about
---- the project and was even involved with the
facilitation. I know it was your baby, and you
From: The Office of Francis Ibrahim, were right, it would be a boon to the Sphere,
Chief Officer Inter-Corporation but it was deemed too important to be
Relations trusted with civilian bureaucrats. Thats why
To: Conner Jameson, Ministry of the Protection Agency was brought in.
Extraplanetary Affairs
Subject: Point of interest (eyes If it helps sooth your ego any, the whole
only) thing was set up and tested to perfection.
The damn thing works, and if it wasnt for
Good morning, Conner you, we wouldnt have it. I hope you
understand. Politics and all that. Anyway,

Im not mailing you to apologise, Im mailing The brass is a bit worried. Seems there was
you because it went off. a battalion of marines on-planet. Nothing
hardcore, really no more than a staging
This is so fresh and hush-hush the whole ground to give new blood out of the
thing doesnt even have a code name yet, academy chance to experience a posting
but Im sure youll be brought on down the before being sent somewhere more active.
line, but just remember who let you in But still, enough firepower to put up serious
beforehand, all right? resistance in case of anything up to and
including a hostile planetary invasion.
The alert came from some backwater called
Tallaxia, out somewhere deep on the Gum But as of yesterday, there may as well be no-
Nebula. Only planet in the system, been in one there for all the comms were getting.
the Sphere close to a century and listed as
Compliant for over fifty years, and set as That would be worrying enough. Eight
Class Five for nearly all of those. The only billion people come with some serious
reason such a shithole of a planets been infrastructure, and there are even civilian
doing so well is its the closest landfall for stations which could send comm waves far
the dust clouds of the Vela Molecular Ridge. enough out to the Kumovan system, the next
Enough mineral credits have been running closest. But no, nothing.
through that place to make a core world
blush, and now it has over eight billion But that wasnt what really set the hairs on
people on it. the back of my neck prickling.
Well... it had. As of yesterday the jurys out You want to know what was?
on exactly how many there are now.
By Skolo

What is thin on the ground though are
reasons why the beacon was used at all, and
the lack of response from Tallaxia. Even the
military with their gung-ho we-can-handle-
anything bullshit, are at a loss. The area is
too far off the trade routes for pirates, even
if they were able to take a whole planet off
line. And its at the other side of the galactic
core, so we can rule out any interference
from any other capable civ.
By Jonathan Hicks Nothing about this sits well, and you know
The message is a single use, one direction what they say about misery? Well, I guess
packet which can arrive within days to the the same is true for nerves. This is going to
target receiver up to nearly a billion AUs be big, I just know it, but right now its like
away. It goes through sub-space, but tears were crippled with indecision.
through it at such a rate that anyone
monitoring the area would pick up the A marine battalion has been dispatched to
disturbance and could potentially intercept. investigate, they should be there in forty-
There are, of course, safe guards. The eight hours. Maybe Ill be proved wrong and
messages are encrypted, read only and it was just ion storms and false alarms.
double coded.
But I dont think so.
But still, the packet arrived intact, but the
thing is it was empty. Nothing in it, nada. Look, dont mention this to anyone, okay?
Ill speak to you soon. My love to Judith.
Right now all the chatter in house is about
what this could mean. You can imagine. On Frank.
one hand we have the usual, this is nothing ----
to worry about. Just a misfire of the first use
of a new tech, and ion storms causing havoc ****TRANSMISSION BEGINS****
with comms. These are all the elected
officials, of course. The people who need LOC: 45KKI-JUUB8-JH89N
popular support to pad out their retirement STAMP: 35110502 15:35:41GST
funds. HOST: STRIKE CRUISER SOUTHERN
CROSS
And then you have the people advocating a OPERATION: LANDFALL
complete armed tactical response, pushing ADMIRAL JESSOP CRAWLON,
the worst case scenario; full loss of a class COMMANDER, 3RD ARMOURED INFANTRY
five world.
BATTALLION, HOUSE FRISSURE LTD.
MESSAGE START:

Arrived in Tallaxias outer orbit at 0301GST, Scans of planet display indication of mass
2532ZULU. Proceeded with standard conflict, clustered around large population
practice for possible hostile zone. Our arrival centres. The countryside [TAG NOTE: Tallaxia
was not broadcast and local authorities not is registered as a Temperate Range Three
alerted to our presence. climate. No ice caps, major landmasses
differing between open plain and thick
Initial low range sweeps showed limited coniferous forests] appears empty of human
electromagnetic activity in Tallaxias habitation, although concentrations of open
atmosphere, with no increase after our radiation suggest thermonuclear explosions
anchorage. Stronger scans confirmed have occurred recently in several areas.
indication our arrival had gone unnoticed.
Massed weapon signatures are registering
Initial electromagnetic signatures that of within major city boundaries, apparently
geosynchronous satellites and guidance without pattern, but with no let up in firing
drones. Nothing manned. Latent radiation rates. Lines of weapon discharges suggest a
waves showed some craft had recently made battle line of roughly spherical shape, ringed
sub-space jumps, although their signatures around the citys centre and slowly
showed them to be nothing larger than contracting. The pattern is repeated in all
personal transports, and nothing equipped cities, and indicate a battle being lost swiftly
to make the journey to Kumovan, the by one side.
nearest system, and that many of those were
not even aimed in that direction. Their That loss of life is in process, and on a mass
current positions are unknown. scale, is evident. However orders are to
gather intel before action, and as the
Some larger vessels remain in orbit, and, infrastructure is mostly intact, nothing is
although they exhibit no outer signs of occurring to countermand that order.
damage and of full operation, they do not
respond to hails. Further scans showed no More records to follow.
signs of life onboard.
Crawlon out.
MESSAGE ENDS
-------
ADENDUM
LOC: 45KKI-JUUB8-JH89O
STAMP: 35110502
19:18:02GST
HOST: STRIKE CRUISER
By Skolo SOUTHERN CROSS

OPERATION: LANDFALL
ADMI RAL JESSOP CRAWLON,
COMMANDER, 3RD ARMOURED
INFANTRY BATTALLION, HOUSE
FRISSURE LTD.
MESSAGE START:
All conflict on Tallaxias surface has ceased.
The alarm was raised at 1900GST and
confirmed two minutes later. Within four
hours of arrival, it appears the massed
battles in all of Tallaxias urban centres has
ended. By Jonathan Hicks
Scans show no life signs within cities or From: The office of Gustav
towns.
Kalpreet, Governor Kumovan III and
System. Representative; House
The command team, lead by myself and Rear
Admiral Coltrane, have run several scenarios
Frissure Ltd.
to locate the winning side, but so far have no
To: Carolyn Moses, Head Inner Rim
satisfactory theory. Colony Support; House Frissure
Ltd.
Coltrane suggested we request permission to Subject: Escalation in Incident:
enact the Steenkamp Plan. I overruled him. INC452246
The planets core structures and
administration is still over 77% intact, so it Dear Carolyn
will not be levelled from space.
I know you said not to worry, but I have to
Captain Bezus has been ordered to gather a report this. The numbers of the Brethren
landing platoon to launch by 2000GST. The have escalated in the past week, and theyve
mission is to scout the countryside near taken to calling themselves the Temple of
Octaga, Tallaxias capital on its southern Last Days. If thats not an indication of their
continent. intent I dont know what is.
More to follow. I swear theres something in the air here.

They held a big open air rally in Montanga
MESSAGE ENDS Square two days ago. I know, I know. All the
procedures say to deny cults publicity, but
****END TRANSMISSION**** what was I supposed to do? I dont have the
security forces to control a crowd that size if
---- they rioted.

The rally turned into a mass recruitment OPERATION: LANDFALL
drive, and now one in every five people on CAPTAIN ANTON BEZUS, COMMANDING
the street is wearing their badge or that OFFICER CHARLIE PLATOON, 3RD
ridiculous hood they wear. ARMOURED INFANTRY BATTALION,
HOUSE FRISSURE LTD.
And their preaching is getting more specific. MESSAGE START:
Theyre promising the death of all life
within weeks, or that a plague will engulf all Landfall made 2020GST, 36kms northeast of
humanity, or some such. Octaga, Tallaxias capital.
You said there was a marine battalion in the Orders are to secure beachhead, scout
area. I cant promise I can control the surrounding area and to avoid hostile forces
situation anymore, its gotten too big for if possible. Intel shows of mass conflict in
that. Can I ask you no, forget that. I need built urban areas has ceased and the current
those marines here. It frightens me to think position of antagonists is unknown. Extreme
whats gotten into these people, but not caution has been advised.
more than what they are capable of.
Because of the above our insertion zone was
Please, just send them. shifted to the more rural north. Landing site
a clearing in thick forest. No signs of nearby
Gustav Kalpreet habitation. Initial sweeps on instruments
and by scouts report no activity nearby.
Editors note: Hours after sending the above
message, the Kumovan-based cult known as
the Temple of Last Days stormed the water
purification plant in Montanga, Kumovans
capital, and flooded the citys fresh water
supply with VX nerve agent. The plumbing
took the agent into every building connected
throughout the city. Official casualties were
listed as 15,587,411 dead, 3 injured. Among
the casualties was Governor Kalpreet.
----
****TRANSMISSION BEGINS****
LOC: 45KKI-JUUB8-JH89I
STAMP: 35110502 20:36:03GST /
03:05:03ZULU
HOST: Tallaxia 789:753
By Skolo

Appearances suggest a life
cycle, albeit an exceedingly
brief one, allows the strain to
mingle with the host tissue
(primarily the of the brain
and muscle), resulting in the
By Jonathan Hicks
desired results.
Data shows an airfield to south. Will recon Subjects show a marked increase in tensile
the site for possible baseop before moving and muscle strength, and also a single
on Octaga. mindedness required for combat operations.
I believe we all earned a night off after this
More to follow. one.
MESSAGE ENDS Some side effects, to note. Subjects became

exceedingly aggressive, combined with an
apparent loss in the ability to communicate
****END TRANSMISSION**** verbally. This will prove to be a major hurdle
if not addressed in future iterations. I can
---- hear them now, hissing and moaning in the
cells.
R&D Project Site 51 : Personal
Research Log Dr Xiao Ngu I think this batch is beyond usefulness. The
35110420 supply shuttle from the 35th should arrive
tomorrow with supplies and, hopefully, more
Progress! The substrain has shown prison- Im sorry, I cant concentrate with all
surprising reliance today. It appears Dr that banging! Note to self: see with
Praneels suggestion of preserving the virus maintenance if we can reinforce the one-way
in refrigeration was what held us back. The mirrors.
cold did not kill the strain in itself, merely
laid it dormant (apparently indefinitely as far ----
as we know. Note to self; this will have to
be looked into separately), however LOC: 45KKI-JUUB8-JH810I
prolonged exposure to room temperature STAMP: 35110503 01:06:36GST /
after thawing without a host leads of 25:14:17ZULU
comparatively rapid degeneration. COMM MEMCARD: CAPTAIN ANTON BEZUS,
COMMANDING OFFICER CHARLIE
At Dr Praneels urging, we allowed the test PLATOON, 3RD ARMOURED INFANTRY
subjects to house the virus unimpeded, and
BATTALION
what do you know? It worked!
****TRANSMISSION BEGINS****

--Come in SOUTHERN CROSS, this is Captain --Then get him [CENSORED] online!
Bezus. Copy?
[Pause in recording. A different voice
--Captain this is Operator Jonsan of the replaces Operator Jonsan]
SOUTHERN CROSS, please state your mission
code word. --This is Admiral Crawlon.
---mmit! Rolling!
-- Admiral, we require air support for
--Thunder. Thank you, Captain. Please state immediate extraction. We have suffered
your situation. heavy losses we- [recording breaks here for a
moment, lost in static and the punch of
--Have contacted hostile forces [recording automated gunfire] ing gone. The whole of
shows heavy breathing]. Losses heavy. Octaga is gone, Admiral.
Upwards of eighty, repeat 8-0, percent with
more MIA. Were falling back to initial --What do you mean gone, Captain?
insertion point. Requesting air cover for
extraction. Copy? --I mean lost, sir. Enemy saturation is total.
--Captain, the Admiral will have to approve --And who is the enemy?
Strike Bomber launches.
--Not sure, sir. Theyre fast. Very fast, and
take too many shots to down.
Were running low on ammo.
We didnt equip for an all out
conflict. [recording breaks
into static here as the audio
input is overloaded by what
sounds like an animalistic
scream] Ill be happy to give
my full report on board,
Admiral.
--Survivors?
--[Laughing] I doubt it.
--Very well, Captain. Support

incoming. Hold tight, son.
****END
TRANSMISSION****
By Skolo

----
****TRANSMISSION
BEGINS****
LOC: 45KKI-JUUB8-
JH89O
STAMP: 35110503
02:56:54GST /
28:45:54ZULU
HOST: STRIKE CRUISER
SOUTHERN CROSS
OPERATION: LANDFALL
ADMIRAL JESSOP
CRAWLON, COMMANDER,
3RD ARMOURED INFANTRY
BATTALLION, HOUSE
FRISSURE LTD.
MESSAGE START:
Gentlemen and Madam
Councillors,
Thank you for your time and

attention. You will find
attached the video debrief of
Captain Anton Bezus of the
House Frissure Marine
Corps. Captain Bezus lead an
expeditionary tip onto the By Jonathan Hicks
surface of Tallaxia, and I
suggest you review the video before reading
my recommendations. statements.
Captain Bezus, and the words of the Sirs and Madam; Tallaxia is lost. The enemy
returning marines, paint a dire picture which are too numerous to count, and their attire
some would find barely believable. However and numbers suggest they can only be
at the Captains insistence we have launched Tallaxias recent citizens. They exhibit
several remotely controlled spy drones into extreme aggression, and an inability to
the lower atmosphere, and the intel they communicate and reason. Whatever is
returned do nothing to dispute their afflicting them appears to suppress their
nerve centres, resulting in an inordinate
amount of firepower to individually HAMMER
eliminate. Attempts to secure specimens via MESSAGE START:
limited landings have resulted in more loss
of personnel with zero enemy captured. Orders received:
Clean up operation would take decades, and Relocate with all haste to Tallaxia
initial cost in materials alone is projected in (LOC:45KKI-JUUB8-JH89N)
the trillions, not to mention the inevitable
loss to manpower. [CHECK]
It is my recommendation that the Scout and report condition of planet and

Steenkamp Plan be enacted, and the planet inhabitants
quarantined until the fallout has passed.
[CHECK]
This is my own recommendation, and also
that of Captain Bezus, currently recovering in Investigate communication blackout with
sick bay with some of his men with injuries House Frissure strike cruiser SOUTHERN
sustained in the escape. CROSS
I will prepare the bombards and await [CHECK]

permission.
Admiral Crawlon.
MESSAGE ENDS
****END
TRANSMISSION****
----
****TRANSMISSION
BEGINS****
LOC: -WITHHELD-
STAMP: 35110505
18:30:14GST
HOST: -DESIGNATION
WITHHELD- CRUSADER
CAPTAIN PAWL, ENFORCER
TACTICAL SECTION
By Skolo

Hostiles expected, proceed with extreme arriving two days ago, in ones and twos, but
caution now their thousands. We can handle the
influx right now, but if it continues were
[CHECK] going to run into food problems, and next
month is the beginning of Syruss monsoon
Course plotted and ready to execute. season. I believe this request is early
enough to give us some leeway, but please
Pawl out. hurry.
MESSAGE ENDS
****END
TRANSMISSION****
----
****TRANSMISSION
BEGINS****
From: The office of
Jaime Sharpe, Governor
Syrus V. System
representative; The
Henschu Conglomerate
To: Conner Jameson,
Ministry of
Extraplanetary
Affairs
Subject: Aid request
(sent with high
importance)
Dear Conner
Please consider this an

official request for aid.
Weve been receiving
refugees from Kumovan III,
Syruss nearest neighbour
under the House Frissure
hegemony. They began
By Jonathan Hicks

It looks as if Kumovan is in the middle of Regards,
some kind of civil war. I cant say Im Jaime Sharpe.
surprised. Kalpreet was not suited to the
position, but thats Frissures problem, not ****END TRANSMISSION****
ours.
For more stories like this, be sure to visit
Also, weve received two escape shuttles Michaels blog at www.michaelgrey.com.au
from Tallaxia. Im aware of the general order
not to allow ships from there into orbit, but
the automated scans showed no weapons,
only injured people in stasis, so I had them
land and placed on medical watch. Ill send
a full report on what they have to say when
they wake up.
Deadzone Plague Strike Force by Grant Mahoney

All the Range: Dwarf Rangers
for 115 points with Piercing (2). A regiment is
175 points, yet the same number of
Bulwarkers is 125 points. You are unable to
By Neil Dixon field a lot of them to overwhelm the enemy
army in combat or through hail of fire. So
Problem Recognition what is the appeal?
Practising for the Clash of Kings tournament, Most armies have a choice of light cavalry
my Dwarfs suffered from a distinct lack of units or flyers. For Dwarfs, Rangers are one
manoeuvrability and a complete of their most versatile units that can fill that
incompetence in dealing with war machines. recon role. Vanguard allows them a very
Rangers look pricey in terms of points 135 useful move before the first turn. You can get
points for a troop when you can get the their missiles in range from turn one, and
equivalent Ironwatch with the same shots take any objectives or defensive positions
just outside your deployment zone. Any
Close combat armed regiment from the front. The leader is a Westwind model, whose fur coat fits perfectly
with the theme. The Dwarf ruin In the center is produced by Scibor.

Close combat armed regiment from the rear. I cut away the knives on some of the models and glued on spare
crossbows. Some of the hammers were replaced with axes for variety.
other unit may be shot before they get to units. Although they have typical Dwarf
the cover of a wall or building, and would survivability, ensure they have support;
need to sacrifice a turn of shooting to do so. otherwise they will quickly become
overwhelmed.
Firing on the move makes them ideal for
capturing objectives in the middle of the One unit on each flank is always a safe bet,
board, or to launch defensive fire if the supporting your main blocks of infantry.
enemy tries to outmanoeuvre you. All too They can flush out the enemy where line of
often, sneaky flying units like Wraiths and Elf sight for your cannons is limited, such as
Dragons position themselves out of the wooded areas or between buildings.
shooting arc of your Ironwatch. Deploying
Rangers instead means you can turn to face Modelling Rangers
and launch a few shots before they charge.
I used the tutorial by Matthus Mieczkowski
Regiments are decent in combat when they (aka Max Jet) in Ironwatch Issue 1 as my
need to be, as Crushing Strength (1) gives guide. I created two regiments, taking about
them that extra edge against high defence three hours to sculpt the fur for each. I

thought this was time well invested to get Having lost one of their comrades already,
unique models. the crossbow armed regiment is bunched up
around the ruins, under attack from all sides.
After painting, I mounted models from each So, there you have it. Try as many different
regiment on two bases of MDF, each units in your army as you can, and
40x100mm. I find splitting the base makes it customise, customise, customise!
easy to access all the areas with the brush
when painting.
During position and assembly I attempt to

make the models interact to show what they
are doing at a certain point in the battle.
Dwarfs are always ready to fight either at
close quarters or at range, so I armed the
entire regiment with one type of weapon.
The regiment with axes and hammers I
imagined as wood cutters and huntsmen,
roaming through the landscape. The leader
is encouraging their relentless advance.
Crossbow armed regiment from the front. I used the Mantic leader and musician model but replaced their
weapons with crossbows.

Crossbow armed regiment from the rear. One Ranger has unsheathed his axe to slice up a foe that has
strayed too close.

Making the Special These conversions comprise fairly simple
components. I started with five dwarf
Weapon Corp models and the open hand Shieldbreaker
arms.
By Doug Newton-Walters The unit champion uses an arm from the

cannon sprue (Mr Pointy) for some extra
authoritarian gravitas. Important note:
After receiving my Kings of War kickstarter
Don't ,whatever you do, break off the pointy
with 15 Shieldbreakers in it, I was trying to
finger; Otherwise you'll have to re sculpt it
figure out what to do with the extra 5
like I did here....
dwarfs. First I thought perhaps I could get an
additional 5 to create a regiment, but as I've
I used the bare head from the cannon sprue
got plenty from the two crazy bags I got last
in the unit to give them some more variety.
Christmas, I decided to go with converting
them into heroes instead.
To highlight their engineering qualifications I
gave them goggles from the steel warriors.
So which to make? Well I'd just bought the
We all know engineers are chronic gogglers
king's council so the only model I didn't have
right? they'd probably be chronic googlers
was an engineer battle driller (ok so it's a
too if it existed (Using it to goggle at,
monster...). Seeing as how they're the
er ,engineering websites....)
cheapest melee unit in the dwarf army I
thought I might as well make five of them...
The rest of the components are varying sizes
but then I started thinking how cool it would
of plastic tube bought from Evergreen.
be to have a large infantry unit of engineers
with crazy weapons and these are the result.

The buzz saw and drill
components are taken from
GW Ork weapons, whilst the
triple shears are made from
bits of plasticard.
The backpacks, which are

supposed to be combustion
engines are larger bits of
plastic tube glued together in
interesting shapes.
Each weapon has a cable or

cables coming from it. This contains the mount them on 40mm bases which required
universal joint that provides torque to the a bit of decoration. With such gruesome
blade or drill. These were made with bits of weaponry I thought some strategically
guitar wire or thin plastic rod (~1mm or placed severed orc heads lying in pools of
4/3rds of a duck's toenail if you're using their own ichor would do the trick.
Imperial) and bent around.
I left the round base on their feet to give
Because they're either going to be used as them a more menacing profile, so that
Large Infantry or Monsters I decided to required building up sand around them so it
didn't look so obvious.
Painting
All my painting was done with Vallejo Game/
Model Colour and cheap black spray
undercoat.
Like all my Mantic dwarfs I decided to paint

them brown and bronze. This was chosen
mainly for speed as they can both be shaded
using the same colour.
First I undercoated them with a cheap matt

black spray. Anyone in Australia should be
familiar with Supercheap Auto and their
Export Paint which is ~$3.50 a can. I've been
undercoating all my models with this paint
for the last 10 years or so. I find it unethical
to pay a tonne for paint that's going under
everything else.

*:This is like drybrushing but with a wetter
brush. It leaves the paint underneath in the
cracks and covers the rest of the model.
Because the paint is wet it doesn't produce
a dusty or grainy effect. With practice you
can wetbrush with precision I wet brushed
the teeth on the dwarfs for example.
The whole model was washed with Sepia

shade, a rather strong dark brown wash.
To highlight the brown cloth I added heavy

goldbrown, with a final highlight adding
bonewhite.
The gloves belt, boots and weapon haft were

washed with black shade, making them
black. These were highlighted with a mix of
After that I 'wetbrushed* all of them with ghost grey and washed again.
Heavy Sienna. Vallejo's Heavy paints are
referred to as Extra Opaque because they These washes are pretty good at smoothing
have lots of pigment in them. highlights out. If you find yourself with really
harsh highlights another coat of the wash
I then painted their skin with heavy skintone can smooth it out.
and their armour with Model Colour Bronze.
The blades and backpacks were painted with The skin was highlighted with Model Colour
Gunmetal Metal. Salmon Rose, albeit rather watered down

and lightly applied.
The armour and metal was

brushed with their original
colours to pick out the edges.
The pipes were painted Sun

yellow and highlighted with
bonewhite.
Finally the lenses of the

goggles were painted
turquoise and highlighted
with a mix with ghost grey.
The bases were drybrushed with heavy The orc heads were given a coat of
warmgrey and a light brush of bonewhite on camouflage green and washed with a mix of
top. green shade and fleshtone shade and
highlighted with a wetbrush of dead flesh.
Lastly I glued green flock to

the base in small patches.
Because these are dwarfs
from rocky highlands, I
wanted a base that wasn't
grassy. So I washed the flock
with watered down white
paint to make it look a bit
flatter and paler. Hopefully it
looks halfway to the lichen I
was going for.
So that's about it. Now all

they need is some 'test
subjects' on which to violate
the Culloch Mor convention
on the humane
dismembering of enemy
combatants....

Blood Puddles
Back in 2000 I was painting a great unclean one and
wanted convincing slime trails and puddles without
spending tonnes on resins. I figured if I made a puddle
of PVA and painted that, it produced the desired
effect.
You'll find you'll want to put less PVA on than you

need. That's because it shrinks a lot when in large
amounts. A blob 5mm high will barely reach 2mm
after it dries. So don't worry if you get it in places you
didn't want, you can't really tell anyway.
Slap it on in the desired areas and wait for it to dry.

The undercoat it with the desired colour. I find with
blood that a mix of red and sepia/flesh wash applied
to red creates a really nice rich red colour. Paint
several coats of gloss varnish on it to increase the
sense of depth and maybe a few lighter red highlights.
This can be used for any fluid although it does look

better if you're trying to represent thick fluids unless
you're being careful about how you apply it. No need
for expensive resins if you don't want transparent
liquid, PVA does the trick.

Sergeant Nero -
Painting the Mantic
Orc Flagger
By Darren Lysenko
I think that painting any miniature well is a

challenge in itself. Though it may be less so
for 'gaming' miniatures, even if you're just
throwing on a base and a couple of
highlights to get an army on the table,
nobody sets out to paint a miniature badly -
Lord knows, you pay enough money for most
of them, why wouldn't you want them to
look as good as is realistically possible for the
purpose which they were intended?
Yes, painting miniatures well is a tricky.
This fact is even more true when the

miniature in question is painted for a
competition. After all, it's not just you who
is judging the final piece, or your client - it's
your peers, and I think that those are the
people you set out to impress the most.
Of course, all of this is a lot easier if the

miniature is a good one, and at the moment
I can think of no better miniature than
Mantic Games' stunning Orc Flagger. It's a which made the excitement of working on it
fantastic mini with so many different even more intense!
elements to have fun with - battered old
armor, large areas of orc-ish skin, flowing It was February 29th and the Chelmsford
cloth, matted fur, and (quite frankly) a Bunker's BunkerBrush2012 competition had
ridiculously massive sword which balances begun...
the large banner (a canvas in its own right)
perfectly.
I had just two weeks to paint and base this

model, a time-limit set by the competition

DAY ONE I'd like to apologize for the poor quality of
the WIP images, as they were taken in what
Before the competition began, entrants were can best be described as 'a great hurry'
allowed to clean up their miniatures and under 'poor lighting conditions' and usually
undercoat them, thought (obviously) no while I was waiting for something to dry...!
other painting was allowed.
I began by painting the armor as it was one
Due to the size of the banner, I decided to of the largest areas of the miniature. Unlike
paint it separately to the main body of the a lot of painters, I would rather paint skin
Flagger, though I did attach the sword arm. I tones last as I find it helps me to make sure
find it much easier to assemble as much as that these are the most eye-catching areas
you can of a mini before painting as long as of the model. It is vital that the face, above
the parts don't make it too difficult to paint all things, stands out.
into the deeper parts of the model. This
helps when trying to shade and highlight the I don't mind admitting that I'm a painfully
miniature, as well as making it easier to keep slow painter at the best of times and given
the color scheme consistent. (At this point, the short time available to complete the

the Boltgun Metal and painted those into all
of the darker areas, adding Chaos Black for
good measure when painting right between
the armor plates and at the base of the
sword, etc.
I then highlighted in three stages, adding Ice

Blue to Boltgun Metal, the using just Ice
Blue, then adding Skull White to that, and
then painting the 'hottest' areas of reflection
with pure Skull White.
At the end of DAY THREE, the iron armor was

all but complete and I moved onto the
bronze, beginning the base with a mix of
Shining Gold and Snakebite Leather, before
shading and highlighting in a similar way to
above (but mixing Necron Abyss to shade
and adding Bleached Bone to highlight)...
Flagger, I opted for a bit of an experiment
over any sort of 'straight' attempt at non- By the end of DAY FOUR, the metallics were
metallic metal (NMM). finished and Sergeant Nero was beginning to
take shape...
Instead of using a color base for the armor, I
actually used several thin coats of Boltgun
Metal paint, but,
crucially, I then shaded
and highlighted not
with other metallics,
but with standard
acrylics instead -
always, though,
keeping a touch of
Boltgun Metal in the
mix.
By DAY TWO, you can

see how this was
coming along. To
shade the armour, I
added Scorched Brown
and Blazing Orange to

After this photo was taken, and in a fit of
caffeine madness at around half-one in the
morning, I decided to basecoat all of the
deep-blue-black areas with Necron Abyss so
that come the fifth day, I was ready to run as
soon as my feet hit the ground...
DAY FIVE
While all this was going on, I had been taking

some time in-between various stages to
construct the base for the Flagger.
Sometime, sadly, fantastically-painted
miniatures can be let down when the ground
beneath them fails to live up to their
splendor. That's why I started to create the
base almost as soon as I started to paint the
model that it would sit under.
The rocks were all stones that came from my

garden, and the sand came from my

daughters' sand-pit (excitedly sprinkled on The shades and highlights on the blues were
by none other than my eldest!). In fact, very simply done by adding varying amounts
apart from the base itself and the of black to the Necron Abyss for the shades,
Battlefields Highland Tuft from The Army while highlighting up to Ice Blue (again).
Painter, I didn't need to spend any money (so
far) on the base. Painting it all was a very I find that it really helps with the look of a
relaxing distraction from the rigors of the model to try and use the same palette
faux-NMM armor of the Flagger, as it was throughout the paint job, always highlighting
painted entirely using various stages of and shading with the same colors in order to
drybrushing and washes, and nothing more. cement the coherency of all the separate
areas. Ice Blue is my color of choice for the
By the end of the day, I had also managed to entire Bloody Hells army, as I feel it lends a
all-but-finish the blues on the main coldness that works brilliantly with the snow
miniature and the banner section, with just -theme of their bases.
one or two more layers of highlighting
needed where they most caught the light. It was now DAY SIX and, time allowing for
any problems or delays, I was half-way
through the competition.

I still had no idea whether or not the mini
would be finished for the deadline, but as
most of the model had some paint on it, I
managed to convince myself that everything
would be fine.
After finishing the relatively small leather highlighted with Dwarf Flesh, then Bleached
areas, I pressed on with the 'mane' of the Bone before receiving a very thin Baal Red
cloak and the cloth, opting for quite a bright glaze.
orange color to counter the dull blues and
browns of the armor. So far, I was very excited about the way that
Nero was turning out, but also knew that
It was the end of the next day by the time I unless I could make the banner (almost half
had gotten this done to my satisfaction, and, the area of the miniature!) look just as good
looking at the shock of flame-colored fur, as what I'd done so far, the model simply
burning like a halo behind the Flagger's wouldn't work...
head, I decided that his name would be
'Sergeant Nero'...! I felt that perhaps it was time to think about
the Flagger's... um... flag!
The orange itself was based with Bestial
Brown and highlighted with Blazing Orange.
After two washes of Ogryn Flesh, it was

DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT
The Flagger's cloak is split into two parts, the

large mane at the top and the shorter hair
making up the majority of the cloak. Having
finished the mane already, it was time to
move onto the main cloak.
Now, everyone has their weakness -

Superman has Kryptonite, a Cyberman has
gold, Nicholas Cage has acting. My
weakness is fur. Don't get me wrong, I can
paint it, sure - but I certainly have to put a
lot more effort into it than anything else on a
mini.
I don't mind admitting that in the end, I was

less than happy with the back of the Flagger
- I had intended for the cloak to be the fur of
a lion or some such big cat, so I plumbed for
a sandy-yellowy-brown for the main body of
it.
Sadly, though painted relatively well, I found

that this color was completely at-odds with
the palette of the rest of the miniature - but

having already painted it three times and
being aware that there was scant time for
perfectionism (being more than half-way
into the competition time limit already), I
had to grit my teeth and just let the cloak lie.
If time allows in future, I would be sorely

tempted to re-paint the cloak a dirty grey-
blue. In retrospect, I actually think that this
would make the flaming-orange mane look

even better.
DAY NINE was the point in the competition

that I had really been looking forward to
since the start - the Orc flesh!
This stage is where a miniature goes from

being a bit of metal with some (hopefully)
nicely-painted bits on it, to being a living,
breathing character.
I always like the flesh of a miniature to shine

out a little bit brighter than the rest of it, so I
always tend to err on the lighter side of
caution.
For this reason, I basecoated the flesh with

Goblin Green, using lots of thin coats over
the Skull White undercoat, rather than one
thick coat. It takes
much more time to do,
obviously, but the
amount of detail this
preserves is well worth
all the effort!
Though in terms of
area, the skin was a
relatively small part of
the miniature, I spent a
total of almost six
hours working on it to
get it right.
At the risk of repeating

previous posts
(Mantic's Goblin Sneek
springs to mind...), the
skin was shaded and
highlighted with lots of
blue tones, giving the
flesh a cold look that
would fit in well with

(Meanwhile, back at the Orc...) I painted the
highlights in two color stages; a 1:1 mix of
Goblin Green and Ice Blue and then finally,
pure Ice Blue.
DAY TEN
With all of the 'main' work done on the

miniature, it was time to begin work on the
actual design for the banner.
It was very easy to get carried away on the

Flagger himself, without realizing that the
actual flag was just as important!
the snow-themed base that I had planned. The image on the right shows the banner
after I 'pencilled-in' the design using a thin
I added a touch of Liche Purple and Necron coat of Skull White, to give a strong, light
Abyss to the original green, painting very base for the design.
thinly into the recesses over several coats,
adding more Necron Abyss for the second, Inspired by the flaming mane of hair on the
deeper, shading pass. cloak, I decided to opt for something similar
on the banner. Rolling flames, crashing like
It's important to note that (though red waves across the banner... perfect!
everybody has a different way of blending),
you don't need your paint to be wet on the Or so I thought
mini when you blend, nor do you need to
continually alter the shade seven, eight, or I got about half-way into painting the
nine times to get a smooth transition 'flames' when I realized that I'd made a huge
between your colors. All you need is thin mistake with the design. Even though I
paint and a lot of patience. hadn't done any highlighting yet, I could tell
that the design just wouldn't work. The red
The trick is to have your paint so thin that and the blue just clashed terribly and the
when you put it on, you virtually can't see it flames became lost in the undulating banner.
(seriously). As long as you make sure that
you don't 'pool' the paint on and that the That was annoying to say the least.
area is completely dry before you add more,
after fifteen, maybe twenty extremely thin The outline in the first picture seemed to be
applications, the translucency of the paint rather prophetic, as you can see from the
will have done all the hard work and you'll finished banner below!
have a really nice, smooth, blend.
White worked so much better than the red
because it actually dominates the flag, rather

than clashing with the background. It also is miniature.
more in-keeping with the overall snow
theme of the miniature. The snow on the base was applied in three
very thick 'gloopy' coats to allow it to 'flow'
I've not done a tremendous amount of over the sides of the rocks, rather than just
freehand banners, so this was definitely a cling to them like a thin layer of dust. I
learning experience for me, but a welcome basically mixed PVA glue with an equal
one all the same. amount of Skull White and applied it only to
the horizontal surfaces, being careful to
DAY ELEVEN avoid any areas that would have been
shielded from snow-fall. The addition of
By now, the banner and the Flagger himself white to the PVA is very important as the
were finished, so all that remained were for glue on its own will dry transparent and the
me to finish off the last few bits of the base, resulting look is more grey than white.
and of course glue the banner to the main Afterwards, I liberally coated all of the snow

with Citadel 'Ardcoat to give it a realistic And of course, if you want to know more
shine and take away the dry, powdery look. about Flare Miniature Painting, you can visit
Finally, to finish off, I painted on the blood our website!
splatters. These were simply done by
painting thinned Blood Red onto the affected
areas before adding Chaos Black to it and
then painting this onto the areas where the
blood would be the thickest. Finally, more
'Ardcoat was carefully painted on to give the
blood that tell-tale glisten.
And that's it! One Mantic Orc Flagger!
You can take a look at the finished model in

the Flare Gallery if you want to see more
pictures of the finished miniature. Please let
me know what you think!

A Tale of Orcs
and Dwarves.
By Chris Cousen and Stuart Smith
Chris and I have been gaming together now

for over 25 years, collecting, painting and
even swapping many a figure over that time.
Despite changing jobs making me move
further away and family pressures meaning
that we dont get to game as often as we
would like, it is a rare pleasure to be
savoured whenever our armies get chance to
meet. By Chris Schlumpberger
We currently live the best part of a 2 hour

drive away from each other but manage to
of War using our slowly growing Orc and
squeeze in about 3 or 4 gaming days each
Dwarf armies. The small number of figures
year.
and units we have completed for these
armies led to us opting to play two 600 point
Our current favourite rules include Kings of
games. We used my rules for small battles
War and Warpath both of which have led
(published in an earlier issue of Ironwatch)
to many phone calls and e-mails plotting our
to help select the scenarios with the
next armies and our next games.
understanding that the victor of the first
scenario would have his force boosted by
Recently Chris drove up to my house for a
being able to select one of the random cards
day of gaming where we opted to play Kings
The Armies
The Dwarf Army: Stuart The Orc Army: Chris
Dwarf King 130 pts Orc Krudger 120 pts
20x Dwarf Ironclads, full command 135 pts Orc Flagger 30 pts
10x Ironwatch, rifles 115 pts Healing Charm 30 pts
5x Dwarf Brockriders, with Pipes of Terror 135 20x Orc Greataxes, full command 130 pts
1x Dwarf Ironbelcher 85 30x Orc Axes, full command 190 pts
Total 600 pts 5x Orc Sniffs 50 pts
5x Orc Sniffs 50 pts
Total 600 pts

Dwarven Battle Line, Turn 1
Orc Battle Line, Turn 1

I have designed for the game
(also in an earlier issue of
Ironwatch).
The host on our gaming days

usually provides lunch so I
opted for the ease of baked
potatoes, planned for the
end of the first game. This
provided much merriment
when I realised that I had
turned on the large oven
having placed the potatoes
in the small oven! We
enjoyed our lunch,
somewhat late part way Orcs entering the stone ruins, Turn 2
through game 2 thanks to
the microwave. I was obviously too Stone Circle scenario with the stone circle
engrossed in our games to notice which oven placed in the centre of the table amidst the
I was switching on. numerous woods and hills. We were ready to
play... but I did remove a few pieces of
Whilst waiting for Chris to arrive my scenery once the girls had gone to school.
daughters helped out by rolling for the
scenario and placing the scenery on the The Battle of the Stones
table for me. The girls rather over did the Battle Report written by Chris.
scenery but we ended up with a Capture the
Turn 1
As both armies approached the stones, the
Orc scouts sneaked forwards to try to seize
the prize early. The rest of the Orc army
followed them at full speed. The sniffs facing
the goat/gruff riders loosed their arrows and
to everyones surprise caused some
casualties (1 D).
Turn 2
In response the dwarf Ironclads ran as fast as
their little legs could take them, but couldnt
quite reach the stone circle. The guns of the
Ironwatch rang out, but caused only minor
damage (1D) to the sniffs opposite, and the
By Darren Lysenko
cannon missed the massive target of the

Horde completely. circle.
Turn 3 Turn 4
The sniffs in the stone circle charged through The Ironclads, no doubt expecting an easy
at the Ironclads, but the uneven ground victory, charged the hapless sniffs, who
would make their attack less effective. Their cowered behind the stones in dread
companions continued to shoot at the goat anticipation. On the other side of the
riders, again causing some damage to the battlefield the Gruff riders charged the other
hairy riders. The remainder of the Orc army sniffs whilst the Ironwatch shot at the Horde,
advanced, but the Flagger was disappointed inflicting minimal damage (1D). The cannon
to realise he couldnt see the sniffs to use his crew were too busy arguing (apparently over
Healing Charm on them (maybe he wanted the correct way to cook potatoes) to shoot
to stay out of sight of the dwarf guns?). Just straight, the ball flying wide of the mark as
outside the stone circle the sniffs fought like the Orc horde jeered at them. The charge of
a bunch of elves and failed to hit anything, the Ironwatch inflicted many casualties on
retreating in disappointment back into the the sniffs in the circle, but they bravely held
Orc Sniffs attack the Dwarf Ironclads, Turn 3

their position; the dwarves
grumbling as they retreated
and prepared for the
inevitable counter attack.
The Gruff Riders were luckier,
slashing about themselves in
a rain of blood and limbs
they soon put the remaining
sniffs to flight (8D), then, to
more jeering and chicken
noises, they stumbled back
away from the horde.
Turn 5
The remaining sniffs in the
stone circle charged the
Ironwatch again, their Orc Greataxes charge the Dwarf Ironclads, Turn 7
enthusiasm due, no doubt, to
the presence of the fearsome Greataxes thud. The Ironclads made short work of the
moving up just behind them. The horde sniffs in the stone circle (3D), the few
charged the Gruff riders, making chicken remaining fled the field. The Ironwatch and
noises all the time, whilst the flagger slunk the Gruff Riders smashed into the horde, but
off round the building on the flank, using his despite the casualties (7D) they held, just
charm to heal the wounds taken earlier by (wavering). Fortunately, the Dwarf King
the horde. To the right of the Greataxes, Amlodi, the Bringer of Sorrows proved as
Goreax spied his rival trying to hide behind effective as his artillery and failed to harm
the Ironclads, and bellowing a challenge, Goreaxe.
charged into the surprised Dwarf King,
Amlodi. The Orcs fought hard, but a Turn 7
combination of tough dwarven armour and Despite the horde being temporally out of
having to fight in cramped quarters (the action, Goreaxe knew that he could still win.
sniffs and the horde both had a -1 penalty With a shout of follow me lads he charged
for being disrupted) meant that little was into the Ironclad dwarves, no doubt leaving
done in the end. (The sniffs caused 2D, the the king somewhat surprised. The Greataxes
horde did 3D and Goreaxe did 1D). Amazed hit the front of the Ironclads whilst the
at their lack of success, or the dwarfs flagger continued his lone mission round the
tenacity, the Orcs shuffled backwards and side of the building, pausing only to use his
prepared for the dwarven charge. healing charm again to assist the horde. The
combined attack on the Ironclads was
Turn 6 sufficient to drive them away, despite the
The Orc jeering and shouting stopped as the kings desperate pleas to them to stay. The
dwarves hit home with a bone crunching Greataxes then turned to face the flank of

the dwarf kings persistence,
Goreaxe ran at him, axe
raised. Although the flagger
damaged the cannon, its
crew bravely held their
positions. The horde did
better, after a whirlwind of
green arms and bloody axes
(5D) the last few Gruff Riders
galloped away. Despite being
hit in the flank, the Ironwatch
sustained few casualties, (1D)
and held (snake eyes on the
nerve test). Amlodi, the
Dwarf King likewise shrugged
off the damage Goraxe
By Dusty caused (snake eyes again).
the Ironwatch.
Turn 10
Turn 8 Amlodi picked his target carefully and
Despite the threat of the Greataxes, the charged the Greataxes; the Ironwatch
Ironwatch joined the Gruff Riders in charging charged the horde, while the cannon crew
the horde. The king chanced his hammer nervously hefted their ramrods. Despite the
against Goreaxe again, while the cannon king killing a few of the Greataxes (2D), they
crew were delighted to see the flagger in held firm. The fight seemed to have gone
their sights, but once again failed to hit out of the rest of the dwarves, and they
either the flagger or the door of the barn failed to do anything worthwhile.
behind him. The Ironwatch proved
ineffective, but the Gruff Riders were able to Turn 11
slay some of the horde (2D). Perhaps Seizing the initiative the flagger slew one of
confused after their last melee, the horde the cannon crew, the rest fled. Both the
began to shuffle backwards (double 6 nerve Greataxes and the horde slammed into the
test), but caught sight of their armys Ironwatch. Despite causing little actual
standard (reroll, double 5) and held firm. damage (1D) it was enough to break the
The King was able to wound Goreaxe, but he dwarves who tripped over their beards in
just shrugged it off. their haste to escape. Goreaxe once more
wounded the King, but, no doubt distracted
Turn 9 by the Orcs victory cheers, he failed to stop
The flaggers purpose became clear as he ran the Amlodi escaping. No doubt he would be
towards the cannon whilst the horde back, but for now victory, and the stone
charged the Gruff Riders and the Greataxes circle, belonged to the Orcs.
hit the flank of the Ironwatch. Annoyed by

The Dwarves Strike Back! confidently as they were hit (at long last) by
Battle report written by Stuart. a good shot from the dwarf cannon (a roll of
6).
Young King Amlodi, infuriated by his losses at
the stone circle hastily assembled a new Thankfully for the Dwarves, their Gruffs
Dwarven assault force. Dragging a new arrived (at the start of turn 2). Another good
cannon and crew along with them Amlodi cannon shot (another 6) added to the Orcs
sent a unit of Brock Riders (that look like damage causing them to waver and the
goats and answer to the name of Gruffs) to Gruffs soon charged across the battlefield
scout out the Orc position. hitting them in the flanks (I didnt have
enough dice for that attack, I had to throw
Having found where the victorious Orcs two handfuls of dice).
were partying Amlodi sent his Gruffs on a
flanking manoeuvre little realising that the This left Thudger and his pesky Flagger on
Orcs had likewise split their forces. With the their own apart from their relief force, which
Orcs busy guzzling whatever foul brew it is had by now arrived. The Dwarves turned
that they enjoy and singing rude songs the their attention onto this new threat. Another
Dwarves had plenty of time to deploy in a good cannon shot (a 5 this time) and an
good position allowing them a better field of excellent round of rifle fire from the
fire than in the previous battle and then...the Ironwatch Dwarves soon discouraged that
Orcs spotted the threat. threat which rather rapidly melted away. At
this point the Dwarf King was seen to dance
Once again, the Orcs still led by Thudger the his happy dance!
Krudger swarmed forward. Rather over
Game 2 Battle Lines

Firstly both games were
played in a great spirit of
friendly competition. We
were both willing to point
out rules that helped our
opponents (although both
of us forgot that the dwarf
cannon had grapeshot
when my Orc flagger was
standing right in front of
it!) The dwarf army
seemed balanced, though
after the first battle we
both agreed the cannon
was a waste of points; yet
it proved its worth in the
The Orcs and their Krudger move forward
more open killing fields of
the second battle. I was
generally pleased with my
With the final turn looming the Dwarven Orcs, the sniffs did what they do best, dying
King, Amlodi led his Ironclads in a charge on to protect the main units and holding up the
Thrudger and his Flagger who after a brief enemy ready for charges from the horde.
melee turned tail and fled . However, trying to be clever in the second
game stopped me doing this. If both units of
With the Orc force
thoroughly routed King
Amlodi led his troops home
hoping that by now his
baked potato was finally
cooked? It was a much
longer way home for
Thrudger!
Conclusion
So a very good day, the four
hours drive was easily worth
it for the two great games
we got in. As Stuart has
written the introduction I get
to finish off with a
conclusion, so here goes.
Dwarven Gruffs prepare to charge the Orc flank

sniffs had been in front of
the horde it would have
been shielded from the
dwarf missiles; wouldnt
have been wavered, and so
would have been able to turn
to face the Gruff Riders. As it
was, my divided army failed
to support itself and was
easily torn to pieces by the
dwarves. Some Gore Riders
would help, but the rest of
the army works well, so I
dont know what I would
drop to make room. Theres
been quite a bit of talk on
the forums about banners The Dwarves rout the Orc commander
and musicians. There were
several instances where my banners saved Definitely 25 points per unit well spent in my
my units, and on at least two occasions I opinion.
routed dwarves by one point thanks to a
musician and the lack of Dwarven command. 600 points gave us enough for the battles to
be interesting without them
taking ages. I was surprised
at how fast the second battle
was, less than an hour in
total. More open terrain
probably helped, though it
probably led to my downfall
as well. Since I set up the
terrain I cant blame anyone
else.
Whats next? Well I hope we

will get another gaming day in
around Easter. Probably
600pts again to try and fit two
games in. I will be using my
Orcs again, as Goreaxe the
Thrudger flees out of
dwarven lands he may well
By Darren Lysenko head into elven territory and

By Chris Schlumpberger
hes sure to collect a band of troops around

him as he goes. If only we had more time or
more opportunity I would suggest a small
game followed by a larger battle, but I
suspect that will have to wait until we are
both retired.

Finding I use other sources to get a better picture. I
find reference books from the local library,
Inspiration websites and documentaries are useful for
from Historical maps and detailed descriptions to help
create my scenario. So, if you do not read
Fiction historical fiction already, here are three of
my top authors.
By Neil Dixon
Bernard Cornwell
When looking for inspiration and ideas for I cannot help finding
my Kings of War battles, historical fiction has ideas from Cornwells
to be at the top of my list. I find reading a action packed
narrative of a battle aides me in visualising literature. As well as
how it took place. When there is a great the celebrated Sharpe
story and characters involved, it fires up my series, based in the
imagination even more. Napoleonic era, he has
written in in settings
The good thing about finding inspiration from Arthurian to the
from historical battles is that you have a American Civil War. My
readymade map, objectives, victory favourite novel he has written has to be
conditions and even ideas for characters. Stonehenge. Inside are some great ideas for
After re-reading the description in the novel, an ambush featuring troops yet to be
By imm0rtal reaper
in vivid detail, and would
make excellent ideas for Kings
of War scenarios. Even the
tactics of the differing armies
are illustrated. The Mongol
horsemen were excellent at
harassing the foe, feigning
weakness, and drawing them
to commit to an attack at a
disadvantage. They would
then launch headlong into an
assault and annihilate them.
The series would also serve as
By Boris Samec a great basis for a map
blooded and a rescue of a fair maiden, which campaign. In the series, Genghis sets out to
would both make great small scale Fantasy first dominate other Mongolian tribes,
scenarios. There is no doubt that Cornwell extends his conquests to Central Asia and
also creates excellent characters, usually Eastern Europe. It would be easy to
rogues with good intentions at heart. substitute the armies described in the book
Thomas of Hookton in the Grail Quest series for Kings of War forces and you have a series
is one of my favourites. An English archer of linked battles, ready to fight.
with a mysterious past, he has forgone the
church and has instead taken the life of war Jack Hight
to seek the Holy Grail. A mind set easily The Saladin Trilogy is
adaptable for any good-aligned Kings of War set in the Crusades the
character. Franks launched in the
holy land where they
Conn Iggulden fought the Muslims. It
The Conqueror series describes how Saladin
describes Genghis rose to power, and his
Khan, and how he ambition to retake
redrew the map in Jerusalem. There are
the thirteenth some great
century, whilst the descriptions of how the Franks, who were
Emperor series not equipped for the heat and terrain of the
focuses on the Middle East, would often suffer from the
Roman Empire. Both unseen enemy of fatigue, hunger and thirst.
are epic, but the Making rules for attrition would add some
latter contains back great flavour to your Kings of War campaigns
stabbing politics and ruthless power and battles, and reading the novel helped
struggles, all great fictional fodder. Khans me visualise the effect it would have on an
battles in the Conqueror series are described army. Descriptions of sieges are also

By dusty
prominent, and could be used in a Kings of side of the water, his rockets would see to
War context. them no problem.
Adapting Historical Battles to Create Or so he thought

Scenarios
Here I recreate the Battle of Mohi, described The historical battle involved an invading
in the Conqueror series by Conn Iggulden. I Mongol army, pursuing a Hungarian force.
first paraphrased the description of the The Hungarians were camped at the Sajo
battle, ensuring I got a picture each army River, believing they were facing a
objective in my mind. I then set about Mongolian army that opposed little threat.
recreating these objectives within Kings of Ignorant that a significantly larger number of
War, resulting in what I think is an interesting troops than they realised lay further afield,
and flavourful scenario. the Hungarians struck out, hoping the catch
the Mongols by surprise at night. They
The Scenario - Battle of Mohi in Kings of caught a Mongol force crossing the bridge,
War ready for a dawn attack.
Captain Mikhail squinted at the river through The Hungarians were victorious, defeating
his eyeglass. He relaxed in his saddle, the Mongol raiding force with crossbowmen.
chuckled to himself, and started setting up A contingent was left guarding the bridge,
his smoking pipe. Overnight he had foiled an whilst the remaining Hungarians retreated to
attempted ambush. The dawn mist had risen, their camp to celebrate their victory. The
and the bearded ones were now preparing Mongols sent a force of catapults with the
for another attack. There was no way he main force to dislodge the crossbowmen and
could lose this battle he thought. His scouts retake the bridge. The superior Mongolian
reported how the half men looked tough, but that was not scouted by the Hungarians
his force outnumbered them nearly two to force was sent to outflank the Hungarian
one. With his best troops defending the army, building an additional crossing to the
bridge, his main force would enjoy a leisurely south of the river.
breakfast of roast hog stolen from the village
in which his army had fortified and made The Hungarians were defeated at the bridge,
camp. If a few half men straggled over this retreated and alerted the main army of a

raid. Half the force was mobilised, but were Terrain
overwhelmed by the main Mongol force. Bridge: Wide enough for one regiment to
Meanwhile, the second Mongol force in the move across at no penalty, counts as difficult
south launched a counter attack in the flank, terrain for hordes. The north bridge is an
which decimated the Hungarians. objective.
During the playtest, I fought as the attacker Woods: Count as difficult terrain.
with my Dwarfs. Kingdom of Men
substituted for the Hungarians as defenders. River Sajo: Count as impassable.
Any armies can be used, though you may
have to modify elements of the scenario to Village of Mohi: Contains four houses,
achieve a balanced game. treated as normal buildings. Each is an
objective.
Armies & Set up
The attacking force is 1800 points, and the Walls: Treat as obstacles.
defending force is 1300 points. Use a 6 x 4
table. The defender dedicates at least one Starting the Battle
unit, and approximately up to 25% of their Each player rolls a dice, the lowest rolling
total army points to defending the bridge. player setting up a unit first. Each army then
The attacker must split his force in two, takes it in turns to place their units. The
dedicating approximately 50% of the total defender can deploy from forces A or C. The
army points to attacking from the south east, attacker only deploys force D. Force B is
and 50% attacking from the north. The main engaged building an additional river crossing
defending force sets up in the south west to outflank the defending army. The force
corner. sets up at the start of turn 2.
Setup
Both players roll a dice. The
player with the highest
chooses whether to take the
first turn.
Victory Conditions
A. The army which has at
least one unit (not
individuals) within 3 of
the bridge, with no enemy
units within 3 of the
bridge at the end of the
battle scores 180 victory
points.
By Michael Defranco
B. Killing the most
expensively pointed
character in the opposing army scores C. Each house counts as 180 victory points
victory points equivalent to the cost of for the army which has at least one unit
the character multiplied by two. If two or (not individuals) within 3, and there are
more characters in one or both armies no enemy units within 3 of the house at
are equal points, randomise before the end of the battle. A single unit can
deployment which is the target. only capture one house.
The army which has most victory points at

the end of the game wins.
Game Length
At the end of turn 6 roll a D6. On a roll of 4
or more the game continues for one more
turn.
By left64

clouds passed, rendered
imperceptible by velocity,
making way for a landscape
made dark by smoke and
blood.
Below, snaking down the

centre of a rift valley, a line of
infantry and armour
clambered like ants over the
wrecked landscape to reach
their enemy. The scene was
there for a fraction of a
second before the missile,
descending at ear-splitting
speed, hit the ground like
gods fist.
The impact killed hundreds,

shredding skin with debris
By Boris Samec and burning the air in their
lungs. Thousands more were
thrown from their feet as the ground shook,
Last of
symptomatic of a foreign object invading the
body of a planet.
the Brokkyr
The bomb dug. Its final layer of protection,
elongated, toothed and rotating, buried
down, using the massive momentum of the
fall to push the ordnance further and further.
By Michael Grey The impressive inertia was brought to heel
by the planets iron-heavy crust, and the
The ordnance punctured the atmosphere. object stopped.
Successive layers of ablative armour
disintegrated under pressurised friction, And exploded.
protecting the payload as it blasted through
exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, Robbed of air, sound energy altered its
stratosphere. nature adding to the expanding wave of
force outward and upward.
It made airfall, rending the sky with a crack
like thunder, leaving tracts of burning oxygen The mantel shook, cracked, split. Giant
in short lived contrails. Thunderheads and fissures opened on the surface. The battle

above stopped as the ground opened up. was more important than grovelling in the
The valley rolled under the dirt. There was no stone
death throes of a planet. Above the air burned above his head. He was
And if any were in the here, out in the open, and
position to pull their eyes with a sudden there were other things
up they would see more crosshatch of which would kill him if he
contrails, burning down did not move.
from the sky to pound into
laser fire He pushed himself up,
the earth. forced a step. And another.
**** Behind him, far behind, were cries. Anger

and pain mixed in their curiously similar
Bruun fell to his knees. The earth shook, tones. Say what you would of the humans;
bucking in great hiccups. Training told him they made the same sounds as Bruuns
to cover his head or find the nearest bolt people when shot.
hole, but his senses told him this was more
than an artillery barrage. There were no But these sounds were too close, their
impact reports, and it went on longer than it position made indeterminate by battles
should. discord, and he had his message.
The shaking intensified, and an ancestral fear He ran, keeping low. Above the air burned
gripped him cold. with a sudden crosshatch of laser fire. Too
high to be meant for him, but still he pushed
Earthquake. his legs harder.
He closed his eyes and pushed the fear The sky was blinded by filthy clouds, black
down. He had his message to deliver. That and purple with chemical fires. The sun was

put out and he would not be
able to navigate by that. But
he had excellent senses with
direction. All his people did.
All he had to do was-
Something landed metres

behind. Something big. The
ground shook and he began
to fall again, but was saved
from that when whatever it
was exploded. Bruun was
saved by some upthrust of
earth, the rock taking the
brunt of the shockwave, but
not enough that he was not
picked up and flung like a
doll.
Time slowed, the lay of the

land revealed itself as he
flew, allowing him in some By Boris Samec
dumb when I land state of
mind to appreciate where he should run and arm. Inside it was hollow and inlayed with a
where the enemy lay. And then he became soft blue cloth. The blue of Brokkyr.
aware of the cliff edge rising up to meet him.
It felt like he fell through sap, the crag
approaching at a leisurely pace. But he He could not bring his
could not bring his arms forward. He would arms forward. He would
hit that cliff, and there was nothing he could
do about it.
hit that cliff, and there was
nothing he could do
He struck it chest first. The impact blew the about it
air from his lungs and brought time up to
speed. His head struck then, his helmet His mother held the lid open. He could not
saving his life as his skull thumped inside it, see the hinges. A secret of the Brokkyr craft
sending his vision and his world black. hall, one they would not share, along with
the technique for its locking. Once the lid
**** was closed, it would never again open.
His mother held out the box. It was a simple There was a finality in that thought. One
thing; a quartz oblong, half the length of his which reached beyond the box itself, and

rubbed against his mind trying to get his Along with his few sisters. They radiated out
attention. in a half circle from their mother. Some
were smiling at him, supportive,
Bruun looked up at his mother. Her eyes, so encouraging. Some, those for the most part
usually reserved for critique and wearing marshal uniform, were not. Most
disappointment, wrinkled at the corners in a noticeable were those not there. It was for
way he could only assume was pride. It them, and the reason their absence, he was
would only be a guess because he had only there now. Standing before an empty box.
seen it when she held similar boxes, almost He looked into it once more. It seemed
identical, in the same ceremony for his other deeper on the inside than its dimensions
brothers who had taken up arms for Brokkyr. should allow. A lights trick, perhaps?
Many of those brothers were here now. Perhaps.
Should his physical body The thought almost made him smile. But
not return, he would here, now, in this place, it was not
appropriate.
forever remain here
among What the box would contain was him. The
essence of him. Once closed it would be

placed in the familys vault, with his He looked his mother in the eye, raised his
brothers, uncles and sires, reaching back hand to his mouth, and breathed into the
through generations. And, should his half formed fist. He moved his hand to just
physical body not return, he would forever above the box and opened his fingers.
remain here among the Brokkyr.
The box snapped shut with a sound like
He had walked that vault many times before.
More than was necessary, socially speaking. ****
Rows upon rows of shelves, of boxes, of
etched plaques. All looking down on him. It The sounds of battle
was comforting. More than once he found raged. Chugging
himself speaking to the boxes of his brothers
who had not returned, finding solace in the
automatic fire and the
thought they could hear him. sharp report of higher
But now, looking at the box held up by his
calibre rounds.
expectant mother, it looked like nothing
more than an empty box. And he wondered
if it was meant for him, or for his family. an explosion which brought him back to
consciousness. He opened his eyes. Closed
them again, painful under the
gun metal sky. Clouds hung
low, brooding under a weight
of chemical smoke, but even
so it hurt to look.
He blinked tears and rolled

onto his side. Pain
constricted his muscles and
he felt like vomiting. He
choked the urge back and
rose to his knees, and then
his feet.
His message!
He checked. Still there, safe

and sound.
He orientated himself, and

began to move. First with
By Boris Samec hesitance; testing each

footfall, fearful of twisting an ankle or worse, making for the bombers.
making his journey all the more difficult;
then with alacrity. He broke into a loping jog A prescience made him focus on the centre
he could keep up for days. missile. It swiftly outpaced the other two,
reaching forward as if in eagerness. He
knew what would happen before it did.
He dare not look back,
putting all his focus The missile caught the rearmost Valkyr
almost playfully, and exploded with a licking
into running ball of orange fire. The flyer bucked, tipped
nose-first as its hind reared.
To his right the sounds of battle raged.
Chugging automatic fire and
the sharp report of higher
calibre rounds. But that was
it off to the north and the
intervening ground muted
the noise, muffling it until it
held a strangely dreamlike
quality. One he could ignore
as he ran.
The air above him tore as two

Valkyr bombers streaked
towards the front. Low
enough that he could see
their payload doors open to
drop hurt on the humans. He
could have whooped and
punched the air as the
bomblets released and rained
down.
A staccato cracking told him
the munitions hit as the
Valkyrs banked, turning back
towards him. That was when
he saw them. Three missiles,
their trail of smoke and fire
larger than the warheads,
rose up from some unseen
patch of ground to the north
and changed trajectory, By Chris Schlumpberger

By Boris Samec
Bruun thought they were returning to rearm, the nose crashed into the other side with a
but a second payload detonated in the ground shaking explosion.
bombers rear, peeling the
armour apart and shattering its Who can say? Alive.
nubbed front end free. The humans, they
He was alive!
It was that end which quickly reach for what they
lost its altitude, and fell towards want, and they He stood on unsteady legs,
Bruun.
want everything and looked up to see
humans staring at him.
He ran. He thought he was
running fast before, but now he hauled ****
himself over the broken ground as if he had Commander Huscarl Dron gave them the
no breath of later. He dare not look back, news. He did it as he should; levelly, with no
putting all his focus into running. inflection, trusting in Bruun and Dvalinn to
take it as Brokkyr. Especially so now.
He risked a swift look. The burning flyers
nose was close enough for him to read the Dvalinn blinked. All of them?
chassis runes.
Huscarl Dron nodded. Im afraid so, lad.
Before him the ground rose sharply, an
upthrust of rock around a huge impact Dvalinn accepted the confirmation with a
crater. He threw himself up, grabbed, nod and shifted his stare to empty air. He
pulled, and fell down the opposite bank as was broken. It may not show on the outside,

opposite side. That one
appeared deflated and pale,
even for a human. Its bare
face looked at him in a way
that was too pained to care of
his arrival. The next was on
its knees before the first. It
wore the white tabard of the
humans apothecaries, with a
bloodied palm print soaking
the fabric. It held some kind
of implement in its hands and
what could have been a
fearful look on its face.
but Bruun knew his battle brother, and
Dvalinn would be forever ruined. The third, the last, was standing, and held
one of their impossibly thin rifles.
An what say you, lad? Bruun had been
unaware the Huscarl was looking at him, His roll down the craters side came to an
unaware he had said nothing. It was all too end and Bruun stood, half crouched, ready
huge. Too numbing. What was there to say? to run but scared what that would prompt.
He managed to croak, Why? He had his message. It had to get through.
And he had no weapons.
Who can say? The humans, they reach for

what they want, and they want everything. It had looked for authority
Brokk was just in their way. They and not raised its weapon.
bombarded it from orbit. Theres nothing
that could have been done. That spoke of fear, and
fear was unpredictable
I want, began Dvalinn, then stopped,
turned away, thought on this words, then
looked back. I want revenge. The closest human, the one with the rifle,
seemed as unsure as Bruun. He flicked a
The Huscarls moustache curled up in the look back to the apothecary then back to
grimmest of smiles. You will have that him. A visor covered his face so Bruun could
chance. only guess at its intentions, but it had looked
for authority and not raised its weapon.
**** That spoke of fear, and fear was
unpredictable.
There were three of them. Two were on the
craters floor, one propped against the

Could he reach the human
before it fired? He judged
the distance. It looked too
far. And if its friends decided
to join in he would surely
die.
The decision was made when

it went to raise its rifle. Its
body gave the intention away
before the weapon moved, a
tensing around its middle
and slight squat in its thighs.
Bruun was at a dead run
before the rifle barrel could
come up. The humans
always seemed unready for
how quickly his kind could
move, and this one was no
exception. It panicked at his
charge and fired too soon.
The blasts ate the ground
before Bruuns legs, kicked
dirt up into his face. He ran
on, ignored the stinging in
his eyes and jumped. By Boris Samec
There was a wet crunch as He heaved with all his strength, bringing his
the windpipe collapsed and weight up and then down. The force
overcame the humans muscles and the rifle
the kicking stopped. dropped until the barrel was across its
throat. Bruun kept pushing down, pushing
and pushing. A wet grinding shook through
His greater mass barrelled the human over. the rifle and up his arms as the weapon
They fell with Bruun on its chest. The human choked the human. It struggled under him,
brought its hand up in defence, the rifle now kicking, its hands alternately trying to push
the bone of contention between them. the barrel up or reach for Bruuns face. Its
Bruuns hands gripped the weapon on either mouth was open, issuing wet gasps. Bruun
side of the humans. It tried to force the did his best to ignore them. It made the
barrel around to Bruuns face, Bruun forcing human too too like him and his own.
it back.

The life was leaching out of the human, and That that blasted landscape of chaotic
at the last Bruun closed his eyes and pushed violence, Bruun saw the humans hand
harder. There was a wet crunch as the tremble.
windpipe collapsed and the kicking stopped.
Only then did Bruun open his eyes. And He neither shook or nodded his head. He
remember the other two. didnt know if the human would recognise
either gesture. He simply stood, dropped
They had not moved. The the rifle, and left the
one lying down did not look Bruun had seen too crater.
able, but the apothecary was many battles to
armed, a pistol strapped to
one thigh. But it had not
count...Where one ****
moved, the instrument he fight would meld into

held before was still in its another, did you Commander Huscarl Dron
hands. When Bruun looked was dead now. His own
at them it shifted slightly, count that as promise of vengeance
moving between him and one or two? unfulfilled, cut short by
the injured human. An oddly anti-aircraft fire. Bruun
empathetic gesture which spoke to Bruun. was beside Dron in the drop craft. The
violent bucking of a ship air-breaking
He could reach them before the apothecary through atmosphere suddenly took on a
reached his pistol, he was sure of that. Or he more serious, less predictable character, just
could use the rifle in his hands. Instead he before the aircraft split in two, severing
just looked. down the middle between Bruuns seat and
Huscarl Drons. No squeal of metal, no
When he did not move the apothecary lifted incandescent. One moment they were
one hand up, palm towards him. together, holding onto the restraints and
By Skolo
By Boris Samec
trying to take some of the buffeting in their It had not been the glorious death Dvalinn
arms, the next air whistled in Bruuns ears, wanted. A night time camp. An errant
tugged at his hair. To one side, where sniper. Dvalinn was there; standing, talking,
Huscarl Dron and the rest of his battle brooding. Dvalinn. A flash and a crack and
brothers had been was a roiling vortex of Dvalinn fell. One shot took from the
biting night air and the hint of a shadow universe Bruuns last connection to his
disappearing into the clouds. home. To who he was.
Dvalinn was dead too. The war for the

Brokkyr home worlds heaved on, taking in
This far from the front
every patch of rocky ground in the systems sentries were few and
and the gulfs of space between. Together Bruun slipped between
Dvalinn and Bruun had seen too many
battles to count. Literally, too many. Where their cocky patrols easily
one fight would meld into another, did you
count that as one or two? However many
they were, Dvalinn had been at his side. Dvalinn was gone, and then there was only
him. The last of the Brokkyr.
They were the last two. There was never a
question it could be any other way.
****
Dvalinn at least had accounted for some of
He was close now. The end of his journey,
the humans invading their home. But what
where he would deliver his message.
were a few dozen enemy in the face of
hundreds of thousands?
Before him a command tower rose. Matt
dark, seeming to drink in the night. Too tall

to be a bunker, its height projected Bruuns lips curled into a smile, his first in
ownership of the land around. This far from years? Yes, years.
the front sentries were few and Bruun
slipped between their cocky patrols easily, The humans started at the clank of the heavy
staying to shadows, squeezing between door closing. The surprise at seeing Bruun
multi-wheeled vehicles, behind them all and there, in their home, rooted them still.
into the tower.
A few, the ones in the fine clothes, began to
chatter in their slight language, directing
Molecular bonds would be whatever they said to the two commanders,
encapsulated and then pointing at him and outside. The two brown
coats though did not move. They eyed him
shattered driving the warily.
nitrogen atoms apart,
Bruun became aware he was speaking.
releasing the primal force Reciting names one after another. Baalin,
which keeps the Mak, Duala, Ullua, Dram. His brothers, his
universe together sisters, his mother. He spoke as he pulled his
gloves free, where he held his message in
one palm.
The stairs were high, coming nearly to his
knees. One final, mercifully small obstacle Mikala, Born, Bjorn, Grokla, Tusock.
before the end.
The stairs ended in a

bulkhead with a wheeled
lock one might see in an old
ship. It hung partly open.
Bruun stepped silently
through into a room ringed
by windows, reflective black
in the night, and dominated
by a central table too high
for him to see clearly, but he
knew it would hold the map
of Brokkyr. Around it;
humans. Seven of them.
Two in the long brown coats
of their officers, the others in
the impractical, delicate
clothes of those who gave
orders to the brown coats. By skolo

The brown coats realised they were in water in his body. Molecular bonds would
danger now, even if they did not know its be encapsulated and then shattered driving
nature. Urgency overcame fear and they ran the nitrogen atoms apart, releasing the
to cabinets on the walls, tugging frantically primal force which keeps the universe
at the handles. together. A chain reaction would follow
through his body, converting the bonds into
Bruun brought his hands to his front, before heat energy, leap frogging onto every other
his chest, a hand span apart. One facing up, carbon atom for tens of kilometres around,
one down. In the lower palm he held his splintering each in turn until there would be
message. A regraded francium-based silica nothing but a short lived ball of pure white
gel. Once pressed the film would break, energy and an explosion to rival the birth of
absorbing into his flesh to react with the a star.
It was enough revenge for

him and Dvalinn to share.
He closed his eyes.
Gvala, Ytuck, Fala, Gron.

Dvalinn.
He opened his eyes.
Brokkyr.
And brought his hands

together.
For more stories like this, visit
Michaels blog at
By Boris Samec

By Matt Gilbert
loudly and covering yourself in plate that

Battle of offered no more protection than his fine
Elven armor, but was four times the weight,
was hardly progress.
Gallohell The messenger in front of him was next, and

his words caught the irritable Elves
attention. After the usual dramatic pleas the
By Jason Flint man mentioned something about some
wretched town called Gallohell. But it was
Lord Elethor was not amused. Standing not that which got his attention.
around waiting for the master of the guard
was just insulting. He was renowned in this "Master of the guard, this mage, Orecarno
area and the ignorance of the men was in his has formed a pact with wildmen, goblins, but
eyes, unbelievable. The petty whining of worse, he has a fleet! Dark Elven warriors set
messengers from border counties was not sail for Gallohell as we speak! They will sack
worthy of the high lords of Golden Horns it and burn it to the ground!"
attention, so they came here to the guard
house to plead for soldiers to deal with "You have a large garrison, we have sent
threats. He was not here for aid, and while knights of Falkerk to watch over the
he respected the mens fighting ability, they construction of the wall already! A small
hardly suited his style of warfare. Shouting raiding party and a few corpses are not

worthy of our attention! You should have My Lord, a messenger for the fleet
executed this foul being when you had the announced his personal guard
chance! Be gone!" came the angry response.
Send him in he replied looking up from his
The messenger left, clearly traumatized at war map
the public humiliation. Elethor was
summoned, but he My lord the
looked after the You should have executed messenger said
messenger. He'd found this foul being when you kneeling on the floor
what he was looking
for. Only that damn
had the chance! The Dark Talon sends
reports of an elven fleet
Wolfcurse would be so making its way up the
bold. The feuding was bitter, not at all coast towards the harbor east of Gallohell
helped by his foes insistence on calling true
Elves, "weedy". Hmmm seems our brethren feel that this
kingdom is worth protecting,. Whose banner
"Never mind" he murmured as he made off flies?
after the messenger
The fleet fly the banner of High General
---------------------- Elethor and the flag ship is said to fly his
personal house banner, My Lord.
By Jonathan Faulkes

The weedy Elf himself is on
his way here to try and stop
me" he laughed "Interesting
indeed,. How many days out
are they?
About 2 days to the harbor,

and another 2 days to
Gallohell itself My Lord
Good, four days is more than

enough time to end this and
then prepare to meet Elethor
in the field. Take these orders
back to The Dark Talon; They
are to engage using skirmish
and delaying tactics on the
elven fleet try to delay them By Daedle
or leave boats behind, so no
large scale engagements. Also, inform the Inform the Black Heart and
Black Heart and Kraken to send their
Buccaneers raiding along the coast close to
Kraken to send their
the harbor, only taking strong and breedable Buccaneers raiding along
slaves. Put all other to the sword and burn the coast
them down, making sure there is lots of
black smoke. Lets give the men and elves
something to worry about: Do they split and soaking his decks in more blood. The last
their forces to save the innocents or do they would-be boarder defeated, he observed his
let them suffer to maximize there forces ship. Its once-elegant looks were now
against us in the field? A cruel smile parted tarnished from the carnage, and the deck
his lips Also inform the necromancer was so awash in so much gore it was a
Orecarno that he can have what ever is left struggle to stay upright while his large,
of the coast villages for his experiments. beautifully crafted sails were torn. He looked
That should demoralize the enemy before annoyed as he saw the rest of his fleet had
we even engage. not been touched. The surviving Twilight Kin
were quickly disengaging.
-------------------------------
"Why attempt to board only us, then flee?
The black clad warrior stood in front of him, Why not try to break our fleet?" came the
and with his twin blades, he lunged. Too enquiry of his Seaguard warriors, who now
eager, as Elethor brought his great weapon sported dented shields.
swinging in a wide arc, cleaving the Elf in 2

"They try to slow us. Someone warned them Excellent my thanks you my lady, as he gave
we were coming; It will not work. Get those a small bow, They will prove to be a great
sails replaced, we make for Gallohell with all asset in the coming days. Also, it has been
haste!" brought to my attention that the weedy Elf
himself makes his way here to bring us to
-------------------------------------------- battle.
Wolfcurse heard his guards snap to Really? she purred, Well that both pleases
attention, and he looked up from his map to and excites me. Its been far too long since
face the most beautiful, lithe and naked Kin we last danced with his elite guard. She let
he had ever seen, if not for the fact she was out a small laugh.
dripping with gore from head to toe,
My lord! A messenger rushed into the tent,
Ah my Lady of Blades you honor me with breathless. News from the North He
your presence. He shuddered inwardly as his stopped abruptly as a beautiful but bloody
survival instinct told him he was in danger.
Get those sails replaced,
Lord Wolfcurse this is purely a business visit, we make for Gallohell with
no time for pleasure Im afraid. An evil smile all haste!
split her crimson smeared lips as she flicked
a look at the ornate dagger in her hand still
dripping onto the carpet of his tent. Be hand gripped him by the neck and a dagger
aware that my sisters and I have appeased was placed a short distance from his eye.
our allies and they will be joining us in the
forthcoming battle. My Lady, please allow him to speak before
you teach him the errors of
his rudeness
Very well, be quick. I grow

bored, worm, she growled as
she pushed the messenger to
his knees, and gripped him by
his hair, raising his head and
exposing his throat.
Speak and quickly. My Lady

does not like to wait.
My Lord. The Northern Orc

tribes have moved early but
have marched towards the
By Jason Flint Dwarven hold of Scrag Beard.

line of blood along the
messengers check.
In honor of the relations

between the temple and my
house, I offer him into your
humble care and service,
though I politely request you
deal with him outside of the
tent, my lady.
A slight expression of
irritation crossed her face As
you wish my lord. Good day,
and may the blood comet
bless your house.
As it blesses the temple and

By Matt Gilbert our Kin, he replied
automatically, not wishing to
What of the Goblins? push his luck.
They hold in the lower foothills still, my He watched her stride from the tent
lord dragging the now whimpering and sobbing
messenger behind her as if he was nothing
Very well, this is not a
disaster. The Orcs will She pushed the messenger more than
disobedient child.
a
hold the Dwarf forces to his knees, and gripped

up, reducing the number
of both the defenders
him by his hair, raising his He shuddered,
trying to push the
and the overall Orc head and exposing fate of the
population; Saves us two his throat messenger out of
tasks. My Lady, I have a his mind, and
favor to ask of you, if you turned back to his
will? Please, can your sisters and yourself map, moving a few of the marker around,
take up position in the foot hills and keep
the Goblins in check? This will also put you in Guard, go summon my commanders. We
the best position to attack the flanks of have much to discuss
Elethors forces.
Yes, my lord.
My Lord, that seems like a reasonable trade.
Now what of this one? she asked, drawing a

Yes, its coming together nicely now, with a focused on his pipe.
full blood comet passing overhead in four
days, on the dawn of the attack, in addition "Listen Dwarf" Elethor scowled, "These are
to his new allies, hindering the Dwarven your walls we're protecting here, and I have
reinforcements and reducing their numbers, committed a huge portion of my army, and
Gallohell has no choice but to surrender or all I see are builders, not warriors!"
fall; Not even Elethor can deny me my
ancestral right to raid this area. He grinned The Dwarf finally raised his head, and looked
at the thought of the upcoming slaughter; up at Elethor, who was shocked the Dwarf
Yes, it will be glorious and profitable. was able to lift his head that high. He still
believed Dwarves had no necks.
Good day, and may the "And you listen to me Elf, the words been
blood comet bless sent; There is nothing else for me to do. And
your house if this is your contribution," he waved
towards the assembled Elven warriors who
were marching through the streets, "Then
------------------------------------------- these men are doomed. You have no cavalry
and few war machines, and those you have
Gallohell smelt funny, Elethor concluded. parading through the street would rather be
The humans armories had worked day and on a boat than land"
night forging and fixing the garrisons
weapons and armor. The large amount of The Dwarf went back to his pipe, and Elethor
horses and lack of stables meant they were quickly turned and marched towards the
tied up where ever there was
space. It was a familiar smell
of war, but didn't seem to
suit this apparent market
town. He sighed as he saw
the Dwarven architect sat
lazily outside the tavern, his
only focus being stuffing his
pipe.
"Where are the others?"

Elethor demanded as he
marched over, his guard
following.
"The warriors will be here

when they get here"
murmured the Dwarf, still By Sukura636

By Jonathan Faulkes
unfinished wall. what he did was wicked and evil. Foolish

and backwards views of men who were
"You let him speak to you like that?" his afraid of him. Now they will quake in their
guard ventured. boots at the sight of his accomplishments.
"Only because he's right," Elethor mused as He was irritated, however, at the Twilight
he looked out past the wall at the dust cloud Kins reluctance to march with him. Despite
in the distance. He needed more warriors giving them huge cuts of whatever wealth
but he had none; What else could he do? could be taken from Gallohell, they insisted
Then he spotted the deep forests to the East. on meeting him there. No doubt they
wished to pillage and burn bordering
"Get the mage, I have an idea" villages.
--------------------------- It was a familiar smell of

Orecarno looked over his marching horde. In
war, but didn't seem to suit
a short space of time, he'd gone from this apparent market town
dwelling and experimenting in the ruins of
Difetth, to raising an army from the ground.
He was making pacts with anything greedy In the distance he could make out the towns
enough to be happy to march alongside the walls. They were tall, but unfinished. He
dead, and now marched on his hated foes; could see huge gaps where gates had yet to
The men who dared cast him out, who said be put in. He had timed it well, this wouldn't

be a protracted siege; This
would be resolved in a day.
----------------------------
The Dwarves had arrived.

Elethor didn't trust anything
that considered ankles a valid
target in a fight, but he was
grateful for more boots in
the defense. They were
quickly making wild boasts of
what they'd accomplished
and insisted this was a minor
skirmish compared to their
journey here. The younger
men were gathered listening
intently, but he noted the
human veterans, clad in plate
stood elsewhere. They didn't
appear to be talking or
boasting, with the only
giveaway that they were
exchanging words beneath
their helms was the
occasional nod.
"Lord Elethor!"
By Dusty
He turned and saw
garrison commander He spotted the deep "Be patient, he will
Paldrik approach. A forests to the East. return."
knight, a wealthy one at
that. His plate ornate At that, there were
and expensive, and his "Get the mage, I have shouts from the wall.
sheathed sword seemed
to be glowing. A trick of
an idea." Panicked men screamed
of approaching
the light maybe. monsters, and the
Dwarves grabbed their axes and eagerly ran
"My scouts say they will be here in hours, . forward to the wall. Elethor ran faster
What news of your mage?" though, and saw what had caused the panic.
What appeared to be 2 huge hulking trees

Elethor didn't trust the corner of his eye he'd seen the horde
form up on the hill. The Battle of Gallohell
anything that considered was about to begin.
ankles a valid target in
a fight
were taking great strides towards the city
walls.
"Hold your fire, they are here to help!"
The tree herders halted and remained eerily

still, and Andrel the mage rode forward,
looking immensely smug. Elethor noticed
the Dwarf architect from earlier was at the
front, a look of awe visible even with his
large beard.
"My final contribution" he hissed at the

Dwarf as he made his way back inside. It was
time to mount up on his Dragon, as out of
By Boris Samec
By Michael Defranco

His Dwarf list was:
Clash of Kings 20 Ironclad
Daedlehs Rampaging Hordes 20 Shieldbreakers
10 Ironwatch
5 Berserkers
By Daedle
It was a very small game, but I just didn't
I had my first game with my clash of kings at have enough models for anything bigger.
the War & Peace Games Club opening night.
It was a blast. I deployed my knights first hoping, correctly,
that he'd deploy his army against them. I
I have painted all my models for this months deployed my sergeants and hero out on the
blog, but I'm still trying to figure out decent flank.
camera settings to take a photo of them all.
His army was clustered in the corner, with
My list was: the berserkers out on their lonesome on the
Knights Regiment w/Command other side.
Mounted Sergeants troop w/Command
Mounted Sergeants troop w/Command
Hero w/Horse
Deployment before Turn 1

Deployment before Turn 1
Turn 1 Turn 2
He won first turn. And took it. Before he In his second turn he moved the whole army
realized that his Ironwatch were out of range up.
and he didn't really want to advance towards
me. So he did nothing in his first turn. I was now in charge range, so I charged one
of the Sergeants and the Knights into his
I didn't want to move my
knights into range of his
Ironwatch so kept them
where they were, but moved
the sergeants and hero up on
their flank, hoping to put a
charge on his berserkers in
the next turn. Stupidly I
moved the very left hand
Sergeants right up to a
building meaning that the
champions line of sight was
blocked. D'oh!
By osbad

Turn 1
Ironclad unit and they absolutely.

demolished. it. After rolling the dice for my
Sergeants I was pretty chuffed with how
good they were in combat. I rolled for my
Knights. Oh. My God. OUCH.
The Ironclad were destroyed in a single front

charge.
Turn 3
For his turn 3 he moved the berserkers up,

but was out of charge range, and turned the
Shieldbreakers around to face my army,
ready to charge next turn. His Ironwatch
shot at the Knights at managed to inflict 3
damage, but the knights passed their nerve
By Jack Evans
check so stayed.

For my turn 3, I moved the
sergeants down the table to
face off against the
Shieldbreakers and I charged
the Ironwatch with my
Knights, hoping to break
them in one turn and to be
able to move straight on out
of the front arc of the
Shieldbreakers. It worked.
My memory's a little fuzzy

here I'm afraid. Somehow (I
think there was another turn
involved), I managed to
wheel my knights around
and charged them and one
of the sergeants into the
Shieldbreakers, and my
Sergeants either charged or By badgertheking
Turn 2

Turn 3
were charged by his Berserkers. Both Dwarf a very large board, and a 1,800 point game
units were wiped out without doing any on the same size board would have left me
more damage to my army. very little room to maneuver.
Left on the board I had my

entire army, with a whole 3
points of damage on Knights.
VICTORY!!!
We both agreed that cavalry

armies are extremely
powerful when they have the
open space to move as they
wish without the enemy
force being able to put
significant pressure on them.
We noted that we were
playing a very small game on
By puggimer

Turn 3

Somewhere between Turn 4 or 5
Rematch them out. It was a very close run thing
though, and a couple of dice rolls going
We then swapped armies for a rematch, me either way could have changed the outcome
playing with his dwarfs and him with my completely!
army. Rather than spread the army out, I
bunkered my dwarfs around the hill, making BIG GAMES!
sure that no flank was exposed and any
charge could easily have a counter charge. It was at this point that a couple of special
people turned up. We decided to put several
I did much better but ultimately still failed to tables together and have a massive battle,
win. The game basically came down to a with as many models on either side as we
brawl in the corner and a battle of attrition. could muster. You may recognize them in the
photo on the last page (Hint: Ronnie &
After several turns of charging, recharging, Alessio!)
and a little bit of shooting and the only units
left on the board were the berserkers and In the end, the forces of good mostly held
Knights, both with quite a few damage back the forces of evil (including my men),
markers. Unfortunately the Knights were but not without taking significant casualties.
able to charge the berserkers and wiped Another couple of turns and it might have

swung the other way! The
absolute star of our end of
the table was a goblin wizard
who was sniping elf units left,
right and center with his Zap!
spell every single turn!
Ronnie also brought down a

LOT of stuff to show off,
including the new Abyssals
and Forgefathers. Photo's
don't do them justice guys!
He also brought down a

rather big, thick book. Which By imm0rtal reaper
had the words "Kings Of War"
written on it. A big hardback book with lots everything just stunk of pure awesomeness.
of pages and lots of artwork.
Also, Mr. Ronnie brought down an extra
It's gorgeous guys. I cannot wait for mine to special present for us all. It was a little
arrive. The magic items are awesome, the printed book each, very fresh from the
artwork is awesome, the map is great, and printers (Ronnie was getting high from the
Rematch, the Brawl in the Corner

Knights: Victors of the Brawl in the Corner
By Boris Samec

glue fumes all night). The
new mini rulebook for the
3rd edition of the rules.
AWESOME! Thank you
Ronnie! (Ed. Note: This story
was written in June of 2012,
so the new rulebook hadnt
been released yet!).
It was an absolutely fantastic

night, and well worth
travelling halfway down the
country for! Hats off to Mr. JP
who arranged it all.
The Mega-Battle

No Loose
Ends
By Sukura636
Damen Euis stood nervously in the empty

room. His shaking hands struggled to keep a
grip on the metal data pad, and he couldn't
help but jump at the shadows as he waited
for his contact to arrive.
It had all sounded so simple - turn up to the

tower, hand over sensitive data to an
Enforcer captain, and then return in time for
a gratuitous promotion into the higher
echelons of the firm. But standing in the cold
room, with the darkness seeming to close in
around him, it didn't sound like such a good
idea after all. he'd never even seen an
Enforcer. Oh, there were images transmitted
across the webnet every day, but he had
always kept his head down, and wasn't
interested in such things. It was safer that
way.
By Matt Gilbert
A heavy clunk of metal on metal made him The Enforcer didn't answer. If there was any
jump suddenly. Before him stood an kind of response, the Damen didn't see it. He
immensely tall armored figure, in gloss black looked down at the pad in his hands, as if he
armor. There was a soft hum in the air from had forgotten what is was for. Taking a deep
the numerous devices hidden in the suit. A breath, he straightened himself, and held out
gauntlet hung above a large, holstered laser the pad.
pistol, and a pair of glinting red lenses
regarded him with indifference. "Your mission is to-"
Damen tried to speak, but his voice seemed "No details." The Enforcer's curt response
to have disappeared. for a moment, he cut him off. The voice was level and almost
gawped at the towering figure, before mechanical, and Damen wondered if it was a
clearing his throat and trying again. man or a machine that he was staring at.
"The Jack of Diamonds?" The Enforcer methodically scrolled through

the data on the pad, with no visible reaction.

When he was done, he simply crushed the Within minutes, the Pathfinder Enforcer had
pad in his hand, with a whirr of servos and a left the tower, and there was no evidence
shower of sparks. Dropping the crumpled that Damen Euis had ever existed.
remnant, he unholstered the pistol, and
leveled it with Damen's forehead. The man
froze, eyes wide.
"What-"
"No loose ends," interrupted the Enforcer.

There was a flare of red light before the body
hit the ground. There was no head - the
weapon had vaporized it.
By badgertheking

Goreaxe
marches
on
A Kings of War Battle Report
by Chris Cousen and Stuart
Smith
INTRODUCTION
by Chris Cousen
For this battle day Stuart

was to come down to my
house. We had discussed a
vague background for the The Orc Army
battles, with my Krudger
invading Stuarts Elvan lands. Goreax had it happens). Victory went to the player who
already survived the two battles against his captured most objectives, or in the case of a
dwarves, plus a battle against TOther Ones draw, on points as in the main rulebook.
Undead and a couple of games against
another friends Abyssal Dwarves, hence it This first battle was short, giving us time for
seemed to fit that we would be telling a mooch around the game shops of
Goreaxes story once again. Huddersfield, then fish and chips followed by
a second 900pt game, this time a more
The first battle was a small 600pts straight forward fight to the death.
encounter, limited to one Hero/Monster and
one War Machine, but otherwise with army The Looting of the Elven Lands.
building as normal. As this was the start of
the Orc invasion, Stuart chose forces that Deployment; both sides lined up facing each
might have got to the borders quickly, other, though the Stormwind Cavalry were
mobilised to the defence of the lands. somewhat off to their left, beyond the wood.
Both units of Sniffs snuck forwards towards
I placed terrain based around a ruined farm the ruined farm, whilst the Elvan Scouts also
(a version of the one in Bloodbath at Orcs tried to reach the farm and the Sylvan Kin
Drift for those with long memories). We forged ahead.
then placed three objective markers on the
centre line and rolled to shift them up to 6 Turn 1
away. Stuart then chose one objective to be
the hiding place of any one magic item The bulk of the Orc army surged forward, the
worth up to 25 points. (Brew of Courage as Greataxes running to try to reach the Sylvan

melee in front of them and
loosed a volley at the Gore
Riders, but the flimsy elf
arrows just bounced off the
Orcs armour.
The Sylvan Kin ripped into the

Orcs (5D), who were on the
brink of running when they
saw Origble behind them and
though better of fleeing. The
Elf Lord presumably found
the Sniffs too low to the
ground, and was barely able
to touch them (1D) so backed
off while they laughed at him.
The Orc line advances.
Turn 3
Kin and chop their wooden bodies to pieces.
Origble, the Orc Flagger stayed behind Orc With a mighty roar the Orc forces charged
lines, waiting to use his Healing Charm when their Elvan opponents, the Sniffs neatly
required, and hoping to inspire the brave sidestepping to make way for the Horde.
Orcs onwards. Despite the steady rise and fall of axes, the
entire Elf line held, although Origble was
To everyones surprise the first unit of Sniffs able to heal some of the damage the
loosed a volley of arrows at
the Elvan spears, and several
of the pale skins fell (2D),
but the regiment held.
Turn 2
Desperate to drive the

greenskins away, the Sylvan
Kin charged the Greataxes,
and with a flap of leathery
wings, the Elf Lord on his
Drakon flew straight at the
Sniffs, still celebrating their
shooting. The Scouts
manoeuvred round the The Elf Lord attacks the Sniffs

Greataxes had taken
previously. (Best Nerve roll
was a 4!).
Turn 4
The Elf Lord Caldereff, urged

his Drakon over the Horde
and hit Origble, the Sylvan
Kin, looking fiercer than ever,
charged the Greataxes whilst
the Scouts contacted the
Gore Riders and the Spears
hit the second group of
Sniffs. Over on the flank the
Stormwind Cavalry turned to
face the battle line, The Sylvan Kin and Greataxes contest the runestone
specifically the flank of the
Orc Horde, a tasty target if they could charge the field; Origble took a few wounds (3D)
in next time. and wondered about fleeing, but he realised
that would set a bad example and merely
The Sylvan Kin obliterated their opponents stood there, unsure of what to do next
(7D) and the Elven Spears were just as (Wavering after re-roll). The Scouts inflicted
effective, driving their Sniff opponents from a little damage to the Gore Riders (3D), but
the stout Orcs held firm.
Turn 5
The remaining Orcs charged

forwards, the Gore Riders
into the Scouts and the Horde
into the Elvan Spears, apart
from the last few Sniffs who
shot desperate arrows into
the Sylvan Kin, and Origble
who jigged around, unsure of
what best to do.
The Sniffs shooting was

enough to release the Sylvan
The Sylvan Kin about to wipe out the Greataxes as fights break out
Kin from whatever magic
bound them, and they

contact. With a roar the
Horde closed the distance
with the Cavalry, but they had
to scramble over the farms
walls, and were unable to
fight effectively. The Sniffs
turned to face the Horde and
the Cavalry, unsure of where
best to loose their arrows as
no target presented itself, so
they merely shouted insults
at the elves.
The Horde, hampered by the

walls, were unable to even
wound the Elves, much to the
pinkskins delight. The Gore
Riders did slightly better (2D),
enough to ground the Elf Lord
for now (Wavering).
The leaders duel
crumbled to bits. The Gore Riders likewise Turn 8

wiped out their opponents and turned to
face the Drakon as the Horde drove the With their Lord unable to act, perhaps
Spear Elves away and turned to face the pondering some deep philosophical concept,
oncoming Cavalry. the Cavalry charged in against the Horde.
Their lances spitted a few Orcs (2D), but not
Turn 6 enough to drive back the jeering greenskins.
Seeing his forces driven from the field the Elf

Lord urged his Drakon to charge Origble
again. Following their leaders example, the
Cavalry smashed into the Orc Horde. The
Lord was triumphant, as Origble fled the
field in terror, but the Horde was made of
sterner stuff, and the few wounds the
Cavalry inflicted (2D) merely angered them.
Turn 7
The Gore Riders had the Elf Lord in their

sights and pounded over the turf into With the Greataxes gone things look bleak for the orcs

Turn 9
The Gore Riders took

advantage of the Elf Lords
indecision, deeply wounding
him (4D), but he merely
stared off into space
(Wavering again). The Horde
pulled some of the Cavalry
down (2D), but they held
firm.
Turn 10
The Stormwind Cavalry were

increasingly worried. Their
Lord seemed unwilling or
unable to act. They were the
only Elves left to defend the
land, so bravely charged in,
perhaps even impressing the
Orc Horde in front of them.
Some of the Orcs fell (3D),
but the main mass of Orcs
held firm.
Turn 11
Charging in once more, the

Gore Riders finally pulled the
Elf Lord from his mount. He
was trampled underfoot
(hoof?) whilst the rest of the
riders brought the Drakon
down with their spears.
Over near the wood the Orc
Horde had had enough.
They charged home and
drove the few scattered
Cavalry off the field of battle.
By Matt Gilbert

inevitable Elvan counter
attack, it would no doubt
come in useful.
Purge the Forest

(Or the battle of the
Boomstick!)
Stuart Smith writes
So with Goreax and his Orcs

rampaging through the
northern forests of Galahir,
Lord Calderef (who had
miraculously survived being
trampled by the Gore Riders
Looking along the defensive elf battle line. quickly gathered an Elvan
Host to rid his woodland
Afterwards home of this foul menace. Gathering in a
huge clearing in the forest the elves formed
As the Sniffs picked their way over the battle a long defensive line, bristling with spear and
field, looking for loot or something small to bow that would block the Orc advance.
torment, one of them found Origble, still
clutching his banner. The Sniff tried to prise
it from his hands, but the
amulet he wore flashed, and
the proud Orc rose to his
feet, shaking his head.
Origble knew there was a

reason why the Elves tried to
defend this place so fiercely.
He set his troops to
uprooting the nasty clean
monuments, and found
beneath the standing stone a
copper bowl full of blue
liquid. As a reward for their
work in slaying the Lord and
his Drakon he let the Gore
Riders drink from it. When
they had to fight off the The rampaging Orc Hordes advance!

For this battle we chose 900
points of troops each and I
opted for a defensive, very
shooty army.
Goreax was so un-impressed
with his dice throwing in the
first game he went out and
bought new dice for the
second game, but would
they be any better?
Lord Calderef flew his Drakon

forward, roaring a challenge
to the Orc Gore Riders on the
right flanks. The Orcs
advanced their archer Sniff
units which were met with a Lord Caldereff in melee with the mighty Goreax, the dead gore riders in
the background.
barrage of Elf bow fire,
destroying both of them in the first turn. Under heavy missile fire the main Orc hordes
Calderef charged the gore riders and routed raced towards their Elvan foe, suffering
them in just one round of melee, avenging many casualties during their advance.
his earlier defeat and leaving Caldref facing
the fearsome Goreaxe himself. Even the Illadan, the Elf Army Standard bearer
mighty Goreaxe fell to Calderefs magical pointed his twin headed dragon standard
elfish blade allowing Calderef to turn back (with Boomstick) at the enemy, BOOM! a
toward the main battle in the centre. bolt of pure magical energy hit the enemy
ranks causing further Orcish
casualties as the Elves finally
moved, surging forward to
meet the Orcs in battle. On
the left flank the Orcs routed
the elf scouts but lost the
battle in the centre as first
the Moraxes then a horde of
Axs routed after being
charged in the flank by Lord
Caldereff.
At this point it has to be

noted that Chris, having
inflicted heavy casualties on
my Elf Spear unit only needed

last Orc horde and suddenly the battlefield
was silent...
BOOM STIKKA, BOOM STIKKA, BOOM

BOOM BOOM! chanted the victorious
Illadan waving his dragon standard jubilantly
in the air...BOOM STIKKA, BOOM STIKKA,
BOOM BOOM BOOM! roared the victorious
Elves and a new Elf war chant was born!
After celebrating their great victory the Elves

burnt all the Orc bodies on a mighty pyre but
the bodies of Goreaxe and Origble were not
to be found..?
What lessons could I learn from the two

battles that Chris and I had just enjoyed?
Elves are certainly not as tough as Orcs so
trying to just melee with them will usually
end in noble defeat. Elves really need to
soften the enemy up first with as much
Elf Scouts being swamped by an Orc Horde missile fire as you can. Chris knew what I was
up to, which is why he tried to advance so
to throw 4 or above on the Nerve test and quickly. His new dice worked quite well in
the Elf Spear would be gone. He threw a 3! melee but were useless on most Nerve tests,
This was a game turning moment as the unlike my sparkly green elf dice that nearly
Elves then charged back into
the melee and routed their
enemy. So much for the new
dice!
The elves next lost their

Seaguard to the Orc horde
on the left before Caldereff
flew to the rescue charging
the Orcs helped by the
heavily wounded unit of Elf
Spear. Illadan used his
Boomstick to first waver
and then rout the hated Orc
standard bearer Origble.
Caldereff finally defeated the

always threw high on my Nerve tests.
So was it tactical cunning that won the day

or just lucky dice throws? Who knows, who
cares, we had loads of fun!

Clash of Kings Neil Dixon
Dwarfs
Thou shall not get distracted became one
By Matt Gilbert of my commandments though 2012; I was so
focussed on getting my Dwarfs complete.
Introduction This paid off, as wrapped up the painting of
Ive been on a journey. Its been like a roller- my army by January 2013. I only had tactics
coaster. and plans of how to spend the money if I
won to mull over in the days leading up to
Right enough of that reality TV nonsense the event. So, how did I fare?
chatter however, a lot of you have been
following the progress, trials and tribulations Day 1
of the Pathfinders as theyve blogged their I opened with a win, but I have no memory
way to the Clash of Kings and, although no- of my first game. It could have been the early
one was actually voted off, in the end only start or the venues arctic temperatures
three of us made it to the event with our which created a memory lapse. Either way I
armies completed. Neil, Andy and I now apologise to my opponent.
present our final thoughts on the whole
project and our experiences from the In game two I faced Undead, with numerous
tournament itself. regiments of Zombies and Cavalry. I did not

surrounded and taken apart.
In hindsight I could have
deployed my Cannons
separately from my infantry
to force his army to split. But,
the Kingdom of Men were
just too numerous and
probably would have
overwhelmed my Dwarfs
either way.
Day 2
Game four was a Dwarf on

have much hope of stopping their superior Dwarf battle in my highlight of the weekend.
numbers holding the objectives. Luckily, my My opponent deployed his five Cannons and
cannons saved the game. I blasted his elite Ironwatch Troops along the back of the
Wraiths and Revenant Cavalry, and took out board. I had two choices risk a shoot-out,
the Zombies in enough numbers to stand a which would have probably ended in a draw,
chance. In my opponents centre his or charge forward, hoping I could do enough
Catapults returned fire, but poor positioning damage to pull off a win. Choosing the latter
of his own regiments blocked line of sight. I option, I deployed my Cannons opposite his
am still learning the tricks of how to position gun line, with my Rangers in support. My
Dwarf infantry. My Bulwarkers targeted infantry and Brock Riders attempted to
Skeletons in combat, but terrain and their launch a pondering flank attack. Despite me
slow movement meant my other regiments taking out a chunk of his defending force of
could not support. The game finished a draw, Ironclads and Ironwatch, he had more units
which I thought was a fair result. and my attack floundered. His Ironwatch
I faced a Kingdom of Men

horde in the third game.
Cavalry, cavalry, and more
cavalry thrown in for good
measure! Knights, screened
by Mounted Sergeants were
upon me almost
immediately. I moved
second, and my cannons just
had no time to lay waste. I
deployed as a castle, but was
helpless as my infantry and
Cannons were systematically

gave him the edge in the
shooting and were able to
support up close, so I lost by
quite a margin. In hindsight,
I should have gone all out,
and risked deploying my
Rangers in the flank attack,
leaving my Cannons
unsupported.
After a rather spiffing,

protein packed lunch of
bacon, chicken and egg,
game five was against
Undead. He moved hordes
onto the objectives in full
view of my Cannons. They
had no chance and by turn
five he had one character
left. Luckily my opponent did
not feel hard done by and
still thought it was a good game! all over the country, and hope to have
rematches in the future.
The final game against Orcs was another
highlight. I was again in danger of being I am now developing my Dwarfs and refining
overwhelmed, as I faced Gore Riders, Ax my tactics. The Brock Riders were the most
hordes and numerous Trolls. Luckily, my useful unit, as the Dwarfs really need that
infantry was inspired by my Banners at key added speed. Bulwarkers are the strongest
points in the battle, meaning the Orcs were infantry, and I am now upgrading my
unable to bring their numbers to bear. My Ironclad. My tweaked army will drop some
Cannons, in two groups, took out the slower Cannons, include two Brock Rider troops, a
moving Ax hordes, preventing them from Berserker Lord on a Brock and four
capturing objectives and claiming vital Bulwarker regiments. See you next year!
victory points. The result was a hard fought
draw. Matt Gilbert
Elves
Conclusion I was really glad I managed to finish my
Well, after my very mixed run of results, I did painting with time to spare so I was not
not win. Fifteenth was my final rank. Luckily, rushing it at the last minute. I had to force
I had a great weekend, playing six very myself to do the last unit but it was worth it
varied, enjoyable games, especially on day to see the army completed.
two. I got to meet Kings of War players from

Here's the finished Bark-wyrm flyer unit paints out and 90 minutes before my mate
(Drakon Riders) my last and final unit for Jon cam round to pick me up and head up
the army and the only thing I had left to do North, the objective counters on the shelf
after Christmas: started whispering to me. Unable to resist, I
succumbed to their call and was just spray-
So that was it done. I could relax having varnishing them when Jon arrived.
decided I didn't have the time (or
inclination!) to complete my objective So they did get done in the end and made it
markers for the Clash of Kings. Then, all up to the event, and theres a picture of
packed and ready to go on the Thursday them on the next page.
night before the big weekend, I had nothing
left to do. Sadly, I'd played a test game on the previous
Wednesday evening and my Spirit Weaver
Friday morning I got my magnetised* Drakon (Mage-Queen) had gone between some
Lord out to show the wife and wondered if it trees in that game. I didn't see her when I
would stick to a baking tray. It did but then packed everything up so she missed out on
fell off. I caught both it and the tray but the the trip and I had to borrow a Nurgle
back leg bent and came away from the base sorcerer for the weekend as a proxy!
and the paint round the ankle chipped off.
Aaaarrrgh! The event itself was great fun. Five of us
travelled up from the south coast to play and
So out came the paints and a hasty repair we all had a great weekend. Everyone was
job was done on the leg and ankle. With the friendly and all the games were played in a
very light-hearted way. I think
some people were fearing
that the big prize on offer
would mean rock-hard
tournament armies and
aggressive, uncompromising
play but that simply was not
the case.
My army did about as well as

I expected, having been
selected for fluff rather than
to win and, if I remember
* Magnetic strips on the

bottom of the bases to hold
to the steel paper Id put in
a case for transport to the
event.

It was good fun though and a
very different sort of
challenge for me. I think Ill
probably revisit the army at
some point and add some
more units to it, probably
some more elven units and
maybe the treeman I was
envisaging at the start of the
project all those months ago.
Happily, even lacking the

presence of the Mage Queen,
correctly, managed 1 win, 3 draws and 2 the army won the Best Painted award (there
loses. was some stiff competition). It will feature in
the KoW book the next time it is released
Ive never really built an army in this way (which means I might just add some more
before picking a list first and then buying units after all... and it certainly means I have
and painting specifically and only for that to keep it safe!).
one, fixed list. I know its something other
people do but Im more the buy everything Andy Robertson
so I can pick what I want for any game Thats it: its done and I lost - but not as
collector. I rarely use the same list twice. badly as I predicted. Thats not to say I came
complete bottom, I actually did manage to

win a couple of games. But lack of be the showcase piece of the army, the
experience on the tournament scene really damn pirate ship. I shared my plans in the
had me concerned early in to the project, past of having two woolly mammoths that
particularly with the fact of such a high cash would stand in as a fight wagon regiment
prize up for grabs I really thought unsociable dragging an old dilapidated pirate ship on
power gamers would be pouring out of the wheels. The pirate ship was obviously going
woodwork at the Clash of Kings tournament. to have no real use in a game, I actually
But I couldnt be more wrong. Everyone got planned to have it removable and only really
on tremendously well; I cant recall any there to be a show piece item. But sadly I
negative outbursts or unsociability of any never finished it. I got so caught up with
type. other elements of the army such as my
chariots and then got caught up in the
In fact I even found myself at times cheering holiday season and before I knew it, it was
because I didnt just lose some of my games, mere weeks to the tournament. I debated
but I was completely tabled without killing a attempting to complete something near my
thing. And all my opponents could say after original plans though I felt I wouldnt have
each dice roll was I am so sorry, I really am, been able to do it justice and I would
Im not doing this on purpose. And it was potentially be dragging an eyesore to the
great. I cant believe how wrong I was in my tournament.
expectations of the weekend. And it was a
real credit to the community within the Now thats not to say Ive abandoned the
forums, Facebook groups and general idea. Orklinas (the armys female Orc
gaming clubs connected to Mantic Games. general) mighty pirate ship might one day
see the light of day, but saying that, theres a
The only part that I feel I let myself down LOT of new miniatures awaiting release for
was one particular item that was meant to this year (and need I say DEADZONE?) to

potentially distract me further. So youll have
to wait and see.
Well to summarise the whole weekend, it

consisted of great food, fantastic games and
even better company. And its something of
which if youve not yet had an opportunity
to attend a Mantic event or tournament
then I strongly recommend you seek the
opportunity to. Because it would be
something you would not regret. Im left
eagerly waiting for next years tournament
and looking forward to meeting a lot of you
again soon.

By Stuart Smith

HowFaces
Paint to
By Zirrian
Heya fellow painters and

gamers, Im Zirrian from the
Mantic (and many other)
forums, and Ive decided to
write a little article about
painting. Let me tell you that
Im no professional, just an
individual who likes to paint,
and sometimes does neat
paintjobs. I dont want to
bore you with my not-so-long
hobby history, but if you have
any questions after this
article, please feel free to
ask. There will be more
articles, and I try to fulfill The basecoated miniature
requests as we progress. This
first article will be on painting faces with - a sharp brush, preferably 2/0, but
(about) 6 easy steps. But first, lets see what anything is good for the job as long as
you need for painting a mini! its sharp
- steady hands and sharp eyes
Lets assume that you have all the
equipment to assembly a mini, and jump If you have everything, lets do this!
straight to the painting part. So, necessary
stuff:
- assembled mini
- spray paint for
basecoating (or you can
do it with a paintbrush
too, but believe me
its much easier with
sprays or an airbrush)
- white, medium-
brown tanned skin
paints The eye outline

correct it later. Next, paint a
line in the middle of the
minis eyes as pupils.
I made the pics with Paint

because it was easier to show
them like this instead of
showing on the mini that
would be really small, believe
me.
Next step, get your brown

paint and put a layer on the
face, but be patient not to
The line for the pupil ruin the eyes with an unlucky
stroke of the brush.
First, apply basecoat. Then paint two large
white spots where the eyes should be. Its Then, grab your Tanned Flesh paint, and
not a problem if you go out of the line, well paint all areas but the recess parts. Be
cautious with this part too.
And the final, mix Tanned

Flesh with White, and paint
only the highest areas of the
face. This is your final step,
and you can basically say your
minis face is done.
Of course you can apply this

method to any flesh areas on
miniatures. As you can see,
the steps are not hard, you
only need to practice a lot.
Oh, and thin your paints. If
you need any other skin
colours, use the same
methods but with different
colours (such as: if you need
blue skin for some reason, use
dark blue as a base tone, and
light up to get a blue skin
The initial painting around the eyes tone).

Feel free to ask anything about the
article, Ill gladly answer you :) Next
time Ill show you how to paint
other areas of the minis its not
hard, basically you gotta do the
same thing but without the eyes.
Yours,
Zirrian (zirrian@gmail.com)
Painting the rest of the face
Final touches for painting the face

breakdown to allow you to make informed
Raising an Army decisions before purchasing an army.
A Guide for the Before I continue, a couple of things for new
Beginning Necromancer players to keep in mind:
1. Unlike some other fantasy/ancient/

A New Player's Guide to the Undead in Kings
medieval mass combat games, theres no
of War.
real power listing in Kings of War. Your list
wont win games- you will.
By Matt aka Dustcrusher
2. This is based on my experience and
observations, with input from other
With assistance from Mantic Forum
experienced players. While I hope you find it
members Darklord, Fred, and Mr. EB (thanks
helpful, it should by no means be considered
for the help, guys!)
absolute. Take all advice on how to play,
including this article, with a grain of salt.
So you're new to Kings of War, or perhaps
you're an existing player looking for a second
With that said, heres a synopsis on the
army. There's an army for most every
Undead:
playstyle, and even within a faction there are
plenty of options for running a viable list.
The Undead have a mix of mostly slower
This article's intent is to provide a summary
units that are Shambling and cannot move
of how the Undead play and a unit
At the Double, along with some fast but
By imm0rtal reaper

Skeletons:
Skeletons are fairly
inexpensive, basic infantry.
They can pay extra for spears
to gain Phalanx and buy an
Undead Giant Rat (Dog?) to
increase the effects of Evil
Dead, healing 1 point of
damage per point inflicted
instead of a single point
regardless. The low cost does
have a price- they are weak in
Melee with a 5+.
I feel there are two ways to

run them best- one is in
Regiments with no add-ons,
and the other is a tricked out
Horde with Spears and
possibly a Rat/dog. I would
not recommend using Troops
unless the game is under
1000 points.
By Chris Schlumpberger Zombies:

Ah, the humble zombie. While
fragile units. In exchange, they have access they dont have the options Skeletons do, a
to movement tricks via their Heroes with the Horde of 30 Zombies gets 30 attacks (most
Dark Surge ability, limited healing when the Hordes get 20), and an Endless Swarm of 60
unit inflicts damage in melee (via Evil Dead), Zombies gets 40 attacks. At every troop size
and high Nerve values, including no except Swarm (40), Zombies have a higher
Wavering value for many units. Nerve than their fleshless counterparts.
Basic Infantry: There are drawbacks- Zombies defense is a

weak 3+ so they are easy to hurt, and all
Some or all of these are likely to form the those attacks are evened out by a Melee
core of your army. Without infantry, all of score of 5+. That said, Zombies dont care
your snazzy specialized troops, cavalry, and much about Crushing Strength or Piercing
war engines will be overrun by your since they are already easy to wound. Units
opponent. of 20 and 30 will blunt the enemys advance,
and the 40 and 60 Zombie units are
roadblocks that will take either multiple

By Michael DeFranco
turns or dedicated effort to rout. Revenants are what you seek.
Ghouls: Revenants have a durable 5+ Defense, and a

Ghouls are an anomaly- instead of being good 4+ Melee score. If you want them to hit
slow, higher Nerve value, and Shambling, harder they can trade shields for great
they are quick (base speed 6), can move At weapons and smash foes with Crushing
the Double, with lower Nerve value. They Strength (1), lowering Defense to 4+ in
have a Melee of 4+, which is more difficult exchange*. Of course, these improvements
for your opponent to ignore, but their Nerve come at an increased cost, but if you want
values are among the lowest in a mostly high heavy infantry, this is your unit.
-Nerve faction.
*Unfortunately, Mantic has not produced
Ghouls can also be Wavered, and their low models with this option at the time of this
Defense of 3+ means they arent durable, writing. There are alternatives available from
though as with Zombies, it renders Piercing other companies- or you could show off your
and Crushing Strength less useful. modeling skills and convert them!
There are two ways Ive seen Ghouls used- Specialist Infantry:
one is as a bait unit to tempt an enemy into
overextending, and the other is as harrier/ These units excel at a particular role, and are
skirmisher type troops that can get into an among the most interesting and thematic
enemy fast- they can be good at finishing off models in the faction.
weakened units.
Skeleton Archers:
Revenants: Its the only other ranged unit you have
Do the above three options seem too much besides the Catapult (which well get to
like fodder to you? You want heavy infantry? later). Archers cost the same as normal

Skeletons. In exchange for being able to army of them?
shoot at 5+, their Melee goes up to a
pathetic 6+ and their Defense drops to 3+. First off, they are pricey. For the cost of a
Sadly, this makes them even weaker than troop of 5 you can get 20 Revenants, or for
Goblin Spitters, who can at least fight as well 10 more points a Swarm of 40 Zombies.
as they shoot. Second, they have a Nerve almost as low as
Ghouls, so if any attacks get through they are
Take either troops or perhaps a Horde with a likely to rout. Third, it is easy to overextend
Jar of the Four Winds to increase their range. them with their superior movement rate,
A Regiment is not worth it- use those 15 and lastly, most other units with Fly can also
points on a magic item instead. Skip the move At the Double (though this isnt all bad
standard upgrade options (standard, - see below).
musician, Rat/dog)- you want this unit to
stay out of melee as long as possible- once Wraiths are a hunting unit. They excel at
charged, it crumbles quickly. flanking and routing weakened units or
destroying War Engines. Thanks to their high
Wraiths: Move and Fly, they are one of the best units
Wraiths at first glance seem like super troops for sneaky tricks with Dark Surge- they can
- they can Fly (dont forget this also means easily flank or hit a unit from behind this
they are Nimble), have a 6+ Defense, way.
Crushing Strength (1), and a fleet base
Movement of 10. They can be taken in units
of 5, 10, and 20, so why not have an entire
By Boris Samec

Werewolves:
Werewolves are another
devastating unit at first
glance. They cant Fly like
Wraiths but they are still
Nimble. They have an
excellent move of 9, and
unlike Wraiths they are not
Shambling so they can move
18 At the Double and pivot
once. They also have the best
base Melee (3+) and Defense
(6+) scores in the game, so
they will be perceived
(rightly so!) as a threat.
By Mantic Games, Used with Permission
Downsides are like most
Large Infantry- a relatively low number of rest of the army, and their cost is along the
attacks for cost, and like Ghouls they can be lines of Wraiths.
Wavered. Their nerve is average among
living troops, so it looks sub-par compared to If you know you are playing a scenario and
their Shambling counterparts. As with not just rolling for one of the default game
Wraiths, Werewolves are expensive. types, Mummies can be stubborn objective
defenders- just watch out for Fire Oil, Breath
Werewolves are the other hunting unit Attacks, and Zap! spells. If you want to try a
option. They can get in your opponents face two-lined approach to your deployment,
quickly, and even a single Wolf hitting a flank they could be used as a counter to overeager
gets 6 attacks at 3+. Single Werewolves can Flying units that want to get behind your
fit through narrower gaps between units and main line.
will destroy War Engines if they dont get
shot trying to reach them. Unlike Wraiths, Wights:
they dont need Dark Surge, so they can What if Mummies just arent strong enough
operate independently. for you? You want something that can hack
down the castle gate, then slay the cowards
Mummies: hiding behind it. Wights can do both.
If Revenants are heavy infantry, Mummies
are shock troops. 6+ Defense, Crushing Wights have a uniquely small unit size (3
Strength (2), and Regeneration means they figures) and as such they can fit into small
will be tough to eliminate and will hurt just gaps easily. Vicious gives them a reroll on a
about anything they hitif they get there. failed Wound roll, and they have- get this-
Unfortunately, Mummies are speed 4, Crushing Strength (4)! Who knew three
making them even slower than most of the normal sized undead could be so strong?

Their Melee value is average (4+) and they Ill present this like a recipe:
get 9 attacks, which is in line with a unit of 3
Werewolves. The Wights are also Shambling Take 10 Revenants. Subtract 2 Attacks. Add
so they can be Dark Surged. -/15 Nerve is Crushing Strength (2) but keep their Defense
pretty sturdy for a unit this size. They are at 5+. Melee stays the same at 4+. Increase
slow-moving, flightless Wraiths that hit like a their base Speed to 8 and leave Shambling
War Engine. for movement fun. Increase their total base
size from 100x40mm to 125x50mm.
A Defense of 5+ is good, but your opponent
will look to take them out as soon as Now, youd think all this would cost more
possible, so use a fodder unit to shield them than a base unit of 10 Revenants on foot,
until they are in position. right? It doesnt! Both are 85 points. Youre
trading in two Attacks for increased speed
Cavalry: and wounding ability- absolutely worth it.
Units on horses (or other mounts). They are They arent perfect, though- Most other
highly mobile offensive troops- they will factions mounted troops have a 3+ Melee
crush weaker units under their mounts feet, score. Dwarf Brock Riders dont but they get
but dont expect them to hold the line for an more attacks and a higher Nerve. Goblin
extended period. Fleabag Riders are weaker, but they get
Nimble and they are cheaper. Shambling
Revenant Cavalry: allows for movement tricks but the other
These guys are excellent. Ive been trying to races can move At the Double.
be fair about each units strengths and
weaknesses, but Im having a hard time here.

maneuver them well and they
will probably be your MVPs-
leave them vulnerable and
they will be an expensive
casualty.
War Engines:
You have one choice- the

Balefire Catapult. 65 points
for Blast (2d6), Indirect Fire,
Piercing (3), and Shambling is
a pretty good buy, if you take
By Boris Samec
more than one. Any hit will
almost certainly take wounds,
Cavalry Regiments are solid- 70 more points and any target you can see between 12 and
adds 8 more attacks and 3 more Nerve, but 48 can be shot.
its tough to not take 2 Revenant Cavalry
Troops instead, unless youre experimenting Outside of siege games (where youll likely
with cavalry-centric army. want at least two), the Balefire is an
interesting option, but not mandatory. Use
Soul Reavers: them to soften up high defense targets or
These guys are among the best cavalry in the rout screening troops.
game, but it comes with a very high price tag
- 1 Troop of 5 Soul Reavers costs 100 points Heroes and Personalities:
more than a Revenant Cavalry Troop.
These are the Heroes (well, villains mostly)
Now, with that said, that 100 points buys you that will lead your forces to victory over the
things the Revenant horsemen are lacking- living. These personalities are where your
Melee 3+, Defense 6+, 13 Attacks, and 12/14 Dark Surge is going to come from; in
Nerve. Only Dwarf Brock Riders have better addition, they give you access to other
Nerve and Attack numbers, and their Melee abilities like Zap! and Inspiring, and a few are
and Defense are both 4+. Soul Reavers powerful combatants in their own right.
Defense is the best of any cavalry in the
game. These guys will hit what they charge Mhorgoth the Faceless:
very, very hard- and woe be to anyone This is the Undead factions named Hero.
flanked or hit from behind by these guys. Hes a walking, er, Flying toolkit of abilities.
His only mediocre stat is a 4+ Melee, but you
In addition to the cost, Soul Reavers trade a shouldnt be using it anyway.
lack of Shambling for being subject to
Wavering. These guys are the closest thing to Problem is, he is ridiculously expensive. Get
a Death Star unit that the Undead have- the model- its a great sculpt, and use it as a

normal Necromancer or a Liche King lists- if youre using 2 or more units of
depending on what you prefer. Id only field Mummies, take him- hes tough enough to
him as Mhorgoth in special scenarios or wade in alongside them. Otherwise, youre
games over 2500 points. better off with someone else.
Vampire on Undead Pegasus: Vampire Lord:

A flying Cavalry monster and low level This guy is powerful, but he has a key
Necromancer all in one. Hes pretty tough drawback. First, the good- Hes fast (Speed
and trades a lot of magical ability for melee 7), powerful in Melee with a 3+, 6+ Defense,
might. Also has Inspiring built-in and can Crushing Strength (2), Inspiring, plus he has
block units because hes not an Individual. all of the abilities of a Necromancer except
He can be a pretty cool centerpiece, but Id for a weaker Dark Surge.
probably reserve him for games of at least
1600 points. For the price, his Nerves a tad on the low
side. Then theres the big problem- his cost.
Undead Army Standard Bearer: The Lord is a mere 10 points less than the
Every army has standards, and most of the Vampire on Undead Pegasus. Those 10
time they are worth taking (except Goblins- points gets you Fly, 3 more inches of
the Wiz is a far better deal). Theyre a cheap movement, and the loss of Individual. The
source of Inspiring, giving you an extra reroll mount option for the Vampire Lord is even
against bad Nerve checks. If you worry about more pointless- it costs 10 points more than
having the Standard in the
right place you can add a
mount for additional
flexibility, and giving them
magic items (the Healing
Charm is a fun one) can make
them more versatile. Keep
them out of combat, though-
they are fragile.
Cursed Pharaoh:
Like his Mummy brethren,
this guy is tough- his nerve is
even higher than
Mhorgoths. Melee 4+ and 5
Attacks is decent with
Crushing Strength (2). Hes
Inspiring and can Dark Surge
Mummies, and has
Regeneration as well. Id
avoid using him in normal By left64

the Pegasus-mounted
version and increases your
move by 1 measly inch.
So why take this Hero over

the Pegasus-mounted
version? The Vampire Lord
has a smaller base size, the
increased mobility of
Individual, 6+ Defense, and a
larger pool of magic items to
use. The Lords not a bad
choice per se, but for the
cost, I think the Pegasus, or
two Revenant Kings and
points to spare, are better
choices. By Matt Gilbert
Necromancer: Hes the Necromancer, High-Octane edition.

Necromancers are one of the mainstay If youre thinking about taking Mhorgoth,
Individuals in the Undead faction. They are save your points and take a Liche King and
the cheapest source of Dark Surge, Heal, and two Necromancers instead- youll get a lot
Zap!. His Dark Surge (8) is only 2 dice behind more out of them.
the Liche King and 4 dice behind Mhorgoth.
Hes not Inspiring (though you can mitigate Revenant King:
this for one by taking the Talisman of The other mainstay Individual and
Inspiration), and if he gets caught in melee, counterpart to the Necromancer. The
hes dead. Revenant King loses Heal, Zap!, and 2 dice of
Dark Surge compared to his mage
The Necromancer should be using one of his counterpart. In exchange you get increased
spell abilities each turn. A mount will give durability, good melee ability, and Inspiring.
you more flexibility in getting him where he A mount can be a good idea for this guy, too.
needs to be. I think Necromancer versus Revenant King (a
subject which has been discussed many
Liche King: times among Undead Players) is best saved
This guy is for when the normal for a future article. I would recommend
Necromancer is not enough. 3 more points trying a mix of the two- both have their uses
of Nerve, 2 more dice of Dark Surge, Heal, and it will likely come down to how you want
and Zap! for 70 points. Hes still much to play your army.
cheaper than Mhorgoth. A mount might be a
good idea for him- whats another 20 points
when youre spending 180 on him already?

The Next Step- Recruiting Your Minions
The One Player Battle Set and the Two-Player
Battle Set are good starting points- you will
definitely want at least one or two units of
infantry no matter what else youre fielding,
and both give you a sample of three of the
four basic infantry types.
From there, its up to you. There are many

ways to run any Kings of War army, and
Undead have the potential for some of the
most unusual (and fun) lists in the game.
Remember, to the Necromancer, todays

enemy may become tomorrows ally with a
little dark magic
By Boris Samec

The screen had attracted a
usual crowd of roughnecks,
gathered at the carriages end
while the monorail threaded
its way through Gaian Primes
precincts. They cheered at
some especially brutal
impact, and then animatedly
rated it against the one from
last night or the night before.
Cole yawned and looked

through the window. Gaian
Prime slid by, made clean and
almost palatable by velocity.
It was only when the rail
halted at a station did the
ever presence litter and algae
By SneakyChris staining show itself before
they moved off, blurring to
the uniform grey of plasticrete Sphere-wide.
Breach Just another day in the outer colonies.

By Michael Grey
He closed his eyes and leant into the seat.
Containment Protocol Was this really what hed wanted? Being
- Incident Ref#: part of the push outwards from the core
0000037..Time Stamp - worlds had seemed so enticing at the
minus 00:56
recruitment office. So romantic. Graphs of
There was Dreadball on the entertainment rolling plains, infinite horizons. The taming
screen. There was always Dreadball on the of frontiers. Becoming self-sufficient, away
entertainment screen. Cole wasnt a fan, from the meagre hand outs of the
and knew he was in the minority because of corporations.
that, but it was hard to appreciate the sport
when you saw the net result of skirmishes And instead; this. Pretty much held hostage
between rival fans in the emergency room. in a Bubbled city until his passage was paid
He counted himself lucky Gaian 16 was too off and he could go. Where? Another
new a colony to have its own team. When establishment colony like Gaian? As far as
that momentous day came he could kiss he knew, this was as good as it got out here.
every Saturday night goodbye for the rest of
his working life. He opened his eyes when the game cut off
mid-play, replaced by the preened face of a

man with a forced grin to the
jeers of the fans below.
When the face spoke it was

with the stilted delivery of a
facet recording, separate
sound files spliced to play a
coherent message. Good
morning, fellow Gaians! This
is Kamal McMahon, the
governor of Gaian 16 and
your public servant, wishing
you a pleasant morning. The
temperature is currently 33
degrees in our fine city, By Mantic Games, Used with Permission
climbing to a high of 44 with
a humidity of 80 percent, so be sure to keep covered pavements in an intangible race
cool and drink plenty of water. Enjoy your between their turn and possible death.
day, and remember; each one of you is as
indispensable to the colony as I am. An Cole rushed from the change room to
insincere wink and he was gone. One of the surgery, pulling on sterile whites and
teams had done something in the meantime securing a facemask. He had been early for
to cause the men below to swear. One spat his shift, but time and industrial accidents
on the floor. Cole yawned again. wait for no one and the previous shifts
nurses were still in other theatres.
***
Gaian Prime General Hospital heaved. One Enjoy your day, and
of the first municipal buildings constructed
on the fledgling colony, and built to serve the
remember; each one of
bare minimum the corp protocols demanded you is as indispensable to
for the resident numbers at the time. It was the colony as I am
pretended the inevitable population boom
would ever come, credits changed hands,
the right boxes were ticked and due He reached the ER door as another nurse
diligence was seen to have been observed. arrived, pulling a wheeled and battered
halogen light. Morning Cole. Just in time.
Fast forward thirty years and the original She nodded at the door. He opened it with a
hospital still stood, as recognisable in design flamboyant wave.
as the day the doors opened, if not in the
queues of sick and injured leading out from What do we have Jean? He followed her
every door, laying and sleeping on moss- through into a surgery mid-prep. Empty

boxes of medicines, syringes and the like Sprayed it twice with disinfectant, Doctor.
leaned stacked against the walls. Other
boxes and discarded wipes lay around them, He accepted that with a nod and noticed
kicked to one side by busy medicos to clear Cole. Ah, good, an extra pair of hands, we
the floor around the central table and left for can begin. If you wouldnt mind nurse. The
a clean up the room was always too busy to doctor looked back down and administered
receive. Cole caught a glimpse of green an injection. Cole ripped off a salute only
fingering its way out from behind one of the Jean saw. Her eyes crinkled and she waved
stacks. Even here the omnipresent algae him to stop.
found root.
She connected the light as he pulled a tray of
Male, 23, slipped with a implements to the table, and then pulled
circular saw and caught it over the G-Net screen. It hung suspended
in the upper intestinal tract from the ceiling, allowing Cole to angle it
over the now-unconscious patients head.
The screen blinked, clicked, prompted Cole
for a password which he gave, and then
Male, 23, slipped with a circular saw and connected to the greater-network. The
caught it in the upper intestinal tract. As screen showed a doctor in theatre whites.
she wheel the light into position the surgical
covering on the bed shifted and emitted a Please state the nature of the procedure, it
pained cry which descended into a groan. said in an accentless voice.
Anaesthesias still setting in, she finished.
At the table a doctor leant

over the patient, hands busy
and out of sight. He looked
up at the light as the nurse
aimed it down. And whats
this?
Industrial light from the

construction next door, she
said. The builders havent
arrived yet and I dont think
they need it as much as him.
A nod to the table.
No hospital ones? the

doctor let the question trail
hopelessly. At least tell me
its clean. By Daedle

Without looking up the doctor said, Male, Cole looked up. So did the doctor and Jean.
mid-twenties, basic none augmented, no The screen showed black with bold white
known allergies. Patient has multiple clean letters saying 55760 ERROR CONNECTION
lacerations through the upper intestine UNAVAILABLE. The full stop blinked off and
between the transverse and ascending colon on while they watched.
caused by an industrial saw.
Cole reached out, used
Is the patient stable? the Aesthetic will wear off his index knuckle to
screen doctor asked. turn the screen off and
in just over 90 back on.
The doctor looked at Cole minutes, doctor
who checked the vital Nothing.
readout. He is.
The doctor looked between the patient and
The G-Net screen flicked as files were access, the screen again. Try again nurse. Cole did
then segued to the image of the screen to the same effect. He saw a sheen across
doctor bent over the representation of a the doctors forehead. The G-Net had ever
patient with similar injuries. Begin by gone down before, and without it they
removing obstructions and cleaning the would have to rely on themselves and what
wounds. little training they had.
All done, said the doctor. The doctor blinked.
The screen flicked again, fast forwarded to a Aesthetic will wear off in just over 90
later phase. The intestinal lacerations can minutes, doctor, said Jean. She sounded
now be cauterised. Begin by- calmer than Cole felt.
Very well. The doctor

coughed and shook his head.
Nothing we havent done
before, Im sure well be fine.
Charge up the cauteriser,
well begin there.
***
Fifteen hours later in a bar off

Landing Square, Cole downed
his second beer to try and
calm his shaking hands.
By Matt Gilbert

She shook her head. You
know I didnt.
And neither did I. Nurse,

sounded fun and a few pay
grades above shit shoveller. A
completed aptitude test and
basic training on route and
bam, in at the deep end. Do
you know how much extra
training a doctor needs
here?
She didnt answer, just sipped

By Mantic Games, Used with Permission her drink and let him get it off
his chest.
I still dont see what your problem is. Jean
sat opposite him, still on her first drink. They have to complete basic medical
school. Complete. Not pass. If Doctor
I think you would had you been onplanet as Hygiene back there was anyway competent
long as me. Ive had to remind that doctor he wouldnt be on this armpit of a world.
to wash his hands before an op once. He
forced swallowed the beer. Light and fizzy; He cant be that bad. He patched that boy
cheap to make and easy on the hangover. up without the G-Net telling him how.
Just as the colonies liked it.
Lucky for the poor son of a bitch it was
If Doctor Hygiene back something wed done before with no
complications. I dread to think what
there was anyway happens if the G-Nets not back up
competent he wouldnt be tomorrow.
on this armpit of a world
Jean looked uncomfortable and he felt she
was resisting the urge to look at her watch.
That was when he realised how drunk and
I think youre exaggerating. bitter he sounded.
He wasnt. How much training did you Im sorry, he said. Just letting off steam.
have? When you were in the recruitment Itll be better tomorrow.
office on whatever world you came from.
When you looked down the list of required ***
jobs, had you had any medical training?

The monorail home was as
packed as that morning, only
this time the sports fans
beneath the vid screen were
actually drunk instead of just
acting like it.
Cole tried to tune them out,

closing his eyes to the
Bubbles ever present orange
glow. He gave up when a
crushed beer can clattered
down the carriage.
He opened his eyes and his

attention was drawn to the
noise coming from the
crowd. It was different from
this morning. He paid more
attention and realised it
wasnt the score line they By Mark Relf
were swearing at.
Same bloody game as Monday, mate. Saw Cole did not know much of
it myself.
Dreadball, but what little
Theyre repeating a game? Cole did not he did included that there
know much of Dreadball, but what little he
did included that there were enough teams
were enough teams to
to show several live games each night. A show several live games
repeat was something he had never heard each night. A repeat was
of.
something he had never
On the screen armoured athletes threw heard of.
themselves violently into each other as a ball
sped by at sub-sonic speeds. It could have ***
been any game. He didnt even know the
team colours. His apartment building was silent. This time
of night most of the occupants would be
He closed his eyes again and tried to ignore asleep or at night shifts outside of the
the noise. Bubble, farming the ultra-growth vegetation
before it could grow back.

He reached his apartment, key card ready, through the security hole. She held a hand
when he saw the tape on the door frame. out toward him, waving down in a keep
Just a short strip of clear
cello tape, half hanging
The door opened wider quiet motion. He did,
forcing back another sigh.
as if someone had showing nothing but
unstuck it from their darkness beyond, no After a second of nothing
fingers as they passed. happening the figure
Easy to miss and easy to sign of the person turned around. Coast
explain. holding the door clear, you can turn the
Or, in this case, with a

different meaning. He
sighed. He really just wanted
his bed before the shift
tomorrow. Instead he
walked to the next door and
rapped lightly. No answer.
He tried again and leant in.
Cas?
His own door opened a crack.

Here, said a voice.
He looked between the two

doors. What are you-? he
began.
Shh! Get in here.
The door opened wider

showing nothing but
darkness beyond, no sign of
the person holding the door.
He walked in. Dont mind if
I do, it being my apartment.
A hand shot out, grabbed his

shirt and pulled him all the
way in. The door closed fast,
just short of slamming. He
stumbled in, looked at the
By Skolo
back of the figure peering

lights on. check those in. This is mine.
Why thank you very much. He was used to Well thats a comfort. Tea? Boil the water
his neighbours paranoia-driven decisions. twice.
Breaking into his apartment was a new one,
but hed known her long enough to not be Boil the water twice. She said it at the
surprised. Her position with the military same time and gave what was planned to be
gave Cas access to training which allowed an angry look but which quickly turned into
her to indulge in her conspiracy theories, a grin.
And lets me keep an eye on the bastards
she would remind him. He made himself busy in the kitchenette.
To what do I owe the pleasure? Not that I
But when he flicked the switch he got a dont mind visitors but I usually like them to
surprise. A heavy looking pistol was arrive after me.
holstered at her hip. He had grown used to
the absence of weapons. Firearms were
illegal inside the city, and to see one made Firearms were illegal inside
him uneasy.
the city, and to see one
You, er, you supposed to be wearing that off made him uneasy
duty?
Its happening, she said from the window.
No. She pushed passed him to the lounge Its always been happening, at least if I were
windows and pulled back the blinds to look to believe you the other times too.
outside. Its not the Marines, I have to
This time Im right.
He looked at her while she

peered outside. The gun was
still secured in its holster, but
just having it there she risked
her job or even being shipped
to a penal colony.
And whats so different about

this time?
She left the window, came to

the kitchen bench and slid her
tablet along the top to Cole.
He picked it up. And?

He looked at Cas. Its not
just that, she said and picked
up the TV remote. She flicked
on the major news channel.
What should have been
rolling reports from across the
Sphere showed some local
news story from a satellite
township. Instead of trade
wars, some plans for an
enclosed highway. She flicked
to the next channel to show
By Jonathan Hicks
something similar. Its the
same with each. Reruns of
Check the mails, she said. He did. Her everything already shown. The only live
inbox was a barren affair, a few reply stuff is from onplanet. Even the-
prompts from obviously fake G-Net handles,
some spam. Nothing personal. But at least -Dreadball, he finished staring at his tablet.
regular mails, a few every hour. But nothing She smiled as if she had just won something.
from the past day. Youre learning.
We have 275, a relay He didnt like feeling as if he was being

station the size of a small played with, but that annoyed him perhaps
more than it should. He put it down to
moon powered by a stress and an increasing need for sleep, and
dedicated fusion reactor, refused to entertain the thought he might be
worried. It doesnt have to mean anything.
and a backup to that on a So we lost connection to the greater
further orbit. A planet does network, so what? He ran his hand through
not just drop off his hair and poured them tea.
the G-Net But even if it didnt mean something the

notion was, if not worrying then...
disquieting. Not unlike waking up to find
He pulled out his own and checked. The your apartment door locked from the
past day was empty also, the last refresh outside and phone disconnected.
showing as 7:36am, about the same time the
G-Net went off in surgery. Do you know just how many satellites orbit
this planet?
He tried connecting. Nothing. It showed
connection to the local network, but nothing He shook his head and sipped his tea.
more, nothing from the Sphere. Three? Five? How many do you need for a

small operation like this?
An operation of 300 million

people requires not less than
250 active sats at any one
time. Council protocol. We
have 275, a relay station the
size of a small moon
powered by a dedicated
fusion reactor, and a backup
to that on a further orbit. A
planet does not just drop off
the G-Net, Cole.
She sounded so sure. And By Mantic Games, Used with Permission

something else. He shook his
head. Cas burned with the need to tell He guessed where she was going. He was
everyone she met her conspiracy theories, wrong.
be they about the suppressed news of
planets successfully overthrowing their The defence forces connection is down as
corporate yokes or secretive council death well.
squads. They all came down to how the
Sphere citizens were covertly controlled. As It took a moment for him to realise what she
if they needed anything meant. The Marines?
more covert than 24- Thats the first
hour Dreadball and directive for any She nodded. Theyre trying to
reality head-cam shows. commanding officer make like theres nothing
wrong, and not doing it very
Exhaustion made his in a tactical situation well. As of this morning all
eyes burn. Im sure its with no intel: secure leave has been cancelled and
no big deal. I mean, we everyones been recalled to
cant perform any major your base Prime. Thats the first directive
surgery without it, Im for any commanding officer in a
just not sure it means anything. tactical situation with no intel: secure your
base.
The hospitals down?
The frightening thing was she made perfect
Well, yeah. They all share the same sense. He cut the thought off before it could
connection. take root. It was late, he was tired and Cas
was on one of her paranoia rants. But he
Just after Seven thirty? knew better than to argue with her, and
even if he wanted to he didnt have the

But still, the idea of being He lay down, and when it became obvious
sleep would never come, spent the rest of
cut off from the Sphere the night flicking through TV channels.
made him uncomfortable.
***
He had never felt so
disconnected. The G-Net was still down. Procedures at the
hospital had been reprioritised to
emergencies first and then anything the
energy. doctors felt competent enough to perform
without guidance second. But there was
Okay, lets say it is happening, he air another problem.
quoted. What do we do?
And more to the point; why?
Gaians only export is refried
vegetable mush. Were not
near any trade routes or
other planets, we have little
military presence. So why?
Why is the great question,

partner, but knowing we
have to find a why is half
the fight. She picked up her
tea and downed the hot
drink in a single pull. Cole
winced. Im just letting you
know. Keep your eyes open,
eh? She went to the door
and performed a complicated
but well executed check
outside before leaving.
His head swam. He didnt

believe Cas, of course he
didnt. He had become used
to her theories, and none of
them ever eventuated. But
still, the idea of being cut off
from the Sphere made him
uncomfortable. He had
never felt so disconnected. By Boris Samec

What, none? But none? No anaesthetic in the whole
hospital?
Ran out last shift, said jean.
Frak, I dont know! Thats why you have to
go check. Youre more senior, theyll take
Skeletal shelves which you more seriously than me.
should have held pallets of All anaesthesia had been used up in the
boxes were empty, continuous procedures and operations
allowing him to see all the throughout the last night, according to Jean.
He had known they were running low, but
way through them to the then again that was nothing new. The
buildings rear. hospital was always running low, but
amongst the constant flow of ships and
supplies coming in from outsystem to feed
an establishing world were the primary
supply ships from the corp home planets,
stocked with munitions for the marines and
medical supplies for the hospitals. The ships
arrivals were reliable enough that Cole had
long accepted the state as a norm.
The situation was confirmed by the supply

office manager.
Not a goddamn one, and will you people

please stopping asking for them.
She looked harried. Her face red with

strands of hair dangling loose from her
ponytail. Behind her the small warehouse
looked bare. Skeletal shelves which should
have held pallets of boxes were empty,
allowing him to see all the way through
them to the buildings rear.
You do realise, he began.
Yes I realise exactly what you can and cant

do without them. Ive been told a hundred
times in two hours, but it does not change
By Hellebore that we dont have anything.

looked at him above the rim of her glasses.
If I knew that I would have told you. It just
didnt come in, and I dont have anyone
spare to go find out why.
Then Ill do it. Where do I go? He said it

before he realised, but then again what else
was he going to do today?
She looked at him a moment longer, then,

Okay. She pulled a sheet from her
clipboard and wrote an address before
handing it over. This is the delivery
warehouse the goods come from. By all
means go find out. And if its anyones fault
down there, feel free to use your knowledge
of pain receptors and pressure points on
them.
***
Gaian 16 held several advantages for

By Mantic Games, Used with Permission potential corp settlement. It was located on
the brink of a stellar cliff, known locally as
Cole closed his eyes and told himself to calm The Edge. Near the leading verge of the
down. When he opened them again he tried galaxy arm, it was as close to a true void as
to think logically. When was the last any habitable planet yet found by the
shipment due? Sphere. A settlement there could prove
invaluable in the future as
Yesterday afternoon, she A peculiarity of a testing post for
said without checking. He evolution had given the intergalactic travel or
guessed shed been asked weapons which could
this a hundred times as
planets vegetation a react badly with any
well. heavily accelerated nearby mass.
When she didnt offer
growth cycle. Plant Secondly, a peculiarity of
anything more he said, growth cut back would evolution had given the
And? Where is it? grow back to its planets vegetation a
heavily accelerated growth
She stopped scribbling on original size within cycle. Plant growth cut
her pad and banged her a day back would grow back to
pen onto the counter. She its original size within a

By Daedle
day. The potential for farming was quickly In a township which might consist of two
identified, prompting a short but cut throat dozen buildings this was not much of a
bidding war for the planets contract. And problem. But when it came to what would
now Gaian 16 was the main provider of be Gaians capital city, Gaian Prime, the area
reconstituted vegetable matter across the and building number and size meant a
Aquila Rift. different approach was required. And this
was where the Bubble was designed.
The unique ecology, however, provided
equally unique challenges. The floral growth It had been postulated that
was so accelerated as to be almost the ecologically advanced
predatory. No mega fauna existed anywhere
on the planet, and it had been postulated vegetation literally
that the ecologically advanced vegetation strangled any large
literally strangled any large animals before
they could find an ecological niche. This
animals before they could
meant humans had to force themselves find an ecological niche
sideways into the ecosystem.
The same boon to agriculture, where a patch An immense conductive alloy canvass, the
of ground could be farmed for all vegetable Bubble stretched over the whole city,
matter to shipped off world one day and anchored at Primes circumference by being
would be there next for the same treatment, driven eight metres into the ground. The
also meant any settlement had to be actively Bubble secreted toxins and was charged with
defended from an ever encroaching direct current, nullifying any spores or seed
rainforest. Burn backs and soil eradiation which came into contact with it, and
were daily chores around each township. allowing the burn back teams which
But even then the plant life found a way, patrolled the perimeter daily, to focus on the
until mould and fungus would find a hold plants and not on the buildings on the
within a structure and grow, eating mortar inside.
and forcing apart prefab blocks until the
building was unsafe and would have to be The Bubble also provided a secondary
demolished and rebuilt. benefit to Primes residents. The mega trees

found on the interior of Gaian 16s continent There were dozens of warehouses, the
released wind-borne spores year round. smallest still more than 50 metres wide, and
These ranged in size from the bacterial, to all following the curve of the shore around
the width of a mans fist. The larger variety the bay. And outside each were knots of
popped on contact, releasing pollen motes in people. He caught a whiff of the crowds
the millions, each species of which had collective emotion. Anger permeated, but
proven to cause extreme hay fever-like he sensed that just rode the wave of
symptoms. something more substantial beneath.
He followed the directions to the building

He caught a whiff of the where the hospital supplies should be held.
crowds collective emotion. Judging by the clothes worn by the people
gathered outside this one distributed
Anger permeated, but he supplies for most of the citys municipal
sensed that just rode the services. And going by how hard they
wave of something more shouted and the words they used it was not
just the hospital which had run out.
substantial beneath
A man in stood on a pile of pallets at the
Gaian Primes location was on the edge of a offices door, speaking loudly and trying to
natural harbour. The bay was most likely an answer three questions at once. Sweat
ancient meteor crater, forming an almost stains darkened around his chest and
perfect circle open at one side to a deep armpits and he looked if he had had less
water channel between two of Gaian 16s sleep than Cole.
oceans. The location was
perfect for settlement, not
only in a naturally calm bay,
but also the city built at the
bays eastern shore would
face its own harbour
westward, away from the
prevailing winds from the
landmasss interior, and
allow the only permanent
opening in the Bubble
around the sea lane.
It was on this harbour where

Primes warehouse district
was located, and where Cole
now arrived.
By Sneaky Chris

Without seeing inside he knew the He had reached the same conclusion, but
warehouse would be empty. Behind what was not in the mood to play games. Noted.
he took to be the manager, smaller knots of But why are you here?
workmen in overalls and heavy gloves
lounged around. With nothing to do they Same reason you are, Id say.
talked and cast the occasional worried look
to the crowd. He frowned. Supplies.
I wondered how long it would take you. Thats affirmative.
Cas leant casually

against a linked fence,
But what do the But what do the
arms crossed with a military need supplied? military need supplied?
sardonic smile. She
wasnt wearing her Ammo, she said
pistol, but she was in Ammo simply. And when she
uniform. saw his questioning
look, Did you think we just sit on an ever
What you doing here? growing pile of munitions? Ninety percent
of what we have is used in training. Since
Seems to be where all the action is. She this morning thats been stopped though.
indicated the crowd. I wouldnt try and No more deliveries have come in.
force your way to the front, if I were you.
Most of them have been here for a while. It He frowned. The military would get priority
wouldnt take much for them to turn ugly. even over the hospitals in corp supply lines.
Let me show you something. She stepped

away, showing the spot she
had leant on hid a freshly
clipped flap in the chain link.
She saw Cole looking and
shook her head in a dont ask
questions way, and he pushed
his way through.
The fence led to a gap

between two warehouses,
opening out on the
waterfront. The air flowed
more freely here, not nearly
as close and with a grating
By Mantic Games, Used with Permission edge of salt to the warm

on piers.
The quiet was unsettling.

Cole had been on Gaian for
years, and he had never seen
such calm, such stillness since
arriving onplanet.
The calm continued out to

sea. Ships, as many as where
in dock now, lay at anchor
with nowhere to go.
Its the same at each
warehouse as here, said Cas.
All the workers are either
standing around or have been
sent home. Theres nothing
for them to do.
But why? he said.
Cas pointed out over the bay,

towards the hole in the
Bubble where ships could sail
freely out to the stretch of
By Mantic Games, Used with Permission open ocean. Outside of the
bay a ten kilometre wide
breeze. channel separated the mainland from an
Cargo ships with their typical flat-nosed

prows lined the wharves, each almost as
The entire scene,
large as the buildings they docked at. Every kilometres of dock front,
berth was occupied, accompanied by still and silent but for the
imposing cranes. Here and there trucks
were parked in designated bays, toy-like slap of the waves
between the monolithic loading equipment on piers.
and ships.
island designated as Gaians spaceport. It
But no people. received and launched the super lifters from
the upper atmosphere. Set outside the city
The entire scene, kilometres of dock front, for safety reasons, its own seaport allowed
still and silent but for the slap of the waves the constant flow of goods from outsystem

to Gaian to be shipped directly to Prime or
the outlying townships. The returning lifters
were loaded with vegetable matter for
shipping to other sectors and systems.
Cole had only been at the port once on the

day of his arrival, but it left him with the
profound impression of a structure the size
of a city, designed and built for the sole
purpose of constant unloading and loading,
never ceasing, as if it were the lungs of the
colony planet.
Only right now, it was as still as the dock he

stood on.
Thats not right. Only after he said the

words did he realised he whispered them.
And theres something else, said Cas, and

looked upwards.
Only then did he realise he

wasnt look at stars, but
star ships. Cargo haulers, motionless in orbit.
kilometres long, massive
Thats not right, he said again, then to Cas,
enough to be seen from why arent they docking?
the ground, hanging
motionless I think they already have, she said. She
waved to the warehouses fanning out
in orbit. behind them. Their cargo has already been
delivered and consumed.
He followed her gaze. Stars twinkled low the He could only think of one thing it could
sky. There was a discord in what he saw, mean. There have been no arrivals, he
only recognisable when he concentrated; it said. Such a thought seemed unnatural.
wasnt even midday yet. Only then did he There were always arrivals and departures.
realise he wasnt look at stars, but star ships. Constant burn offs from the spaceport as the
Cargo haulers, kilometres long, massive massive ships fought to lift themselves
enough to be seen from the ground, hanging through Gaian 16s gravity, like rising suns

every half hour. At night the light reached First our connection to the Sphere goes,
Coles own apartment windows and was as and then ships stop arriving, he said. There
part of the background of was nothing he had ever
his routine as the ever First our connection heard about a planet being
present street noise. to the Sphere goes, suddenly cut off. Surely if
Cas nodded. Thats my
and then ships stop something had happened,
even for short time, it
conclusion. And do you arriving, would be all over the news?
want to know whats really
frightening? Seems too much of a
He didnt think he did. Seems too much of a coincidence to me, said
Over the past few years coincidence to me Cas. Which begs your
hed settled unto a question; why?
comfortable if unpleasant life, a routine he
had slowly watch come
undone over the past day.
His eyes were still on the far
distant space port, great
silvery arms and grey sheet
towers reflected light back at
him. But no activity. He felt
Cass eyes on him. She didnt
wait for a response.
The brass dont know why.

Theyre trying to pretend
they do, but why would they
send me out here to find out
where everything was if they
already knew?
She joined him looking out at

the port, and then up to the
ships hanging in the sky.
And have you noticed the
ships here havent left yet?
Theyve been filled with
produce but theyre just
hanging there, like they have
no place to go.

Cole could not begin to imagine, but was
suddenly overwhelmed with the sensation
that he very much did not want to find out.
....END OF PART 1....
For more stories like this, visit Michaels blog

at
Reb Judwan Medics by Nicodemus Sandberg

The Iron Forge
Welcome to the Iron Forge. This is the first in issue of the magazine. While real life might
what we hope will become a regular and mean not everyone can make it every
popular feature for the Ironwatch magazine. month, Im hoping we gain enough
Ironwatch has lacked a recurring feature momentum to make this a real success and
specifically showcasing painted Mantic can also start to call on guest painters for
models and so I proposed the idea of putting some issues too. Well also be happy to
a team together to Austin (Ironwatchs feature dioramas, full units, teams or whole
editor). I then approached a number of well- armies anything that provides inspiration
known faces in the Mantic community who and creativity to really show off Mantics
have all demonstrated their painting skills great range of models.
and luckily none of them turned me down!
The teams initial goal is to produce one If the community like the new feature we
newly painted Mantic model each for every can get more creative, with tutorials, tip and
By Nick Williams

tricks, themed issues and the
like. Your feedback and ideas
are most welcome to help us
gauge the reaction to this
new venture and what you
would like to see.
The Iron Forge Painting Team

are:
Matt Gilbert, Nick Williams,
Christian Schlumpberger,
Claudia Zuminich, Paul Scott
and Darren Lysenko. Of
course, Austin has said he
might chip in too :)
Please use the Ironwatch

feedback threads on the
Mantic forums to let us know
what you think. I hope you
enjoy this months inaugural
set of pictures.
-Matt
By Darren Lysenko

Chris Schlumpberger
The Veer-myn Night Lord
has always been one of
my favorite Warpath
models. The gruesome
drill, the vicious chem
weapon, the whole beast
is simply powerful and
nasty as hell.
Unfortunately the
painting process for the
Night Lord was not as
funny as I had hoped. I
had to redo some
sections over and over
again until I was finally
satisfied and even then I
applied weathering, dust
and blood splatter to
cover some mistakes (you
have to use some dirty
tricks if necessary :) ). The
main paintjob was done with red primer,
base colors and army painter shade,
followed by lots of detail work and a little

Chris Schlumpberger
OSL with my airbrush. Even though
this is probably not my best model and
way below the level of my fellow
painters of the Iron Forge, Im pretty
happy with the result and already
looking forward to next month.

Claudia Zuminich
The Goblin War Trombone is a very detailed

model, casting in metal. Both, the war
machine and the crew have an steampunk
style, ideal for painting metals and Leathers.
For Trombone base body, I used metallic
paints that can be polished, which gives a
realistic texture and appearance to the
forged iron canyon. Finally the weathering
gives an sloppy Goblin appearance.

Darren Lysenko
When I was looking for a Giant for my Kings

of War Orc army, I think I took it all a bit too
literally because "Blind Mungo", as I lovingly
call him, actually *is* a giant orc - a 3-up
resin cast of an Orc Ax from Mantic's
'Collector's Range', to be exact.
The reason Mungo is in fact 'blind' is

completely down to indecision on my part. I
really wanted to give him one
solid brass prosthetic eye. I
was also desperate to give
him a really pale and milky,
sightless eye. In the end, I
decided to do both, meaning
that my Krudger can now only
point this flailing behemoth in
the right direction at the start
of the battle and hope for the
best...

Matt Gilbert
I assembled this model

months ago and its been
sitting on the shelf since then
while I painted KoW and DB
models. Our new painting
feature was the perfect
excuse to finally paint it.
I started with a white

undercoat rather than black
as favored by a lot of people
at the moment. I had also decided that the tongue finished it off, creating a triple-point
skin would be traditional green and that I of spot color.
wanted yellow in there somewhere to as a
dominant color. Beyond that, the model I know a lot of people paint whole discreet
almost painted itself as I went along. areas in one go before moving to the next
Painting the fist red unbalanced the model but Im more traditional and tend to paint a
so making the opposing shoulder the same whole model at once.
color helped redress that and then the red

Whether this color scheme is reflected in the
rest of my Marauder army when I get round
to it, Ill let the brushes decide.

Nick Williams

More Journeys hosted at the same venue, Total Wargamer.
With about 2 months notice, everyone had
by the Weedy plenty of time to sign up, paint and play test!
This time it was 1600 points, and no unique
characters or allies. But otherwise things
Elves remained the same, with the simple
objective or destroy your opponent and
By Weedyelf score as much tournament points and
attrition points as you could!
"So when is the next one?"
The run up to the tournament saw an
The question I got bombarded with the day opportunity to try out some changes to the
after our first tournament. It was a huge list I had used at the first tourney. The
success, with 8 players turning up with a Cardiff Regional was a few weeks before
variety of armies. Dice were cast, there were hand and rules set was almost identical to
cheers and groans as players tried to out our own. So along with Pathfinder Chris and
smart each other, and lady luck helped or a motley bunch of mad wargamers, we made
hindered! the journey to FireStorm games.
So another was definitely needed. So with a For this tourney, I dropped the horde of
bit of pre planning another was penciled in, bowmen with the jar of four winds. While it

opponent who had a single
hero left at the end. However
such victories were short
lived, as "Darklord" and
"LordofSmurfs" were my next
opponents, both excellent
players who managed to
table me in both games and
they went on to claim 1st and
2nd. Bad luck being drawn
against the top 2 players
maybe but it was a vital
learning curve. I left
was very handy unleashing 20 attacks at long Firestorm a wiser man, with new gaming
range, it was a huge points sink (335!) so I buddies and a few boxes of Elven scouts.
split it up into 2 bowmen regiments, and also And a plan.
split the palace guard into 2 half-regiments
with musicians. With this new set up I had So arrived the tournament me and
more units to play with, but a little less Pathfinder Chris had put together. Things
durable combat troops and shortened my had changed a bit more. The horde was still
overall range with missile
attacks. But I reasoned the
extra units and ability to
deliver crushing strength in 2
places I reasoned would be
handy. I wasn't quite happy
with the list however, I
would've preferred to take
scout regiments to save
some points.
Cardiff Regional proved a

tougher test, I found myself
once again up against a
regular opponent as my first
game (as it had been in the
TWG tourney before!) and to
our shock and horror not
only did we, for the first time
ever, manage a result other
than a draw, but it was a
crushing defeat for my

By Panda
gone, but so were the archers. The palace undead and Dwarf armies made a show.
guard had reformed back into a regiment, Players from the Cardiff regional also made a
the archer regiment had become a scout show, our tournaments had gained some
regiment, and an additional 2 scouts troops renown already it seemed! My first game
were added to the army, giving me 6 scout was drawn and I was against a fellow Elf
troops. I also managed to squeeze a mage player!
on horse in there too. 70 ranged attacks plus
4 bolt throwers and zap should, in theory, He was still fairly new to KoW but like most
give me a powerful first couple of turns that who take it up, he had learned the game
should break units before they even clash quickly and was instead learning how to play
with my spears and greatswords. effectively. He brought to the table a fierce
looking army, 5 bolt throwers out numbered
12 players turned out this time, a large my 4, and 3 troops of Drakons backed up by
increase on the last tournament! However spearmen and worst of all, a Dragon. With
the variety of armies seemed less, a lot of The Fog. I set my bolt throwers up on the

machines concentrated on
trying to destroy his. The
Dragon, hiding in the woods,
was pounded by zap again
and again, the fog and trees
offering no protection to
magic. Turn after turn it
wavered, its inspiring
preventing it breaking. The
game ended with the Dragon,
bleeding but still alive. Its
huge points value meant I
had won, but not by as much
points as it seemed.
hill to my left, put my 4 regiments in front Game 2 I was drawn against Dwarves. Who
across the hill and towards the ruined brought a horde of Ironclad, 2 shield
building, and scouts in front of them. I also breakers, IronGuard and 5 cannons with a
put 2 troops of scouts in the wood on my warsmith. This game was a blood bath. We
right. He set up his drakons opposite my both saw the Orc huts in the centre, and
bolt throwers, spears in the middle, and that knowing that despite the smell, they offered
annoying Dragon on his left. great protection to ours units flanks. Our
centers clashed, his IronGuard collapsed
I fired with everything I had, causing some under the volume of attacks but his horde
damage on his bolt throwers and wavering a quickly moved in to prevent my units moving
troop of drakons. However he hit my scouts through. Scout troops on the left managed
in the forest with his dragon, who toasted to overwhelm shield breakers by
them up before wiping them out in combat surrounding them and tried to move around
the following turn. His other drakons the back of the horde, but Dwarf cannons
crashed into the palace guard who just held put a stop to that. My war-machines
their ground. The other troop of drakons attacked his cannons in turn, but a Berserker
fled from some more bow-fire and the other Lord with the Fly ability managed to cut his
drakons fled from a devastating flank charge. way through a scout troop, a scout regiment,
The Dragon, having only taken minimal and then he pulled apart 2 bolt throwers in a
damage continued munching on my scouts, vulgar display of contempt for Elvish
leaving my right flank empty. With his technology. My Spears finally broke under
Drakons destroyed, his Spears arrived and the pressure of the IronClads and the
clashed with my own. The stalemate was Dwarves seized the middle. However with
only broken by a flank charge by a scout so little left on each side it was a draw with
regiment. His bolt throwers continued to no clear winner.
pound my regiments which had become
dangerously close, while my own war-

Game 3 saw me once again, playing my knew it could change quickly. With his 2 pike
regular opponent and his Pike heavy hordes now at close range, I charged my
Kingdom of Men army. That meant that in palace guard into the one with the Fog,
every tournament we had played against hoping the charge would break them or my
each other. Would it be another predictable last combat regiment would be doomed, and
draw, or could I pull off another slaughter? fired everything on his other approaching
Or did fate dictate that it was his turn to from the right. It fell apart from the barrage
win? I put my regiments in the middle, with of arrows, bolts and zap. The Billmen
bolt throwers on my right. Scouts all spread Regiment fled from a volley from the Scout
out ahead of the army with the intention of regiment, and a scout troop saw off his Bill
using the buildings to prevent his numerous Troop. It was now up to the Palace Guard to
Bill troops out moving me. He spread out break his horde, which they managed. His
across his deployment zone, Bill troops in centre and left was broken, with only
front with pike hordes following closely. His combat troops on his right to commit. A
5 war-machines on the hills behind. I quickly brief exchange saw neither achieve anything,
dispatched of one of his mortars and and the game ended..... a draw. Back to
wavered some Bill, but otherwise a tradition.
disappointing first strike. He surged forward
undeterred, forming a line in the middle of So with 1 win, and 2 draws but a large
the buildings. A Hero with the Wings (again, attrition score to back it up from the Dwarf
less scary than a Berserker
though) charged my scouts
who held, and stabbed back
but failed to kill him. He
spied my war-machines and
flew over my scouts, and
started picking apart my bolt
throwers until a well placed
zap spell put a stop to that.
His Knight troop moved
forward too quick, meaning a
flank charge by my scouts
was able to drag them from
their mounts. Our 2 lines
clashed and anything smaller
than a regiment perished in a
single turn. His Pike hordes
then connected and my Elves
fled before their fierce
attacks. Things started to
look bleak, but with damage
mounting on his hordes I

and Men game, we gathered to listen to the 5 tournament points but a good attrition
scores. Pathfinder Chris had been on a score meant I was just ahead.
rampage and scored first place. Dwarf
player Jack Evans collected 2nd place and I So after all of that, I got back and logged on
had placed.... 3rd! Not as good as first from to my computer what was the message
the previous tourney but still a top 3 place greeting me?
which I was more than happy with the lack
of wins. Quite a few people had finished on "So when is the next one?"

The Haunting
Promise
By Kenny Moncrieff
Her reflection in the wine

made Velna realise just how
she had become. Her long
dark hair was loose, her face
was grim as a dwarf and her
eyes were like that of a
daemon.
So what is the reason you

summoned me?
Velna patiently lifted her By Stuart Smith

head up to the other Twilight
kin opposite to her of the dining table. He
Hmp. Okay then, how about explaining to
was bigger than their kind in more than one
me how is it that youll be inheriting my
way, especially with his overbearing armour.
army? I have five children, two wives and
over a dozen cousins?
Yes. I wanted to inform you lord Helm that
Ill be seizing control of your forces.
Velna rested her chin on her wrists. Ill
inherit your army, because once your dead,
My forces? You mean my entire army?
the general is the older brother of mine. So
chuckled Helm. And what makes you think
hell merge with my army in hopes of seizing
Im handing it over?
command. Many in your soldiers wont
oppose this unless they want to be passed
Because Ill be inheriting it.
onto another member of your family.
However the problem is that you were the
The elfs eyes squinted. I had no idea you
only one competent in your family. Nearly
were into jokes Velna. I always understood
everyone, including your wives have been
you were as dull as the breeze and yet just as
nothing but ingrate sloths or have the brains
refreshing. Helm cocked his head. How
of trolls that without you, many of them
about you become one of my wives then we
would be dead or on the streets. Your
can talk about inheritance.
cousins and sons could merge their armies of
course to make yours assimilate by force, but
No need.

three of your cousins are at bitter war with we have power.
each other, one your sons is far too lazy and
the rest will be too afraid. Therefore there is B-but-.
no obstacle to stop me from taking what was
once yours. I really did think youd be more challenge
Helm. In fact I was concerned that thered be
The lord looked a lot smaller with that dumb war and Id be crushed. Risky I know, but I
look on his face. Th-thats of course if Im really do need your army. Its strange
dead. however that the once great Lord Helm was
brought down by trusting another Twilight
But you are dead. You drank the moments kin. Probably-. Helm banged against the
of undeath poison. Your entire body is numb table. How rude. He died before I could
which is why your brains failing to register finish.
that no blood is being pumped...
Helm dropped his cup and seemed to have Its strange however that
spotted the black splodges in the wine. B-
but your family has always had a tradition of
the once great Lord Helm
never harming their guests. was brought down by
trusting another
You actually believe that. My family has
always been deceitful scum that has never Twilight kin
cared what others think of them, so long as
Maybe couldnt take any
more of your blathering,
snickered Maegar Gilfer.
Probably what really killed
him.
Then why are you still alive?
Does it matter? asked Isen

Starslayer. The brooding
Twilight leaned over the table.
I think everyone will know
your familys so-called
tradition is now nothing but a
tale.
If we werent so good at
covering up Isen, we wouldnt
By Darren Lysenko have a so-called family

By Grant Mahoney
tradition. Velna threw Isen off him and he crashed into

the plates making Maegar laugh louder. The
Hmp, the fact that your family is steeped in kin was unpredictable and irritating, but his
lies and deceit wonders how I can trust you. lack of ambition and relying on others was
what made Velna able to trust him.
Velna snatched Isen off his feet, onto her
laps and pressed her lips against him. When Isen thumped against the table frustrated.
she was finished, she gazed at his stunned At least I have more than half a face you
face. That is why. Isen was a greedy slime scum! Maegar kept laughing.
that took what was being dangled over him.
The idea he had a chance of marrying her, Maegar use to be the heir of a powerful lord,
gave him dreams of sharing her vast power. but a nasty accident with some apparent
Maegar snickered. soup, melted half his face off. A slave in the
knowledge of healing saved him in hopes of
Maegar use to be the heir a reward. But the first thing Maegar did once
of a powerful lord, but a he found his life was ruined was maul the
healer. He was soon exiled by his family for a
nasty accident with some very suspicious reason.
apparent soup melted half
his face off These two were the closes trustful retinue
she could find, at the moment.
Wh-what are you laughing at! shouted Lady Velna, said a messenger. He glanced
Isen. at the body.
Your face! Speak.

Maegar, I want that messenger killed if you
will.
As you command my lady.
Isen, stay here and clean up, Ill deal with

admiral Ritrek on my own.
Why did you want someone like that as the

head of our fleet? He is an oaf of a Twilight
kin that made the rank of admiral by luck.
Because admirals ask questions before they

are willing sail a ship. Ritrek is too desperate
to be asking questions and Ill remind him of
that.
Velna entered the dank inn of Heartgutted.

By Dusty
There were kin slumped over
The admiral has regrettably Maegar, I want tables and floors, perhaps
withdrawn
expedition.
from the
that messenger dead. Others were having
slurred conversations. Some
killed if you will. also eyed her. Velna just
Velna leered. Why? walked pass them. She was in
her family armour; a lowborn kin had some
He would not explain. wits not to touch her, no matter how drunk.
Quite a dilemma, said Isen. Well look Hey, if it isnt Lady Velna! yelled someone.
weak if admiral Ritrek leaves our forces. At a table sat a kin more dwarf than a proper
elf. He had a long musty beard, stout body
And no one made Velna look weak. She got and hardened flesh. Only thing that drove
up. Where is admiral Ritrek. him apart from a dwarf was his height,
pointy ears and spiteful jealous eyes. Here
At the Heartgutted Inn my lady. for me are you! Come have a seat! He then
bolstered. Lets talk about how Im stepping
Thank you. off this voyage!
The messenger immediately left. Velna slid beside him and gazed. The kin
stuck out his chest and raised his chin. He
then puffed out laughter.

Sorry, I find it amusing you actually came to I dont have time for you to be fooling
this place. A lord or lady wouldnt be caught around Ritrek. I have expedition almost
half dead coming here. Theyd normally sick ready and I dont want you to interfere any
their dogs to get what they wanted. more than you already are. She touched his
Especially the inns beer, its pretty good, face. And to remind you that I dont allow
want some? He held his tankard out to her. games. She slashed him.
Shouldnt be surprised. Velna then left. She drifted back into the
streets and walked amongst its slums. Not
This army, this really huge much could be said for the lowborn kin
army, the fleet and yet you home. It had more light than anywhere else,
but that was a bad thing. The Twilight kin
couldnt get a captain had become more accustomed to the dark
better than me and the abyssal gods favoured the dark, so
darkness was treated as a commodity. Velna
already felt discomforted by the tinge of
Oh? Are you upset that Admiral Ritreks left light.
your crew? Shouldnt be
surprised. This army, this
really huge army, the fleet
and yet you couldnt get a
captain better than me.
Theres a whole lot of fancy
admirals you couldve gotten,
yet you got me to be the
head of your fleet. Well that
could only mean you
couldnt get any other
admiral and you know what
that tells me. Youre not
getting me either. Got
anything to say? Well? Say
something?
Words would only have

caused more problems.
Velna slugged Ritrek and he
hit the floor. She stamped on
him and strung his head up
by the hair.
By Nick Williams

Good evening Lady Velna Bloodrain.
Sauntering out from the shadows was a

scantly robed woman with jewellery and
wielding a nightmarish staff.
High Priestess Loverit Deathmaker.
The priestess smiled as innocent as a feline.

Taking a stroll through the dark streets?
Highborn dont last long here.
I wasnt planning on staying long. Now what

do I owe the pleasures?
Oh, so demanding as ever Lady Velna. Could

I just call you Velna? Youve never been
much of a lady.
Youd watch your tongue, Loverit.

The priestess cocked her head. Im sorry, I
didnt mean to sound mean. How about I
just get back to your question? I want to ask
if I can join your expedition.
By ManticFanBoyLAD
No.
Then get your pet out of my way before I
Oh dont say that. Youll make me upset. step on it.
You heard my answer now be gone. Sigh, theres just no helping you Velna.
Velna moved away, but an imp creature

jumped in her way grinning joyfully.
Taking a stroll through the
But your answer isnt what I wanted it to dark streets? Highborn
be. dont last long here.
The Lady glared.
Why do you want to come on my
Dont give me that look. Its rude. expedition?

Loverit was right. There was
not much Velna could do if
she turned away one of their
own kind. It would only
starve the cults curiosity.
Fine. Velna stormed off.
Okay, see you on the

voyage! shouted Loverit
waving.
By Jonathan Faulkes
Becomes Im interested. Most the high

priestess are. But Im the only one willing to
jump in on this voyage and find out just what
is your purpose. So deny me, the other high
priestess will want to come aboard as well.
Im interested. Most the

high priestess are. But Im
the only one willing to
jump in on this voyage and
find out just what is your
purpose

This is the first article in what
is hoped to be a way of
addressing this unfortunate
state of affairs. Its a call to
arms for the giants and
behemoths of Mantica and
offers them a chance to stride
forth from the shadows from
where they wait to
demonstrate their might on
the table-top.
These big models are

intended for use in big games
of Kings of War. As a rule of
thumb, multiple the value of
the unit by 10 to calculate the
recommended minimum
army size in which to include
it. Otherwise, treat them as
simply additional Monster
choices for the army (or
By Darren Lysenko armies) indicated. So for
example, the Undead Dragon is 250 points
so you should only consider taking one in an
Kings of War army of 2500 points or more.
Bestiary If you have any of your own monsters you

would like to have included to help expand
this Bestiary, please let us know with the
By Matt Gilbert proposed rules and preferably a picture and
well consider your submission for inclusion.
Many of us have large model collections,
often representing many years of being in New Special Rules
the hobby and from a wide variety of Colossus
manufacturers. Often in these large Any unit with this rule can stride over
collections lurk huge models that fire the obstacles with ease and treats any such
imagination, look amazingly cool, but all too terrain as clear, open ground. They will never
often do little more than occupy shelf space. suffer any penalties for crossing or fighting
over obstacles (fences and hedges are not
going to stop a Titan).

Thunderous Charge
If a unit with this rule
declares a Charge! and the
distance from the unit to the
nearest point of the target is
equal to or greater than the
Charging units Speed value,
it will gain Crushing Strength
(1) in the following Melee
phase against the target unit.
If the unit already has
Crushing Strength, the value
is increased by 1 in the
following Melee. Essentially,
if the unit has enough
ground to build momentum By Matt Gilbert
for its charge, the impact will
be greater. moves and fires.
Terrifying Undead War-mammoth: 200 points

When testing the Nerve of an enemy unit in Type: Monster
combat with one or more of your units with Army: Undead
this special rule, you can add +2 to your Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
total, as the horrifying aura of the units takes War-mammoth 5 4+ - 5+ 12 -/19
its toll on the foes morale.
Special: Shambling, Crushing Strength (3),
Monsters: Evil Dead
Undead War-mammoth with Catapult: 250 Undead Dragon: 250 points

points Type: Monster
Type: Monster Army: Undead
Army: Undead Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
Undead Drag- 10 4+ - 5+ 10 -/18
War-mammoth 5 4+ 5+ 5+ 1/10* -/19 on
Special: Fly, Crushing Strength (2), Evil Dead

Piercing (2), Indirect, Blast (2D6), Evil Dead
*1 ranged attack with the catapult (48"
range) and 10 Melee attacks.
Note that the unit doesn't have the Reload!
rule as the beast counts as a "stable"
platform. However, there will still be a -1 if it

Giant Undead Dragon: 575 points Mountain Drake: 650 points
Type: Monster Type: Monster
Army: Undead Army: Any
Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne This unit represents any suitably massive
Giant 12 4+ - 5+ 20 -/30 dragon model you may have in your
Undead Dragon
collection
Special: Fly, Crushing Strength (3), Evil Dead Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
Mountain 12 3+ - 7+ 18 20/22
Titan: 400 points Drake
Type: Monster Special: Fly, Crushing Strength (3), Breath

Army: Any Attack (20).
A giant among giants
Titan 6 4+ - 6+ 10 18/20
Special: Crushing Strength (4), Colossus,

Blast(D3)
*Roll for the number of Attacks each time
this unit fights a Melee
Undead Titan: 400 points

Type: Monster
Army: Undead
Undead Titan 6 5+ - 6+ 4D6* -/20

Evil Dead, Colossus
*Roll for the number of Attacks each time
this unit fights a Melee
Steppe Hunter: 275 points

Type: Monster
Army: Any
This unit represents any suitably massive
wolf/bear/cat model you want to unleash
Steppe 7 3+ - 5+ 12 16/18
Hunter
Special: Crushing Strength (2), Vicious,

Thunderous Charge
By Paul Scott

Dragon-kin: 400 points

By Mantic Games, Used with Permission Type: Monster
Army: Any Evil army
Elven War-God: 350 points A monstrous amalgam of ogre and dragon or
Type: Monster other foul beast of the wild
Army: Elves Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
This unit gives anyone with a Mantic Elf 3-up Dragon Kin 8 4+ - 6+ 18 22/24
model to field it in a game
Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne Special: Crushing Strength (2), Headstrong,
Elven War-God 7 3+ - 5+ 12 18/20 Vicious, Thunderous Charge
Special: Crushing Strength (3), Elite, Inspiring Hydra: 380 points

Type: Monster
Dwarfen Hold Guardian: 350 points Army: Any Neutral or Evil army
Type: Monster A many headed monstrosity that lairs deep
Army: Dwarfs within mountain caves
This unit gives anyone with a Mantic Dwarf 3 Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
-up model to field it in a game Hydra 5 4+ - 5+ 15 18/20
Dwarfen Hold 5 4+ - 6+ 15 18/20 Special: Crushing Strength (2), Breath Attack
Guardian (12) x 2*
Special: Crushing Strength (4), Headstrong, *The Hydra may fire both Breath Attacks in
Inspiring the same Shoot phase and may target a

different enemy unit with each, or may use Abyssal Nightmare: 600 points
both on the same target. Nominate all Type: Monster
targets first and then roll the dice. Army: Twilight Kin, Abyssal Dwarf or Forces
of the Abyss
Jabberwock: 320 points Greater Demons from the fiery depths of the
Type: Monster Abyss. To summon a Nightmare is to sell your
Army: Any Good or Neutral soul to the devil itself.
Solitary creatures found in the foothills of Name Sp Me Ra De At Ne
Mantica they are slow, powerful flyers. Nightmare 10 3+ - 7+ 5D6* -/20
Jabberwock 6 4+ - 6+ 16 16/18 Special: Crushing Strength (4), Fly, Very
Inspiring, Terrifying
Special: Crushing Strength (3), Fly *Roll for the number of Attacks each time
this unit fights a Melee.
By Boris Samec

By Jonathan Faulkes
Elven Tactics whole, and the core Infantry units which

should make up the bulk of your force, and I
will also cover the 2 War Machine options.
By Jason Flint This means that everything in the 1 player
battleset is covered, which is a good starting
point for an Elven Army.
Welcome fellow wargamer to a series of
articles on how, in my opinion at least, is the
The Elven Army
best way to use your Elven army. Remember
that in this game, you cannot expect to win
The Elven army is a quick moving, but very
by building a power based army. The game
fragile army. With a basic move of 6, they
is about moving and out-witting your
can outpace men and run circles around
opponent. This guide is for those who are
Dwarves. Don't over look this single extra
thinking about an Elven army, and are
point of movement, "At the Double" this
wandering where to start or what to do, or
becomes an extra 2", and more importantly
for some reason are struggling to make them
for chargers, there is no reason why you
work.
should not dictate the chargers and who
fights who. In most circumstances against
So to do this, I will have to break things
enemy infantry, they will have to move
down and explain them in sections. In this
within your charge range to charge
first article I will cover the Elven army as a

themselves, giving you the option of attack dice to be re-rolled for each unit. The
whether to break ranks and counter charge, use of this varies from unit to unit, some not
or hold the line. On the offensive side, you noticing it, others are dependant on it.
can move to within charge range without
leaving your own units vulnerable to an For all of this, Elves are expensive in points.
enemy charge. Compared to other units armies can choose
from, Elves are a pricey army to use. One of
The price of this speed is survivability. A Elf the worst comparisons is seeing how many
warrior, clad in Elven armor with a large units and undead army will take compared
shield is defense 4+, and for the core of your to yours!
army this is a good as it gets. Very few units
have Def 5+, and rarer still is Def 6+. So a fast moving, elite but very fragile force.
Whereas many armies have access to heavy For this article I will run over the core
infantry in the form of Revenants, Foot Infantry units and Warmachines.
Guard and Iron Guard, the Elven 'Heavy
Infantry' comes in the form of Palace Guard, Spearmen.
who while they pack a punch in combat,
have a mighty Defense of....4+. These are the backbone of your army.
Phalanx as standard and 4+ to hit in combat
The Elves are also a very professional army. means they often kick out a lot of damage.
This is represented by a few things, their Never take these in anything less than a
high Nerve despite their fragility, means they Regiment, you are wasting points and the
will often stick about a bit longer even when potential of these. A Regiment will give you
they take a lot of damage that would rout the bonus attacks and the Nerve high
men. They have great stats to hit in both enough to go against elite enemy infantry.
range and melee with most units. Their These are a fantastic choice in your force.
ranged units come with both a base Range Hordes are downright dangerous, with 30
and Melee of 4+, so even these units can be attacks they will butcher most small units
committed to combat with a good chance of they touch, and boost them with a magic
inflicting some damage, as well hitting item (Brew of strength is a good choice) and
targets at long range. Finally is the army they will start chopping through tougher
special rule, "Elite". This allows a single units too. If you play defensively, often the
By Maccwar

to rout them after 6 points of
damage. Even taking a
Regiment of them requires
some serious thinking about
what else you could take for
that points cost. A horde with
a magic item (The Jar of 4
winds comes to mind) can be
very expensive, but the
combined effect of magic
item on high volume of
attacks makes this the more
worthy choice of the 3.
Scouts.
By Matt Gilbert These are a great choice for

your army, and ideally you
first things to hit your lines will be enemy should always include a couple of these.
cavalry and flyers, so these are your front They drop their shields, meaning their
line units and are good at both defensive defense is a terrible 3+! But, for this, Troops
and aggressive styles of play. gain "Nimble" and "Vanguard" and cost 105
points, compared to their rival bowmen
Bowmen. costing 120. The importance of these 2
special rules cannot be stated enough.
With Range 4+, these are incredibly accurate Vanguard allows you to move them forward
with their bows, unleashing a volley of shots after deployment, and if you're not on the
from these at close range will often leave attack, don't feel you need to move them
your opponent with a nervous twitch. They the whole distance. Simply bringing your
carry shields, meaning their Defense is still opponent into range with the vanguard
4+, the same as Spearmen. However do not move (as you must deploy 24" apart,
mistake these as having the same role as meaning on Turn 1 your bows are out of
Spearmen, who having Phalanx, have a range) means if you take turn 1, you won't
better chance of survival against the things have to move your scouts to be in range,
that will hit your line first (Cavalry and Flyers meaning your initial shots will hit on 5+,
typically) Bowmen carry a high cost tag, 120 rather than 6+. "Nimble" will come in use as
points for a troop and 160 for a Regiment! your opponent closes in on you, and you can
Meaning a Regiment of Spearmen is cheaper maneuver your scout units to threaten their
than a troop of these. I would not flanks. With a base of 10 attacks at Melee
recommend taking troops of these, as their 4+, your opponent cannot ignore a flank
extremely high points cost means they are charge from these, potentially doubling to 20
easy points for your opponent who is likely attacks! Troops of these are a winner every

time, Regiments of these however loose you mingle them amongst your spearmen,
their special rules. However at 20 points though boost them up to a Regiment if you
cheaper than Bowmen, do not rule them out intend for them to fight it out on the main
as a cheaper way of getting solid units of line. This unit should hit once and ideally
bowfire onto the table. waver or break your opponents unit, as you
do not want them counter charged. They
SeaGuard. are still as fragile as any other of your units.
These are over pointed. By a lot. While the With the core infantry units covered, I will do
unit on paper looks fierce, the combination my best to you a run down on whether to
of phalanx and bows, you must look at what take Banners and Musicians for units. This is
you can get for those points. The only time a long running debate, and ultimately there
these units are credible is when you know is no right or wrong answer.
the battle ahead will be packed and you will
have little space to move. But even then Banners
when I used these units in such battles, they
simply were not credible. Sorry folks but this At 15 points this is pricey. Remember that a
is one unit I will say "Do Not Use". troop of Spearmen is 80, and a Regiment
110, meaning you pay 30 points for that
Palace Guard Nerve increase of 3. However a Banner
effectively gives you +1 Nerve, for 15 points.
These are your Elite infantry, packing Melee
3+ with crushing strength, when these guys Based on this, I don't recommend Banners
connect they will take a chunk out of your on Troops. For the most part anyway, a
opponents units! Despite sacrificing a Troop which has took a lot of damage is
shield, they retain their Def 4+ thanks to likely to flee anyway. A Regiment with a
some seriously well made armor. Palace Banner however, is much more durable. But
Guard lack the option of Hordes, but give again, which units will require it? If you have
you the option of Half
Regiments and Troops, a
Troop being just 5 models
and a Half Regiment being
what we commonly know as
Troops (10 models). While
50 points for a 5 man unit is a
good way to use up some
spare points, I don't
recommend that you take
these as standard. 5 attacks
is not enough to do the
damage that you need to.
By Weedyelf
Half Regiments work a treat if

By Paul Scott
a unit which you hide until the time is right War Machines
to use it, is a Banner really necessary?
Whereas units which will attract a lot of Bolt Thrower.
attention and will no doubt see a lot of
combat, the extra help really does At 75 points, this is pricey in comparison to
sometimes save them. I recommend taking other warmachines, which often deliver
Banners for your Spearmen Regiments, to more damage. With 2 shots at Blast(D3) and
further increase their durability. a pretty low Piercing 2, the damage output
of this war machine is often small!
Musicians
However, every Elven army should include
At 10 points these are a bit cheaper of the 2, some of these. With Ra 4+, these are
but have a more limited use. They only work accurate, shooting targets at long range will
in melee and give you +1 to your Nerve be hitting on 5s with 2 shots. And this is one
checks against enemy units. So, paying 10 of the most important units to have the
points for one means that you have made "Elite" rule. That re-roll with a good chance
your opponents 15 point banner ineffective. of hit means you can rely on these to hit,
Also remember that the blade of slashing is unlike most other war machines. So
5 points, which still requires you to hit, and generally a couple of bolt throwers should
damage, for what is effectively the same hit something each turn. Another reason
thing. So for what it delivers a musician these are essential is because the Elven army
seems much more worthwhile. But they are seriously lacks any piercing, and while the
still points down the drain if they are not piercing isn't great on these, it's still long
used. Don't waste them on ranged units, or range piercing that can be delivered
ones where breaking your opponent accurately. Targets for your warmachines
instantly is less important. I recommend should therefore be, enemy warmachines.
putting musicians in Palace Guard units, as Typically enemy warmachines are random
you really want these guys to break whoever and unpredictable, but will flatten your units
they touch, and sometimes investing that 10 if they connect. And since most have Def 4+,
points is often worth it. your war machines should be hitting them

on 5s, and damaging on 2s. With a low death from your Dragons Breath, who cares
Nerve too, a few well placed hits will break not for Individual Rule modifiers.
them. Other targets for your Bolt Throwers
should be large infantry units, with high So with all of this, where should you start if
defense but low Nerve. Do not waste your you are a new General? The 1 Player Battle
Bolt Throwers by firing them into large, low set is a great place to start. Included is 20
Def Hordes unless you really have no other Spears, 20 Bowmen, 10 Scouts and a Bolt
targets or intend to break that Horde by Thrower, which have all been covered here.
combining all your firepower. This will come to roughly 500 points,
depending on how you equip them. If you
Dragons Breath. are looking to start somewhere, this is a
good, cheap way to do it.
A much rarer war machine, but at 60 points
it's a cheaper alternative. But this is a very In the next article, we will cover more of the
defensive unit. With a range of just 12" it units you can choose from, and how to form
often won't see much use, but with a mighty a decent, well rounded army.
Breath Attack(20) this will burn through
most targets that venture too close.
Rampaging Hordes of Zombies and PikeMen
have all fallen victim to this. Another great
use for this is to put off flying heroes,
typically a cheap Hero model with the Wings
of Honeymaze, flying over your line and
attacking your warmachines. Position this so
that all your Bolt Throwers are within 12"
and at the lose of one of your Bolt Throwers,
that flying Hero will suffer a Flame fuelled
By Jonathan Faulkes

By Boris Samec
The Map Kings

Scenario Outline
Protected by a small retinue, a courier must
of War Scenario make a perilous headlong rush through an

enemy occupied valley. Time is of the
essence, and the map the courier carries
Neil Dixon (Dwarfs) & Alistair Moore aka must make it through the valley, no matter
Platemail (Kingdom of Men) what the consequences. Meanwhile the
enemy wait, unseen, ready to ambush the
Here I present a scenario for Kings of War, threat.
along with background and brief report of
how the scenario played. This scenario is Dermontivichs heart raced as the pounding
part of a campaign I am undertaking with my of drums echoed round the camp. Ready
opponent Alistair. With a little modification, men, all rise! said the Sergeant.
it should be easy to suit the scenario to any
army. Keep an eye on future issues as I Company Commander Pekovichs nightly,
report further details of the campaign and intense meetings with his trusted advisors,
reports of future battles. and soldier gossip had made him expect this
moment would come soon. Weeks and
months had passed as he had scouted this
area. On a hunt the Captain had said, wild

goose chase more like Dermontivich thought. on his finger into the wax.
A dirty, unkempt boy stopped at his feet. Sir,
the Captain wants to see you in his tent The Captain held out the parchment.
immediately!
You will deliver this map to General
He finished dressing as he jogged, finishing Renovich. We will protect you through the
the buttoning of his jerkin just as the Dwarf infested Williamshed Valley. There you
Captains Guard opened the tent flap. will leave us.
Standing behind a large, wooden, trestle
table, the Captain looked up from the Demontivich stepped forward and gripped
parchment he was staring at with a hand the map. He glanced to the eyes of the
held eye glass. Captain, as he tried to pull it from his grip.
Arrh, Dermontivich. You are a respected Do not fail me Dermontivich. I do not expect
rider, the fastest in my Company, said the you to stop for anything, even death if you
Captain. can help it. For all of Nivkh we have sought
this! Now, you hold a vital clue to its
Some say so, sir. whereabouts that must not fall into enemy
hands. I will see you at Valley End. Ride hard
The Captain grunted, folding up the large now, and Godspeed!
parchment. He took a burning candle,
dripped wax at the fold and pressed the ring
Map Deployment and Setup

By Grant Mahoney
Army Selection The counters are numbered, and are placed

numbered side down. The Dwarf player
Each army picks 600 points from the secretly writes which counter represents
following; each unit. The rest of the counters are still
placed, but are dummies. The Dwarf player
Kingdom of Men may elect to reveal any of his counters at the
0-1 Heroes, Mounted Sergeants, Mounted start of his turn. The Kingdom of Men
Scouts, Missile Troops continue to move past counters in their turn.
They can elect to have the Dwarf player
Dwarfs reveal the counter anytime during their
0-1 Heroes, Ironwatch, War machines move, pausing the movement of the unit, so
(ignore normal requirements for regiments) long as a unit or hero is within 12 of the
counter. Revealed units can be attacked as
Set up normal.
Use a 6x4 board. The picture below is given After the Dwarf player has set up his
as a guide. Two meandering roads run short counters, the Kingdom of Men player then
edge to short edge. The roads are in a valley deploys his units within 6 of the south short
with hills on either side. Impassable terrain is board edge. Units can elect to move on the
strewn about the valley floor and on the board in their first turn, but the courier and
hills. at least one unit on each road must be
deployed in the board.
The Dwarf player rolls a D6, and adds 6 to
the score. The Dwarf player has this many Both players then roll a D6. The player with
counters available to place on the board. The the highest score can then choose to go first
counters are placed after scenery is set up, or second.
anywhere except within 24 of the Kingdom
of Men board edge.

Special rules must move away in his own movement
phase towards his objective.
The Kingdom of Men army includes a
courier. Use a suitable model on horseback Courier profile:
as a representative. So long as the courier Move 8
remains within 6 of any unit or hero from Me: -
the Kingdom of Men army it cannot be Ran: -
harmed. It is assumed a trooper breaks rank Att: 0
and picks up the map, or the couriers Defence 3+
Commander inspires him to not let him Nerve 11/13
suffer from grievous wounds he may have Special rules: Individual
received. If the courier strays outside this
range he can be harmed as normal. If he is Set a chess clock at 30 minutes, giving 15
killed, place a marker at the point where the minutes for each player. The Kingdom of
model was removed. Any Kingdom of Men Men player must get the courier off the
model or unit which moves over the marker north board edge within the time limit. If he
can attempt to pick up the map and carry it does not accomplish this, the Dwarf player
to safety. To do this, the unit or hero wins. If the courier dies and the Kingdom of
immediately stops and ends its movement Men player has no surviving troops that can
on the marker, and can carry out no further reach the map, the Dwarf player wins. If the
action that turn. In the following Kingdom of Dwarf player runs out of time, they can make
Men turn, the unit or hero moves as normal. no further moves, but the Kingdom of Men
This unit or hero now effectively counts as player can finish moving their models
the courier, using the profile below and providing they have time left.
follows all the special rules here.
Movement is as normal providing the unit or
The courier is unable to attack. When heros base is touching the road. Any
attacked in combat, should he survive he movement not on the roads counts as
Kingdom of Men deployment

Mounted Scouts know the map is more important than their lives as they throw themselves towards the Dwarf
gun line
difficult terrain (double movement required). Cannon fire. The courier kept in the midst of
Charges not on the road can still be made at the Kingdom of Men army, staying very close
full movement but count as disrupted. to the Captain.
A brief report of the battle The Kingdom of Men advanced, using the
Mounted Sergeants and Scouts as a screen
The Kingdom of Men looked so numerous and charging the Ironwatch. Bloodshed
compared to the paltry Dwarfs, with aside, the units were a needless distraction
Mounted Sergeants, Scouts, Missile Troops for the Dwarfs, and were designed as cover
and even a Captain. I was playing the Dwarfs for the courier.
and got two units of Ironwatch, two Organ
Guns and a Cannon. You do not get much for I picked off units closest to the courier with
600 points! I deployed my counters spread my shooting, hoping to strand him and take
out across the valley, Ironwatch blocking the him out. Till the last third of the board, the
roads and Organ Guns and Cannon off the Kingdom of Men kept as a group, when the
road ready to pound the enemy as they filed courier and Captain broke away from the
past. main army. My last line of defence was an
Ironwatch troop and a sole Cannon. All I had
The Dwarfs got the first turn, promptly to do was kill the Captain protecting the
removing a Mounted Sergeants unit with courier and potentially kill the courier the

Screening the courier
The Captain and courier launch a daring dash to escape

following turn. The Kingdom of Men had Dermontivich looked back at the battle and
minutes to spare whilst I was running low. could still hear the shouts of men and the
Two shots later and the Captain and courier shots of the cannons.
were still alive. Drat!
Many men have sacrificed their lives for
Horse panting furiously, Dermontivich could this. There are more sacrifices to be made.
feel the sweat run off its neck. His ears were Ride on to General Renovich! We will
filled with the pounding of cannons and continue to hold them off here.
whistling of crossbow bolts. Guttural cheers
came from the Dwarfs and men, selling their The Captain kicked his protesting horse, and
lives for his precious map. He moved his shot off back in the direction he came.
hand to his right breast, as he had done a Dermontivich continued north, looking back
million times, feeling its bulge hidden in his
at the diminishing body of the Captain,
jerkin.
wondering what was marked on the map in
Even death will never stop me, even death his pocket which was of such high
will never stop me, he whispered to himself. importance.
As Dermontivich galloped, he looked left, and

then right before spotting the Captain was
still alive. The Captain had stayed true to his
word, keeping by his side, raising his sword
in triumph as he continued to dodge
Dwarvern missiles. Riding low, cannons
boomed and his horse flinched. The end of
the road was in sight and the
cannon shots and the smoke
of battle gradually grew
distant. His horse slowed,
and he heard the Captain
also, throwing up dust as he
reined in his horse beside
him. He saw how the
Captains armour was dented
and smattered with blood
spots from unfelt wounds.
You did it Dermontivich, the

most dangerous part of the
journey is over! The Captain
said as he raised his visor.
And slip past the Cannon unscathed!


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Annual

Ironwatch Annual Year One |

2 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

Speaking of the future of Ironwatch, I

4 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

Asset Procurement Part 1, by Michael Grey ......................................................... 21

Malkis Prize: A KoW Battle Report, by Neil Dixon ................................................ 29

The Owl and the Blade, Part 1, by John Hoyland .................................................. 41

From Golden Orcy to Ironwatch, by Alex Visentin ................................................ 48

Revenant Knights, by Alex Visentin ....................................................................... 51

Kings of War Random Event Cards, by Stuart Smith ............................................. 54

And Now, A Word from Our Sponsors, by Michael Grey ....................................... 57

Tn-y-loar Part I, by Matt Gilbert .......................................................................... 64

Magic in Mantica, by Doug Newton-Walters ........................................................ 73

Ironwatch Annual Year One |5

Lazarus, by Michael Grey ...................................................................................... 88

Engineering Special Weapon Corps, by Doug Newton-Walters ............................. 107

End Transmission, by Michael Grey ...................................................................... .110

All the Range: Dwarf Rangers, by Neil Dixon......................................................... 122

Making the Special Weapons Corp, by Doug Newton-Walters ............................. 126

Finding Inspiration from Historical Fiction, by Neil Dixon...................................... 155

Last of the Brokkyr, by Michael Grey .................................................................... 160

Battle of Gallohell, by Jason Flint ......................................................................... 173

6 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

No Loose Ends, by sukura636 ........................................................................... 192

Clash of Kings, by Matt Gilbert ............................................................................. 203

How to Paint Faces, by Zirrian ........................................................................... 211

Raising an Army, A new Players guide to Undead, by Dustcrusher ................. 214

Breach, by Michael Grey ....................................................................................... 224

The Iron Forge ...................................................................................................... 244

More Journeys of the Weedy Elves, by Weedyelf.............................................. 253

The Haunting Promise, by Kenny Moncrieff.......................................................... 262

Kings of War Bestiary, by Matt Gilbert .................................................................. 269

Elven Tactics, by Jason Flint .................................................................................. 274

Ironwatch Annual Year One |7

Year One Covers, by Boris Samec and Mark Smith................................................ 287

8 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

THE TWO DICE dropped from Arguns hand

Ironwatch Annual Year One |9

Six he noted, his single

The third player at the table

It means I ave to roll that

Argun took a swipe at the

Ramming the die into the Argun.

10 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

LIFE WAS GOOD for Argun.

Ironwatch Annual Year One | 11

Sensing an opportunity for some sport for

12 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

They themselves had found

The orcs avoided the place; it felt unnatural Boss?

Ironwatch Annual Year One | 13

Get Jurk to prepare the traps he

Brekkun dont ave an airy arse boss said

14 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

It was at Harvons Pass where Argun had met

One evening, the Kin had picked Jarl out for

Whenever there were elves

Ironwatch Annual Year One | 15

Recently, I made a gaming board for my

Im really not the greatest modeller in

First, youll have to decide on a size. I

16 | Ironwatch Annual Year One

After cutting your plasticard to size,