Lord Sheriff Sir Roscoe B. T. Reinwald of Clan Campbell, OBE, DSO, KCWP

 

Editor's Note: Originally published on December 4th, 2022.

It is with great humility and sadness that I must announce the passing of Lord Sheriff Sir Roscoe Bumpee Thumperton Reinwald of Clan Campbell, Colonel-in-Chief of the War Poodles Own Regiment of Foote,  OBE, DSO KCWP. A very few knew his secret identity; the international troubleshooter and crimefighter known only as Danger Dog.

Sir Roscoe getting ready to cheer an Alabama Sports team to another victory.

Sir Roscoe was a miniature poodle, but there was nothing miniature about him. A loyal companion, fierce warrior and guardian of his household, Sir Roscoe never (with some rumored exceptions) failed to live up to the highest expectations of the Order of War Poodles.

Talbot's (The War Poodle's Own) Regiment of Foote Passes in Review in honor of Sir Roscoe.

Sir Roscoe's first human commented, "He was full of life and vigor and the most loving doggie you could ever have. He always had fun, blazing trails in the forest, going on trips and doing everything together with The Colonel. He was the sweetest, smartest dog ever. I loved him so much and treasured the time I had with him."

"Man of the house my fuzzy butt. Just leave your credit cards on the table next to the bed."

When Sir Roscoe joined The Colonel and his Beautiful Bride, it was evident he was no ordinary Poodle. Through his bravery and steadfast bravery, he quickly moved up the ranks protecting the household from what seemed to be an army of parentless children, delivery men, roaming packs of middle school girls on bikes, and the inevitable backing up of the red pickup truck across the street. Sir Roscoe was also the first to notice that The Colonel was losing his hearing and would announce in a manly bark whenever there was a knock on the door or if the door bell was rung.

"Turn left, now right! IT'S OKAY TO SPEED UP AND GO STRAIGHT AHEAD TO RUN THE SQUIRREL OVER!

Sir Roscoe always followed the rules, even if he was the only one who knew what the rule was (to this day some are a mystery): 

1. If there is a path, stay on the path. 

2. Never yield to a bike on the path; they have no business being in the woods and should be on bike paths on the street.

3. Never, never, never use the house as a bathroom. I would rather die of embarrassment or explode than use my house as a toilet.

4. Geese are not allowed near the house. Deal with them with extreme prejudice.

5. Those animals, even the animated ones on the big screen may jump off any moment. Soon as they are noticed, alert The Colonel or his Beautiful Bride immediately.

6. Rodents are and always will be the enemy. Don't believe in this woke nonsense and peace in our time. They are as bad as communists.

7. Tortilla Chips are the greatest food on Planet Earth.

8. The "Case of the Great Blueberry Muffin Disappearance" was solved . . . but you can't prove it.

"Did you see me eat that whole bag of tortilla chips?"

Sir Roscoe took his responsibilities very seriously, especially the training of HRH Princess Bonnabelle. He personally taught the young Royal "THE RULES" and was not shy about letting her know when she violated his personal space. In addition, if she did not clean her bowl completely at meal time, he was more than willing to help her in this arduous task.

Sir Roscoe and HRH Bonnabelle.

Sir Roscoe's finest hour came during the Battle of Sokol, when Sir Roscoe, The Colonel and HRN Bonnabelle were outnumbered and outflanked by a rogue flock of wild turkeys. When the larger General Tom of the turkeys advanced and displayed his plumage, Sir Roscoe reared up on his hind legs, bared his Danger Dog teeth and barked, "Get off our path you stupid turkeys!" General Tom promptly retreated along with the rest of the army of turkeys. In honor of the battle, Sir Roscoe always received turkey at Thanksgiving.

One of the most admirable traits of Sir Roscoe was that he never got tired of The Colonel's war stories, walking with him in the woods, drinking coffee with him, and putting up with him when he wanted to rub Sir Roscoe's belly.  In addition, he would be most insulted if he did not accompany The Colonel to the War Room when it was time to paint miniatures. There is no way to count the nights and days he accompanied The Colonel through thick and thin as he painted; they both participated in many major miniature battles. Every dog The Colonel painted was painted as a member of the Exalted Order of the War Poodles. The living members of this elite Knighthood of the Empire include Teddy, Gracie, Rory, Fido, Lucy and of course Buddy. The deceased members are Rose, Toto, Allie, Tia and now Sir Roscoe.

Approximately 2 weeks before his passing, the last official portrait of Sir Roscoe attired in his ceremonial uniform as a Knight Commander of the Order of War Poodles (GKWP).

One of Danger Dog's missions was the year he replaced Santa on a perilous December 25, but that's a story for another day.

Carry on Sir Roscoe, you have earned your rest. The Bible is vague about animals when the Lord creates the new Earth; but somehow, I think you'll be there.

Good dog.

Lord Sheriff Sir Roscoe B. T. Reinwald of Clan Campbell, OBE, DSO, KCWP

 

It is with great humility and sadness that I must announce the passing of Lord Sheriff Sir Roscoe Bumpee Thumperton Reinwald of Clan Campbell, Colonel-in-Chief of the War Poodles Own Regiment of Foote,  OBE, DSO KCWP. A very few knew his secret identity; the international troubleshooter and crimefighter known only as Danger Dog.

Sir Roscoe getting ready to cheer an Alabama Sports team to another victory.

Sir Roscoe was a miniature poodle, but there was nothing miniature about him. A loyal companion, fierce warrior and guardian of his household, Sir Roscoe never (with some rumored exceptions) failed to live up to the highest expectations of the Order of War Poodles.

Talbot's (The War Poodle's Own) Regiment of Foote Passes in Review in honor of Sir Roscoe.

Sir Roscoe's first human commented, "He was full of life and vigor and the most loving doggie you could ever have. He always had fun, blazing trails in the forest, going on trips and doing everything together with The Colonel. He was the sweetest, smartest dog ever. I loved him so much and treasured the time I had with him."

"Man of the house my fuzzy butt. Just leave your credit cards on the table next to the bed."

When Sir Roscoe joined The Colonel and his Beautiful Bride, it was evident he was no ordinary Poodle. Through his bravery and steadfast bravery, he quickly moved up the ranks protecting the household from what seemed to be an army of parentless children, delivery men, roaming packs of middle school girls on bikes, and the inevitable backing up of the red pickup truck across the street. Sir Roscoe was also the first to notice that The Colonel was losing his hearing and would announce in a manly bark whenever there was a knock on the door or if the door bell was rung.

"Turn left, now right! IT'S OKAY TO SPEED UP AND GO STRAIGHT AHEAD TO RUN THE SQUIRREL OVER!

Sir Roscoe always followed the rules, even if he was the only one who knew what the rule was (to this day some are a mystery): 

1. If there is a path, stay on the path. 

2. Never yield to a bike on the path; they have no business being in the woods and should be on bike paths on the street.

3. Never, never, never use the house as a bathroom. I would rather die of embarrassment or explode that use my house as a toilet.

4. Geese are not allowed near the house. Deal with them with extreme prejudice.

5. Those animals, even the animated ones on the big screen may jump off any moment. Soon as they are noticed, alert The Colonel or his Beautiful Bride immediately.

6. Rodents are and always will be the enemy. Don't believe in this woke nonsense and peace in our time. They are as bad as communists.

7. Tortilla Chips are the greatest food on Planet Earth.

"Did you see me eat that whole bag of tortilla chips?"

Sir Roscoe took his responsibilities very seriously, especially the training of HRH Princess Bonnabelle. He personally taught the young Royal "THE RULES" and was not shy about letting her know when she violated his personal space. In addition, if she did not clean her bowl completely at meal time, he was more than willing to help her in this arduous task.

Sir Roscoe and HRH Bonnabelle.

Sir Roscoe's finest hour came during the Battle of Sokol, when Sir Roscoe, The Colonel and HRN Bonnabelle were outnumbered and outflanked by a rogue flock of wild turkeys. When the larger General Tom of the turkeys advanced and displayed his plumage, Sir Roscoe reared up on his hind legs, bared his Danger Dog teeth and barked, "Get off our path you stupid turkeys!" General Tom promptly retreated along with the rest of the army of turkeys. In honor of the battle, Sir Roscoe always received turkey at Thanksgiving.

One of the most admirable traits of Sir Roscoe was that he never got tired of The Colonel's war stories, walking with him in the woods, drinking coffee with him, and putting up with him when he wanted to rub Sir Roscoe's belly.  In addition, he would be most insulted if he did not accompany The Colonel to the War Room when it was time to paint miniatures. There is no way to count the nights and days he accompanied The Colonel through thick and thin as he painted; they both participated in many major miniature battles. Every dog The Colonel painted was painted as a member of the Exalted Order of the War Poodles. The living members of this elite Knighthood of the Empire include Teddy, Gracie, Rory, Fido, Lucy and of course Buddy. The deceased members are Rose, Toto, Allie, Tia and now Sir Roscoe.

Approximately 2 weeks before his passing, the last official portrait of Sir Roscoe attired in his ceremonial uniform as a Knight Commander of the Order of War Poodles (GKWP).

One of Danger Dog's missions was the year he replaced Santa on a perilous December 25, but that's a story for another day.

Carry on Sir Roscoe, you have earned your rest. The Bible is vague about animals when the Lord creates the new Earth; but somehow, I think you'll be there.

Good dog.

More Terrain for the FIW (or wherever there are Woods and Rocks!)

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you retire early, set your own schedule, and get to take long walks in the woods with your favorite dogs. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been taking pictures "off trail" in an attempt to get a realistic look for the terrain I'm building for our French and Indian War battles using Rebels and Patriots.

An enjoyable discovery is that building terrain for large skirmish games is not that difficult. It is also not that expensive; rocks from the woods, sticks and twigs I find, railroad hobby trees, florist moss, old CDs/DVDs and fine hobby railroad ballast. Almost forgot - white glue!

Danger Dog, Knight Commander of the Order of War Poodles (KCOWP) helped me with the pictures.

Above are some pictures of what "woodland" may look like; it is natural terrain that provides some cover and makes it harder to see what is in and beyond. It may stop some bullets - but if that bullet is on target . . . 

Highland Light Infantry clearing woods that provide "Cover" per the rules.

Here are the same three terrain pieces from above; the large rock in the middle is on a separate base and yes, the ranger in the lower right hand cover is laying down on the job. 

What we have decided, since this is a large skirmish terrain, if the piece is on the table top it is actually there. To outline larger areas, we use felt to outline the terrain and the terrain pieces within the felt can be moved around to facilitate movement.

The Highland Light Infantry is now in a larger area of woodlands.

Highland Grenadiers moving carefully through the woodland.

To make difficult terrain; e.g., heavy woods and steep hills to provide cover and slow down movement, I added rocks.

Difficult terrain. Natives and skirmishers are not slowed by difficult terrain.

Here is some of the difficult terrain I made:

My go to source for trees are available in the railroad hobby section.

Figures are 28mm scale by the way.

Since there is no felt, the terrain pieces cannot be moved to facilitate movement. 

Compagnies de la Marine performing reconnaissance.

Highland Light Infantry now in difficult terrain.

A larger area of difficult terrain outlined in felt.

Mohegan Rangers moving through difficult terrain.

Some other pieces I made.

The rock pieces by combining and stacking some "loose" rocks on top can easily simulate impassable terrain like a cliff. Just make sure that you and your opponent are clear on which is which!

An example of "impassable" terrain.

So let your imagination run wild, it really isn't that hard or expensive to make your own terrain.

IHMN: Some thoughts for the Beginner in Designing an Adventuring Company, Part 8b (My Characters for you to use!)

Color Sgt. Bourne: Mr. Chard, sir, patrol's come back. The Zulus have gone. All of them. It's a miracle.

Lt. John Chard: If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short-chambered, Boxer-Henry . 45 calibre miracle.

Color Sgt. Bourne: And a bayonet, sir. With some guts behind it.

Some more heroes! First the Hollywood versions of Colour Sergeant Bourne and Private Hook:

 

Name: Colour Sergeant Bourne

Pluck: 3+

Fighting Value: +3

Shooting Value: +3

Speed: 0

Talents: Leadership +1, Exceptional Bayonet Drill (+3 FV), Tough, Inspirational

Basic Equipment: Military Rifle, Bayonet, Brigadine
Armor: 9
Points: 45

I invented a new Talent for Colour Sergeant Bourne; the Exceptional Bayonet Drill.

Name: Private Hook
Pluck: 5+

Fighting Value: +2

Shooting Value: +3

Speed: 0

Talents: Bayonet Drill, Tough, Marksman, Erudite Wit

Basic Equipment: Military Rifle, Bayonet, Brigadine
Points: 37

James Tiberius Kirk was born in Riverside, Iowa where he was raised by his parents, George and Winona Kirk. Although born on Earth, Kirk lived for a time on Mars under the tutelage of his second cousin John Carter.  After graduating from the United States Naval Academy he received his first command, an airship roughly equivalent to a destroyer during the first infamous encounter with Robur the the Conqueror while still quite young. Kirk was now the youngest airship captain in the fleet.  A former officer of Kirk's describes him  "a hard-driving leader who pushes himself and his crew beyond human limits".  Kirk also had a "tendency to ignore U.S. Naval regulations when he feels the end justifies the means"; he is "the quintessential officer, a man among men and a hero for the ages". 

Name: Captain J. T. Kirk
Pluck: 2+
Fighting Value: +4
Shooting Value: +3
Speed: +0
Talents: Leadership +3, Inspirational, Tough, Erudite Wit, Fearless
Basic Equipment: Brigadine, radium pistol,  and sword
Cost: 69 points

Erik Niallson and Fenrir.  Erik is a metal Gripping Beast miniature and Fenrir is a Space Marine War Poodle from Games Workshop.

Name: Erik Niallson

Pluck: 2+

Leadership: +2

Speed: 0

Fighting Value: +4

Shooting Value: +4

Talents: Inspirational, Fearless, Tough

Basic Equipment: The Spear of Odin +2 Weapon Bonus and -2 Pluck Penalty; Sword +2 Weapon Bonus and -1 Pluck Penalty

Armor: Ancient chain mail forged by Dwarfs (12)

Cost: 91 points

Name: Fenrir the Giant Wolf

Pluck: 5+

Leadership: 0

Speed: +2; Move 12" and Run 6".

Fighting Value: +3

Shooting Value: N/A

Talents: Tough, Terrifying

Basic Equipment: Teeth and Claws +1 Weapon Bonus and -1 Pluck Penalty

Armor: Tough Fur (8)

Cost: 30 points

  Left to Right: Lindani the Royal Bodyguard, King Mehluli, and Ntando of the High Temple.  Note the Royal Staff of Big Whopping carried by the king.

  

Name: King Mehluli

Pluck: 2+

Leadership: +3

Speed: +2

Fighting Value: +4

Shooting Value: +1

Talents: Inspirational, Fearless, Tough, Lightning Draw

Basic Equipment: The Royal Staff of Big Whopping (2 handed) +3 Weapon Bonus and -2 Pluck Penalty; Fighting Knife +1 Weapon Bonus and -1 Pluck Penalty

Armor: The Necklace of the Panther (12)

Cost: 91 points

Though not a member of the faculty or staff, Randolph Carter is a one-time student of the Miskatonic University and has been instrumental in many adventures of Miskatonic University.  He is an uncelebrated author, whose writings are seldom noticed. A melancholy figure, Carter is a quiet contemplative dreamer with a sensitive disposition, prone to fainting during times of emotional stress. But he can also be courageous, with enough strength of mind and character to face and foil horrific creatures.  Interestingly, Carter also served in the French Foreign Legion.  He also possesses the Silver Key and is rumored to be a distant cousin of Captain John Carter of Virginia.

Name: Mr. Randolph Carter

Pluck: 2+

Leadership: 0

Speed: +1

Fighting Value: +1

Shooting Value: +1

Talents: Intervention, Erudite Wit, Spectral Form, Iron Will

Basic Equipment: Pistol, Fighting Knife, Silver Key (Spectral Form)

Armor: 14

Cost: 65 points

 (Before a gunfight, to an undertaker.) Get three coffins ready.

 (After the gunfight to the undertaker) "My mistake: four coffins."

No one knows his name (supposedly) and he is only known as the Bounty Hunter. Many suspect that he was an American soldier at one time as he carries 2 military revolvers and a standard issued US Cavalry saber.  He does not like evil and is an expert falconer.

Name: The Bounty Hunter

Pluck: 2+

Leadership: 0

Speed: 2

Fighting Value: +3

Shooting Value: +6

Talents: Gunslinger, Lightening draw (pistols), Marksman (pistol), Stealthy, Tough,  Erudite Wit

Basic Equipment: 2 pistols, Saber

Armor: 10

Cost: 64

Name: Falcon

Pluck: 6+

Leadership: 0

Speed: 1 (10 inches to move and +5 inches to run)

Fighting Value: +1

Shooting Value: N/A

Talents: Flying

Basic Equipment: Talons (Attack bonus +1, Pluck penalty -1)

Armor: 8

Cost: 11 points

 Lady Prudence Fiona Throckwaddle - Scourge of the Zanzibari and Arab Slavers.

Many a man has regretted getting in the way of Lady Prudence Fiona Throckwaddle of the North Piddle Throckwaddles.  Not only is she from North Piddle and exhibits the eccentricities of that area, but is supposedly the amour of one Captain Nemo. Famous for the tea parties she throws, there is still some controversy about the fried chicken that was served when Herr Doktor Professor Oberst (Ret.) Sanders attended. Though a formidable - but caring woman, she shows no mercy to slavers.

Name: Lady Prudence Fiona Throckwaddle of the North Piddle Throckwaddles

Pluck: 2+

Leadership: +3

Speed: 0

Fighting Value: +1

Shooting Value: +2

Talents: Inspirational, Fanatic Fearless, Lightning Draw (pistol)

Basic Equipment: Pistol, Endless Cup of Tea (+1 bonus in fighting -1 Pluck), Magneto Static Waist Coat

Armor: 9

Cost:
Special Rule: Tea Time.  Lady Prudence may call for a Tea Party once during a game which automatically gives her the initiative and allows her to move up to five members of her company prior to her opponents move.

Yikes! My fingers are getting tired from cutting and pasting. Looks like we will need to have a Part 8c for other great heroes and characters - and we haven't even gotten to the bad guys yet!