Prelude Part 2: Evil Mechanoids on the Northwest Frontier (A Xenos Rampant Adventure)

A steam powered British Bulldog used on the Northwest Frontier.

So who is going to protect Her Majesty's dominions in the British Raj? All the infantry will be Light Infantry which seemed right to me since the Mechanoids were metal! First up is the Gordon Highlanders.

. . . and of course the brave men of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Ghurka Rifles.

The Indian Artillery is of course present.

Last, but not least, is the heavy punch of the detachment:

So how will our brave lads fare against the Evil Mechanoids?

Next: The Scenario.

Prelude Part 1: Evil Mechanoids on the Northwest Frontier (A Xenos Rampant Adventure)

I am a big fan of Dan Mersey's Rampant series of games and currently own Dragon Rampant (fantasy battles), The Men Who Would be Kings (Colonial Battles), Rebels and Patriots (North America 1740 - 1900) and now Xenos Rampant. All of the previous Rampant books were in the 64 page Osprey soft cover series; with Xenos Rampant you get a hard cover, 192 pages of Sci Fi delight! Don't be put off by the page count! The majority of the book are army lists, ideas, how to tailor to different genres,  campaigns, scenarios, and "stuff" to play just about any Sci Fi battle you want.

Hollywood gaming at its finest. All of the Rampant books use similar mechanisms and rules of play; so, If you own one you can easily pick up the rules for any of them. For Xenos Rampant the biggest changes are that more unit types have at least one "free" activation type (Move or Shoot or Attack, etc.) plus the calculation of "hits" is done differently.

Essentially for "hits", both shooting and attacking (close combat), once you have your hits, add the total number of pips on those dice and then divide by the armor (armour for you Commonwealth types!) and that is the number of damage the enemy takes. I'll give examples in the battle report to follow.

Thanks to my friend Richard B., he told me that they use Xenos Rampant for Victorian Science Fiction battles. Huzzah! So here we go:

The Mechanoids. One of the beauty of Dan's rules is the way you can tailor the force; thus, the Xeno rules. The Xeno rules give you a variety of upgrades to recreate what you want. Well . . . I have a detachment of evil robots so of course they are going to get the Mechanoid upgrade. And it costs 0 points.

The Evil Mechanoids! Okay they are Necrons which is the beauty of a agnostic, large skirmish, miniature wargame.

The Mechanoids rules allow my robotic minions to:

1. Ignore the effects of Stun Weapons.

2. Each unit (because of programming) gets an addition Free Action from the following: Attack, Move or Shoot - but, they suffer a -1 modifier to any ordered activation tests.

3. Never test Courage! However, they become less effective quicker as they accumulate damage. If they are at 1/2 Strength points or below, they lose all Free Actions and count them as ordered activation tests. In addition, if you roll a double on a failed activation test the unit suffers a critical failure and shuts down - it is destroyed. 

Detachment Commander:

The Heavies:

The Metallic Swarm:

To Summarize:

1. Detachment Commander R37: 6 points.

2. Sentinels x 2: 8 points.

3. Hunter Killers x 2: 10 points.

4. Total Points: 24 points.

Next: The Forces of the British Raj!

"I say. Mechanical Men. Quite. Very Good. Prepare to Fire."

Coming Soon: Evil Mechanoids on the Northwest Frontier (A Xenos Rampant Adventure)

The 1st Battalion, 3rd Ghurka Rifles charge into the evil Mechanoids!

I'm a big fan of Daniel Mersey and the rules he has produced. His Rampant series has been adapted into many historical time periods and genre's. When I heard about Xenos Rampant for Sci Fi battles I immediately did the preorder.

"Oh crap", said Rudyard Kipling.

From the Osprey website: Xenos Rampant is a setting agnostic, large skirmish, miniature wargame for fighting science fiction battles using 28mm figures. Developed from the popular Lion Rampant ruleset, the core mechanics featured within will be instantly recognizable to those familiar with the other Rampant systems, while still being accessible to new players. 

The Punjab Frontier Force moves cautiously toward the menace.

Xenos Rampant contains all the rules, army lists, and scenarios required to fight science fiction battles as well as a whole host of subgenres including: post-apocalyptic, weird war, near future. So, whatever your science fiction preference, the rules can cover it – just let your imagination run rampant.

So a new threat to the British Raj - with Mechanoids, tribesmen and Russians in a campaign that should takes us to the end of the year.

"Quite. Hmmm. Very well. Carry on."

Favorite Figures I painted in 2025

 It's that time of year again for lazy writing . . . I mean showcasing what I have done this year.

Mike Mason aka as Special Agent Roger “Race” T. Bannon: A special agent from Intelligence One assigned to safeguard Jonny 24/7. He is also Jonny and Hadji’s tutor, companion and all around watchdog. He is an expert in judo (are we seeing a pattern?), having a third degree black belt and the ability to defeat notorious experts in various sporting techniques including sumo wrestlers. An expert with weapons he is also an excellent pilot. Rumor has it that there is a mysterious woman in his past . . .

This great figure comes from Pulp Figures and is part of the "Team Chase" pack. At first it looks like a simple figure to paint; but, if you want to replicate one of your childhood heroes, you better get it right!

"As a Space Marine officer, I prefer not to wear my helmet into combat. Heads up displays, thermal imagery, communication nets, real time location and the status of my Marines - plus the protection it provides are for sissies. Plus I can see my chain sword better without it."

I love Space Marines. This is my new commander of my heavy strike force for the game Xenos Rampant.

Naval Ensign of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

My big project this year is the Boxer Rebellion. When I found out the von Trapp of the Trapp Family singers had participated and was decorated for bravery during the Boxer Rebellion, I knew I had to have the Austro-Hungarian Navy. And I needed a flag. I am particularly proud of this flag as it is entirely hand painted by yours truly. The figure is a converted Russian Navy guy from Copplestone Casting's Back of Beyond range.

Did I mention I was doing the Boxer Rebellion? For the Chinese forces, I decided to concentrate on the Chinese Imperial Army and this is one of the infantry officers. Figure from Wargames Foundry.

Standard bearer from the same unit and also Wargames Foundry. The banner is from Crusader Miniatures.

The great thing about Chinese armies is that you can never have enough flags! The officer with revolver has an open hand so I added a banner which is also available from Crusader Miniatures. The flags for the Kansu Braves are described as primarily yellow and red.

Shiba Gorō (柴 五郎, June 21, 1860 – December 13, 1945) was the military attaché assigned to the Japanese Legation in Peking. A warrior of exceptional ability. Figure from Crusader Miniatures.

"Growth", February 13, 2025.

I took up Watercolors 3 1/2 years ago (good retired stuff) and each year I participate in several shows; some are judged and others are not. My favorite show is sponsored by the Veterans Administration (United States) and for the second year in a row I was awared 1st Place in Watercolors at the regional Veterans Creative Arts Competition. The added bonus was also receiving "Best in Show". On to Nationals!

The 2025 Plan: 2nd Quarter Update

Each year I make a plan for my (primarily) miniature painting activities. The year 2023 was the year of "The Big Move" and my plan for 2024, well, fizzled. Not that I'm complaining. Hey, when 4 grandchildren arrive in less than 2 years it's time to celebrate! I'll pause on my hobby activities to spend time with those bundles of joy. I now consider myself a professional grandfather.

With an abbreviated plan I got off to a great start in the 1st Quarter:

1. Take some pictures of my newly painted 28mm Ghurkas for the Northwest Frontier from Perry Miniatures and post them. DONE! 

The 1st Battalion, 3rd Ghurka Rifles are ready to leave the depot. Figures by Perry Miniatures.

In addition, I need to take some pictures of "Team Chase" (okay, it's Jonny Quest) from Pulp Miniatures for an exciting, adventure filled post! DONE!

2. Finish painting the Ogre miniatures for Honorable Son #4 (The Flying Engineer). DONE!

3. Paint a Sikh unit and British mountain gun for the Northwest Frontier. If I have more time also a British Infantry unit and another group of Pashtun tribesmen. Not yet but still coming. I now have an incentive for painting a generic Sikh unit for the Northwest Frontier. Not only will it see duty on the Northwest Frontier but will do double duty as the 1st Sikh Infantry, Punjab Frontier Force in China (See Paragraph 6).

Test figure for my generic Sikh unit. If there's a piper, I'll paint it. The unit will also be from Perry Miniatures for the game The Men Who Would be Kings.

4. Finish my "German" Division for the French Army for the Peninsular War. I'm currently not on planning any artillery. Not yet but still coming. I currently now have all of the figures/units I want courtesy of WoFun Miniatures. All units have been put together and based - I just need to finish the bases. You can see below how the units will look and how I am doing the bases with the picture of the Rhine Battalion Number 3 (Frankfurt). Net up will be the contingent from the Duchy of Baden with future posts with a little history attached.

Confederation of the Rhine Battalion Number 3 (Frankfurt), converted Dutch Infantry from WoFun Miniatures.

5. "The Search for Charlie". Okay, it's time to get this campaign started and find out what really happened to Charlie - and Sam is pissed. Coming soon! This has slid a bit to the back burner - though I did purchase some recent, secret terrain for the adventure!

Sam has the Nazi goons right were he wants them.

New Goals:

6. In addition I have decided to paint a new unit of an army I have never done before. Time to pick one out.

Ta Dah. I did exactly that. While recovery from foot surgery (technically I still in the recovery phase - 3 weeks to go!) I watched a historical drama about the Von Trapp Family singers. Yep, the basis for the Sound of Music. I knew that Georg Von Trapp was a naval war hero in the Austro-Hungarian Navy during World War I, but that was the extent of my knowledge. So with a little research . . . GREAT SCOTT!!! HE FOUGHT IN THE BOXER REBELLION AS A NAVAL CADET IN THE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN NAVY! New Period.

Cadet Second Class Georg Von Trapp which I accidentally painted as a Koverttenleutnant; but hey, it looks cool. Figure is from Copplestone Castings Russian Naval Command from the Back of Beyond Range.

What's great about doing the Boxer Rebellion is that I basically have all of the forces I need for the 8 Nations Alliance. By adding Austro-Hungarian Sailors and Japanese Infantry, I can give the 8 Nations Alliance the right look for a generic force using the rules The Men Who Would be Kings. Speaking of Japanese Infantry:

Japanese Infantry from Crusader Miniatures.

I'm almost done with my Austro-Hungarian Sailors; most of the British Forces of the Relief Expedition were Indian so the 1st Sikhs, Punjab Frontier Force will join and my already painted Bengal Lancers will be along for the ride. I already have Russian forces so for now the Relief Expedition is done (though I'm sure I'll add more forces for the Legation). The majority of the painting will shift to the Chinese forces, both Boxers and Imperial Chinese Army. I think I might purchase the new Kansu Braves for Crusader Miniatures.

 

7. I'm also going to work on my forces for Xenos Rampant. I have more figures - not sure when I'll get around to them.

I did however painted a Strike Force Commander and another figure for my Mobile Infantry that looks remarkably like a Space Marine.

"As a Space Marine officer, I prefer not to wear my helmet into combat. Heads up displays, thermal imagery, communication nets, real time location and the status of my Marines - plus the protection it provides are for sissies. Plus I can see my chain sword better without it.

I painted this guy too: 

8. Why not; time to do some more armies for One Hour Wargames.

We also got a game in against Mr. Babbage on the Northwest Frontier!

Now that I can sit and paint again, the production line should start speeding up.

That's the big (abbreviated) painting/hobby plan and so far so good! There will be games, more Warhammer 40K Fire Team (yes they sucked me in), some French and Indian War action, Pulp fun and of course a return to the Northwest Frontier. 

Operation Heinlein: Strike Force Commander

"As a Space Marine officer, I prefer not to wear my helmet into combat. Heads up displays, thermal imagery, communication nets, real time location and the status of my Marines - plus the protection it provides are for sissies. Plus I can see my chain sword better without it.

As a follow-up to my earlier post on painting armored infantry, unh Space Marines copyright by Games Workshop with blood oaths, Dwarven runes and Chaos Demon lawyers, I finally found the commander for my Armored Infantry Strike Force commander for Xenos Rampant.

I was able to get the Boardgame “Space Marines” which is sold exclusively at Target or online from GW for the ridiculously low price of $25 US dollars. It’s actually a fun, fast game and comes with Lieutenant Titus of the Ultramarines and 10 Tyranid termagants and 3 ripper swarms. It pays to wait for sales.

Lieutenant Titus will get a new name for Xenos Rampant. I did the figure just using Citadel Contrast (CC) paints and as always use a quality primer! In this case I use Citadel Bone Wraith. There is a little paint on his face because I wanted to get a picture of the primed figure and almost forgot.

For the skin I used a base of Vallejo Dark Flesh and then added a wash of CC Darkoath Flesh for shading and detailing. 

The chain sword (let’s face it, chain swords are ridiculous but cool) is painted with CC Black Templar.

It’s time for CC Ultramarine Blue for the armor. I’m not worried about a smooth, even application as I want the armor to look like it’s been used in combat and not on the parade field.

The star burst is CC Blood Angel Red and I later cleaned it up with Vallejo Flat Red. 

The blue hanging rectory weird GW bone box I’m going to pretend it is a medical kit. I painted it with CC Aethermatic Blue and all of the leather is painted with CC Snakebite Leather.

The scroll under the skull is Striking Scorpion Green, the battle honor strips are CC Skeleton Horde with the seals CC Blood Angel Red. The skull on the base is also CC Skeleton Horde and the STUPID loin cloth, one more thing to get stuck in combat, is CC Nazdreg Yellow. The hilt on the chain sword is Vallejo Shiny Gold.

The wreath is also CC Striking Scorpion Green.

The concrete is CC Space Wolves Grey and the pipe will be eventually painted with CC Basilicum Grey.

I forgot to mention that the weapon and other bare metal is CC Basilicum Grey.

I used my usual basing mix of various sizes of railroad hobby ballast. I painted the base color Vallejo Luftwaffe Uniform WWII and dry brushed Vallejo Neutral Grey followed by Vallejo Light Grey.

The side of the base is Vallejo Flat Brown.

Always keep those bits. Since the leader has a larger base, I added a Necron arm to give it a little jazz.

Regular ole green static grass from Gale Force 9.

Ta Dah!