Wee Willie Winkie: Coira Armstrong

Coira Armstrong is another addition to my band of adventurers in the world of In Her Majesty's Name.  The daughter of Colonel Dugald Armstrong, VC, DSO she accompanied her father to a remote military outpost on the northern frontier of India where she was instrumental in putting down the rebellion of the notorious Khoda Khan.  

 Is Coira Armstrong the inspiration for Kipling's Wee Willie Winkie?

In addition, the British Government refuses to comment on the "Roopkund Lake" incident located in the most inhospitable regions of the Himalayan Mountains that took place shortly thereafter.  

 Coira confirms the existence of the legendary yeti.

Reports are conflicting but it is known that the Chinese Army incursion into India was recently thwarted and Coira was present with forces of the British Raj.  Coincidentally, shortly thereafter, Coira Armstrong was granted an Honorary Commission by in the Royal Highland Regiment by the Regimental Colonel HRH The Duke of Rothesay.

It's a trap!

Here are some suggested rules for using the amazing Coira Armstrong:

Pluck: 3+

Fighting Value: +1

Shooting Value: +1

Speed: +1

Talents: Leadership +1, Inspirational, Erudite Wit, Fearless, Just darn lucky (re-rolls 1 pluck roll per game)
Basic Equipment: Pistol and Magento-static waistcoat

Cost: 33 points

Gertrude Bell: Brains and Beauty

The world of 1895 is a breathtaking and fascinating time of adventure and discovery.  Though the London papers have been dominated with the recent headlines involving the daring adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Alan Quartermain and Major Dugald Campbell, DSO - there has also been distress as master criminals, evil doers and the rise of other regional powers threaten the peace and stability of the British Empire and its allies.

Entering on the world stage at this time were two unlikely pair of adventuress:  Gertrude Bell and Coira Armstrong.

The meeting of Coira Armstrong (L) and Gertrude Bell (R) in the British Museum.

The eldest daughter of a British steel magnate, Gertrude Bell was born in 1869 at the height of stodgy, Victorian England. Possessing a keen mind and a determined disposition, she rejected the narrow life of a stayed and dignified British lady to excel at Oxford University at the age of 17. History was one of the few subjects women were allowed to study so she specialized in modern history receiving a first class honors degree in two years. 

 Gertrude Bell

Upon graduation and supported by her family's wealth she was free to indulge her passion for adventure, be it climbing the Swiss alps or traipsing through Arabian deserts. before ambitiously embarking upon a series of grueling travels through the Middle East. 

 Gertrude Bell in Babylon.

Though famous as an English writer and traveler, Her Majesty's government realized her importance and she has served as political officer, administrator, spy and archaeologist exploring and mapping the unknown regions of the earth. She has become highly influential to British imperial policy-making due to her knowledge and contacts, built up through extensive travels in North Africa, Greater Syria, Mesopotamia and Arabia. In addition, she is the first female Intelligence officer employed by the British Army.

"Huzzah!" proclaims Professor Nightingale in celebration of Gertrude Bell discovering another lost city. "I'll drink to that", says Private Hook.

Here are some suggested rules for using Gertrude Bell, CBE as a character for In Her Majesty's Name:

Pluck: 2+
Fighting Value: +1
Shooting Value: +1
Speed: +0
Cost: 69 points
Talents: Leadership +2, Erudite Wit, Fearless, Inspirational, Stealthy, Impervious, Meticulous Planning, Master of Disguise
Basic Equipment: Brigandine and pistol

Gertrude can join the following companies: Any British or Imperial Rifle Company, The Explorer's Club, Scotland Yard, The Hunting Party and The Queen's Own African Rifles.

Who is that mysterious man keeping an eye on Gertrude?

Next up: Coira Armstrong!
 

The League of Unattached British Officers

Over the years I have collected and/or saved some British officers from various ranges and manufacturers.  Fortunately for me, since I am playing a lot of In Her Majesty's Name, these chaps are starting to show up more and more in major and supporting roles!  I'm glad I have saved them.

Reaper Miniatures Porters

I have become a great fan of the versatility and price of Reaper Miniatures; especially their Chronoscope range.  As quoted from their web site:

"Chronoscope is designed to be versatile and flexible. It includes cowboys, sci-fi soldiers, superheroes and everything in between! These figures are perfect for just about any game you may have going on as well any other projects that will require highly detailed miniatures!"

I was able to pick up a pack of their "Bearers and Porters" which will be featured in many games to come!

I painted them very quickly and they do need some touch-up!

The figures fit in nicely with Wargames Foundry, Copplestone and Old Glory.

IHMN: Ranjit Singh

“I am not what you call a civilized man! I have done with society entirely, for reasons which I alone have the right of appreciating. I do not, therefore, obey its laws, and I desire you never to allude to them before me again!”  Captain Nemo

No one is clear on the background of Ranjit Singh.  Some say he served in the Indian Army on the frontier of Waziristan.  Others claim that he was in the maritime service due to his uncanny knowledge of all things nautical.  Some have claimed to observe mysterious visitors refer to him as "Sirdar" and have come and gone at his bidding.  No matter what the truth, Ranjit Singh is a force to be reckoned at the end of the 19th Century in the world of In Her Majesty's Name (IHMN).

Ranjit Singh leads Special Agent Tom Sawyer and Major Campbell in close quarters gun play.

I recently painted this gallant character and I have no idea what manufacturer produces it as I took him out of the blister pack and for the life of me I can't remember the company.  Anyway . . . here is the game profile for Ranjit Singh for use in IHMN:

Pluck: 3+

Fighting Value: +3

Shooting Value: +3

Speed: 0
Points: 61

Talents: Leadership +2, Engineer, Fanatic, Iron will, Gunslinger

Basic Equipment: Pistols, Pulwar (military sword), Brigadine

 Confronting the evil minions of Colonel Vincent Brimble.

 Surrounded but in the company of heroes!

“The earth does not want new continents, but new men.”