Grumpy Gnome

Hmm. I think I may need to start using an airbrush as well considering the size of this project. I have been hesitant to try airbrush painting.

I would love to see game makers make terrain rules a priority and add basic terrain to starter sets.

It interesting to see how this topic has taken off on the Miniatures Page forum… http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=551573 … although my use of “terrain as a third player” has gotten some folks wanting to call the metaphor police for being misleading.

My wife was surprised when in one of our early games of Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Battle Companies my Dwarves climbed up on some rocky outcroppings for a tactical advantage against numerically superior outlaws. The game rules provide for simple yet effective benefits from holding the high ground in melee. https://thegrumpygnome.home.blog/2020/06/23/a-chance-encounter-with-old-ozzys-outlaws/ The photos on the Battle Report should better illustrate the example. We also use random charts for weather and time of day to affect gameplay. This helps keep repeated scenarios feeling fresh.

I tend to use a general purpose craft glue. Something that has a little flex. in it but is stronger than PVA. Being in Germany I use the brand my wife picked out, Universal Bastel-Kleber by Folia. Superglue is strong but brittle, so I avoid it where possible.

This is a Schleich dino that I intend to use for Ghost Archipelago. It is mostly washes over the factory paint work but I did need to paint a few bits to bring out the best in the details, like the eyes in particular. And put it on a base of course.

I have heard this idea expressed before, the idea that terrain is the “third player” or “third army” on a table. But I just read an old comment by Major_Gilbear that really has me thinking… “Most games are like this, and it's often compounded by the fact that most terrain rules are added on to the core rules rather then being an integral part of the game. What's weird to me is that: 1) Terrain (and therefore table set up) is effectively the "third player", but is often treated as an afterthought by many. 2) It's not hard to have 3-4 pages showing example tables with some author's commentary on particular features. 3) Terrain rules are often clunky, which leads to players avoiding anything detrimental or complicated - terrain therefore often just functions to make areas of the table no-go areas, rather than providing opportunities for a clever tactic, an interesting choice, or interaction. For skirmish games, where every model counts, this importance is exaggerated.” Part of the reason this has become important to me is that I am looking at getting into the *grave series of games, Ghost Archipelgo most likely first, and trying to figure out board layout so I can plan my build requirements has been challenging. GW’s Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Battle Companies, which we have already been playing, has been much less challenging to plan and build for, largely down to pretty clear terrain suggestions in the scenarios. What do you folks think of this concept of prioritizing terrain so highly? What ideas do have for terrain as a tactical choice presenter rather than just line of sight blocker? What games do you think have the best Terrain rules? Why?

Queen Anne’s Revenge, believed to be Edward “Blackbeard” Teach’s flagship is alleged to have had 40 guns, 30 of which have been recovered. These appear to be 6 pounders according to wiki. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Anne's_Revenge Orlanth has been a great help with his knowledge over on DakkaDakka.

Some cool looking Dwarves… https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heresylab2/heresylab-black-mountain-clan?ref=recommendation-ended-project-backer-2 I think I might get some treasure hunters.

Very pleased to hear that additional ship cannons will be available. Thank you Reaper staff for responding to customer requests.

Thanks for the kind words folks, the motivation I get from them is much appreciated.

What weight of shot are the included cannon scaled for?

Thanks! You can never have too much scatter.

I recently finished several bits of terrain to supplement our Dwarven Forge terrain, including some Monster Fight Club and Schleich toy pieces. https://thegrumpygnome.home.blog/2021/07/14/continuing-the-world-building/ More photos and Information on my blog.

Beautiful work Dan!

Outstanding work! Bravo!

Here is a Battle Companies report where we used some Dwarven Forge terrain on the table… https://thegrumpygnome.home.blog/2021/07/09/aftermath-2-the-taken-of-minas-morgul-versus-old-ozzys-outlaws-as-the-journey-to-blue-mountain-continues/ We will be able to better fill a 6x4 table once our DF Wildlands KS pledge arrives, which unfortunately has been delayed.

Brilliant work! Really top notch.

It is quite possible. I suspect the design and manufacture is quite widespread given the source.

Ah! That is great, very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to link that. Looking pretty good. I have not had a good, close look at the Nolzur’s cannons yet but my experiences with Nolzur’s have been mixed.

Oh, the ship comes with cannons? That is good news. I thought it did back when we pledged but then I have not seen any in the pictures folks have been posting so I thought it had changed. Reaper should definitely sell more separately though as I have other projects that could use decent cannons and I am not a big fan of 3d printing.

What Are folks doing for good looking but relatively inexpensive cannons to equip the ship?

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Brilliant work!

Great work! I always struggle with the grey Timber Wolf look but you captured it nicely.