Little Wars

I am unaware how many of you have any interest in Little Wars by H.G Wells. I must confess the combination of nostalgia for a lost youth, quirky line drawings and the sheer fun of it has me hooked.
An army padre is currently writing an update/extension of the rules with a view to publication. He has terrific ideas as well as enthusiasm. I first discovered his work/project in a magazine about toy soldiers I saw in the newsagent up town. The picture of the alfresco game and accompanying article had me hooked. There is a super Yahoo group devoted to the fun called funnylittlewars - do have a look you won’t regret it! You will find the fun at:

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Funnylittlewars/

Enjoy,have a look and you will add another dimension to your hobby!

Wurm ...

Andersson called out the cavalry at dawn.The Wurm had departed from the bridge and could not be found. The cavalry patrol left the town along the north road , eyes vigilant and trumpets blaring , in the vain belief the Wurm would be put to flight by such music.

The Wurm waited in the woods, biding his time, the patrol passing completely unaware of his presence. With a shriek he left the wood chasing all horses and riders before him...

Paper

I have discovered ,in the last few days, a most interesting site called " Junior General" which has an absolutely amazing collection of 15mm scale paper soldiers. They cover every period you could desire and many I hadn't even thought of! In the spirit of endeavour, and eager to try something new, I have printed off some syw Danes and Swedes. Armed with glue,scissors and a good eye I have begun . I will let you know how things go...

Night...

It was dark before Anderrson left the church. The missal could not be found but Father Moribund had located a wall painting within the Church of the aforementioned Wurm.It had been there decaying for centuries now.

As Anderrson excited into the chill air of the autumn night he observed the Wurm was still there. The townspeople had taken courage and returned to their homes,lighting every lamp and candle they possessed in order to drive the Wurm away. it had been to no avail- the wurm still lay upon the bridge! Anderrson left for his house his mind filled with military stratagems which he would implement with the dawn...

Of brambles and books...

Kronk licked the last of the bramble juice from his fingers-it tasted of autumn.Andersson still observed the Wurm. The last of the company were seen streaming into the relative safety of the woods. With strict instructions given to Kronk to observe the Wurm and to remain awake, Andersson returned to the village. He sought the company of Fr Moribund who had been the local priest since before anyone could remember. Fr Moribund possessed an illuminated missal which contained illustrations of the last Wurm seen in Tradgardland 300 years before. Andersson felt by consulting the manuscript he might gain council and perhaps courage too. As he walked his thoughts turned to Kronk then back to the company. At last ,he thought , the presbytery door! Andersson rang the bell and waited . After what seemed an age bolts were drawn back,keys turned and the door opened...

Wurm

The Tradgardland Militia Captain looked through his spyglass and observed the village bridge. He was unable to comprehend what lay in his vista. The local informant had indeed been correct - A WURM!

There had been no sightings for centuries ,yet here and now in 1758 Year of our Lord Captain Anderrson saw that which all dreaded most...

Anderrson invoked the power of the Saints and of Heaven itself as he crossed himself whilst murmuring a prayer. Giving the spyglass to his faithful Sergeant Kronk ,Anderrson turned to address the company of men at his command- men upon the edge of running away and heading for the safety of the local forest...

Recent days...

A combination of busy times at work leading to tiredness and the subsequent sniffing around of the black dog has led me to not post of late . I hope to be back soon.

London Bridge

In the highest attic of the houses upon London Bridge a number of Tradgardlanders lived at relative peace with their neighbours. By day their trades were numerous and diverse, by night they gathered to sing the songs of the homeland and discuss the events of the age. Of how the planets and stars influenced all manners of mankind and how they had prophesied sorrow in the Duchy to come ....

Misty Mountain Musing (and plans)

I love early travel posters and am enjoying using them to illustrate my Blog. For example see the high pass in San Bruno inhabited by monks and their San Bruno dogs which help rescue the lost and the lonely...

I have been reading Henry's Battlegames blog of late and been inspired by it - as ever. He talks about the need to focus and concentrate. With such sound advice ringing in my ears I have had a good think to myself.

Tradgardland will take a back seat with regard to modelling and painting. I will continue to be involved in the Free Kriegspiel aspects of EvE involving my Duchy. I have grown far too fond of Duke Karl Frederick , Von Bergmann and the idiosyncrasies of Tradgardland to ever abandon them. So postings will continue about them and the customs and characters of a small northern Duchy.

On the wargames table I will pursue the 1740's conflict betwixt Hispania and her Italian Allies and the Imperium. I am looking for a brand so to speak. I am so attracted by Old School aka Duchy of Stollen's approach but also like my flock,static grass etc! Hopefully some synthesis will be possible and a way forward found.

In the meantime I continue to paint the forces of Hispania and collect further recruits to oppose the Imperium, start to model San Bruno and its villages and get some games up and running soon. You ideas and comments are welcome as ever.