Review - Kobolds & Cobblestones by Osprey Games

I saw this review on you tube. It is published around the 26th of January. Having watched the review I think I will give it a go. The mechanisms are different and quite fun. Let me know what you think.

Bargains

We went up to have breakfast at a garden centre  ( named after a famous house elf?) locally. Keen readers of this blog may recall me getting a bargain in the shape of some Lemax trees there some years ago. However today there was less on offer in the sale today but I picked these up-

The new fence and benches in action.                       The packets bought.

The brick path in use.

Finally a Happy New Year to you and yours when it comes. Thanks for dropping by to The Duchy of Tradgardland in 2017 and I hope you will continue to do so in 2018!

Old School

Earlier in the week we popped into the Scottish National Portrait gallery to see the B.P Portrait competition winners. I also took the opportunity to view the historical murals-

Scottish famous figures in the left hand photo and a scene from the battle of Largs on the right.I love the expressions on the figures and the attempts to use archaeological evidence ( albeit in a mixed up way ) too.

For more about the artist see- 

https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/artists/william-brassey-hole

Yesterday did a wee Dragon Rampant game-
I used my Mythical Earth chaps and as ever the rules worked well and it was great fun.

Today in the Duchy of Tradgardland

Walked up town to Church then did some shopping. Snow came on much heavier as I walked home. Here am I pictured outside the Rathaus complete with Tradgardland ceramic plaque in the Duchy.

Gifts

A very Happy Feast of St Stephen to you and yours!
 I was most fortunate with my gifts - from retro radio to riveting reading!

Steeleye Span-Good King Wenceslas

A very Happy St Stephen's Day to you and yours!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and yours from all of us here in the Duchy of Tradgardland!

Christmas minus two

Been doing a little inspirational reading around my Carolingians-

Also been recalling Poul Anderson's wonderful novel " A Midsummer Tempest" especially when creatures of myth and legend rise up against Cromwell. It got me thinking of how something similar could have happened against the Swedish invaders of Norway in the Napoleonic wars. So a little Dragon Rampant scenario was set up. here's a wee flavour of it-

Bright | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

I really enjoyed it and it is worth giving a go. The premise is really interesting.

Advent in the Duchy of Tradgardland

Not long to Christmas now here in the Duchy of Tradgardland. A boy brushes snow off the candles on the tree in the square in Tradgardstadt. Officers go about the business of last minute shopping, children await a puppet show and others sneak into the small cathedral to wonder at the decorating underway.

In the bleak mid (well nearly) winter ... part one

Its that time again and Dugald the druid is preparing to cut the mistletoe once again. This is how Dugald sees himself and his mates in his mind's eye-

However reality is somewhat different- a rather kindly white haired gentleman with a rusty sickle at his belt as well as two mouldy heads that he gathered along the way sometime ago.

However before he can begin he needs a bodyguard as there are some nasty folks around the place...

To be continued

Carolingians

My new recruits are being based. Jim did 99% of that plus all the painting. Here are some pics-

My regular opponent Phil is reorganising his vikings (Essex,Greenwood and Ball etc) to be opponents for these splendid fellows- can't wait!

Old school again

My book from Norway has finally arrived. It was addressed correctly yet ended up being delivered to Amazon by mistake.

In 1995 I saw a small advert at the back of Miniature Wargames for a chap who was casting 25mm Napoleonic Norwegian ski troops.I contacted him (think he is/was called Kevin Gilfedder, of Doncaster) and the figures duly arrived. I have tinkered with them on and off since but never finished the unit.Here they are on top of a wee booklet from the Norwegian army Museum showing ski troop uniforms-

Sorry I just can't seem to turn the photo :(

anyway the figures are delightfully old school and I really ought to get them done to fight my new Swedes.

Gloriously Old School

Yesterday Jim D popped over to Fife to deliver a couple of  painted armies transferring to the service of Duke of Tradgardland's army- my lead mountain that is to say.More about the Carolingians later- wonderful Minifigs with those fantastic helmets and staff slingers that mean business. The other army comprised Swedes circa 1808-

       

I love the painting style of these splendid figures,something I could probably never replicate as I am not as skilled a painter. I am, however, tempted to give it a go in order to provide a worthy opponent for these super Swedes...

                                                                                                 

Reinforcements

 

I decided to paint up these 40mm knights as reinforcements for my medieval Scandinavians yesterday. I had got them very cheaply some time ago. They painted up well and I look forward to using them in a game-

One of my reference books suggestions Scandinavian armour styles were a tad behind the times compared to the latest knightly fashions. I am using this as an excuse to mix different styles and times in my units. After all they are cheap ,cheerful and fun. 

Anyone who had a heart...

Anyone who had a heart ( upon seeing my new Normans on their splendid Impetus bases) would not consider rebasing them at all-

I think I will use them for the basis of  a wee Basic Impetus army,something I have fancied doing for some time. Any of you chaps out there playing Basic Impetus these days?

Compatibility with Lammings Normans?

I acquired some Lamming Miniatures Norman cavalry ( full of old school charm) recently to use in a wee side project for Lion Rampant. I wonder if anyone can suggest any figures which would be compatible with Lamming  ( I doubt I have the patience/opportunity to wait for sourcing more Lammings) in order that I could finish two sides for the game. I will have around 30 cavalry but no infantry. I have a fancy to depict rival Norman forces in Italy or Sicily (I love the Byzantine style mosaics) so might need some Arab/Berber figures too. Any ideas?

"They deserve to get out."

I commented on Ross's blog recently and the post title is his reply. Here is a link to his post-

http://gameofmonth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/brioche-technical-details.html#comment-form

So I have begun to get my 40mm semi flats table ready-

Targe 2

On a bright and cold morning we set out for Kirriemuir and the Targe Show.It is always an enjoyable journey as the leaves change colour and autumn kicks in.The Angus countryside looked idyllic with enigmatic Ancient Monuments signs to Pictish stones and Glamis Castle passed by. The show used to be held in the town hall but now takes place in the local high school.

A general view of the show and some splendid Command and Colours games in 15mm.

My favourite game was this Carlist Wars battle by Jack Glanville and others using Sharpe Practice.Beautiful terrain and figures.

Now for the purchases.My Warbases movement trays for the VBCW and some nostalgia filled reading materials. I recall reading the magazines when 11 and 12 years old.

Finally some pre painted Brits I purchased to oppose my Danes. An enjoyable day with an excellent bacon roll,catching up with fellow gamers ,interesting games to view and tempting trade stands.What more could one ask of a Saturday?

Targe anyone?

Off to Kirriemuir in the morning,anyone else going?

Quo Vadis?.

I have dug out the 28mm napoleonic chaps from the shed, the tyw army (unpacked,still on spruces as it left Warlord ) stares accusingly across the bedroom and loads need sorted. I know destinations l wish to visit on my hobby journey in terms of games albeit too many and too diverse. They include Norwegians for Sharpe Practice Danes for an old school game based around the siege of Copenhagen to name but two. I am hopeful that eight months time will see me with more energy,enthusiasm and time for the hobby but I can say no more upon this currently. Perhaps until then l will resolve to game more,set the bar lower and tinker ,the time of the bigger projects will come. What do you think?

Snow effect for bases sought...

I am looking for ideas on how to replicate snow on bases for wargames figures,both single figures and element-type basing.
Thanks
Alan
p.s thanks also for the supportive and helpful comments to my previous post

BP etc

At half term I spent a few days in Yorkshire with friends which was so relaxing.Last week I was in Copenhagen for two nights, it was fantastic,lovely hotel,food and Norwegian airlines excellent.I got back on Thursday, On Friday I went to the nurse just to check my BP- it was 210/110. Had to see the  GP who put me on tablets there and then! I got a shock! Went back yesterday and it was 160/110. Had a good chat with the nurse practitioner and feel a tad calmer. Trying to do my bit in terms of diet,caffeine and exercise. Got ecg today and get bloods next week.
Any other fellow bloggers dealing with HPB? Ideas sought. 
Finally on the the subject of BP ( British Petroleum this time) are any of you watching "The Last Post" about the conflict in Aden? We certainly feel it is well worth a view, as is the Netflick's new Star Trek.

The Distant War

I was moved by the exhibition in the Tojhusmuseet about the Danes in Afghanistan.Here is what the museum says about it-
"The 600m2 exhibition recreates a Danish military camp and its surroundings as realistically as possible. Crate upon crate of uniforms, weapons and first-aid equipment have been brought back to Denmark from ISAF Team 10, who were in Afghanistan in autumn 2010. Everything in the exhibition has been used, worn and covered with personal graffiti. The goal of the exhibition is to make the life of Danish soldiers in Afghanistan more tangible, and almost all the exhibits can be picked up and held, bringing museum visitors into direct contact with everyday life in the camp. The exhibition also uses special effects to recreate the atmosphere on the ground - and shake the senses."

The Tojhusmuseet has separated the exhibition in order to give an immersive experience. the moment you enter you walk over sand  and rocks,over uneven surfaces. The soldier's quarters are lain out almost as if they have just left. I found it very powerful. It was half term in Denmark and people of all ages were going round the exhibition. If in Copenhagen don't miss it.