Monday, December 28, 2015

Warmaster Fantasy - Dwarfs Counter Set Revised

This set of Dwarf counters replaces the set that I did over a decade ago while I was active on the Warmaster Yahoo email list. Unlike the old set, which was slightly undersized, this set will print to the full 20mm x 40mm counters.

Since I bought my first fantasy miniature in 1981, I have been a dwarf fanatic. Back in the early 1980s, I literally owned every Citadel pre-slotta base dwarf. They were my favorite Dwarf figures back when I was playing RPGs. I also enjoy the "Classic" line of Warhammer Dwarfs over the more modern Dwarfs. This set use images of those "classic" miniatures over the more modern versions. Also, you might notice a few versions of the cannon, flame cannon, and gyrocopter counters. Use those facing the direction you prefer. I've also included some Hammerers, which are used as ordinary Warriors.


Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.


Click on the counter set image above to download the complete army counter set in PDF format. The set has enough counters to create the sample armies below and many armies of 2000 points or less. Of course, if you need more counters simply print more copies!

Dwarf Army Lists

Total Points: 990
1x General
1x Runesmith
2x Warriors
2x Rangers
1x Handgunners
1x Cannon
1x Flame Cannon
1x Gyrocopter

Total Points: 1,995
1x General
2x Heros
1x Runesmith
4x Warriors
2x Rangers
2x Handgunners
4x Troll Slayers
2x Cannons
2x Flame Cannons
2x Gyrocopters

Total Points: 2,000
1x General
2x Hero
1x Runesmith
6x Warriors
4x Handgunners
2x Rangers
2x Cannons
2x Flame Cannons
1x Gyrocopter

Dwarf Tactics
Warmaster Magazine #6 had a nice article reviewing the usefulness of every dwarf unit. It had been reprinted at the old Specialist Games website. Since I can't find it online at the moment, you can download it from me by clicking this link to the article as a PDF.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Warmaster Ancients - Britons & Celts Counter Set

This set is based on the Britons' army list in the Warmaster Ancients core rule book. It can work for anything during the 1st centuries BC and AD, including the Caesarian and Claudian invasions. It can also work for Irish and Caledonian armies. While all the units from the army list are present in barbaric horde quantities, I've also taken the liberty of adding some "bonus" units: Noblemen with more armor that can be used a variety of basic Warriors or treat them as Medium Infantry with Armour 6+ for 45 points. If you would like a little "magic" in your armies, there is a Shaman counter, if you want to add such a person. I've also added a number of "named" Generals if you would like to create a specific army; these images are generals from Foundry and Warlord 28mm miniatures. Of course, you could also use the counters for other games, such as DBA or Impetus. I enjoyed creating this set and hope you enjoy it.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.



Click on the counter set image above to download the complete
Britons-Celts counter set in PDF format.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Warmaster Fantasy - High Elves Counter Set Revised

This set of Warmaster counters replaces the High Elves set that I did over a decade ago while I was active on the Warmaster Yahoo email list. Unlike the old set, which was slightly undersized, this set will print to the full 20mm x 40mm counters.

I've tried to include as much variety in the look of the different unit as possible. This means that you probably can create a High Elf army that looks like a 4th or 5th edition army, which is the basis of the original Warmaster armies. You might also be able to pull together a more modern looking High Elf army. This is why I provide multiple dragon-mounted generals from across various WHFB editions, and alternate units like the Sword Masters and Dragon Princes.

You might notice two versions of the Bolt Thrower. The top-down version is from my original set and is based vertically, as it should be. The other bolt thrower sets are mounted horizontally but feature a scene, not just the thrower. If you like the latter, simply turn them sideways to use during the game. That's the best I could do with the photos I had to work with!


Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.


Click on the counter set image above to download the complete counter set in PDF format. The set has enough counters to create the sample armies below and many armies of 2000 points or less. Of course, if you need more counters simply print more copies!

High Elves Army Lists

Total Points: 1,900
1x General
2x Wizards (1x Scroll of Dispelling)
6x Spearmen
4x Archers
4x Reavers
2x Chariots
2x Giant Eagles
2x Bolt Throwers

Total Points: 2,000
1x General
2x Heroes
1x Wizard
6x Archers
7x Spearmen
3x Reavers
1x Silver Helms
2x Chariots
2x Bolt Thowers

Total Points: 2,000
1x General
2x Heroes
2x Wizards
6x Spearmen
4x Archers
3x Silver Helms
3x Reavers
1x Chariots
2x Bolt Throwers

Total Points: 2,000
1x General (Orb of Majesty)
2x Heroes (Giant Eagle mount, Dragon Mount, Sword of Fate)
2x Wizards (1x Scroll of Dispelling, 1x Staff of Spellbinding)
4x Spearmen
4x Archers
4x Silverhelms
2x Bolt Throwers


High Elves Tactics
If you are interested in playing a High Elves army, I highly recommend downloading the "Elves Strategems" article originally published in Warmaster Magazine and then reprinted on the old Specialist Games website. You can still download it by clicking this link at the Specialist Arms website.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

The League Takes to the Skies!

This blog is about more than Warmaster! I felt I needed to get that out there now that I've been feeling better. LoL. Warmaster counters have been dominating the posts because they've been easy to work on in my spare time, and I have fun making them.

I have always liked WWII aviation, owning most of the WWII Wings of War/Glory planes. So my big new game news should come as no surprise: Black Cross/Blue Sky, the miniatures/board game hybrid about the Battle of Britain. My son and I played BC/BS in the summer of 2014 at Rapiercon in Jacksonville, FL and had a blast using 1/300 miniatures. The game's price tag seemed a bit high ($105 after shipping), but in hindsight the game is worth every penny, especially considering most wargames are selling discounted at $50. (I also sold off some old unpainted miniatures to subsidize the purchase.) I put in the order a few weeks ago with the publisher, Blue Sky Game Works, and got the package within a few days. Very pleased! I've punched all the planes and made the flight stands. My goal is to convert the game over to 1/285 or 1/300 planes. (I might also use them for Check Your 6, which I also picked up.) I thought about the amazing 1/600 Pico Armor planes, but they are just a bit too small for me right now. Using the provided counters, I should get in a game over the next few weeks.

A few Black Cross Photos from Rapiercon 2014

My son (right) ponders his next move.

Jerry's great looking paint jobs!

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Warmaster Ancients - Hittite Counter Set

After much delay, I've finally uploaded a Warmaster Ancients counter set for the Hittites. They are a good enemy for the New Kingdom Egyptian army set I posted earlier, allowing players to re-fight the Battle of Kadesh against Ramesses II in 1274 BC. This Hittite set can also be used to fight against the Assyrian army, which also has their own set here. And there is nothing stopping anyone from having the Hittites fight off an Orc invasion as well! Anything can happen in the world of miniature gaming. I hope you enjoy the set.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.



Click on the counter set image above to download the complete
Hittite counter set in PDF format.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Warmaster Ancients - Late Roman Counter Set

For most of my life, I've always associated the Early Imperial army whenever I thought "Roman." However, the empire has always been more than Hollywood's version. Today, I've uploaded my latest set of Warmaster Ancient counters--the Late Roman Empire. As with my other Warmaster Ancients sets, I've tried to provide enough counters for a typical army, with 1,200 to 1,500 points being the sweet spot. Since I've included counters for the ballista, you can also use this set with the revised Late Roman army list found on Rick Priestley's Warmaster website, which I link to via Archive.org. The names might be different for some of the revised units, but that is no big deal. Also, you might want to take a look at the website for the Roman Military Research Society, where you can find tons of information and photos on everything Roman. I hope you enjoy the counters.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.



Click on the counter set image above to download the complete
Late Roman counter set in PDF format

Monday, May 11, 2015

Warmaster Ancients - Gallic Counter Set

If you like my set of Early Imperial Roman counters for Warmaster Ancients, then you will need some enemies to fight. Last year, I made a counter set for the Dacians, but it needs to be updated. Today I completed a completely new set for EIR enemies--the Gauls. As with my other Warmaster Ancients sets, I've tried to provide enough counters for a typical army, with 1,200 to 1,500 points being the sweet spot. Since I haven't played this army yet, I haven't provided any army lists. Magister Millitum has a pre-made 1000-point 10mm Gallic army (ADW7) at their website.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.



Click on the counter set image above to download the complete
Gallic counter set in PDF format.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Warmaster Ancients - New Kingdom Egypt Army Counters

Update 9 May 2015: Back at the beginning of November 2014, I returned to making counters for the Warmaster games after a 10-year hiatus. My first set was for the New Kingdom Egyptian army, simply called "Egyptian" in the game. This set replaces that set and updates it, improving their look and versatility. Plus, I've added over a third more counters in this version! This NKE army makes a great enemy for the Assyrian counter set I created.

These NKE counters are meant for Warmaster Ancients but can be used with any game that has 20mm x 40mm basing, such as DBA or even Warmaster Fantasy. The images primarily come from Wargames Foundry.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching the sheet to old comic book backing boards, and then cutting them out. This makes for cheap, sturdy counters.

New Kingdom Egypt (Warmaster Ancients)
The archers and infantry are core units of the New Kingdom Egyptian army. The chariots supported by chariot runners gives the army some hitting and skirmishing power. The lack of armor saves makes the NKE army weaker against heavily armored armies, but the NKE make up for it with larger numbers of infantry and archers. While I've provided 1000 and 2000 point army lists that kind WMA players have created, it seems WMA armies play well at around 1,250 points to 1,500 points.


Click on the counter set image above to download the complete NKE counter set in PDF format. The set has enough counters to create any of the sample armies below. Of course, if you need more counters simply print more copies!

2000 points
1x General (Ramses) in Chariot Mount
1x Leader in Chariot Mount
2x Leaders on Foot
6x Infantry
8x Archers
2x Marines
3-4x Mercenaries
3-4x Skirmishers
4x Chariot Runners
8x Chariots

1000 points
1x General in Chariot
1x Leader in Chariot
3x Infantry
4x Archers
1x Marines
3x Skirmishers
2x Chariot Runners
4x Chariots

1000 points
1x General in Chariot Mount
1x Leader in Chariot Mount
6x Archers
6x Infantry
4x Chariots

1000 points
1x General in Chariot Mount
1x Leader in Chariot Mount
5x Infantry
5x Archers
4x Chariots
2x Chariot Runners

1000 points
1x General in Chariot Mount
1x Leader in Chariot Mount
7x Infantry
6x Archers
1x Marines
3x Chariots

Friday, May 8, 2015

Warmaster Ancients - Assyrian Army Counters

Update 8 May 2015: In November 2014, I published a set of Warmaster Ancients counters for the Assyrian army and then took them down shortly thereafter. This set replaces and updates the previous set, improving their looks and making them more versatile for other games. I've also added missing specialty units, redid images on some counters, and used a better background color for the font. As always, I hope folks find them useful.

Even though the time frame might be pushing it a bit, the Assyrians make a nice enemy for the New Kingdom Egyptian counter set I created and other armies. I would like to mention Paul Baker's inspirational website Brush Strokes. He painted most of the chariots and some of the spearmen miniatures I used in this set. He is a fantastic painter with a large and eclectic gallery of painted 28mm figures spanning 1000's of years. The other figures mostly come from Warlords stock photos.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.

Assyrians (Warmaster Ancients)
Being a later ancients army, the Assyrians are a hard-hitting and well-armored army. As a result, they have stronger but fewer units than the weaker but more numerous New Kingdom Egyptians. The most iconic unit in the Assyrian army is the four-horse heavy chariot. As with my other set, I've tried to provide enough counters for a typical 2000-point army, but using 1,200 to 1,500 points seems to be the Warmaster Ancients sweet spot. Unfortunately, I only have the one army list below. After we play with the Assyrians, I'll post my own lists. I hope you enjoy this and my other sets.



Click on the counter set image above to download the complete Assyrian counter set in PDF format. The set has enough counters to create any of the sample armies below and more. Of course, if you need more counters simply print more copies!

1500 points
1x General in Chariot Mount
2x Turtans (Leaders) in Chariot Mount
6x Spearmen
2x Bowmen
2x Skirmishers
2x Cavalry
4x Chariots
Total Points: 1495

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Warmaster Fantasy - Araby Counter Set

Araby is one of those lands in the world of Warhammer that always seemed to be talked about but never received the full army treatment for the 28mm miniatures game. However, Warmaster took care of that for 10mm, making Araby an official expansion army. You can find the full Araby army list in the official Warmaster Armies pdf.

If my memory serves me, the Araby army were the last figures Games Workshop made for the game and were available in early 2007 only through Specialist Games mail-order. The figures were sculpted by Colin Grayson. I've always felt that these are some of the best, if not the best, figures sculpted for the game. Unfortunately, like many Warmaster packs, the figures now sell for "stupid money" on Ebay, making them difficult to afford.

All of the images of troop units are of 28mm miniatures from various manufacturers, while nearly all of the character counters use photos of the actual 10mm Warmaster figures painted by GW and various gamers. I always have had a fascination with Arabic and Persian themed armies, and have been wanting to create this set for many years. I hope you enjoy them.

Printing the Counters
I hope some of you find these counter sets useful.You can print these at office printing places, like Staples, using heavy card stock paper printed at actual size. You can also print on regular paper and then glue the counters to wooden bases. (Check the older posts on how I did this with my Empire army.) Currently, I'm printing the counter sets at Staples using regular paper, spray gluing the back of each sheet with Super77, attaching each sheet to an old comic book backing board, and then cutting out the counters using a sharp Xacto knife with steel ruler. Using the backing boards makes for cheap, sturdy counters.


Click on the counter set image above to download the complete Araby army counter set in PDF format. The set has enough counters to create the sample army below and many armies of 2000 points or less. Of course, if you need more counters simply print more copies!

Total Points: 2000
1x General
2x Heroes
1x Wizard w/Djinn
6x Spearmen
5x Bowmen
2x Guards
2x Knights
3x Desert Riders
2x Magic Carpets
1x Elephants

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Recon 2015 - Some Things Never Change

This weekend was the Recon game convention here in Orlando. I was scheduled for the entire weekend, whereas Jeremy got a day ticket for Friday since he was leaving (left) for Peru today. We hadn't attended Recon or Hurricon in about seven years, so we were interested to see if anything had changed. Overall, it seemed smaller than we remembered, but that could just be our imagination. I had pr-registered up a Sword in Africa game at 2pm. Jeremy signed up for the battle of Ligny using Commit the Garde! rules taking place at the same time.

The Sword in Africa (aka "Bored in Africa")
The Sword and the Flame happens to be one of the few miniature game rules that I actually enjoy playing, but it has not hit my table in years. As a result, I was looking forward to playing the African variant. I even wished I could have brought along some of my explorers, who have been cooped up in their boxes far too long!

I'm Waiting...I'm Waiting...I'm Waiting...
Below are some photos of the large table, along with some closer detail shots. I got a lot of inspiration from that table, which has gotten my Colonial itch going. Unfortunately, I never really got to play the game! Even though I was one of the first people at the table, I basically became the 13th wheel among the typical gathering of buddies that this conventions seem to be. It's always nice to be ignored by the game runner for 15 minutes, while I just sat there staring at the table. Sigh.






You Can't See Me!
Then we "got our assignments" after the crew discussed what they were doing. I had no idea what I was to do other than play two native units "in hiding". This meant I sat there for multiple turns waiting to "surprise" the explorers, who pretty much knew I was sitting there waiting to surprise them. At least I got to sit for a while. Sigh.

Enough is Enough
Anyway, I got tired of doing nothing at all and bailed from the "game," which as I mentioned was meant more for all the buddies to get together and play. Some things never change.

All Boring on the Ligny Front
I popped over to my son's Ligny game. He had been given the "southern' French flank, where literally nothing had been happening turn after turn. His opponent, a gentlemen my age along with his teenage son, commanded the "southern" Prussian flank, where likewise nothing had been happening. (In real life,the soldiers would have been loving it!)





I "took over" for his son's command, while his son went swimming. Basically, I sat down and opened my tablet to play several games of "Hey! That's My Fish!", which was far more fun than anything else going on. The fellow decided to open his laptop and get some work done, while the guys playing the center and northern flank got their battle on, pretty much oblivious to us. My total lack of knowing the rules appeared not to be a hindrance at all! Sigh.

We Are Outta Here!
That's when we called it quits, having had enough. My arthritis was flaring big time, causing me to take one step a second and lots of pain. I was not going to hang around for the flea market. I was really excited to play the Black Cross / Blue Sky game that evening, which would have been fun. But I never would have made it. Instead, I fought 5 o'clock rush-hour traffic home. I didn't bother going Saturday, choosing to sleep most of the day instead.

Some More Photos From the Con
Here are some more photos from the con.









Well, I officially am done with game conventions. Over the years, I have given them my best shot, and they just do not appear to be for me. While I might have some fun here and there, such as playing Black Cross last summer, game cons down here feel more like an excuse for a bunch of buddies to get together and play games with their buddies.

HMGS-South - You All Need Some Serious Therapy!
From what I read in the Rebel Yell, the HMGS-South cons will be experiencing a big cost increase in the coming years. They want people to get the word out about the cons in order to increase attendance. Personally, the regulars going to the con and running the con need to change their perception of why they are holding the con. My son is an MBA student at Rollins and has created a number of successful growth and marketing plans for small businesses here in Central Florida as part of his studies.His main specialty is high-end fund raising events. He just shakes his head. Everything an organization can do wrong, he feels, HMGS-South is doing wrong, and could care less.

We really do not care anymore. Both of us are done with the gaming scene here in Central Florida, not that we were ever really a part of it. I'm committing myself to solo gaming, or gaming with my son, or maybe a non-gaming fellow or two from church. And that is it.