Throwback Thursday: The Second Battle of Minster West

This battle report was first posted on the Imperial Guard Boot Camp forum back in February 2009. The Praetorian-Valhallan War continued with another game at the Games Workshop Battle Bunker in Westminster, CA. 

Unfortunately, no photos exist of this game. Other photos will have to suffice, but these unfortunately aren't always of the best quality. Yay late-2000s camera phones!


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After Action Report
Submitted by Lord Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot

On the evening of the 22nd, orders came through to intercept a Valhallan invasion force on the old battleground of Minster West. The "Weasel” was once again in command. Our orders were to halt the invasion and capture the enemy commander if possible. Three squads were deployed, as was my HQ staff and platoon command squad. Joining us were a conscript force of Praetorian sailors, Tallarn, and former Armored Fist troops. A Leman Russ was also made available to us.

We arrived on the field to find that the enemy was waiting for us. Their conscript horde moved forward towards a small fort located in the center of the battlefield. A barrage of rockets and lascannons engulfed our troops, and only two men were killed in this initial burst. Spotting his Medusa tank on the edge of the battlefield, our Leman Russ – commanded by Lt. Waters – destroyed the enemy vehicle in one blast. 

Outraged by this loss, the Valhallan commander seized the fort and concentrated all fire into our conscript force. Of the 30 man force, only about 15 survived this ordeal. Additionally, the platoon command squad under Lt. Jenkins was decimated. The lieutenant himself was executed on the spot by Commissar Quint for showing cowardice when he tried to order a retreat. Reeling from these losses, our troops were momentarily ineffective in engaging the enemy. The mortar squad did, however, manage to take out a few more of the conscripts who were now moving outside of the fort. I personally climbed to the top of a nearby hill to survey the scene. 

It was then that our conscripts were decimated, save for one. The brave fellow – Petty Officer Styles – stayed in the face of danger and began to lay into the enemy. We now laid the full fury of the 32nd Regiment into the enemy’s conscripts. The withered and died under our crippling fire, ultimately retreating from the bloodshed. 

By this point, however, it was too dark to further engage the enemy. We could hear his troops withdrawing, however, and their ships taking off. Thus, we had successfully held Minster West once again.

Special mention goes to Lt. Waters, the tank commander who knocked out the Valhallan Medusa in the first minutes of the fight. Petty Officer Styles, also, deserves mention. His stubborn resistance in the face of overwhelming enemy numbers is a credit to the steadfastness of the Praetorian Navy.

Throwback Thursday: The Battle of Minster West

This battle report first appeared on the Imperial Guard Boot Camp forum back in December 2007. Ben and I had decided to meet up at the Games Workshop Battle Bunker in Westminster, CA and match wits once again! 

Hope you enjoy reading this report! I'm starting to remember just how much I have writing these sorts of things up.

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Report
Submitted by Lord Colonel Z.E. Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot

On the morning of the 14th, a communiqué was intercepted by Lord General Flagg of the Praetorian Intelligence Service. It detailed a Valhallan plan to seize the vital city of Minster West, important to our army’s supply of pith helmets, boots, and accouterments. Most importantly, this enemy force was commanded their greatest – and most brutal – field commander; his true name is unknown to us. Given his adept ability of finding a way out of any tough situation facing his command, our men have begun to call him “the Weasel.” Lord Flagg believed that we may finally be able to rid ourselves of this menace once and for all.

One full company of men were deployed, its heavy weapons consisting of a mortar, a heavy bolter, and a lascannon. Special weapons included a plasma rifle and two grenade launchers. The remainders of the squads were armed with lasguns. In addition, a command squad led by Lt. Cargill included a commissar, a sapper from the 77th Praetorian Engineers, two grenade launchers and a flamer. Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones commanded the central command squad. Serving with him were Lt. Durfee from the Praetorian Mounted Police, a commissar, a bugler, and a flag bearer. Three lascannon crews were attached to his command. In support of these troops were a squad of stormtroopers with a meltagun and an Armored Fist squad with a flamer, commanded by Sgt. Vickers. A Leman Russ provided the backbone of our force. All told, 64 men, officers, and other ranks went into the field.

Our men arrived to Minster West first. The city was in ruins, having been bombarded prior to our arrival: the ruins of the buildings were still smoldering. Only an Imperial fortress in the heart of the city stood unscathed. Sgt. Neil, with his squad and mortar took up position in the tallest building still standing, so that it could have a clear view of the approaching enemy. Sgt. Geoff and his heavy bolter took a post in the center of our lines. Sgt. Brandt, with lascannon, took up position to the right of Lt. Cargill’s command squad. The stormtroopers were to their left. Major Fletcher-Jones was stationed behind another building. The Leman Russ and Chimera containing our Armored Fist squad were also to the rear.

No sooner had our men established themselves than the Valhallan menace appeared. We tried to get a counting, but they were far too numerous. We could see, however, a horde of conscripts coming directly towards our mortar. Sgt. Neil immediately ordered a barrage, automatically putting enormous holes into the approaching foe. Shortly after this, unfortunately, a well-placed missile strike killed Neil and half of the men in the squad. The remaining men panicked and fled the field. 

On the other end of the battlefield, our Leman Russ rolled forth and intended to take out a Valhallan command squad. It was met with strong resistance, forcing it to drive into a building to seek shelter. As this happened, however, a tread broke. To the horror of both Major Fletcher-Jones and myself, the tank was disabled and unable to continue the fight. Thankfully Sgt. Geoff and his squad were there to halt their advance, just as they had at the Battle of the Grasshopper. This side of the battlefield was secured and safely in our hands.

The conscripts, however, were the greatest threat to our lines. Despite massive casualties, they drove onwards. It soon became clear that they driving towards the fortress. If they were allowed to take it, then they would be in a nearly impregnable position. Immediately I ordered Sgt. Brandt, the stormtroopers, and the Armored Fist to take it. The Chimera containing our light company was subjected to intense rocket fire, breaking down only for a moment. This delay, however, cost us dearly. As Brandt as his men were climbing over the barbed wire, the Valhallan horde came up and shot them in the backs – killing them all. They were then able to enter into the fortress and take it. The sergeant of the stormtroopers, bent on vengeance, charged into the structure and fought bravely till the end. Before they died, they were successful in tying down enemy forces there and killing a good number of them.

It was at this moment that the Valhallan central command squad – with Weasel himself – attempted to enter the fortress. Much to his surprise, however, our Armored Fist squad finally came through! Our men deployed but a few meters from the enemy and immediately laid into them. The flamer was able to burn them all…except Weasel. Once again he was able to escape death. Without their commanders, the Valhallan force fell into disorder. Before the battle could be decided, however, a severe lightning storm sprung up and put an end to it. Men from both armies sought shelter from the elements. Thus, the battle ended in a tactical draw.

Distinction must once again go to Sgt. Geoff and his squad. Without his able leadership, the Valhallans may have been able to take us from the rear and destroy us. Sgt. Vickers and the Armored Fist must be commended as well. Because of their valiant actions, the head of the Valhallan serpent was crushed under the foot of the Praetorian lion. 

Yet again, a combat photographer was able to capture the events of the battle.

Our noble Praetorian force.

The enemy, as seen from a captured photograph.

The ruined city of Minster West.

Sgt. Neil and his men take their positions.

Our Leman Russ prepares for battle.

The noble Sgt. Geoff and his men wait for the enemy.

The Valhallan conscript horde approaches.

Enemy troops seize a building.

An enemy tank peering around a corner.

The late Sgt. Brandt and his men, meeting their deaths on the barbed wire of the fortress.

A captured enemy photo of the battlefield.

Our own tank breaks down in a building.

The heavy bolter under Sgt. Geoff's command laying into the enemy.

The Armored Fist squad, finally into the fight, were able to turn the tide.

Throwback Thursday: The Battle of the Grasshopper

The following first appeared on the old Imperial Guard Boot Camp forum back in December 2008. Ben was in my neck of the woods and we decided to have a rematch at my FLGS, the since-closed Geeks in Whittier, CA. We decided to eschew any sort of points balance and threw everything we had onto the table in a scenario very much inspired by the Battle of Rorke's Drift on January 22, 1879.

Hope you enjoy reading this report! I had a lot of fun writing it up. 


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Report
Submitted by Lord Colonel Z.E. Whitlow
32nd Praetorian Regiment of Foot

On the morning of the 10th, Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones, his staff, one full company of the 32nd Regiment, and a squad of Space Marines from the Ultramarines chapter, and myself boarded the transport ship Grasshopper; bound to reinforce a fort besieged by Valhallans. While en route, enemy missile teams were able to strike the ship and send it crashing down into the planet’s surface. Miraculously, only three Space Marines were killed in the impact, and the survivors clamored out of the smoldering wreckage. However, the ship had crashed in the middle of the Valhallan lines and was now surrounded by a battalion of conscripts and heavy weapons teams.

Our brave men prepared for the ensuing fight. Four lascannons, one heavy bolter, and one mortar made up our heavy weapons teams. Three flamers, three grenade launchers, a meltagun, and a plasmagun made up our special weapons. The rest were armed with lasguns. All told, we had 45 men, officers, and other ranks who were holding our position. The Valhallan menace came into sight and skirmishers opened up the exchange. The Valhallans took three casualties, but ultimately overwhelmed the five man team. They charged our lines slowly, taking heavy casualties. The bulk of these came from a large conscript force charging our flank. Few of our men were killed in this exchange. It was at this time that the Space Marines emerged from the wreckage and charged the enemy. They took massive casualties, with two ultimately surviving the battle.

The regular Valhallan squads who advanced us headlong melted away and were soon routed. The conscripts, though poorly disciplined, hit our flank. Vicious hand-to-hand combat ensued, though the enemy ultimately ran away from the fight. The majority of our casualties came from this encounter. Ultimately one Valhallan squad and heavy support squad remained of an original force of eight. They retreated from the field, leaving our battered survivors to care for the wounded until help could arrive. We were ultimately picked up by the transport Chamberlain some hours later, and taken to a depot for rest and re-supply. 

Much distinction goes to Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones, who showed immense bravery though the rest of his headquarters staff was killed. Sergeant Geoff of the 2nd Squad, 1st Company is to be commended for guiding his men in wiping out a full squad of Valhallans in three volleys. Every man distinguished himself in the course of this action and turned a possible disaster into an astounding victory.

Here attached are photos of the action, as captured by a combat photographer serving with us.

Our men before they boarded the Grasshopper.

The survivors emerge from the wreck, relatively unscathed.

The Valhallans approach.

Sgt. Geoff's men prepare for action.

Sgt. Geoff and his hold against the first enemy assault.

On our flank, however, the line commanded by the late Sgt. Smyth encountered brutal hand-to-hand combat.

Halfway through the battle, the Ultramarines appear from the wreckage and take the fight to the enemy.

After several more hours of combat, the Valhallans flee from the field!

Throwback Thursday: On Safari

The final of Kyle's Praetorian newsreel doesn't actually feature any 28mm Warhammer 40k figures, but expands on an idea formed in that very first Praetorian-Valhallan battle at Game Empire San Diego. Plus this video is so dang entertaining! 

Similar to Britain's East India Company, the Praetorian Trading Company had extensive operations and made its owners incredibly rich. Something we always talked about doing (but never did as Praetorian figures were starting to grow scarce) was actually build a PTC force to represent the private little army it maintained in order to keep its interests across the galaxy secure.

Throwback Thursday: The Ranks are Swelling!

Following the success of his first Praetorian newsreel, my friend Kyle made a follow up video to further expand on the Praetorian-Valhallan War. It only seems fitting to share it here (and not just because some of my Praetorian figures appear in the video).

Enjoy!

Throwback Thursday: Conflict on Praetoria!

Many years ago, my friends Ben and Kyle formally introduced me to the world of Warhammer 40k and, by extension, miniature wargaming. I'd been painting and customizing 3 3/4" Star Wars figures for years but this was something that I'd always been fascinated with while growing up. 

My friends  introduced me to an obscure Imperial Guard force called the Praetorians. For those who might not be familiar, these guys were basically Zulu War British soldiers in space with laser guns; I was immediately hooked. I bought some figures on eBay (they were still pretty affordable at the time) and began painting them up.

In October 2007 (I remember because the Witch Creek-Guejito Fires started immediately after my train left San Diego and all transportation to and from the area was closed after that), I visited Ben and Kyle. They took me to San Diego's Game Empire and it was there that I played my first game of Warhammer 40k. Ben (aka the Weasel) had a huge Valhallan force that would serve as the opposing force. To explain the ensuing Praetorian vs. Valhallan battle (as both sides are part of the same faction), we developed a background story that the invasion took place due to a clerical error. This would be carried on in subsequent years as we'd continue to play against each other. 

Kyle made an awesome battle report video in the days following, which I'll let speak for itself:

The only thing I'll add is that as my Praetorians were making their last stand, the three of us began singing "Men of Harlech." The entire store was singing along with us within minutes. Everyone there was united in nerdom and had a clear love of the 1964 film Zulu. I still get goosebumps thinking about it...even 12 years later. 

Death Korps of Krieg Lord Commissar

Just taking a quick break from the Civil War diorama to show off another Warhammer 40k figure I've done. Don't worry, I'm not neglecting my responsibilities...this chap was finished a few months back and I'm just now getting around to posting.

This is going to be the Lord Commissar for my planned Death Korps of Krieg army. As this character can take a dedicated transport, I'm going to have him mounted on a Chimera transport that's been modified with a heavy flamer. So it essentially becomes a Hellhound. I've got all the parts I need for that, but alas, no time at present.

In keeping with the World War I theme of my army, I painted this guy up as an Imperial German officer. The piping on his tunic was a challenge, but a fun one. And I do like how the Feldgrau looks with that particular shade of scarlet.  

When the diorama (and a little thing called grad school) is done, I hope to do some more work on the Death Korps. I have two full squads standing by to be assembled, primed, and painted. But we'll see how it all goes. I want to at least finish the Lord Commissar's transport before the New Year though.

The Drunken Rampage of Lord Commissar Xerxes

I recently picked up the Dark Vengeance starter set for Warhammer 40k from my local game store because, quite honestly, if I'm going to be paying that much money for something I want to make it worth my while. The set includes two full Space Marine and Chaos armies, a rule book, dice, templates and an introductory book. So yeah, not too bad.

One of the missions in the Dark Vengeance book is called Rampage. It's a solo mission that calls for a deranged war machine to attack its own forces. The player controls the troops while the machine's actions are laid out in the scenario. It's essentially Solitaire....40k style.

I took that scenario and twisted it around a bit. I broke out my Praetorian army for the first time in years and had the deranged machine be a drunken Lord Commissar. The expedition's commander has decided that, in order to protect his men, that the drunkard must be knocked unconscious and returned back to camp. Failure means death.

The table was set up with Lord Commissar Xerxes in the dead center. The space is only 24" x 24" and very tight to say the least. It was also about this time that I realized I needed more scenery....guess I'll need to get started on that.

Having won a small victory against an enemy outpost, Lord Commissar Xerxes celebrated with a bottle of very old wine. Not used to the drink, he becomes very drunk and dangerous. His powerfist crackles with energy as he stumbles to the center of the compound.

The Lord Commissar began to call the Praetorians vile names and read passages from The Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer in a belligerent manner. The Praetorian commander, Major M.B. Fletcher-Jones, decides to surround him in an attempt to subdue Xerxes before anyone gets hurt.

The Praetorians cautiously approach. Though drunk, the Lord Commissar is still a dangerous force to be reckoned with.

Lord Commissar Xerxes wastes no time and jumps into combat with a flamer squad. One soldier is killed outright but one man manages to wound the attacker. But they ultimately break and run, which further infuriates the political officer. The entire squad was killed and Xerxes was heard to be shouting (and slurring), "Not an inch backwards!" 

It was at this moment that a meltagunner from Major Fletcher-Jones' command squad took a shot at the Lord Commissar. Directly hitting him in the back, the armor melted away as a agonized scream went up.

Either too drunk or in pain to care, Lord Commissar Xerxes charged into combat with another Praetorian squad. Although he flailed his powerfist around wildly, all the soldiers were able to easily duck out of the way. 

Sergeant Nairn emerged behind the Lord Commissar and struck him with the butt of his laspistol. Unfortunately, however, Xerxes turned his head at the last moment and his temple was smashed - killing him instantly. The Lord Commissar crumpled to the ground in a heap and the men stopped and shot horrified glances to their sergeant.

Nairn was quickly arrested for murder by Major Fletcher-Jones and given a court martial on the spot and found guilty. The death sentence was later commuted to service in the Penal Legion based on Nairn's sterling record.

All in all, this was a fun little game. It only lasted 2.5 turns but was a nice little way to help knock the dust off and get reacquainted with Warhammer 40k.

Completed Bane Wolf

Pleased to report that I've finished my Bane Wolf!

Usually I dislike building 40k tank models, but this was actually a pretty fun project. It's been several years since I've built one and I feel my modelling skills have improved greatly since last time.

I was going for a "bogged down in wet and muddy trench warfare" look for this vehicle, and I think it came out rather well. The WWI camouflage works well underneath all the mud, rust and grime. It was really fun to discover a new way to paint rust and rather enjoyable muddying things up. I think this is the look I want to go with for most of my Death Korps vehicles.

What do you all think? As always, comments are welcomed!

WIP: Bane Wolf - Part I

I've decided to build a new sort of tank for my 40k Death Korps regiment - a nasty little thing called the Bane Wolf. What does it do, you might ask? It shoots out poison gas and has a hull mounted flame thrower. Because  nothing says "I loathe you" to an opponent more than gassing their army and then turning the corpses into charcoal. Not to mention it's also very, very World War I-ish. So it seems appropriate.

A dry fitting after I cut some of the pieces from the sprue. Unlike previous 40k tanks I've built, they all fit together rather well and shouldn't have much of a problem staying glued together.

I began painting the tank pieces after priming them. This is something new I'm trying with this vehicle. Instead of gluing everything together, priming, and then painting I'm painting the pieces as I go along. It takes a bit more time but I think delivers a superb, clean look. Eventually this tank is going to be covered in French WWI camouflage (hence the blue). My work with Flames of War tanks has definitely made me more confident about doing vehicles.

Everything was going fine until....

I realized I had glued the front hatch to the wrong section of the hull! I may have in fact uttered a few choice words at this moment....

I tried prying the hatch cover off, but it wasn't budging.

This is where the MacGyver skills my friend Ben taught me came in handy, however. 

I've gotten in the habit of scrounging things that may be useful for modelling. Rocks, sticks, coffee stirrers, etc. Basically, I'm always on the lookout for useful items for the bits box. While walking to work, as it happened, I found a piece of a shredded American Express gift card. Thinking that its grooved, gold chip might be useful I picked it up. Not 24 hours later it came in quite useful! While it's not perfect, it'll work for now. Especially since I'm probably going to find something to further cover the hatch.

More pieces painted and ready to go! I'm actually surprised by how quickly this bad boy's coming together. Stay tuned for more updates!

Death Korps of Krieg Test Figure

It's been a long time since I've done anything with Warhammer 40,000, but I knew it was only a matter of time before I returned to it. It was the game that first got me into miniatures after all. It's also fairly easy to find players out here on the East Coast. Flames of War too, but that's a blog post for a later time.

Something I've always wanted to do is run a Death Korps of Krieg army for the Imperial Guard. These guys are inspired by World War I soldiers and come complete with gas mask, puttees and trench coats. Everyone and their mother seems to paint them up as Germans, though. There's nothing wrong with that but I wanted a different look for my force. Given that I like a little bit of color within the dark and gloomy setting of 40k and am big on how good an army looks as it's being slaughtered, I decided to paint the test figure up as a WWI French soldier. That horizon blue looks très bon!

This unfortunate chap has taken a shot to the ribs and is fading fast. He implores his comrades for help, but they take no notice of him as they charge headlong into a storm of murderous fire. 

I scored this figure on eBay and payed a decent price for it (in my own mind anyway). It took two or three hours to finish him up, which actually kind of surprised me. But I'm quite fond of how this guy turned out. I think it'll be nice to see a whole force of these guys on the game table. But it's gonna take time. A whole lot of precious time. 

What do you think? Thoughts and comments are appreciated!

Nightkillers

Departing from Flames of War for a moment, I'd like to return to my first love: Warhammer 40,000. 

After spending several years on my Imperial Guard force (think Zulu Wars British soldiers in space), I wanted to take on a new challenge: Chaos Space Marines. These chaps used to be mankind's greatest defenders....now they're its most vile group of traitors.

I picked up a three pack of Chaos Space Marines from my local gaming shop and went right to work. After much deliberation I settled on the Nightkillers chapter. Three hours or so later, this was the result:

Overall, they were a joy to paint! I'm really pleased with how the color scheme worked on these models. My next challenge is to finish up a Chaos Space Marine Terminator Lord that's been sitting on my desk since September. What is a Terminator Lord, you may ask? It's basically a giant guy in Iron Man-esque power armor and spikes. That sums it up pretty well.