Monday, March 29, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part XI: Rovers of the Barrens

Continuing Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned armies from the World of Greyhawk using the FoG rules...

Yes, I am still using the ratio of 250 men per base.

Rovers of the Barrens' Army List

Commander-in-Chief: War Sachem Chada-Three-Lances
(F 8th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 6,000 =  10 bases
(3 models/base; riders & horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Centaurs Light Horse Archers: 900 = 4 bases
(2 models/base; centaurs, no armour & small shields, bows)

This is 15 bases with 39 models on them.

Additional Clan Warriors which may be called upon...

Great Stags Medium Cavalry: 5,200 = 21 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Bear Paws Medium Infantry: 1,150 = 5 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Red Horses Light Cavalry: 2,700 = 11 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Black Horses Light Cavalry: 3,350 = 15 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses; no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Gray Lynx Light Horse Archers: 1,450 = 6 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, nows)

Horn Bows Light Horse Archers: 1,800 = 8 bases
(2 models/base; riders & horses, no armour & small shields, bows)

Sly Foxes Medium Archers: 850 = 4 bases
(2 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, bows)

Wardogs Medium Infantry: 3,100 = 13 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

White Wardogs Medium Infantry: 950 = 4 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is an additional 85 bases with 217 models.


Well, this finishes the armies listed in Dragon Magazine #56.
Are there any more, you ask? Well...

Next up...Stonefist

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part X: Duchy of Tenh

Continuing Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned armies from the World of Greyhawk using the FoG rules...

Yes, I am still using the ratio of 250 men per base.

Duchy of Tenh's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Duke Ehyeh III
(F(R) 11th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 2,500 =  10 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 6,000 = 24 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 35 bases with 103 models on them.

After the Combination of Free Lords sued for peace, The Tennese military forces were able to muster additional forces against the Theocracy of the Pale.

Medium Cavalry: 1,500 =  6 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 5,000 = 20 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is an additional 26 bases with 78 models on them.


Next: Rovers of the Barrens

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Monday, March 22, 2010

Master Dungeon Master ~ oh yeah!

Very great to see Rob and sit in on his Castle El Raja Key game. We had a fantastic group of gamers - some of the most intelligent and clever that I've had the chance to adventure with.

Heh, having said that ~ all of us were glad to have Luke Gygax with us and acting as party leader!!

Meaning . . . IMO, Luke helped us all avoid many deaths and possible TPKs.

What a great experience!

Many thanks to Rob. I learned so very much about gaming and in particular ~ how to run and DM a game that keeps the players on their toes and at the same time - having a blast doing while do so.

Peace frog. :-D

Some pics:

Rob's game 2


Rob and I

Rob's game

Sunday, March 21, 2010

The difference between your average Friday night with friends and GaryCon



It's Garycon 2 Weekend!




"It's like an average Friday night with your friends. You play role playing games, strategy games. A Big popular game for garycon2 is the Circus Maximus game. Except the difference between your average Friday night with friends and GaryCon is that you get to play with legends. By legends I mean Frank Mentzer, Rob Kuntz, Jim Ward, David Kenzer, Jolly Blackburn, Tim Kask, Tom Wham, Flint Dille, Luke Gygax, Ernest Gary Gygax Jr, Jeff Easley."



Photos from GaryCon 1
from www.garycon.com

Jolly Blackburn auctioned off an original to-be-commisioned-by-the-winner piece of art

Frank Mentzer and Luke Gygax at the game auction









Friday, March 19, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part IX: Bandit Kingdoms

Using Field of Glory  rules & Dragon Magazine #56, here are some additions to Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned armies from the World of Greyhawk.

Considering the massive size of the following army, I am still using the ratio of 250 men per base.

To continue...

Bandit Kingdoms' Army List














Commander-in-Chief: Baron Skiven (F 11th level) = 1 base
After the Barony of Grosskopf was laid waste by the Duchy of Tenh, the Combination of Free Lords rallied behind Skiven to defend the Bandit Kingdoms. In the course of this action, the Combination abandoned thier assistance to the Horned Society. The Society retaliated by seizing additional lands within the Bandit Kingdoms. Baron Skiven was able to negotiate a truce with the duchy of Tenh on behalf of the Combination. This freed them to retaliate against the Horned Society.

Medium Cavalry: 4,100 = 16 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 8,900 = 36 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoid Infantry: 510 = 2 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 55 bases with 163 models on them.
The Free Lords of the Combination are a group of at least 17 separate states within the Bandit Kingdoms. As these forces are much smaller individually, they are perfect for using against equally smaller armies, such as the legendary character armies originally given in Parts I through V of this series of articles.

To represent these individual states, I will be using the smaller ratio of 25 men-at-arms per base.

1. Warfields' Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Guardian General Hok (F 11th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 300 = 12 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 500 = 20 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 33 bases with 97 models on them.


2. Wormhall's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Baron Oltagg (F 4th, T 9th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 150 = 6 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 400 = 16 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoids (gnolls) Infantry: 100 = 4 bases
(3 models/base; leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 27 bases with 79 models on them.


3. Freehold's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Eab Huldor (MU 9th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 350 = 14 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 800 = 32 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 47 bases with 139 models on them.


4. Kor's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Rhelt Abbarra (T(A) 10th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 400 = 16 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 600 = 24 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 41 bases with 121 models on them.


5. Tangles' Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Earl Renyard (Bard 8th level - F 6th/T 7th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 200 = 8 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 550 = 22 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 31 bases with 91 models on them.


6. Rift's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Plar Lintoff (T 13th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 150 = 6 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 350 = 14 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoids (gnolls) Infantry: 200 = 8 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoids (bugbears) Infantry: 50 = 2 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoids (ogres) Infantry: 10 = 1 base
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)
This is 32 bases with 94 models on them.


7. Reyhu's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Tyrant Celdro (F 10th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 300 = 12 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 700 = 28 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 41 bases with 121 models on them.


8. Redhand's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Price Zeech (C 5th/F 8th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 100 = 4 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 300 = 12 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 16 bases with 49 models on them.


9. Artonsamay's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Duke Nebon Gellor (F 9th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 250 = 10 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 250 = 10 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 21 bases with 61 models on them.


10. Stoink's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Boss Dhaelhy (F 8th, T 5th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 200 = 8 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 650 = 26 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 35 bases with 103 models on them.


11. Dimre's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Szek Winvid (C 10th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 300 = 12 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 550 = 22 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 35 bases with 103 models on them.


12. Johrase's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: King Selnon (F 11th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 350 = 14 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 550 = 22 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 37 bases with 109 models on them.


13. Midlands' Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Graf Venholtee (C 3rd/F 7th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 200 = 8 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 450 = 18 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 27 bases with 79 models on them.


14. Greenkeep's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Lord Yanboli (half-elf, F 5th/MU 5th/T 5th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 150 = 6 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 600 = 24 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 31 bases with 91 models on them.


15. Rookroost's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Plar Teuod Fent (MU(I) 9th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 250 = 10 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 450 = 18 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 29 bases with 85 models on them.


16. Fellands' Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Avaerd, Lord Despot (F 10th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 300 = 12 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 850 =  34 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoids (orc guards) Heavy Infantry: 100 = 4 bases
(4 models/base; heavy armour & substantial shields, hand weapons)

This is 51 bases with 155 models on them.


17. Groskopf's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Baron Skiven (F 11th level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 150 = 6 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Medium Infantry: 300 = 12 bases
(3 models/base: leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Humanoids (ogrillons) Infantry: 50 = 2 bases
(3 models/base; leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 21 bases with 61 models on them.


Next...Duchy of Tenh

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part VIII: Horned Society

Using the Field of Glory wargaming rules & Dragon Magazine #56, I am continuing to represent Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned armies from the World of Greyhawk.

Considering the massive size of the following army, I am still using the ratio of 250 men per base.

To continue...

Horned Society's Army List

Commander-in-Chief:
Hierarch Blontug
(C 4th, F 9th, T(A) 9th level)
= 1 base
The commander of the Host of the Hierarchs, Blontug is a much feared half-orc of great power.





Sub-Commander Plar Rostal (F 11th level) = 1 base
A renowned human fighter leading all of the cavalry forces of the Host of the Hierarchs.

Sub-Commander: Seenia (F 6th, MU 6th, T 6th level) = 1 base
A renegade (sylvan) elf serving as leman to Plar Rostal.

Medium Cavalry: 5000 = 20 bases
(3 models/base; riders, horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Armoured Infantry (Humans): 5000 = 20 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, helms & chest armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Armoured Infantry (Goblins): 2000 = 8 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, helms & chest armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Armoured Infantry (Orcs): 4000 = 16 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, helms & chest armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Armoured Infantry (Hobgoblins): 7000 = 28 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, helms & chest armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

This is 94 bases with 279 models on them.


Next time...Bandit Kingdoms

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part VII: Iuz

Using the Field of Glory wargaming rules & Dragon Magazine #56, I will continue setting about representing Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned armies from the World of Greyhawk.

Considering the massive size of the following army, I am still continuing the ratio of 250 men per base. This will keep the number of bases manageable on the game table. If you have the room (and the time) to build a massive force of models such as this, I wish you the best. Please, wish me luck also because I am building it too.

To continue...

Iuz's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Iuz, The Old, Demigod
(C, 16th level & T(A), 16th level) = 1 base

Whether luz is a human who has become demon-like through the centuries, or whether he is a semi-demon, a cambion (as some suggest, a by-blow of Orcus), no mortal knows. He is, however, the first known godling of Chaotic Evil, whose wickedness and treachery are infamous throughout the Flanaess. luz rules a portion of Oerth, a horrid territory which bears its master's name, from the cursed city of Molag. Few creatures beyond the boundaries of this domain will even speak his name, let alone adore him. Clerics of luz dress in rusty black (their master's favorite color) or white streaked with rust-red bloodstains.



Sub-Commander: Lord Choldraf (C, 14th level) = 1 base

Sub-Commander: Mellard-Plict (MU, 12th level) = 1 base

Heavy Cavalry: 2000 = 8 bases
(3 models/base; knights on horses, heavy armor & barding, hand weapons)

Light Cavalry: 1000 (Guards) =  4 bases
(2 models/bases; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Heavy Infantry: 2000 = 8 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, hand weapons)

Crossbowmen: 2000 = 8 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, crossbows)

Goblin Infantry: 3000 = 12 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Orc Infantry: 6000 = 24 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Hobgoblin Infantry: 4000 = 16 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Infantry (various humanoids): 5000 to 8000 = 20 to 32 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

So, this totals 103 to 115 bases with 307 to 343 models on them.

Now, the army listed above seems to be quite a massive, unwieldy force to bring to the typical wargame table. Especially if you are using one of the smaller forces that I have previously outlined. Remember, you could simply change the ratio of men-at-arms per base to represent a portion of the larger army's forces.

Next up: Horned Society

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Friday, March 12, 2010

Nice to see all the fun posts...

It s a treat indeed to see so many creative exchanges here.  Though laboring night and day with my move
in two weeks--and in between, ummm, GARYCON2--I still find time to short-read these.

Everyone please continue, Scottz, Grendlewulf, Journalizer, and company.

I will catch up soon enough.  :)

RJK

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part VI: Wolf Nomads

The previous armies represented in these articles were all personally gathered troops, without any direct affiliation with any state or kingdom. This time, I will be delving into the greater hordes and legions gathered by the powers-that-be in the Flanaess.

To begin this study, I had to look no further than a Sorceror's Scroll article from Dragon Magazine #56. Gary Gygax gives us a look into the events in the north central Flanaess region. Specifically, the article revolves around two groups of states. In the western region, the events surround the Wolf Nomads, the Rovers of the Barrens, luz, and the Horned Society. Eastward, some interesting developments allow the Duchy of Tenh to make a strong foray into the Bandit Kingdoms.

I am continuing to use the Field of Glory wargaming rules to represent these forces. The only change I am making is to the order of scale for these armies. Previously, I used a representation of 25 men-at-arms per model base ratio. This allowed for a manageable sized army of 100 or so models.

However, some of the following armies number in the tens of thousands. This means one would need a few thousand models! So, I am using a recommendation given in the FoG rules: change the ratio of men per base. For simplicity's sake, I am changing the ratio to 250 men-at-arms per base. For battles between such overwhelming legions, this is entirely appropriate. If, for some reason, you would want to use one of the armies given in any of the previous five Armies of Oerth posts, the representations given here could be seen as representing a portion (a one-thousandths) of the greater legions.

Now, to continue...

The Wolf Nomads' Army List

At one time, the Wegwiur (Wolf Nomads) horsemen contested gladly with the Rovers of the Barrens for the rights to the lands around the Howling Hills and the Dulsi River, sometimes defeating them and sometimes being driven away. With the rebirth of Iuz, the Wolf Nomads shun the territory they once disputed, and are themselves subject to raids from humanoids and humans from Iuz. These Nomads are not daunted by these forays, however, and have given as good as they've gotten. Their banners depict one or more wolves, and their standards bear wolftails and heads.

Commander-in-Chief: Bargru, Tarkhan & Commander of
the Relentless Horde (F 14th level/MU(I) 2nd level) = 1 base

Medium Cavalry: 2000 (Guards) = 8 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, lances)

Light Cavalry: 10000 (Regulars) = 40 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Light Horse Archers: 7000 (Regulars) = 28 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, bows)

Armored Crossbowmen: 1000 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(4 models/base; Foot, helms & chest armour & moderate shields, crossbows)

So, this totals 81 bases with 177 models on them.

NOTE: Sorcerer's Scroll, Dragon Magazine #55. Gygax has given us a brief look at the racial populations & some national dress guidelines that could be used when painting this army. He mentions the Wolf Nomads being intermixed with the Rovers of the Barons. Even though they are partially of the Baklunish strain, they racially show the darker Flan blood.

Flannae: bronze skin, black to brown hair, dark brown eyes, clothing is of solid bright hues with yellow ochre and vermillion being the favorites, and the more civilized Flan dress in the mode currently fashionable in their portion of the continent.

Now, as tempting to build this army is, the next army I want to tackle is coming up. And it's going to take a lot of building & painting.

Next up...Iuz

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

One Eye: A Short Story Co-Authored by Rob J. Kuntz

Below is the story that evolved between Lord of the Green Dragons and Journalizer in the comments field of the post Re: Creative Stirrings. What is that metallic ball that has a sponge-like substance within it?
Lord of the Green Dragons started Part 1 and explained, "anyone can add to it... or change it completely."



artwork original © JournalizeThis 2010



One Eye

January 23, 2010 6:45 PM
Lord of the Green Dragons said...

This mysterious globe, or eye, is in part the representation of the sacred ibis, revered by the Egyptians, each globe otherwise known as the "One Eye" which was so esoterically popular as a symbol among them. The fight with the birds by Hercules was in fact the beginning of the cultural myth challenging the Egyptian preeminence in knowledge and ascendancy. These were manufactured in strange ways much as their pyramids or the Labyrinth were constructed, under divine guidance, and were in turn lost after the destruction of Alexandria and the burning of the Great Library-museum there. Certain entrusted merchants took these south where they ended up at a southern island mass (modern day Madgascar, later to be referred to by Clark Ashton Smith as an island comprising part of Zothique [perhaps Ullutrol], part of a dying land reeking of ancient magic). The eyes in fact contained the knowledge of those eldest of mysteries preserved through divine intercourse and as transferred from the papyri of the Great Library, especially the over 6,000,000 scrolls detailing astrology and astronomy, and as copied from the most ancient of Babylonian texts.

From there they later find a home in Southern Africa, whereat their history becomes obscured in the wars of petty tribes and witch-doctors who fought for their mystic knowledge. A rite partially written, partially etched in pictographs, and which was found on a petrified tree-etching near Johannesburg, notes that a very hard and glassy substance similar to ebony was used as a table to spin these upon, much in the same manner as it occurred for Rod Taylor in the adaptation of H. G. Wells, "The Time Machine," where he spins the rings shown to him by the Eloi, thus summoning a greater knowledge of the past via interaction with the Ether.

The three concentric rings found on one of the objects in fact relate to their origin, one being so inscribed to note their association with the many tripartite arrangements of gods formalized in the Labyrinth, whereat these were actually utilized in open air ceremonies...


January 23, 2010 7:27 PM
Journalizer said...


The inscriptions on the objects later led to a map being discovered that detailed the entrance and maze of the Labyrinth. By decoding the map and understanding the Labyrinth, further knowledge of ancient Egyptian wisdom was revealed. The map proved essential in decoding the knowledge of those eldest of mysteries contained in the eyes...


January 23, 2010 8:05 PM
Lord of the Green Dragons said...

As further maps were found within the Great Labyrinth, enlivening a growing reason as to why these edifices were at various times and epochs created worldwide.

A peculiar inscription, first thought to be of the hieroglyphic set, was incorrectly translated as "At Corners They Arrive." This was later debunked by Doctor I. R. Bhyz of Transvaal University. Supporting this idea of energy and matter converging at specific points in space and time within such constructions was a Conjunction Theorist from Aestaphally, Germany, Dr. Jourese Haukenlaurm. Dr, Haukenlaurm immediately departed for points south, taking with her a great store of formerly cached sacred objects that she felt sure were partial if not whole keys to the mystery...


January 24, 2010 9:39 AM
Journalizer said...

... of the Ether, because Dr. Haukenlaurm had a hunch that the sacred objects would fit perfectly into "keyhole" shaped cracks in the eyes. However, despite Dr. Bhyz's research that debunked the translation of the peculiar hieroglyphics, she could not help but wonder if there was some connection with the peculiar inscription, "At Corners They Arrive" and the sacred objects that appear close matches to the cracks in the eyes.

Upon further inspection of the eyes Dr. Haukenlaurm was amazed to discover that the cracks were actually perfect circles matching the circular shape of the sacred objects. Clearly, she would need to send them out to the lab to be professionally cleaned of the residue accumulated over the millennium. As the eyes were being restored her mind kept coming back to the debunked inscription, "At Corners They Arrive." She thought to herself, "after all, isn't there always a little truth to every conspiracy theory?"

These thoughts prompted a thorough investigation of Dr. Bhyz's research, along with the map and other images. Scientific investigations of the Ether by Carl Jung held essential information needed to decode those eldest of mysteries that would reveal the Truth. Jung's investigation read, "the entire Cosmos is filled with a hidden, flowing, geometric energy matrix commonly called “zero-point energy” or “aether” that is the source of all things, including life, and is therefore alive in its own right. With this matrix, all elements of the Cosmos are very intimately and directly connected through “synchronicity” (defined by Dr. Carl Jung, pg 9 The Science of Oneness by David Wilcock).

The statements, “Zero-point energy” and "At Corners They Arrive" kept running through Dr. Haukenlaurm's head. What was the connection to the eyes and the sacred objects and would this answer the fundamental question that science cannot explain? Would this connection be the key to understanding the Ether? She was determined to figure it out because she knew that greater knowledge of the past was available via interaction with the Ether.

But, she was stumped about the inscription. What corners is the inscription referring to: if Dr. Bhyz was in fact wrong about debunking? Then, as she flipped through past research, she came across powerful statements about ancient wisdom. She read, "There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self" by Aldous Huxley. The statement stopped her dead in her tracks. "Corner of the universe," she repeated in her head.

That's when she realized the inscription was symbolic! She realized that "At Corners They Arrive" was not referring to actual corners, but to the infinite nature of the universe. With that revelation she continued to flip through the pages of research on her desk.

Then she came across two pages paper clipped together. The large paper had a detailed drawing of symbols depicting wormholes and the space time continuum... then she read the small scrap of paper attached.


Reading this scrap is when she knew it was all about the shape of the eyes and the shape of the symbolic objects: it is all cyclical! The wisdom of the past is present today, but we are looking in the wrong places. Dr. Haukenlaurm realized, that the answer was within her, and not outside her in the artifacts. She was certain of this when she reread the scrap of paper, "'When there is no more separation between 'this' and 'that,' it is called the still-point of the Tao. At the still point in the center of the circle one can see the infinite in all things' - Chuang Tzu."

Illustrations Copyright JournalizeThis 2010:
Originals are 33” x 27” Graphite on Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Drawing sheet, framed.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part V: Erac's Cousin

Continuing Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned figures from the World of Greyhawk...

Per the Field of Glory rules, the ratio used is still 25 men-at-arms per base.

The Unnamed's Army List
(a.k.a. Erac's Cousin's Army List)

Commander-In-Chief: The Unnamed
a.k.a. Erac's Cousin (MU of at least 16th level) = 1 base
Once a servant of Good, this very malign individual now serves Hell with will and enthusiasm. Erac's Cousin is seldom seen without a red-eyed rat upon his shoulder. It is also stated that this mage is able to wield a sword with great proficiency (6th level fighting ability!).

Medium Cavalry: 50 (Guards) = 2 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Light Cavalry: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Light Horse Archers: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, bows)

Heavy Infantry: 100 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, hand weapons)

Heavy Archers: 100 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, bows)

Pole Armed Infantry: 100 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(3 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, pole-arms)

So, this totals 19 bases with 59 models on them.

Whether or not any of the troops serving Erac's Cousin are humanoid is open to debate. Certainly, humanoid levies will join his forces in some strength if they are called.

Beware the Ides of March!

I will soon be taking a look at some of the larger state armies from the World of Greyhawk previously shown in the Dragon Magazine.

Next up: Wolf Nomads

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Remembering...

"I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else." - E. Gary Gygax

I'm not eulogizing or anything to anyone. But, let's take a moment today and reflect in a positive way with respect to a man who has made such a big difference in all of our lives.

There are some good suggestions here: Jeff's Gameblog

I am finally going to build that Dragonchess board I've always wanted...

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part IV: Tenser

I'd like to take a moment and thank scottsz at Old School Rant and Mike Monaco at Swords & Dorkery for spreading the word about this little project. Hopefully it will inspire others to take to the battlefield!

Continuing Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned figures from the World of Greyhawk...

Per the Field of Glory rules, the ratio is 25 men-at-arms per base.

Tenser's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Tenser (MU of 19th level) = 1 base
Somewhere along the southern shares of the Nyr Dyv is the hidden fortress of Tenser. It is likely that the identity of the master of the place is kept secret. Tenser is accompanied by a high-level cleric and various other figures of relatively high level, some reported to be demi-human. Some say that the ranger, Otis, is with him. The force is Good in alignment, but its exact disposition is unknown. It is suspected that troops from the surrounding area will join with Tenser in time of need.

Heavy Cavalry: 50 (Guards) = 2 bases
(3 models/base; knights on horses, heavy armor & barding, hand weapons)

Medium Cavalry: 100 (Elite) = 4 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Light Cavalry: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Medium Horse Archers: 100 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, bows)

Armored Infantry: 50 (Guards) = 2 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, helms, chest armour & shields, hand weapons)

Heavy Infantry: 100 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, hand weapons)

Light Infantry: 100 (Levied) = 4 bases
(2 models/base; foot troops, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Heavy Archers: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, bows)

Light Archers: 50 (Levied) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; foot troops, no armour & small shields, bows)

So, this totals 27 bases with 77 models on them.

Next up: Erac's Cousin

Ciao!
Grendelwulf

Monday, March 1, 2010

Armies of Oerth, Part III: Robilar

Using the Field of Glory wargaming rules & Dragon Magazine #37, I am continuing Gary Gygax's Orders of Battle for certain renowned figures from the World of Greyhawk. Of course, one thing to remember is this list is thirty years old. I am sure the Lord of the Green Dragons has undoubtedly updated it since this time.

Due to the composition and size of this army, I will be using the ratio of 25 men-at-arms/model base per the recommendation in the FoG rules.

Robilar's Army List

Commander-in-Chief: Robilar (Fighter of 19th level) = 1 base
Sometime over one year ago, Robilar freed a demon, and in the ensuing difficulties, forces aligned with Good sacked and destroyed his stronghold west of the City of Greyhawk. Many of the higher-level figures were slain, but Robilar still has Otto, a high-level magic-user, and Quij, an Orcish hero of high abitlity but low intelligence, as well as some relatively low-leve1 cohorts. It is reported that the following force escaped and is now somewhere in the Pomarj region.

Heavy Cavalry: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(3 models/base; knights on horses, heavy armour & barding, hand weapons)

Medium Cavalry: 100 (Regulars) = 4 bases
(3 models/base; riders on horses, leather armour & moderate shields, hand weapons)

Light Cavalry: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Light Horse Crossbowmen: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; riders on horses, no armour & small shields, crossbows)

Heavy Infantry: 100 (Elite Orcish) = 4 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, hand weapons)

Light Infantry: 100 (Levied) = 4 bases
(2 models/base; foot troops, no armour & small shields, hand weapons)

Heavy Archers: 50 (Elite Orcish) = 2 bases
(4 models/base; foot troops, heavy armour & substantial shields, bows)

Light Crossbowmen: 50 (Regulars) = 2 bases
(2 models/base; foot troops, no armour & small shields, crossbows)

Pole Armed Infantry: 100 (Regular Orcish) = 4 bases
(2 models/base; foot troops, leather armour & moderate shields, pole arms)

This is 27 bases with 71 models on them.

This force is known to be Lawful Evil, but even the minions of Hell eye the army with suspicion due to its chaotic actions.

Next up: Tenser

Ciao!
Grendelwulf