The Ion Age - The Khanate Return for Patrol Angis Ideas and Concepts

"A matter gateway is active on Carmarthen IV. Losses are mounting, send everything; everyone. Send them now. The Khanate have returned." 

That above is the line which began the idea which has now become 'The Khanate Return'. Later this spring in 2017 the third book in the Patrol Angis series of 15mm tabletop gaming will be published by Alternative Armies in The Ion Age. This third book will fully bring back in the enemies of mankind first introduced all the way back at the dawn of the 1990's; the Shia Khan Empire. I had always been interested in massively expanding the Khanate both in terms of the miniatures for them but also their lore and their story. After all just who are they? Lets learn a little more....

Shortly after I launched the new Ion Age and its website we released IAF006 Legionary 1st Tesseran, sculpted by Sam Croes, which turned to 15mm scale the 28mm miniatures we already had. This began the process which was building towards the coming book. Over the last three years or so we have released more Legionaries, Warlords, Nox and Pioneers plus Malig space goblins making an excellent force for the Khanate but all working towards a much larger goal. We will be releasing a lot more codes before, alongside and after the new book to make the Shia Khan a full all arms force in The Ion Age. What we have right now in February 2017 you can see on the website HERE.

This article gives you a look at some excerpts from the manuscript of the book as well as its general contents plus some extra special early looks at both concept art and sculpts which are coming up. We are at the point of playtesting the new troop elements and vehicles in the book and we expect to finish this during February all being well. We hope to have the book ready in time for the April offensive which we do every year. So what are these concept pieces first, second and third shown.

The first concept sketch shows you our idea for the MkII Psychoborg. Updating on the original robotic terror machine with a metal human skull and massive shoulders we kept the look but changed the style to make it better suit the newer miniatures which are coming beyond the original ideas. The Psychoborg is one of the two reasons that the Prydian Precinct came up with Battlesuits...to put them on an equal footing. These robots are twice the height of a man. This and the 'humanscare' ability of these robots which drives soldiers away in terror makes them formidable foes. We intend an easy kit with several weapon options and posable head. The second concept sketch is an experimental one for bringing in female characters to the Khanate Empire. Drawn in non battle dress rather than the full glimmer suit worn by all legionaries it shows the Elvish nature of Legionaries. Above her is a sketch concept of a maser weapon which we are considering putting into the statistics tables. The third sketch is now outmoded in that we have moved beyond this in our designs for the Khanate vehicles which will go up against our Adders, Mullo's and of course Taranis tanks. The 'bulbous shoe' design was replaced with a conjoined tri-wheel arrangement which better suits the narrative of the setting in that every soldier and every vehicle these aliens possess must be brought through a comparatively narrow Matter Gateway from far across the galaxy. The Matter Gateway is the central focus of this new invasion.

While we have just completed having a full 'Ordos' (platoon pack) for each Khanate troop type with a Pioneer Ordos we have now turned most of our 15mm scale concept sketches into miniatures which will be released across this spring into summer. No confirmed release dates at this time but as a treat here are a couple of photos of sculpts with a little information on each. 

Were you a fan of the excellent computer game 'Joust' way back when? I was. Our goblin Maligs love the crazy dangerous aspects of space opera warfare and as a result they have insane vehicles such as the Infernus Ball Tank with twin flame throwers and the Orba ball bike which is very difficult to control. We are ramping this up by another notch with the 15mm scale Skrak Terror Birds above. These vicious giant birds each take a single goblin rider into the fray...unless they decide to eat the rider that is. We will have a pack of these cavalry with bird only option plus a handler and nest pack too.

The second image shows you parts from one of the two portable weapon platform code sets which are coming for the Khanate. Operated by Legionary gunners the 'Selen' platforms are much like the Espaten ones for the Retained Knights in that they have options for different weapon mounts. These weapons include the Maia Cannon and the Juno Laser Cannon among others. There is also a second platform with a 'slaved' operator called the 'Hypnus' with several other weapon options.

Look for these codes and others for the Khanate from March onwards at The Ion Age.

But what about the book...the loved 'fluff' that consumes a thousand hours of my life each time it is published. What will be in the Khanate Return title? Read on in part two of this article below with excerpts of the fiction and a look at the working cover of the book. We then end with a little surprise.

A thousand years ago the Ban of Prejudice was lifted when in the climactic battle for Aldan IV the accursed Templars detonated the Aldan Crucible and in doing so created a both a dark age and the end of the Great Khanate War. Their matter gateway in the Aldan system destroyed the Shia Khan Empire had no easy way to reach the worlds that became the Prydian Precinct as their empire lay so far away that no Dragon Ship could navigate to that region of space without immense difficulty. Gradually the Shia Khan became a memory and then a legend held by folk as a tale and nothing more. 

Had it not been for the occasional wreak and discovery of artefacts they would have remained that way. Had it not been for Hugo Sevaris the Khanate would have faded away. But Sevaris became the most notorious traitor in human history when he used arcane knowledge to activate the matter gateway in the Camarthen star system.

Despite a desperate action in the deep Belkus Labyrinth the Camarthen Planetary Militia with the aid of the few hundred Retained Knights of Prydia on the planet could not stem a tide of Shia Khan troops which emerged from the purple light of the matter gateway. A civilian fusion reactor taken from a nearby city was detonated and the Belkus Labyrinth destroyed burying the gateway and those coming from it under hundreds of feet of stone and earth. A message was sent to New Glastonbury at the fastest possible speed.

"A matter gateway is active on Camarthen IV. Losses are mounting, send everything; everyone. Send them now. The Khanate have returned." 

It did not take long for the Legions of the Shia Khan Empire to dig their way to the surface and begin once more their determined drive to conquer mankind.

Knight General Obermann. Fleet Command. 4329IC

Amy Barker was terrified. She faced death and knew that her life was at an end. The last hour had been a fleeting panicked flight from an ever escalating battle which it was clear the Camarthan planetary militia were losing and losing badly. It was hard to believe that she had only been on this planet for two weeks and now she was alone, kneeling next to a reprogrammed fusion reactor that had only just arrived from Pelacan city. It had been by sheer chance that she had taken this research posting and also chance that she had ended up in this small sealed chamber while all those she had met since her arrival were either dying or already dead.

With a shrill note her com-tel wrist communicator burst into life. Amy pushed the small button on its side to accept the incoming private call. Immediately it's small speakers echoed to the rattle of gunfire and shouting voices. All those sounds had been blocked by the heavy door to the chamber in which Amy now knelt.

“Amy. Can you hear me? It's Professor Turner. You have to activate the overload circuit on the reactor. You have to do it now or all of his has been for nothing. Amy can you hear me!”

There was a pause as a voice shouting orders next to the professor made him stop momentarily before continuing. Amy opened her mouth but Turner continued first.

“Amy. You must do it, the Wicca Protocol must be implemented. They are nearly here. I can see them. I...”

With a howl of distortion the transmission cut out and a moment later Amy felt more than heard the booming echo of very nearby energy weapons fire. It made dust fall from the roughly hewn ceiling of the chamber, some of which landed in Amy's now filthy blond hair and also upon the squat frame of the reactor. She lifted her hand and let it hover over the inert flat display screen in the middle of the reactor's casing. Could she make herself, will herself, to press the button that would activate the already set programme to overload the portable fission reactor and create an explosion. She glanced at the door, the only way into the chamber. Outside that door was something supposed long vanquished but very real indeed. Forces unchained by their greedy and naïve curiosity. 

Looking intently at the cracks in her fingernails Amy held her hand steady but unmoving over the display. Her thoughts tried to rally, tried to overcome the rising blind panic that threatened to overcome her. She realised that her whole body was shaking and despite her best efforts she could not prevent the movement or even reduce it. Her mind continued to seek for a way out, an avenue of escape, but it was pointless. Professor Turner had been in the chamber beyond the one next to where she was. There was one door into each of those chambers and beyond that she knew were kilometres of tunnels before she could even begin the long ascent towards sunlight. She was trapped. Well and truly.

Amy was brought from her thoughts jarringly back to the present by a hollow boom that reverberated around the chamber. She looked to the door. Had it moved. No, she realised the rock wall around the door had splintered and been pushed towards her and she could see flames licking around the gaps. They were here and with tears steaming down her face Amy knew she was the only human now left in the Belkus Labyrinth. It was time. They would pay for the dead, for their needless killing. With that Amy strangely felt at peace. The choice has been made. She brought her hovering hand down hard on the activation stud and the display lit up. It was a short sequence and it had begun. It could not be stopped.

A thrumming drone began to fill the chamber as the reactor reached its operating levels and then began to exceed them at an increasing rate. Another boom followed by the crashing fall of rock threw Amy to the ground. With blood in her eyes she managed to rise to her knees as hulking shapes entered the scarred chamber. Amy knew only seconds remained and as they surrounded her and then the now pulsing and glowing reactor. Amy grinned through red rimmed teeth.

“Welcome to Carmarthen IV; you alien bastards. Your gonna' have a blast!”

The illuminated green digits of the display ticked down the final few seconds to zero and then near everything for twenty kilometres all around was vaporised into a heavily radioactive dust cloud.....

“Make your rounds count. Auto-Targeters off, I want manual sighting and aim for the upper chest and heads. We have one chance before they make haste for our demise.”

The ten Retained Knights, all that was left of the 6th Lance, were ready in a single line and the final reminder over comm link into their helms was not necessary. All had their weapons ready and aimed at the chipped rubbacrete entrance to the abandoned building. Once it had held children who had gone about their daily learning without knowledge that they would soon die and all that would remain would be faded pictures on grimy walls. The Retained knew that three Warlords were about to come through the entrance. Warlords, the toughest of the slave races used by the Khanate each with the might of five men and carrying guns that were the envy of portable weapon teams. Prydian remote drones had picked up the trio who were evidently not expecting to find enemies in the building. Even so Warlords were very hard to kill even with 12.5mm AP rounds from an Angis Rifle.

“Here they come. Take the lead one first'”

Stooping to get in the first Warlord entered the long dusty room its ten foot tall frame filling the whole entrance and the lowered barrel of its Maia Scatter Cannon noisily scrapping the floor. As it straightened up the next Warlord came in behind and as it did so the first alien saw the knights and immediately started to raise its weapon. Without a command the ten Retained opened fire. The air was filled with over a hundred Angis bullets which tore great holes in the Warlord's lorican armour and then into its body. The 12.5mm rounds detonated with a bang and then the Warlord's head simply exploded and it pitched forward into the floor with a wet crash. Behind the fallen foe the next Warlord had its Mars 20mm Chain Cannon almost to the right level to open fire and its multiple barrels were spinning. A number of the Angis round struck it and giant paused. The pause was fatal as the two Retained, one either end of the line, each armed with an Anvil 888 launcher let fly their own projectiles. They had waited until the first enemy had dropped and the two TX9 Hollow Charges, essentially just really big 60mm bullets, hammered into the second Warlord just as its finger activated the chain cannon. Its left arm was thrown away and its right leg blown off at the knee which caused the 20mm shells of the chain cannon to rip into the wall and ceiling of the room missing the knights.

“Reload. Free Fire!'

There was blood as mist in the air and it would take the Retained a number of seconds to eject the spent magazines from their rifles and load more. They had brought down two of the monsters but now the third was in the room and its Helios 80kw Atomic Destabliser went off with a scream of super heated vapour. In the blinding flash of loosed energy six of the knights were obliterated, their powered armour no protection at the destabilising of bonds at the atomic level. The remaining four Retained on the right of the now gone line fell sideways as the red and white peeled and blistered from their titanium alloy armour. But their hands were slamming magazines in all the same. It would take the Helios time to charge again and perhaps the Humans would get lucky....perhaps.

Gullyville Edu Fact, Taranga District, Camarthen Prime 4330IC

These excepts are taken from the discovery of the alien artefacts on Carmarthen IV (also known as Carmarthen Prime) and from the story of the fight to stop the Khanate in the Belkus Labyrinth deep underground. Then lastly the hopeless campaign to save Pelcan City from the advance of the Legions as they try to take the planet. It is a really cool story and campaign giving a great number of tabletop gaming scenarios for you to play Patrol Angis. The book has still to have its final contents confirmed as, with every project I take on, I always create too much content and then have to trim it down but here is what currently will be in the book. These are broad sections to give you an idea of just how this Army Book for Patrol Angis will expand your Ion Age gaming.

THE KHANATE RETURN

The third book in the One Hour Wargame series is our first Army Book for

Patrol Angis. You will need the core rule book to make full use of it as well

as Callsign Taranis as it gives campaign and army lists for a new setting. Here

are the main sections what will be in this sixty four page book:

THE CAMARTHAN CAMPAIGN

A Matter Gateway is now active, and the Shia Khan Empire has once more

returned to the Prydian Precinct. A second Khanate War has begun in the

Camarthan star system!

THE SHIA KHAN EMPIRE

Army Organisation along with the Armoury

ARMY LIST FOR THE KHANATE EMPIRE

Full statistics for Troop Types, Armour, Weapons and Vehicles

ADVANCED RULES FOR THE KHANATE EMPIRE

Special skills as well as unique abilities for use in play

THE PLANETARY MILITIA

An addition to the Prydian Army you can field the Planetary Militia in “The

Khanate Return” and in your other games of Patrol Angis. Troop Types,

Armoury and Advanced Rules.

CAMARTHAN CAMPAIGN SCENARIOS

Get your games of Patrol Angis off to a flying start as the Khanate Empire

features in three great scenarios set in the Camarthan Campaign.

This is a lot in a packed sixty four pages I do hope you enjoy it. I have had a blast writing it! Now for the news....

This month's releases are actually online right now and the news for them will happen next week in detail. Brand new Shia Khan Pioneers two new eight figure packs plus a Pioneer platoon pack (33 miniatures) with extra unique free miniature in it. Plus we have free postage this weekend in conjunction with Alternative Armies in celebration of the merger of 15mmcouk back into the now massive choice Alternative Armies website. Check out the new releases HERE and all orders over 12.00GBP get free worldwide shipping plus Reward Points on their account and this month's free monhtly miniature too. Offer ends 9am GMT Tuesday 21st February 2017. Excellent!

Thanks for Reading and ask any questions you have here or on the blog or by email to info@theionage.com.

GBS

The Tavshar Archon 15mm Mechas and Bundles Outlined

To be released last weekend in November on 15mm.co.uk the brand new range of 15mm Tavshar Mecha and bundles plus reaction forces for Loud Ninja Games to expand the Yandrassi collection of awesomeness! If you missed the Introduction to the Tavshar Archon Mecha article by Eli Arndt with sketch by Sam Croes have a look and a read. Upon release all of the codes will be HERE on the website. Ain't this just the most lovely 15mm mecha you have seen recently!

"Archons are elite war machines, piloted by Tavshar that have reached the rank of Prime and shown their prowess in battle above other Primes, making them the elite among elites. Archon is not only the name of the mecha but also the new rank of those who pilot them. Each Archon selects its weapon load based on its mission or sometimes the preference of the individual Archon where command edict does not override personal choice. A mix of weapon types is common, allowing Archons operating in force to counter unexpected threats. Archons are most often tasked with providing heavy support to lesser troops alone or in small groups, but may be used as strike teams by themselves."

Above are two shots of IAF036A Tavshar Guardian Archon mecha built in one of its variations and pose and then painted by the legendary Sam Croes. There are six different mecha choices and each has a different weapon load out and is very posable. An advanced level white metal kit which is supplied with a selection of heads to use. When built each stands 55mm to 60mm tall.

Here are all the codes along with their contents and images of parts, assembled version and scale with a 15mm Tavshar Infantry figure:

RAP036A Tavshar Guardian Archon

This code contains one 15mm scale white metal mecha kit which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Sword and Shield. Useful in many different settings. A real work of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round base. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. 20.00GBP per kit.

RAP036B Tavshar Starslayer Archon

This code contains one 15mm scale white metal mecha kit which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Two Handed Singularity Lance. Useful in many different settings. A real work of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round base. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. 20.00GBP per kit.

RAP036C Tavshar Battler Archon

This code contains one 15mm scale white metal mecha kit which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Shredder Cannon. Useful in many different settings. A real work of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round base. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. 20.00GBP per kit.

RAP036D Tavshar Hell Rain Archon

This code contains one 15mm scale white metal mecha kit which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Two Handed Ripper Cannon. Useful in many different settings. A real work of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round base. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. 20.00GBP per kit.

RAP036E Tavshar Trooper Archon

This code contains one 15mm scale white metal mecha kit which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Plasma Cannon. Useful in many different settings. A real work of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round base. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. 20.00GBP per kit.

RAP036F Tavshar Firestorm Archon

This code contains one 15mm scale white metal mecha kit which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Arm and Shoulder Missile Pods. Useful in many different settings. A real work of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round base. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. 20.00GBP per kit.

We also have a superb value bundle of Archons giving you one free saving 20.00GBP plus two Reaction Forces getting you a force on the table. See them at Loud Ninja Games page HERE upon release and details follow below.

RAP036P Tavshar Archon Full Set - Get One Free! Free Shipping!

This Bundle Gives you one of each of the six different Kits (RAP036A to RAP036F). You pay for five and you get the sixth free! Also free shipping on this bundle too! This code contains six different 15mm scale white metal mecha kits which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall. Useful in many different settings. Real works of miniature art and a complex build which is very posable. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round bases. The parts image shows assembly guide but posing is up to you. Note FOUR head options are supplied with each mecha and you can choose which one you use. We picked one at random. See parts images. All miniatures are supplied unpainted and unassembled. Note that images depicting miniatures and codes other than those in this code are for reference and scale only and are not included. Pictured is a Tavshar Warrior (16mm tall) for scale. Price 100.00GBP (Saving 20.00GBP and getting free worldwide shipping).

RAP036R1 Tavshar Archon Reaction Force 1

This Reaction Force gives you three Archons along with Yandrassi Infantry with a 10% saving.

This code contains three different 15mm scale white metal mecha kits which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall as well as three Gun Skimmers and nineteen infantry. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round bases. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. We picked one at random. See parts images. Here are the code contents: RAP036A Tavshar ' Guardian ' Archon (Sword and Shield), RAP036B Tavshar ' Starslayer' Archon (Singularity Lance), RAP036C Tavshar ' Battler ' Archon (Shredder Cannon), RAP020 Tavshar Infantry (4) x 4, RAP022 Tavshar Officers (2) x 1, RAP024 Tavshar Prime (1) x 1, RAP022 Tavshar Gun Skimmer (1) x 3. All miniatures are supplied unpainted and unassembled. Price 71.10GBP (Saving 10% from 79.00GBP).

RAP036R2 Tavshar Archon Reaction Force 2

This Reaction Force gives you three Archons along with Yandrassi Infantry with a 10% saving.

This code contains three different 15mm scale white metal mecha kits which once assembled stands about 55mm to 60mm tall as well as thirty two infantry. All parts shown in the parts image are supplied as well as a 50mm round bases. Note FOUR head options are supplied and you can choose which one you use. We picked one at random. See parts images. Here are the code contents: RAP036D Tavshar ' Hell Rain ' Archon (Heavy Ripper Cannon), RAP036E Tavshar ' Trooper' Archon (Plasma Cannon), RAP036F Tavshar ' Firestorm' Archon (Missile Pods), RAP019 Neek Infantry (5) x 4, RAP021 Horgosi Squad (5) x 2, RAP025 Horgosi Prime (1) x 1, RAP026 Horgosi Beserker (1) x 1. All miniatures are supplied unpainted and unassembled. Price 75.60GBP (Saving 10% from 84.00GBP).

The Archons are a superb addition to any alien 15mm sci-fi collection and they also work as 28mm battlesuits as well in any suitable system.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Loud Ninja Games - An Introduction to the Tavshar Archon 15mm Mechas

Loud Ninja Games will be releasing in late November though 15mm.co.uk brand new codes at the core of which are the fantastic Tavshar Archon mecha in 15mm scale. This article by Eli Arndt gives you an introduction to the concepts and story behind the mecha and how they came to be. The sketching here was done by Sam Croes who is a big fan of LNG and who has also painted up an Archon too. See Loud Ninja Games HERE. Take it from here Eli...

The Story of the Archon

The Yan’drassi (YD) Archon mecha started out as an idea for how to add some heavy firepower to the existing YD range. So far, the range includes several infantry option and a light vehicle that has some firepower but not enough to take the fight to an opponent’s medium to heavy vehicle. While tanks and other vehicles are definitely in the realm of possibility for the YD, I felt the first release since the Kickstarter really needed to make a statement and mecha certainly make a statement.

For the design, I contacted sculptor Sean Bullough who had sculpted the original Yan’drassi range and who I knew was a huge anime and mecha fan with a broad frame of reference for the genre and various design aesthetics. I had seen his work with ClearHorizon miniatures first Kickstarter and the great work he had done on their mecha design and so I was confident in his ability to deliver a quality model. 

This is one of the first projects I have done where there was no concept art. Sean and I talked about design elements I wanted and drew mostly from references drawn from other existing mecha. The process was a lot of back and forth with me giving some design points and sending and image and Sean sending me his own thoughts and additional reference ideas. Sean has a vast collection of mecha pictures that he was able to draw from so we quickly found our stride in design process. For me, the key was to make a design that looked like it fit in with the existing Yan’drassi aesthetic. This meant rounded shapes. As the Archons are piloted be the YD’s elites, the Tavshar, I also wanted the Archon to resemble the Tavshar Primes. This second element meant making them look like a warrior’s armour as much as a battle ready machine. 

For weapons, I wanted the Archon to have a good number of choices. I wanted all versions of the Archon to have missile support so a pair of vertical launch missiles pods was added. The original three weapon options were a basic Shredder rifle, a sword/shield combo and the powerful, lance-like Singularity Cannon capable of launching micro black holes across the battlefield. After these the model had been molded and Gavin and I started talking about release plans, it was decided to add an additional three weapon options to the Archon to provide greater depth and variety to the design. These new parts were designed by Sam Croes and would include a new more powerful Plasma Rifle, a missile launcher version with several add-on missile pods, and a massive Ripper Cannon with an attached combat blade. This brought the total options to six, making the Archon a versatile and unpredictable opponent. There are six different Archon mecha single codes.

The final model does including a lot of individual parts, regardless of which weapon configuration you choose. This was a by product of trying to minimize the number of individual parts that needed to be made, allowing us to then re-use many parts by making the model mostly poseable. This makes the Archon a more advanced model and one that will take a bit of attention with a fantastic reward.

So, where does the Archon fit into the Yan’drassi force structure?

Archons are elite war machines, piloted by Tavshar that have reached the rank of Prime and shown their prowess in battle above other Primes, making them the elite among elites. Archon is not only the name of the mecha but also the new rank of those who pilot them. Each Archon selects its weapon load based on its mission or sometimes the preference of the individual Archon where command edict does not override personal choice. A mix of weapon types is common, allowing Archons operating in force to counter unexpected threats. Archons are most often tasked with providing heavy support to lesser troops alone or in small groups, but may be used as strike teams by themselves. 

For general combat Shredder Guns and Plasma Cannons, supported by Heavy Ripper Guns are the most effective, combining withering fire with powerful long-range plasma fire. For heavier targets Singularity Cannons and Missiles are best. On the rare occasions, where assault in necessary, there is nothing better than the combination of a powered blade and shield for wading into enemy formations. 

We hope you enjoyed this read and you can find Loud Ninja Games range HERE. There will be one more big article on the Tavshar Archons which will show you all the codes, the poses, the bundles and reaction forces which are being released late November.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

November 2016 at 15mm.co.uk begins teasingly!

Us teasing! Never! Well just a bit. Everything we are doing this month is building up to our awesome Black Friday Weekend Offer. This offer will run for four days and will be detailed a week before it starts. This will be after we have made all of our releases for the month. We hope you will check us out when the end of the month comes! For more here is some more information on what is coming and a totally awesome a mighty set of releases by Loud Ninja Games which will make fans of 15mm sci-fi and the Yandrassi over the moons with joy!

Look at that! Those are some big guns. But big guns for what? Tavshar and Horgosi of the Yandrassi created by Loud Ninja Games stand next to severely up scaled versions of their own personal weapons. We will tell you more across this month in two more instalments. For the moment....Eli Arndt of Loud Ninja Games would like to whisper the word 'Archon' and 'Mecha' in your virtual ears along with the name of the designer Sean Bullough. Trust us this is gonna be spectacular!

We have one fantasy release this month and that will add to our 15mm Scenics Range with a new pack. HOT111 Dem Bones will be essential for all 15mm Undead armies as well as dungeon furniture and perhaps much more. This release will be next week. If you want to see the other packs go to the HOT 15mm Fantasy Range for a look. We are preparing Dem Bones right now...

More news next week!

GBS

The Ion Age - War Mecha of Prydia – The Afara Strider

Hey all,

There is an amazing new development in The Ion Age. I have to admit I would have never seen this coming, but the addition of giant stompy robots is by no means an unwelcome twist. I've long been a fan of mecha and other robot machines and these new machines from The Ion Age fit into the universe while indulging that mecha itch.

Reach more below to get the official introduction to these new mechanical monsters.

-Eli

“During his work on the Taranis main battle tank hulls chief engineer and guild master Ulus McTear allied himself with an up and coming younger woman who had come to work at the Targa work complexes on New Glastonbury. Sally Bragan perfected the technology that would become known as the Bragan Memetic Neural Linkage system and this gained her entry into the same guild as McTear. While arguing over the finer installation diagrams for the Bragan system, Ulus McTear had an idea that would give the armies of Prydia two new classes of war machine; the War Mecha and the Striders. The ancient files from the Resource Wars of old Earth made mention of vehicles that walked on two legs and carried the fire power of the largest ground travelling war machines. The GroatVey MkX HeavyIon Reasc Fusion Reactor had the power needed for a body frame some twenty to twenty five feet in height and by coupling them in pairs the reactors could also motivate a body frame over one hundred feet tall. Revan Koore had perfected a gyroscope which would give balance and with Bragan's, linkage a pilot would be able to make his or her giant body respond to thought and become an extension of their own selves. It took all the resources that the Targa works could provide and more than a year when with great fanfare the first Afara type Strider walked out of the fabricator yard on its own feet.

The Afara comes in three primary variants and these are the 26WA which has a centrally mounted Hermit 50mm Auto-Grenade Launcher as well as a Valerin 15Mw Laser Cannon on its arm while its other arm has a gauntlet for close combat and more delicate work. The 26WB which has a Anda 60mm Missile Pod and an Angis 25mm AP Cannon and the 26WC boasts a 'Bladesman' load out with an Anda 60mm Missile Pod plus an Octa Powered Sword and a Shield. The Strider has a similarity to the Duxis Battlesuit in its form it and it is a match for any light vehicle such as an Adder Combat Car and also some medium vehicles. Since 4308 IC the Alfara has been in use by the Prydian Army and also the rebel leagues. Refer to other Auto-Trainer data swipes for additional technical and specialised information. Restrictions for placement of pilots and training remain in effect as per Royal Decree in 4330 IC.”

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 58, New Glastonbury, 4334 IC 

If you enjoyed the image at the top of this post please click on the one above for it full size so you can read all of the text. Excellent! This page fits in neatly with the Diagram Series pages for the Taranis super heavy main battle tanks which are to be found in the new Callsign Taranis expansion for Patrol Angis. You can find the game rules and statistics for the Afara in the Callsign Taranis book.

The Ion Age will enter the realm of mecha on Friday 8th of July with offers on the fantastic Afara Strider! Yes. The concept art in this article is a real 15mm scale model which will be on our website then with some great early supporter offers lasting a couple of weeks before global shipping on all orders containing them. For just now we wanted to show you the design and to tell you that it is coming real soon. Three variants and produced in high quality grey tone resin just like our other 15mm vehicles which you can see for the Prydian PrecinctHERE.

We hope you like our first mecha designed by Sam Croes. I know I do!

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

First Look at the 15mm Xin Trade Fleet coming releases!

The Xin Precinct is made up of the eight central star systems along with a number of smaller outposts all contained with a constricted pocket of stellar space that has only now become accessible once more after a thousand years of isolation caused by the detonation of the Aldan Crucible during the first Khanate War. Contained by Dolorous Clouds that resulted from the detonation which also decimated the Prydian Precinct there is now a slim open passage for navigation by Ancep Drive. Our knowledge of the Xin comes from archives that are from ancient times and also a more recent partially successful expedition mounted in 4303IC by the Starvaulters and of course from the Great Trade Fleet dispatched to Prydia in 4327IC. Commanded by Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin the hundreds of vessels that make up the fleet have visited a third of the systems in the Precinct thus far. Trading in exotic goods, rarities as well as information and technology they have made allies and some enemies.

While the hegemony maintains its own imperial army and fleet officially under the command of Princess Xin Meiying the grand admiral has his own military that is embarked upon his starships. Collectively known as the 'Sanbao' the gifts or protectors we refer to them as Trade Fleet Soldiers for the most part. Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for the Sanbao in detail. These troops are very effective and have aided our regiments in actions against the Khanate Empire. The Xin hegemony is centred on the three core planets in the central Xin Precinct system of Jinhong. From the lotus throne on the planet of Wei the princess rules in troubled seclusion while the planets of Zhao and Yan are in an uneasy alliance. We know of the rebel Prince Tang and his efforts to marry the princess though these actions seem to be taking place in the holdings of all three planets of the Jinhong system outside of the core system. All three core planets have the other systems in the Xin Precinct split between them. Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for details.

The Council of Addans has deemed the Xin Trade Fleet has a nominal ally though it is up to each Knight General and Marcher Baron to establish their own relations with the vast fleet as it passes through. As yet Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin has not responded to the ongoing campaign in the Carmarthen cluster.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

On the 11th of February 2016 the Ion Age will be releasing an entire new space opera Chinese themed force into the 15mm range. This article gives you the first look at all the new miniatures along with a list of the coming codes and some fiction too. These miniatures are all sculpted by our lead designer Sam Croes and are white metal typically in one piece. Here is the list of coming codes with the number of contents. Visit the Xin page HERE.

IMP30 Xin MonkeyBot (Free in Every February Order)

IAFP06 Xin Trade Fleet Platoon (20) 

(IAF113-IAF116 + Unique Free Officer) 

IAF113 Xin Trade Fleet Rifles (5)

IAF114 Xin Trade Fleet Support (5) 

IAF115 Xin Trade Fleet Assault (5) 

IAF116 Xin Trade Fleet Command (5) 

IAF117 Xin Warrior Monks (3) 

IAF118 Jade Ape Battlesuit (1) 

IAF119 Xin Youxia (3) 

Exciting! Here are pictures of these codes for you to look at each with its code and title and a short fiction extract placing it in The Ion Age. Click on the images to enlarge them.

The Xin Trade Fleet has a military arm under the direct command of Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin. They are called the Sanbao or 'protectors'. These troops commonly called 'Xin Trade Fleet Troops' are a separate entity to the hegemony army in their own Precinct and their primary role is the defence of the vessels that make up the fleet. Second to this role is the protection of the merchants and their stores in any locations where they choose to trade. They have the additional task of armed action against threats which the Grand Admiral deems worthy of destruction. An example of this would be the encounter with the Shia Khan in the Neraga System in 4332IC. Typically deployed at the five member fire-team, platoon or company level alongside the merchants the Sanbao make use of Kuijia MkIII powered armour which is roughly comparable to older Alwite in protection but with less bulk and features a compact and variable jump jet system. They are highly mobile troops and a primarily energised plasma weapon system is used by them. The Gonglu Blast Rifle alongside an SMG version which is often wrist mounted to leave the hands free and a heavier support version make up the bulk of Sanbao weapons. Xin troops favour powered blades of many kinds and often prefer close range combat situations. They make use of robotic auxiliaries brought across from cargo loading and management duties for battlefield use such as the Onyx Monkey and Onyx Serpents. The use of dual purpose support continues with the Jade Ape battlesuit which is an effective war machine and cargo loader both. Highly motivated they are a match for any Muster regiment and have proven capable of defeating the Retained Knights of the rebel Baron Everest in 4328IC. While Sanbao are the mainstay of the Xin military in the Prydian Precinct they have with them other warriors including heavily armoured Monks and far ranging Youxia.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

Battlesuits are a common sight on the battlefields of the Prydian Precinct and indeed since the resumption of the war against the Shia Khan Empire the number and types of battlesuit have increased greatly. The largest size of powered armour which is worn rather than being piloted the battlesuit gives mobility and great strength to a soldier. The grand trade fleet of Hong Tu Quin has its own battlesuits in the ranks of the Sanbao the most common of which is the Guaiwu II or 'Jade Ape'. Larger than a Duxis Battlesuit but with near as much mobility and faster than a Havelock with less fire power the Jade Ape it is a suit with two purposes. It is primarily a manual work suit for moving and stacking cargo as well as assembling encampments with its secondary role being in combat. Fitted with a three barrelled heavy Gonglu support blaster on a tracking mount it can deal with enemies at distance. However the Jade Ape comes into its own in a close combat situation where it would give good trial to a Duxis bladesman variant. Its upper body is very powerful and its large fists can smash or grip with huge force. It is deployed in ones or threes alongside Sanbao platoons.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

The Warrior Monks of the Xin Precinct are common in the forces of the Trade Fleet or the 'Sanbao' often being deployed to toughen up a hard combat situation or to show some muscle in trade negotiations. To enter the ranks of the Warrior Monks a soldier must first pass a test given by an experienced monk which is both physical and mental then take an oath of loyalty. Passing these gives entry into training which prepares the new monk for wearing the super heavy Kuijia MkIII powered armour which is roughly comparable to the Noblesse worn by Desteria Knights. Weapon training to handle the Chan Quing or 'Double Ended Monk Spade' which combines a powered blade at one end and a Gonglu heavy blaster rifle at its other end. Lastly training to move quickly in the armour. Once fully trained the Warrior Monk is part of a brotherhood that sits apart aboard the vessels of the fleet. They are often deployed in small fire teams.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC

The Youxia are men and women who have devoted themselves to a search for adventure through continual wandering. They have a superficial resemblance to our own Knight Errants though only superficially. There is no quest or baronial loyalty for a Youxia and no requirement to aid a fellow Knight in peril. These highly trained and equipped Xin warriors serve no specific master but follow their own code centred around the idea of righting wrongs where ever they may be found. Travelling with the Grand Trade Fleet has given Youxia access to the stellar systems of the Prydian Precinct. In return for the transit they do offer their services to Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin when he asks for them. They wear personalised Kuijia MkIII powered armour and carry Gonglu Blasters and other weapons favouring exotic energy blades such as twin hook swords. Skilled warriors to be treated with respect when encountered.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC

The arrival of the Xin Trade Fleet commanded by Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin in a star system often brings great excitement to the peoples who live on the planets there. The hundreds of vessels that make up the fleet will divide up and visit every world with smaller shuttles and landers descending to the ground before laying out their goods to entice and to trade. While the troops of the fleet the 'Sanbao' are only used when a threat is encountered there are other more discrete means of self defence. Foremost among these are the Onyx robots such as the Onyx Monkey. Programmed and built to move around cargo, to retrieve orders and to climb into places Humans would have a problem reaching there are hundreds of non-sentient bots aboard every Xin vessel. When trouble is encountered a robot such as the Onyx Monkey can be switched to a different mode and controlled by Xin merchants, officials or commanders to fight an enemy. The monkey bot has a long tail it uses for carrying but it can act as a whip as well. A hidden but valuable asset when the time comes. 

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

Missed the announcement on IMP30 Xin Monkey Bot? See it HERE.


Thanks for Reading,


GBS

Loud Ninja Games - New Chuhuac "Vasseth" Strike Tank on the Horizon

The Chuhuac's first release since the original Kickstarter, the  RAP07 Vasseth Strike Tank will hit the scene on November 17, 2015. Available separately or in special unit packs, each tank will come with several weapon options allowing you to field any number of variants.

Keep an eye out here, on our Facebook page and at 15mm.co.uk for more news!