Monday, January 29, 2024

Star Trek 15mm Miniatures for Skirmish Gaming

I painted up a few 15mm miniatures (Manufacturer - Model Name) about a year ago for some Star Trek (TOS) skirmish gaming. 

The Federation miniatures (CP Models - SF1528 Starship Crew) include Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, Nurse Chaple, and a Red Shirt, (or could be Scotty instead).  The Shuttlecraft miniature is just a Hallmark Shuttlecraft Galileo Keepsake Ornament from 1992, which are available on Ebay, etc.

The Klingon miniatures (Ground Zero Games - Kra'Vak) look more like ST:TNG Klingons, but they were the best I could find as a proxy at 15mm.

I hope to paint up some Gorn proxies soon for more Star Trek skirmish possibilities.

Space Weirdos 15mm Star Trek Battle Report - Mission to Giger IV

The USS Enterprise's shuttle, under the command of Captain James T. Kirk, touched down on the unforgiving surface of Giger IV. The away team, comprised of iconic crew such as Mr. Spock, Nurse Chapel, Dr. McCoy, Uhura, and a Red Shirt, disembarked into the harsh desert landscape. Their mission - to investigate the enigmatic energy disturbance emanating from an abandoned mining outpost.

The planet's surface presented formidable challenges with its H-Class classification, characterized by treacherous canyons, steep cliffs, and towering rock formations amidst harsh desert conditions. The presence of strong magnesite interference obstructed long-range scans and complicated transporter usage, compelling the Federation away team to rely on a shuttle for surface transport. The requirement to land a shuttle on Giger IV was complicated by the unique challenges posed by the planet's harsh environment and atmospheric conditions, as there were only a limited number of suitable landing zones available.

The tranquility of the landing was abruptly shattered as blue, furry Fuzzifangs, native creatures of Giger IV, crossed paths with the lurking Klingon forces. The Klingons were cunningly lying in wait to ambush the Federation away team. In the midst of escalating tensions, the Fuzzifangs, known for their peaceful nature, sought to evade the conflict and fulfill their mission—studying the alien invaders through close proximity and the psychic powers of both themselves and their symbiotic plant allies.

Mr. Spock, with his Vulcan telepathic abilities, attempted to establish a mind-meld with the ‘Great Fuzzifang’ twice. The mysterious nature of the alien proved challenging for even Spock's analytical mind, as it resisted the attempt at forming a mental connection.

The deceptive calm orchestrated by the Klingons was shattered when the Red Shirt and Nurse Chapel approached the entrance of the mining facility. To their dismay, they discovered the true nature of the outpost -- it was a hidden Klingon base! The Klingon High Command had formulated the defense of Forward Operating Base Delta on Giger IV, concealing it under the guise of an abandoned mining station.

Recognizing the imminent threat posed by the Federation's interest in the planet, Klingon warriors were instructed to leverage the advantage of surprise to ambush and kill the entire away team, blaming the deaths on the harsh planet environment or its native population. No survivors were to escape, as the Klingon Empire would be implementing feigned diplomatic efforts to delay further investigation into any "missing" Federation personnel.

A subordinate directive from the Klingon Empire underscored the imperative of eradicating the indigenous Fuzzifangs on Giger IV, deeming their presence an affront to Klingon honor. Sensing the mounting danger, the 'Great Fuzzifang' astutely evaded the threat and sought sanctuary in close proximity to the Federation shuttle. Employing strategic concealment, it cleverly eluded the pursuit of Klingon forces, simultaneously evoking a sense of concern among the Federation away team observing the unfolding events.

Captain Kirk, displaying quick thinking and leadership, led the remaining members of the away team in maneuvers to regroup and face the sudden aggression from the Klingons. In a surprising turn of events, Dr. McCoy, primarily known for his adept medical expertise, showcased unexpected marksmanship skills. With a well-placed phaser shot, he eliminated a Klingon, providing a brief reprieve for the beleaguered Federation team.

Through careful Federation maneuvers and limited casualties, the resilient plants on Giger IV, assisted by the Fuzzifangs' psychic powers, achieved their objective of studying the invaders. Valuable insights into Federation and Klingon tactics were gained, turning the planetary upheaval into an opportunity for observation and, unexpectedly, moments of amusement.

As the conflict raged on, an unforeseen dust storm swept across the battlefield, obscuring visibility and bringing an abrupt end to the confrontation. The unexpected weather event served as an equalizer, forcing both Federation and Klingon forces to cease hostilities and seek shelter.

Following the tumultuous events on Giger IV, the Fuzzifangs, in harmony with their symbiotic plant allies, emerged triumphant. Their success was revealed through an impressive display of adaptability, an assertive pursuit of knowledge through meticulous study, and assistance from the timely dust storm that ended the planetary mission. In a remarkable twist, the flora and fauna of Giger IV turned the potential for aggression into a profound cosmic understanding of both of the hostile alien factions.

The victory of the Fuzzifangs was not just a conquest over adversaries but a testament to the power of collaboration and resilience in the face of adversity. Hail to the Fuzzifangs!

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Big Trouble in Little China Miniatures for Skirmish Gaming

I painted up a few Big Trouble in Little China miniatures (Manufacturer - Model Name) a while back for some skirmish gaming:

After 40 years, Jack Burton (Hayland Terrain - Burt), the once hard-headed, fast-talking truck driver has gained wisdom and faced numerous challenges, he now possesses a more nuanced perspective on life, blending the adventurous spirit of his youth with the maturity that comes with age.

His old friend Egg Shen (Hayland Terrain - Foo) remains unchanged, a constant in Jack's life amidst the shifts. Egg Shen's mystic wisdom and presence continue to be a source of guidance for Jack.

In addition, Wang and Maio Yin's three children have grown into unique individuals. Ling (Hasselfree Miniatures - Elite Suzi), a skilled swordswoman, carries on the family's martial arts tradition. Jackie (Hayland Terrain - Lee), inspired by Bruce Lee, has developed proficiency in nunchucks. Wang Jr. (Hasselfree Miniatures - Finn), with a penchant for explosives, has become a firearms enthusiast who also enjoys the art of blowing things up.

The Chinese Wild Man (North Star Miniatures - The Demons: Minor Demon) adds a secretive layer of intrigue to their adventures, as he assists the team from the shadows.

Monday, January 15, 2024

Space Weirdos Battle Report – Big Trouble at the Docks

In a gripping 125-point skirmish, the fate of two worlds hung in the balance as an aged Jack Burton reunited with the timeless Egg Shen, rekindling their partnership from their days of big trouble in Chinatown, in order to investigate a disturbance at the San Francisco docks.

On one side were the champions of good: Old Man Jack, Wang and Miao Yin's three adult children, and the enigmatic Chinese Wild Man - the squad was of course led by the mystical wizard Egg Shen. They faced off against the malevolent alliance of Shattered Glass Optimus Prime and his formidable evil robot Necrons. The dock-themed terrain added a layer of complexity, with shipping containers providing cover and strategic vantage points.

As the robots cast sinister shadows over the docks, explosions and clashes reverberated through the night, blending with the eerie hum of technology. The hopeful atmosphere turned somber as the forces of good started to crumble under the relentless onslaught of Necron ranged weaponry.

Suddenly, Jack Burton seized the opportunity to ascend a towering shipping container, unleashing a barrage of attacks with his TEC-9 that momentarily turned the tide in favor of the heroes.

However, the unexpected struck when a Necron sharpshooter shot Jack down from his perch, dimming the glow of his victory and revealing the vulnerability behind even the sharpest reflexes.

In a desperate attempt to reverse the tables, Egg Shen engaged in a psychic battle against the malevolent Optimus Prime. The clash between ancient mysticism and futuristic technology created a surreal spectacle, but despite Egg's valiant efforts, evil Optimus Prime emerged victorious, overpowering Egg's psychic attack. Egg Shen's fate soon took a dark turn as he succumbed to a relentless onslaught of Necron gunfire.

The Chinese Wild Man's last attempts to turn the tide were futile, as a Necron mercilessly shot him down as he emerged from the shadows.

The docks, once a battleground, now stood silent, a testament to the triumph of malevolence over heroism, as the combined might of Optimus Prime and the Necrons proved victorious.