Showing posts with label GSM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GSM. Show all posts

Sunday, November 1, 2026

Final Sale at Battle Valor Games Before a Long Hiatus

 Almost missed the announcement of the holiday sale over at Battle Valor Games.  I wish I had missed the reasons for it.  

Battle Valor, the manufacturer a large range of 25 and 15 mm figures, has a massive 40% everything  sale going on right now.  I love Battle Valor to death, as they been a major supplier to my Gnomish Space Marines, as well as a host of other figures.

And know, the reason for the sale, directly off the web site:

40% OFF EVERYTHING UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 13TH.

ALL ORDERS WILL GET A FREE 28MM SANTA FIGURE!

Spend $150 or more and get 2 packs of figures for FREE worth up to $15 each.

Spend $225 or more and get 4 packs of figures for FREE worth up to $15 each.

Spend $350 or more and get 7 packs of figures worth up to $15 each.


OFFERS DO NOT STACK!
USA orders of $75 or more will ship for FREE!
International Orders will ship for a FLAT RATE of $32

Without getting into a very long explanation, my current work and family time constraints and commitments are making it impossible for me to run the business on a day to day basis and create the new product I want to.
Being a one man show is not easy!

I have taken the decision to shut down for a couple of years to give myself some time to rewrite some rules and sculpt some new armies and figures.

I might even get to do some hobbying for a change.

When the Holiday Events ends on December 13th I will shut down, so this is your last chance to buy the Battle Valor 15mm and 28mm ranges.

I will do my best to ship all orders before Christmas.
The earlier you get them in the better!

Kickstarters
I will spend January, February and March shipping out the remaining KS stuff to those few owed stuff.

Thanks for all your support, will be back in 2029 all being well, and if the World is still standing

Have a great Holiday Season!

It has been a rough year for the those miniature makers I label a step above "Garage Hobbyists"  metal costs, shipping, internet morons, and the fact that either real employment is still required, or their age is catching up to them, I've seen too many companies shuttering, or planning on shuttering their doors in 2027.  Don't know if I can put together a final order before shutdown, but by golly, I'll try.


Tuesday, October 20, 2026

(Kickstarter) Space Dwarves Commissars by Macrocosm Miniatures

 Macrocosm has rebounded quickly from their last Kickstarter and launched a small, quick one:  Space Dwarves Commissars!, 28mm resin dwarves.


Not particularly my jam, but the Triad reward is £20 for all 3 Commissars.


Monday, September 21, 2026

(Kickstarter) Space Dwarves (Miscellany?) by Macrocosm Miniatures

After 37 other Kickstarters, the good folks at Macrocosm kept things oddly simple for their latest Kickstarter, Space Dwarves. 

Two leaders, two mourning space dwarves with a tombstone, and a random mercenary dwarf. 

It's not the most affordable campaign, and after years of eating the Royal Mail costs, they've finally upped the shipping from the UK.  I'll still bite.

Friday, June 12, 2026

The Power Structure of Death Planet Iota

After completing the Mos Eisley Cantina Scenario, I did begin the process of numbering my figures in the Galactic Heroes/Death Planet Iota campaign.   Whether it's gangs/warbands/squads, or lone figures used as objectives or filler, I'd like to develop a power structure on the planet, if only in the main setting of the town of Carf. 

And I did promise to go back into previous Fistful of Lead games, then Planet 28, to try and retroactively see what the most powerful characters or factions are.  It was a fun rabbit hole to go down, and just in pulling pictures for this posts, I found a few more games!

First off, a reminder for the dear reader, that Death Planet Iota (DPI) is a dumping group of a number of teleporters, wormholes, and dimensional rifts.  As if the life on the planet wasn't tough enough, dropping in hell-beasts and hellions from multiple dimensions means only the strong survive.. or those who can band together sometimes. (Which makes the fact that only a Gotal died during the Cantina even more impressive. 

Major Factions

1. The Gnomish Space Marines 

The largest military faction on the planet by far.   Army, artillery, air support, but the GSM military leaders let the civilians control inside the town.  

2. The Chaos Space Gnomes - 

The GSM don't even mention them by name.  They arrived in town in the middle of some gang war, simply embedded themselves in the ruins of the old droid factory.    They used local representatives to trade and (rarely) negotiate.  The heavens need to forbid if this group gets involved in politics.


3. The Jawa Hordes

The only thing saving Carf from being completely overrun by these little jerks is that they all seem to appear well out into the deserts, and their tech and gadgets aren't arriving with them. 

Thanks to their sheer numbers and indomitable fortitude, plus a knack with every world's tech, they make shit happy with the craziest of parts.  They're usually a nuisance within the walls of Carf...

4. The United Nations of Earth and the Machines

There are plenty of groups of people that call themselves humans, even a number of folks who claim to be arrived from Earth directly.  Thus far we cannot confirm either of the size the fire power or the year that these folks have come in, they are not light commandos. Everyone is in some form of power armor although their weapon is rapid fire more suitable for quarters it seems that with their arrival they also brought their phones, simply named Machines:  diabolical robots hell-bent on destroying anything they  consider a life form. Their only saving grace is that they're comfortably connected to some sort of AI that’s restricting them from going forward.

5.  The Blue Martians

It's unsure when the alleged "Blue Martians" arrived on DPI, but numerous strains of their genetics have plagued civilization. A few of the race have become more civilized, using "modern weaponry," going into negotiations, heck a few even frequent Carf itself. These more advanced groups have even discovered the concept of kidnapping and ransoming more prominent citizens in Carf... and not getting killed over it.


In-Town “Gangs”

1. The Chimneysweeps

The Gnomish Space Marines are well respected across the planet.  Their choice of in-town police force has much left to be desired.  

The town police, nicknamed the Chimneysweeps, is wildly corrupt and sometimes incompetent, but the mere threat of reaching out to their more competent gnome-kin to lay down complete and utter justice to all who don't fall sway with their demands. 


2.  The Robot Alliance Liberation Front (RALF)

Robots, droids, living metal...artificial life forms, every neighborhood in Carf used service bots for rudimentary jobs.  Heck, some of them even had light weaponry on them for protection against the bandits and raiders.   But the bots have developed a purpose, a survival instinct beyond their programming.  

They are prominent, they are difficult to take out, and if their programming gets more advanced, Carf could be welcoming their robot overlords. 

3.  The Lightning Bug

This crew is named for their lost ship,   This group of definite humans came through a wormhole crashed and settled in.  They were marooned on this  planet, even if they had the technology to get through the atmosphere and all the hazards there.

Captain Reynolds is a dashing gentleman known for an erratic, almost random style sometimes known for jumping Palisades known for getting captured cementing. Their maroon status was recently guaranteed with the death of their pilot, Dry.  They have embraced others on the planet, grabbing some sort of animal trainer, named Keeper Trejo, who had been part of a prisoner exchange and they liked him so much they kept him on even after Reynolds returned to the group unscathed.  They have some heavy weapons and one of the few human techs on the planet.

4.  Morr's Bounty Hunters 

Everyone in Carf has a beef with someone else, and most have something valuable to trade for services, so Morr's Mercenary Bounty Hunters were a pretty dominant group. The Rodian bounty hunter's group is not the group they used to be, but they are easily able to recruit a new crew and keep the name.

5. The Rebellion/The New Republic

The Rebellion/New Republic is a group of largely humans that can confirm  that they both came from same  galaxy far far away, but how long ago is of a question that hasn't been resolved.  The Rebels are a scrappy bunch, even if they are ill-equipped.  The New Republic "volunteers" that wander in from the wilderness with weapons and supplies, but an absolute deficit in leadership.   

A lot of folks from each group have hung their uniforms up on a peg and found "normal" employement where they could find it.  

6. Daybreaker's Army

Everyone knows Crash Daybreaker, famed sportsball dude from some Earth, with a complete lack of teamwork.  After a few failed solo missions, he's put together a crew with a worse loyalty record than an impressed Jawa division.  

Thursday, June 11, 2026

(Kickstarter) Space Dwarves Auto Rifles 2nd Squad by Macrocosm

I've already sung the praises of Macrocosm through their webstore, they go out and start up yet another one of their efficient Kickstarters.  

Space Dwarves Auto Rifles 2nd Squad by Macrocosm is simply six more resin figures to augment my Gnomish Space Mar... er... your sci-fi army of choice. 

As I always mention, Macrocosm is my favorite, perhaps only, manufacturer I trust from that side of the pond.  Large or small, I have a great track record getting my rewards safely to Pennsylvania. 

Saturday, June 6, 2026

Space Dwarf Servo Unit by Macrocosm Miniatures

 After completing the Mos Eisley Cantina set, my thoughts have been focused to a number of smaller projects, most notably the  fun little Monsters and Hunters set from Macrocosm Miniatures' last Kickstarter. 

I love Macrocosm, I've participated in at least nine of their Kickstarters.  The figures are fantastic, and in the last decade of total chaos of shipping in-country and around the world, they have always been fast and reliable, surpassing even some companies here in the States.  

I've been waiting patiently for the next Kickstarter, but then they turned around and announced new figures right onto their website.  

Who knew this was even possible? 

The Space Dwarf Servo Unit are three of the cheeky little buggers in full armor suits, with a variation on the arms.

Space Dwarf Servo 3

Space Dwarf Servo #2

Space Dwarf Servo #1

The set of three is £12.00 (roughly $16.00) with individuals for $4 ($5.33). Of course, shipping via Royal Mail is abysmal, so I'll need to see how my Historicon funds are before placing a larger order, but I will know I'll get everything fast. 


Wednesday, January 14, 2026

(Backerkit) Starbeards! for Savage Worlds

 I get a lot of emails from the the companies that I've backed Kickstarters for.  I always take a peak, and many times the newest campaign isn't for me.  

Initially I didn't add two and two together with Fainting Goats and their latest campaign for Starbeards! for Savage Worlds.

Then I saw the artwork. 

It's the Savage Worlds version of DAMNIT, damnit! 

DAMNIT (Dwarven Assault, Mining, Neutralization, and Interception Teams) are the elite teams handling security on the galactic frontier.   As a man who loves space dwarves (even if I convert them to the realm of Gnomish Space Marines), DAMNIT is a great RPG system.  I have it keyed up as my back-up to my Monday night Gamma World campaign.   

I'm certain the Starbeards! version is taking full advantage of the Savage Worlds system (as I type this they've met their initial goal and have raised half the money in a day that original DAMNIT raised in a month.  


Sunday, January 11, 2026

(DAMNIT) Colonel Avgas - Gnomish Pilot - #CharacterCreationChallenge

 Day 11 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge , and we're staying with D.A.M.N.I.T. 

Colonel Avgas with his trusted mechanic, Scurt

Colonel Lionel Avgas -  8th Level Pilot

Hit Points: 15

Attack Damage  3 (Ranged+1) , 2 (Melee+1)

Skills: Drive/Pilot +1, Brawl +1, Strength +1, Intimidation

Perk: Danger Sense

Equipment: Laser Blaster Pistol (1 dmg), Basic Leather Body Armor (+1 defense), Cryo Grenade, Stim Injection, Binoculars
* Runic Gauntlets of Sonikr
* Helm of Hurngir
*Surtr Flamethrower (2 damage)
*Medpack (heals 2d4)

Colonel Avgas should be a General right now in the Gnomish Space Marines.  Instead, he prefers to restore and maintain a fleet of terrestrial flyers. He's maintained a sense of trusting camaraderie amongst his command, and has gleefully submitted transfer orders to a superior location to award loyalty.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

(DAMNIT) Scurt Grimdark - Mechanic #CharacterCreationChallenge

 Day Ten of the 2026 #CharacterCreationChallenge and I finally delve into my demented world of the Gnomish Space Marines, using DAMNIT to stat out Scurt Grimdark.

D.A.M.N.I.T. (Dwarven Assault Mining and Neutralization Interception Team) is an RPG about Space Dwarves fighting back to defend their place in the universe.  It immediately hits the themes I've wanted for the Gnomish Space Marine figures I paint up (which in every other corner of the world, means Space Dwarf).  So I might as well use some of my odder figures, painted during COVID, to customize a character.

Scurt Grimdark - Mechanic/Engineer

Attack Damage (2 melee)

Skills: Repair, Technology, Brawl

Perk:  Serendipitous Discovery (Once per session)

Equipment:  Wrought Iron Baton (2 damage), Emergency Toolkit, Med Pak, Potion of Diamond Defense

Scurt is not one of the normal Engineers that are part of the teams, hacking system, splicing wires, and editing registries.  His training came from the hangers in airbases. His experience with complicated system seems to one of sheer luck, but it seems to work. 

Scurt's just as likely to grab a random object and hurl it at a general as he is to chuck it at the enemy.  

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Potters Independent Space Traders P.I.S.T.

In this crazy, messed-up world, it's still nice to find new blogs popping up that are sparking my interest.  

Potters Independent Space Traders P.I.S.T. is predominantly a 15mm sci-fi blog, but it has that same fun, gritty feel that's right down my alley. Check them out! 



Wednesday, October 29, 2025

(Kickstarter) Space Dwarves Predators 'Hunter And Hunted

Macrocosm is at it again with another wave of Space Dwarves, paying homage to to a fantastic 80's movie with Space Dwarves Predators 'Hunter And Hunted

For us American folks, early bird pledges for the whole set are $54, and $60 when those are filled.  Of all the British companies I frequent, I've never had a issue with delivery, be it product or physical shipping from the UK, so I can heartily recommend these...


Saturday, October 11, 2025

Satyr Art Studios Space Dwarves

 I'm not sure how I haven't mentioned Satyr Art Studios.  Most of their sculpts are perfect Oldhammer Fantasy, but they do have a nice range of sci-fi stuff especially some fantastic Space Dwarves. 

And where else are we going to find them flying around on jet-powered hoverboards that look this good?



Friday, September 26, 2025

(Kickstarter) Evil Space Dwarves 2

 Macrocosm magically appeared with another Kickstarter this week: Evil Space Dwarves 2!

I needed to look back for Evil Space Dwarves 1.  It was during this past May, right when everything went to hell for me, and I needed to cancel my pledge.  Here's hoping I can scrounge up something to keep me up to speed with Macrocosm releases. 

This wave includes, snipers, stormtroopers, and heavy weapons troops, as well as the original wave one Evil Space Dwarves being available as well.  

My only worry, especially with the chaos of the past nine months?   Shipping, et al.  It is a Macrocosm order, and they are my favorite UK company because I've never had any surprises in any facet of any previous campaign, even after all these years. 

Saturday, May 10, 2025

(Kickstarter) Evil Space Dwarves by Macrocosm

Macrocosm is back with a simple Kickstarter, Evil Space Dwarves:  A unit of ten obviously evil space dwarves for around $30US with shipping.  Phenomenal!  


You can also get the 2-man flamethrower team separate for $7US plus shipping.

Of course, as I prep for Historicon, the Kickstarters reignite! 

Thursday, May 8, 2025

(Kickstarter) Sci Fi & Steampunk Dwarves by Scibor

 Scibor has launched a Kickstarter for Sci-Fi and Steampunk Dwarves, a nice collection of heavy armor, oversized weapons, and grimdark firepower.

A single squad is about $7 a figure, with the full set getting below $5.50 apiece.  Shipping is separate and from Poland. 


Monday, March 10, 2025

(Kickstarter) Space Dwarfs: Operation Army 4 by Magglet

It's been four years since Magglet launched a Kickstarter for a lone Space Dwarf, and now the wonderful monster has reached it full potential with Space Dwarfs: Operation Army 4 on Kickstarter

It's a significant retooling from their previous models.  Their original slimmer, nimbler dwarfs heavy weapons have gotten chunkier, their exo-suits a big more egg shaped, and a new space dwarf warlord set.  And let's not forget the previous sets available again as add-ons.

Friday, December 20, 2024

(Painting) Rusty Steel Pyramids for Death Planet Iota

My little world of Death Planet Iota, a place where a miss-mash of figure that fight it out realistically, is honestly somewhere between Sakaar from Thor: Ragnarok and the Void from Loki. Portions are murderously deadly wasteland, but there are sections where civilization thrives.  

I'm hoping is civilization finds these items spawning on the planet, they would snag them up for defense.  


These are originally packing caps for the standing desk I recently set up as my painting bench (see 11/13 post).  Some spray paint, dry bushing and sponging on two layers of rust.  

The best part about this terrain?  Completely stackable for easy transport! 

In the Queue: The Star Wars refurbishment continues on the side, with Gnomes, Zulus, and unpainted Star Wars in the queue.  Shooting for one more post before the holidays.

Project 350:   Maintaining the status quo at 496 (311/185).  I've got five open days without a post between now and the end of January, thanks to the #CharacterCreationChallenge, so a goal of 450 in the next month could happen.... but probably I'll come up just short.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

(Kickstarter) DAMNIT: The Space Dwarf RPG You Didn’t Know You Needed! by Fainting Goat Games

I greatly enjoyed the Pew Pew RPG by Mike Lafferty of Fainting Goat Games, so I'm actually excited by the short Kickstarter campaign for DAMNIT: The Space Dwarf RPG You Didn’t Know You Needed!

From the Kickstarter:

DAMNIT is a very rules light system built for minimal prep, making it perfect for: 
  • one-shots or short campaigns
  • chaotic evenings when the cleric couldn't make the D&D game so you just need a Plan B to roll dice and laugh with friends.
  • You want to play a quick, fun tabletop game with your 4th grader but you don't want to crush their spirit with something too crunchy.
In other words, it's about my Space Dwarves (aka my Gnomish Space Marine universe).  I will find use out of this one, guaranteed.

Friday, October 25, 2024

(Painting) Concrete Traffic Barriers for Death Planet Iota

I've had a lot of miscellaneous pieces collected in the apartment, definitely going back as far when I moved in almost two years ago.  It's nice to see some of them finally get put to use.

I'm thinking these concrete barriers might have started life as corner protectors for my laptop I'm still using today, or perhaps a similar purchase.  

The Gnomish "Chimneysweeps" take security (and wanton corruption) very seriously.

Base colors were camo brown spray primer (my new favorite), Americana Desert Sand, American Bleached Sand, America Bright Orange and a Black for the metal reinforcements on top.  

Highlights are Army Painter Rust paint, and Huge Minis Rust Powder on the metal, and sponging Americana Desert Sand (the darker one) over most, with some lighter sponging with Ebony Black.  Basing is my own Mulligan's stew of various ballast and bits, and one of the few times I paint the base Desert Sand, to better blend into the cloth it will normally be used on.  

In the Queue: A special Gnome Wars project for Fall-In! is all that's left in my pre-con queue.  I'm going to enjoy that weekend and re-evaluate what's next.  Don't worry I'm still using  the plans I made less than a month ago to set up the queue.

Project 350: Maintaining.  513 (324/189) from 513 (325/188). It's always dangerous when a bunch of cool new ideas come around a week before a major con.  The scary thing is, anything that I do accomplish this upcoming week won't see the light of day on the blog until after Fall-In anyway...

Thursday, October 24, 2024

(Kickstarter) 28mm Halfling Sniper Squad by Warblade Miniatures

With all the pdfs and stl files floating around Kickstarter, I'm pleased as punch for the Halfling Sniper Squad in 28mm metal from Warblade. 


Not that I'm ungrateful for some very nice sculpts, but 12 is a LOT of snipers.  I don't think I've had more than 4 snipers for the Gnomish Space Marines on a table at one time.  What makes things great is that your options are a 12-man squad of halfling snipers, or double it, for 24 halfling snipers.  

The remainder of the Warblade sci-fi catalog is available as add-ons, but you must pledge for a 12 or 24 halfling pledge to make that happen.