Crisis In Alcovia

Merijny Christnovsky

2011-12-24T14:09:00.000-08:00

Merijny Christnovsky abnij alle aza Criziz inj Alcovnisk

Cheerjski Morodny

Fast Ball in the Outfield!

2011-11-16T12:05:00.001-08:00

The UNMENTH Office & FOB, somewhere in Hav

Captain Price: "Soap! Op on! Ops room now!........You're on the bloody Xbox aren't you?"
Soap: ".......Yes Boss.....Call of Honour3 Contemporary Warfare, really ally stuff...........the op?"
Captain Price: "An Italian Parliamentary Deputy has been grabbed by the Slavicovan National Army and is being held in a farm near Hradsograd."
Soap: "NRA? They're nutters! "
Captain Price: "Right. We have less than 24 hours before they top him or the Italians give them what they want. "
Soap: " We'll need to get across to NE Alcovia....boss , Ullos got one on for us already, he'll bite the carpet if we overfly..."
Captain Price: "Sorted - some of those Iqmenis I trained are on their army council, they'll let us stage out of one of their bases."
Soap: "Nice one Boss."
Captain Price: "OK, whose on Readiness? "
Soap: "Butch is on leave, Snooze is in trieste , Dai has the D&Vs so it's you me and Stench."
Captain Price: "Right, get onto Mavrakis at the CRB. Tell him to have 2 bricks of his best blokes ready to move now, then you select 8 of them. Make sure they have NATO kit, not that Hav spetsnatz wannabe stuff. Ok?"
Soap: "Crystal. Epirou airhead in 2?"
Captain Price: "Good one. Move it!"

Transmission ends; further report to follow.....

Cheers

Maff

Hav-Trebizon Government makes formal denial

2011-11-11T13:44:00.001-08:00

"Good Evening, we interupt our popular soap opera 'Alcovians do the funniest things' to bring you an announcement by Minister of Protocol Vannos Sperakos."

"The Government of Hav-Trebizon has become aware of speculation, misguided speculation, as to the involvement of the Republic of Hav-Trebizon in the assassination of an Alcovian officer by British Special Forces in 1985. We deny this completely; the actions of the then Levantine Republic of Hav, which of course expired in the Co-National Crisis of 1986, cannot be laid at our door. No doubt things were done by many people that would be regretted were those persons still in power or even alive, presuming that those actions even took place. Today, the United Nations Mentoring (force) Trebizon-Hav (UNMENTH) would never allow our armed forces to act in such a way.

Furthermore, the officer, a Major, now General, Bostic is alive, well and living in Trebizon as a respected member of the expatriate Alcovian business community. So, you have to ask, assassination, what assassination? We must also refute internet desciptions of our honoured Bongolesian guests as "gun runners". Bongolesia is a major trading partner of ours, the agricultural spare parts sector is booming thanks to their entrepeneurial flair and they are always welcome here - the tragic death of three Bongolesian diplomats in a broom cupboard in the Royale Casino last summer haunts me still. Thank you."

"And now we return to 'Alcovians do the funniest things' where Latka is still looking for his goats in the potato shed......"

Cheers

Maff

Trouble in the Borku?

2011-11-10T13:22:00.001-08:00

Jeremy Paxman: "......Thank you Evan. So, with the EU crisis rumbling on, it cannot be any consolation for the EU leaders that trouble is not confined to the eurozone. Down in the Borku, things are pretty ugly too; there's been a civil war in Alcovia for almost a year and now, apparently, the Alcovian King, Ullo, is looking to pick a fight with the neighbouring state of Trebizon-Hav. I am joined by Martin Bell, BBC War Correspondent and former MP, and Mr Jeff Ross, formerly of the US State Department. Gentlemen, just what the dickens is going on?"

Martin Bell

Martin Bell: "Well, Jeremy, many people would say King Ullo is simply making the usual noises."

Paxman: "The usual noises?"

Jeff Ross

Jeff Ross: "Martin is probably right but for the wrong reason, there is no real indication, firm attribution, that Ullo said anything of the kind."

Paxman: "Mmm. So, what did someone say that Ullo may have said?"

Ross: "Allegedly, he may have said that..."

Bell: "He said 'One of these days we are going to have to level that tiny little City-State' "

Ross: "Allegedly said"

Paxman: "That's pretty clear cut isn't it? I mean there's a lot of history here."

Bell:"From 1453 down to today. I was in the Borku in the mid 80's during the Hav-Trebizon war and I can tell you that there were Alcovian Special Forces and Militia all over the place."

Paxman: "Jeff, you were in the CIA, weren't you, what were the Alcovians up to then?

Ross: "I really have no recollection and wouldn't be disposed to discuss it if I did"

Paxman: "Come on Jeff, you can do better than that!"

Ross: "I seem to recall you Brits had some Alcovian adventures of your own?"

Bell: "I know I did, not that I wanted to. The thing is, Ullo has a civil war on his hands, he's not going to invade anywhere. This is someone close to him stirring the pot and trying to scare Hav."

Ross: "And Hav has come a long way since '86, they have rebuilt, renewed and have a major entrepot down in the deep water harbour at Epirou."

Paxman: "So there you have it, trouble in the Borku, well at least they aren't in the Euro. Goodnight."

Down to the wire

2011-11-09T13:41:00.001-08:00

We return to Captain Price's top curry house, somewhere in Herefordshire, with a post chicken saag tiger beer, the Captain finishes his story....

"Great, mints..... now, there we were ghillied up in a hide on this ridge extending into the Ladu Pass, with the road winding around it in a U shape; Angus has a good shot lined up, our exits are clear so I give him the OK to shoot. As I did, I ping a file of guys in balaclavas, woolie hats, the usual militia walters, bimbling off on our right. Too late, Bostic is down, his guys are piling into their trucks and the spetsnatz are heading for the woods.....I reckoned on a couple of options, sneak back to the border through the woods, relying on the ghillie suits and banjoing any local heavies who popped up; second, lurk down to the BMW hotwire it and floor it to the border or thirdly, stick to the ridge and then cut back to the border. The patrol was getting closer, the guys in the trucks were driving off to the checkpoint in a hurry and the spetsnatz had gone to ground somewhere......OK, the woods it was. Now, visual aids....this knife is the ridge, these mints they're the woods and the border is over there by the beers....."

The Ladu Pass in happier times

Captain Price (left) and Trooper Angus "Smelly" McTavish (right)

cunningly concealed as trees Bostic is down, the Border Guards realise that with a VIP
dead, they really need to be elsewhere; the local balaclava boys go for a stroll

The SAS hide in the rocks while the Militia "patrol" past

And the Militia still cant spot the SAS - but uhoh, the SAS can see the Spetsnatz

Price and Angus pretend to be trees once again

The Spetsnatz stop, have a cigarette, think, realise "that's not a tree!"
and make their move. Angus drops one and the SAS take a lot of return fire but succesfully lurk backwards into the woods and then leg it for the border

"There's the wire Angus!"

"Action right Boss!"

The Alcovian Border guards time their patrol to perfection

Or not.

Angus drops one and Price banjos the other two with his MP5, over the wire and away.

"What were the Alcovians doing on the Hav side of the wire, Boss?"

"Shut up and keep running"

"So, Bostic slotted, pursuit evaded and banjoed as appropriate and me and Angus back to Hav in time for the floorshow at the Casino. Of course, back this summer, Craig from the Scalphunters nailed Urquhart in his Hav office, so I reckon he'd sold us out to the bad guys. Right, I'm off, nah, the curry's on me. Cheers!"

Captain Price calls for a taxi from the curry house

A thoroughly fun game with far less shooting than usual. Heavily inspired by CoD MW. Figures - Liberation Minis, terrain - mainly FoW Battlefield in a Box, barbed wire made in Hong Kong approx 1968, rules - Cold War 83. Curryhouse - The Panama. Angus? Soap's less famous brother. And a final word from Captain Price:

"Angus chopped Bostic back in '83. One hell of a suprise to see him meeting some Bongolesian gun runners in Hav in 2011. We're going to have to shoot him again."

Cheers,

Maff

A blast from the past

2011-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

In a safe curry house, somewhere in Herefordshire, Captain P reminisces:

".....Back in '83 I was posted to Akorotiri on the Special Projects Team, training up locals from the Iqmemistani National Resistance. We had this fastball, direct from D Ops in London, no scalphunters available so we picked it up. Deploy by next BA flight to Athens, then drive up country to Hav, pick up kit from Urquhart, tab up to the Alcovia border to the Lampardij Ladu Pass, get into a LUP and wait for a convoy of Warpact military to meet this BMW, take out the guy in the safari suit from the beemer. Home for tea and medals. Easy. Yeah, right. Yeah, pile into the poppadoms, the brinjal pickle is cracking...."

"Anyway, the target was this Major Bostic of the Alcovian Gendarmerie, a local fixer and all round bad guy. He wasn't on our "to do list", apparently the DGST had it in for him but being frogs and useless had no local capability. Meanwhile D Ops, a devious sod called Burnside, needed a favour from the French and Bostic was their price. So there we were, me and Angus up to our knees in goatshit, eyes on target, only matey boy Bostic has half the Alcovian Gendarmerie with him and he's swigging vodka with these guys in blue berets who have 'spetsnatz' tattooed on their knuckles; Angus is saying "do I take the shot, Boss?' and all I can think is 'I hate salt on my chips, let alone mining the stuff for the rest of my natural'. Happy days. What did I do? First things first, lad - mine's a chicken saag, pilau rice, two kheema naans and another large Tiger. Cheers!"

As soon as Captain P has worked his way through his curry, he'll be here to finish his yarn, pull up your sandbag and watch this space....

Cheers

Maff

Alcovian Village Houses

2011-11-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Looking to expand my Alcovian village, I picked up this group of three Triang OO station kiosks for just £1.99 on eBay. The single storey, hipped roof architecture is just right for Alcovia. Well, at less than 70p each that is.

Their footprint is 90mmLx60mmWx65mmH which makes them perfect for 20mm figures. They look a bit bland right now but imagine them with corrugated iron verandas, maybe barn doors or an extension covering the opening - could even turn it into a walk-in village Borsch shop.

Not far off, eh?

A couple of extra windows are necessary and potentially, I could add a small dormer in the roof to give the building an upstairs but I'm not convinced in this instance.

Finish off with wooden or breeze block or mud brick extensions out the back and/or to the side, catslide tin roofs and a small brick chimney and we're done!

Well almost..... The walls are smooth and I am already thinking of some sort of rendering or a mix of rendering and exposed plasticard or cardboard breeze blocks/random stone.

Cheers
Mark

Armor Update

2011-10-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

For the past months I have been slowly but surely accumulating preassembled and if possible prepainted vehicles for use in this setting. I had hoped to use plastic models but found that finding time to assemble and paint them was proving more difficult than I had hoped.

So, what I have managed to accumulate are five T-55s from two different manufacturers (Easy Model & Model Master), two Easy Model BTR-80s and an assembled Trumpeter BTR-80. The preassembled but unpainted BTR-80 was given a turret swap using a RH Models 30mm turret available separately through his website.

I have a few more vehicles on the way but am hoping to focus future purchases on soft skin vehicles and terrain elements along with more infantry. I should also note that I have a whole slew of plastic kits for Russian Hardware so there is the possibility of a big battle played in 20mm some day but only after I'm bold enough to start the grunt work.

Take care,

-Eli

Alcovia's King Addresses War Torn Nation

2011-10-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

October 20, 2011

Today marks the one year anniversary of the civil war in the kingdom of Alcovia. Though there was no lull in the fighting between NAA and APA forces, citizens of the nation gathered in public squares, near their televisions and computers to hear King Ullo address the nation. The king was described as hesitant and pensive as he said these words in his short, direct, but heartfelt address...

King Ullo IV
Brave people of Alcovia,

Today marks one year since our homeland was wrenched into the crushing grip of a war forced upon us by those who would seek to destroy the sanctity of our way of life. It is not a war for freedom. It is not a war for equality. It is a war brought on by mistrust, misunderstanding, and the inability to look beyond the recent hardships visited upon us all to see the greatness that has and will continue to be Alcovia.

The men who call them revolutionaries, freedom fighters, or even saviors have chosen to abandon their sacred oaths to their nation, to themselves and most importantly to you, the citizens they have sworn to protect. These men, who have taken their cause from simple defiance to open hostility have allowed their fight to spill into your homes. Because of them, you have suffered, you have seen others suffer and you have seen your beloved home cut open to bleed out like a bear on the cold winter snow.

But this you all know...

<King Ullo paused here to clear his throat and wipe his eyes>

But there is more that you should all know.

My cherished people, know that your king, your princes and your army still watch over you and value the love and loyalty you have always shown them. We will not abandon you to these rebels, these bandits, these criminals. Those who you have entrusted and who god has entrusted to protect your way of life will not waver in their pursuit of that solemn duty. They will not stop fighting. They will not stop...dying until those who are responsible for this festering wound of a rebellion are brought to justice.

I ask that all of you remain strong. Remain firm in your beliefs and your convictions. Do not let those who have lost their way drag you down into their blood-stained mud. You all know who you are and what it means to be a true Alcovian. Just as our ancestors fought to come together that they might make something more of their warring clans, so shall we all come together to preserve what they struggled so valiantly to achieve.

It saddens me to say that I cannot tell you when this will all end. What I can tell you is what my own grandfather once told me. When the wind would howl and the snows would threaten to break down our doors, he would take my hand and say only this, "The morning shall make it all better."

It is these words that I hope you will keep with you as you find your way through the trouble night. Look to the day that will make it all better. That day will come. We will bring that day, all of us. Together...

The remainder of the addresses were made by the king's cabinet of advisers with inspirational readings from notable Alcovian authors and poets as well as a somber rendition of the Alcovian national anthem. the address was closed by the reading of the names of all Alcovian citizens, some 4500, who have died on all sides of this conflict.

One Year of Civil War

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

October 10, 2011

With the one year anniversary of the Alcovian Civil War fast approaching many questions still loom over the nation's strife. Whether the sudden declaration of independence made by General Kusatya, the hesitation of the monarchy in declaring an exact and decisive doctrine in the conflict, or the growing indications of foreign involvement in what had begun as a civil crisis, the longer the nation of Alcovia is at war, the more confusing the entire thing becomes.

In ten days the nation will have seen an entire year of conflict with no end in sight. With public works and infrastructure starting to break down due to war-inflicted damage or general disrepair caused by lack of funds, manpower, access or available materials, many parts of the small nation have been reduced to struggling local economies with many people living at pre-20th century standards. In some regions, water, fresh food and basic medical care have become treasured commodities, often controlled and sold by the various gangs and militias who have turned a war into their opportunity. Government officials have promised an increase in aid to these depressed regions, but so far such aid has been scarce if not absent altogether.

What's more, King Ullo's insistence against foreign aid has only served to increase the hardship the war has inflicted upon the nation's people. In eastern Alcovia, the region most affected by the civil war, this policy has done much to embolden the cause of that regions various militia factions as well as polarizing the region against the monarchy. Even with UN relief stations being set up across the Borka river, the far flung edges of Alcovia are not receiving enough aid to make up for the ever-increasing tole the war is taking on its people.

The monarchy's inability to control the eastern regions has also left the long-contested border between Alcovia and Iqenistan vulnerable to incursions by dissident factions from that nation and other opportunistic governments who might benefit from sowing the seeds of unrest and rebellion. Sources within Alcovia's intelligence community have indicated that there is no doubt that at least some amount of aid is being fed to the Alcovian People's Army by Iqeni terrorist organizations as well as ethnic Iqeni militias operating within Alcovia itself.

Ambassadors from both Germany and France have visited the king and his family in the capital city of Chubakrev in hopes that a plan for the peaceful reconciliation of the conflict might be reached, however King Ullo seems reluctant to accept a non-Alcovian solution to what he deems "an Alcovian problem". Royal advisers indicated, in a press conference with national and international news agencies, that the king's reluctance comes from a concern that accepting foreign solutions and aid will weaken the strength of the Alcovian identity and cost the nation it's "heart and soul".

It is said that the coming year may see official visits from both the United States and United Kingdom as with additional rumors circulating of visits from both Russian and Chinese dignitaries. Whether or not hostilities will allow for such meetings and exactly which factions are to receive such attention is as yet to be determined. Whatever develops from any such ambassadorial missions, it should be worth watching to see how events unfold in the second year of war within the kingdom of Alcovia.

Alcovian Schnitzel

2011-10-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

RH Models codes: BALAK & BANDAK

Thought you might like to see some more of my Alcovian Forces. These are Irregulars/Rebels/Para-Military etc inspired by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. I had them painted for me by Mark Griffin of Pumpkin Models and having more done as I really like Mark's wargame painting style. Plus he's a good bloke!

The figures are from Rolf Hedges' Liberation Miniatures and quite fun. Rolf's just released some guys in Balaclava with RPGs so they'll be put on order with Mark too.

You'll have notice that the Alcovian front has stalled in recent weeks. A couple of reasons behind that. Not least of which being a neurological condition which has required me to withdraw from many aspects of my life in order to allow my brain time to repair. I've withdrawn from forums and blogs and don't even look at TMP or Lead Adventure Forum. Winter of '79 has been my one and only wargaming focus and even that has proved difficult at times. The last two months have seen a turn around but I've needed every ounce of spare energy to get over the last hurdles and after 5 months being variously in hospital and immobilised at home, prepare myself physically, psychologically and emotionally for returning to work, leading a new team in a new office and most importantly, having a normal life once again.

Chatting with Eli recently, we both found that we were experiencing the same 'frustration' with our miniatures. They simply didnt match our own internal visions for Alcovian troops. What had stumped me the most was that my vision of Alcovia was based on the ex-Hotspur range of Afghanistan era Soviets. The originals were lovely models. The inspiration came from Tims Miniature Wargaming Blog - see picture below:

Courtesy of Tims Miniature Wargaming Blog

Well, the first figures I ordered from Stonewall looked like they'd been stamped on before they were despatched and even those Maff carefully picked out for me at a wargames show were still badly moulded and in many cases had broken rifles and RPGs.

Then came a floundering search for replacement minis. Come back 15mm Sci Fi all is forgiven! Each new search presented its own challenges. Whilst sending for samples, corresponding with manufacturers etc ate away at budget, time and enthusiasm. And all this happening against a background of increasingly impaired mental and physical functions.

Rolf finally stepped into the breach, but my god! One can go snow blind looking at those lists without photos ..."as above", "as above", "as above"...... You may say "well there are photos on this that or the other forum" - I say "Bollocks" unless the thread author has said "these are left to right pack RSH11, 12 and ARSE13" I'm left only slightly less in the dark when the choices are so vast.

All in all, frustrations and false starts turning what was meant to be fun into a morass of futility. You can only compromise your vision so far...... Hopefully Rolf's new 70's-80's Russians in body armour (with covered helmets) will reignite the spark when they are moulded next month. If not, Im calling it quits on Alcovia in 20mm, cutting my losses and moving to 28's.

Cheers
Mark

S&S Models Ural 375

2011-09-23T02:53:00.000-07:00

Shaun at S&S Models has just released the magnificent Ural 375 6x6 GS truck. If you are a fan of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare like Maff and myself, you'll know that you need one or two of these beasts for turning up at inopportune moments and disgourging heaps of bad guys. A seriously 'must have' model as a transporter, a terrain piece and an objective.

S&S Models September 2011 catalogue update

Cheers
Mark

Latest Figure News

2011-09-19T04:35:00.000-07:00

Some good news to share on the 20mm figure front. First, Elheim are now stocking Wartime Miniatures ranges. I'm pleased for Matt that these will be available in the UK at a reasonable price. Matt did what he could to offset the strong Aus $ vs the pound and set shipping charges; and I take my hat off to him for that, but they still proved too rich for me in the end.

Wartime Miniatures

Two of the packs in the photo above will now allow me to furnish a platoon in true Call of Duty: Modern Warfare style. Which if you play the game, you'll know that the Ruskies have more RPDs, RPGs, SVDs than AKs.

Next up, Rolf of Liberation Miniatures has announced a new set of 70's-80's Russians in body armour (with covered helmets). I really like the look of them. These may well become the bulk of my Alcovian regular army forces. No details on availability yet, (I'll keep pushing Rolf) but worth waiting for.

Liberation Minis (RH Models)

Finally, a little late in announcing due to my health issues, but still well worth highlighting that Shaun at S&S Models has completely remoulded and repackaged his classic Modern Russian Motor Rifles and VDV figures.

S&S Models

The sculpts are characterful with a wide range of poses and get this, for the Motor Rifles at least, Shaun wants to ensure that you can build an entire company with command, support and heavy weapons. Something I can only applaud.

Cheers
Mark

Soldatskaya Smekalka

2011-09-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Before I pack away Krozny Kravac I think one more game based on the Seize & Secure scenario from BATTLEFIELD EVOLUTION: MODERN COMBAT might just be fun and a natural follow up to the action fought this week.

SEIZE & SECURE: A tactically important landmark is being fought over by two armies. Whoever gains the upper hand for just a
few hours will gain an advantage over the entire region
that will be difficult to challenge.....

With that on the cards, I feel inspired to finish some conversions this weekend. Maff gave me his unpainted Under Fire Miniatures' MVD/OMON troops. I had started taking the heads off and replacing them with the standard helmeted heads from some Platoon 20 Modern Russians. Enthusiasm had petered out previously as these Platoon 20 heads have proved to be the toughest to remove to date.

All this effort is to round out a couple of squads of National Alcovian Army (NAA) regular style forces with the Under Fire MVD/OMON troops. Mostly 'cause I just like the poses.

Cheers
Mark

The Prisoner of Krozny Kravac

2011-09-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the original Ghost Recon and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - ultra-nationalist militia have captured Captain Price (22 SAS) and are holding him at the symbolic Alcovian monastry of Krozny Kravac.

Krozny Kravac

Starshina Kamarov and Corporal Udjenski lead the assault

Tango no.2 down. Udjenski providing overwatch

Behind you! Corporal Udjenski about to have a very close shave.....

Price rescued. Militia eliminated. Home in time bloskik and zhlotti, washed down by a glugg of Rakija!

Figures by RH Models, rules; Cold War: 1983.

Cheers
Mark

Not Dead Yet

2011-08-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

Just a quick blurb to jump in and mention that Crisis in Alcovia is not dead. It has seen a pause due to various real life issues that myself and some of the other contributors are having. Along with these, there are other gaming projects that also require attention that I am in a much better position to move on right now.

There will be more crisis as soon as i can manage time and funds for expanding my forces and terrain.

Thanks,

-Eli

German Engineering for The BattlefieldHobby Den's New 1/72 Mercedes 260SL

2011-06-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick nod to Hobby Den for releasing yet more lovely 20mm(1/72) civilian goodness. Adding to their previous truck and SUV releases, they now have a Mercedes 260SL. This can add a bit of variety to any blasted battlefield or to a motor pool for a scenario.

They have also released an armored car which could be worked into militia scenario or even converted to an urban fighting technical.

Both are excellent vehicles and add greater variety to any street-level modern games.

Take care,

-Eli

Alcovian Forces Muster

2011-06-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to see the growing forces of Alcovia.

Easy Model BTR 80s

Liberation Miniatures Modern Russians

Mark Griffin painted the Liberation Minis for me. He's a good bloke and I like his style of painting which is perfect for the tabletop. In this instance I asked him to replicate the 'partizan' pattern BDUs but 'larger font' so to speak, so that it can be identifiable on the gaming table. In all, Mark has painted two platoons and a bunch of militia/rebels for me. The end result is really good and I'm very happy with them.

This allows me to fuss over the two tones of 'flora' pattern I'm slapping on the opposing forces without having to worry about painting the OPFOR before I can get some Red on Red Alcovia gaming in. And of course choice of opposing forces has been made more difficult by Shaun at S&S Models recasting his Motor Rifle troops.

Easy Models Hip from Rolf Hedges

Heather bought the BTRs for me as a gift via an Ebay seller and I subsequently bought the Easy Models Mil 8 Hip helo from Rolf Hedges. Don't need it as such but it's a nice statement piece and pure Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Cheers
Mark

S&S Models 20mm Lada Riva

2011-06-19T03:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning is a time we blokes traditionally spend looking after the prize possession on our driveway. So to do all true Alcovians.

S&S Models Lada Riva

Here is S&S Models new Lada Riva Saloon straight out of the packet. A perfect one-piece casting, approximately 24mm wide by 62mm long, with separate metal wheels.

Just turning it over in my hands I love this little fella. It offers so much versatility from piece of urban defilade, to a taxi, police car or getaway for our Bond games; set dressing at a checkpoint and/or a militia command vehicle and run about. Those of you who play Middle East conflict games will find it perfect for Ambush Alley or even AK47. Plus, that classic shape makes the Lada Riva Saloon ideal as a proxy British 'Wayland' in our Winter of 79 and Geezer games.

I'm impressed with thhis versatile little model and will be building up a stock of them to dress my Alcovian tabletop, populate the forecourt of Hav's Motorz and give my militia much needed transport.

Cheers
Mark

Terrain Lab - Overgrown Hedges

2011-06-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Another quick build here, these hedges were done using scraps or card and styro for the understructure. I painted the styro grey and washed it with a dark brown before dipping the whole affair in loose model foliage. I hot glued a tree into each one to enhance the overgrown look.

Have fun!

-Eli

Terrain Lab - Garden Patches

2011-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

My house looks like it belongs in Alcovia.

Lately, I've been working on some light weight terrain while I take the time to score some proper buildings or build them myself, whichever comes first. As I do not like to spend a ton of money and enjoy coming up with my own ways of doing stuff, I decided to dig into the junk drawers and see what was there. The answer? Old pizza box liners.

Oddly enough, you can keep this stuff around without attracting flies and the corrugated finish has a number of uses from cheap Spanish tile roofing, to corrugated iron, and now garden patches. The process is relatively simple, though you can layer it on as much as you like and to whatever final effect you want -

CONSTRUCTION

Cut corrugated pizza box liner paper to desired size.
Round off the corners of the pizza box liner.
Glue liner to stiff card, leaving a modest rim between the edge of the liner and the edge of the card. Make sure to minimize air bubbles and rippling in and under the liner. I used hot glue as it gives and instant result. Any unsightly ripples or air pockets can be taken care of by slitting the liner and then gluing it down. This has an added benefit of causing some nice irregularities in the relatively uniform corrugation.
Round off the corners of the card and cut little irregularities into the straight edges. You want the patch to be pretty much rectangular, but not mathematically perfect.
Build up a raised rim in the space between the edge of the liner and the edge of the card. I used hot glue again as it produced an irregular finish and hardened/dried quickly.
Coat the entire piece in white glue. Make sure to brush the glue along the furrows so as not to mute the detail too much but at the same time, don't be too uniform.
Dip the whole thing in fine grit and let dry.
Once the grit is dry, paint the whole thing with whatever color ground you feel is best. The paint will dry irregularly because of the sand and may require multiple coats. Let mostly dry.
When the earth color is mostly dry, run a fresh coat around the raised rim of the garden patch and dip the whole thing in flocking or turf. The idea is to get an almost uniform covering on the rim, with just few stray patches in the furrows.
Apply two coats of spray sealer to affix the flocking.

ACCENTS AND VARIANTS

The above steps will produce a very basic garden patch that is good for unplanted or fallow ground. the irregularities in the paint and the flocking make it almost unnecessary to dry brush or shade. I did try brushing some dark brown ink over some of the patches that wouldn't darken up enough, but it looked fine without.

If you wanted to make the garden more or less "alive" you can add plants and minimize the amount of flocking you allow in the furrows or you can do what I did on one and heavily flock the furrows and then brush them flock around, creating a clotted and disturbed earth effect. More foliage on the furrows could give it a truly overgrown effect. I think I'll try putting some poles and strings in one of them to suggest beans or peas. I have considered adding squash, pumpkins, or other resilient self-starting vegetables in some of them.

How many Alcovian Special Forces can you get in a Jeep?

2011-06-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

Ten!

And on that bombshell, let's look at S&S Models 1/76th scale (20mm) UAZ 469B. Very much 'Top Gear' in it's own right.

S&S UAZ 469B disassembled

Gjergi? He's a Liberation Minis Modern Ruskie

Now, S&S Models normally sells the UAZ with 4 passengers for £8.50 (inc postage to UK). I wanted one purely to use as a prop, sans crew to be used for cover, as an objective for that get quick away by Soap and Price and just general set dressing of HQs, VCPs etc.

Shaun obliged and for around a fiver inc p&p he sent me this tidy, easy to assemble 6 part kit. I know I've said it recently but want to say again, that Shaun is a real gent. He's happy to help where he can and will give you a straight answer with no mucking about. This is important to me.

S&S UAZ 469B assembled with Blu-tack

Some of you will be aware that I've spent the last three years plus, concentrating on 15mm Sci Fi gaming. I know the manufacturers, the men behind the products and the products themselves, very well. 20mm Moderns were very much a dark room, especially as my initial foray into 20mm Modern resin armour back in the eighties, left me with scars and a heavy dose of reticence about going there again.

It was a real leap of faith buying my first kit from S&S Models this year. And I'm glad to report that I haven't looked back since. The T64Bs in particular are a dream.

OK, that said, what about the kit at hand? The S&S UAZ 469B is a good, solid model designed for wargamers. It looks very much as it should on the tin - instantly says UAZ 469 to me. The wheels have a nice firm methid of being attached to the body making for sturdy construction. There was one small pin hole that needs to be filled and as you can see in the photos a little bit of excess resin to clean.

I quickly assembled the model with a little Blu-tack just to see what it looked like made-up and am pleased with the result. Looking good next to my Liberation Minis OMON sniper I think you'll agree.

S&S Model's catalogues are here if you want to check the latest prices (which include postage and shipping) or just generally browse Shaun's goodies.

Let's see how long it takes me to clean the UAZ and put it together, then I'll blog the results over the next couple of days.

Cheers
Mark

S&S Models 2011 Catalogue and Lists

2011-06-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be helpful to publish S&S Models 2011 catalogues and monthly updates online. I don't know about you, but I just thought it would be easier than scouring my hard drive and also means that I can browse them easily when I'm back at work.

With Shaun's permission you can now access his catalogues using this link in the right hand panel both here on Crisis in Alcovia and on my Winter of 79 blog.

Cheers
Mark

The Power of The PeopleMilitias in The Alcovian Civil War

2011-06-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Ethnic Iqeni militia stand for a briefing.

Militias will play a heavy part in my Alcovian games. Though I want to use a lot of Russian-style military hardware, I also have a soft spot for the underdog, heroic freedom fighters, and hardened partisans. To this end I have been thinking about just how militias fit into the Crisis in Alcovia setting.

Given that this is a war between the established government and rebel factions of the military it seems only natural that the lion's share of militia troops will be fighting on the side of the rebels. I had already hinted in the early posts that there is an established Alcovian Liberation Front (ALF) which is a name given to a semi-organized army of militiamen fighting alongside the rebels of the Alcovian People's Army (APA). But the militia movement throughout Alcovia is not entirely under the banner of the thinly legitimized force.

Alcovian militia with surplused rifles

Many militias operate under their own independent command or that of a localized grassroots command structure. Other militias are actually cells of fighters with their own agendas, often backed or even sent by foreign powers in an attempt to destabilize Alcovia or to reap some sort of revenge for past wrongs. Revenge, social outrage, hate, racism and even cold blooded murder are motivators for the common men and women of Alcovia who choose to take up arms in this war.

Covert photo of a militia resupply point. Blankets,
food, toiletries all delivered by the trash bag full.

Typically militia groups are equipped with widely available arms and equipment. General equipment can purchased from nearly anywhere, from surplus stores, to sporting goods shops, and even the Internet. Most of this is not shipped in and each militiaman is responsible for providing his own. In the absence of true web gear, civilian backpacks even book bags and fanny packs can be pressed into service.

Weapons and more specifically military gear is a more difficult matter. Fatigues and boots are easy enough but communications gear and weapons must often be procured through black market means or supplied by rebel forces supporting local militias. Militias are often relegated to using sporting and personal protection weapons or even improvised arms instead of proper military hardware. Fortunately, Alcovia has never had a prohibition on the personal ownership of weapons classified to have civilian uses so rifles, shotguns and pistols are not hard to find. Still, there is a heavy demand for proper military weapons and so organized crime and foreign supporters are turning a tidy trade during Alcovia's strife.

Neighborhood fighters scuttle to a new position while under fire.
Note the lead man armed with video camera.

During the Alcovian Civil War, most local foreign support for the rebel forces come out of Theogonia to the west and Iqenistan to the east. Each of these nations has its own reasons for wanting to see the Alcovian monarchy and have gone out of their way to network support to the militias fighting in the civil war. Other sources of support have also arisen, much of it coming in through agents and clearing houses in Trebizon. These lines of support often follow the usual global agendas - jihad, democracy, communism, etc..

The official government stance on militias is one of fair treatment under the established rules of warfare. What this means in actuality is, that a militia fighter that is fighting under the open and obvious uniform, badge or banner of an established and declared militia or military arm is provided with all the rites and protection the law provides to regular soldiers. As few militias have anything of the sort, they are often allowed little in the way of consideration. Even when a militia is fighting under some sort of recognizable symbol these are often ignored when they can be, a policy overlooked by most commanders as a matter of expedience.

Though not necessarily as effective in battle as trained and well-equipped soldiers, militia do have the advantage of flexibility, invisibility and local knowledge. They are also generally fighting for their own homes and have a motivation that far out classes that of a paid soldier. Even members of the rebel APA cannot match the commitment of militias in some cases, fighting for political agendas and loyalty to their comrades instead of hearth and home.

New Troops for Alcovia

2011-06-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well I've ditched the Elhiem Afghanistan VDV in helmets - looked like they were wearing potato sacks plus SS covered helmets. Some of the bayonets weren't properly moulded whihc resulted in the foresight on AKs missing. This after my previous order where the figures had a 'drop' cast shiny look, soft details and one of the Americans was missing a leg from knee down. Can't be arsed with them any more.

Good news though is that Shaun at S&S Models is remoulding and re-releasing his 1980's Russian Motor Rifles and will be available for sale shortly. He kindly sent me samples of both and despite these minis being 15 plus years old, the detail of the sculpting is incredibly good. I started sculpting myself this week and these have definitely raised the bar.

The Motor Rifles and VDV are 23mm sole to the eye and are slightly taller than Rolf's Liberation Minis but on a par with Bill's Ultra-Modern Russians at Under Fire Miniatures.

The S&S Motor Rifles ooze character. They have a helmet that could pass for the dome helmet, body armour and in many cases chest rigs. In fact, these guys are perfect fodder for Alcovia.

You can see them 'in action' in The Escape Committee's game here at SALUTE 2011.

S&S Models 'tank/BMP' riders

Shaun is a real gent. Email him at Sales@sandsmodels.com for a full set of pricelists.

Cheers
Mark

Queen of Goats

2011-06-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

Irina Hav from Slavikova has been crowned this years Queen of Goats in a star packed ceremony at the world renowned Royale Casino.

In a rags to riches story, Irina. Miss Slavikova 3 years running, was a late entry in the Queen of Goats competition and became the judges favourite following the retiral of Vanka Sleminova, who left precipitously in a shiny new Hi Lux 4x4.

Daughter of successful local motorz dealership entrepreneur Behar Hav, Irina 23, runner up in last year's X Faktor, was delighted, "I'm so delighted, the result is just so PERverse!"

Commenting on the sound of gunfire in the stairwells of the Casino, Poliz Commissioner Methodius commented: "It was just high spirits at the result, we safely escorted the international jury in their brand new Hi-Lux 4x4s, to a champagne reception held in protective custody ".

Police report that they are on the look out for the driver of an Aston Martin DBS seen leaving shortly after the ceremony.

In other news. Lemar Vlostik, star of Goats Do The Funniest Things and juror at last nights Queen of Goats ceremony was tragically found dead today following an accident when he was cleaning his silenced 6P9 pistol.

New Dealz At Lucky Hav's Motorz

2011-06-05T02:31:00.000-07:00

At Lucky Hav's Motorz today we hav a number of spezkial deals for the discerning gentlemen and Mafiyoszo! So spezkial, they're PERverse!

Ahh yes, I see your eyez is interested in this Hi Lux 4x4. No? You are lucky my friend. Every one is lucky at Lucky Hav's Motorz. I tell you, with this 4x4 you can be head of your own Militaia! All the girls will think you are a Mafyoszo and you like the ladies?

Come into the office and we will wipe away the blood stains and put filler in the bullet holes straight away....

Aaahhh. You like the Queen? I like the Queen! And that Pip! Oooh that Pip. This was her car, yes! Her car! Land Rover Defender. The nice Mr Soap who sold it to me drove it for her. Even comes with Miss Pip's wellies and Osprey body armour.

I tell you. You will be seen as a man of distinction and your goats will ride in luxury. The envy of all other goats!

A man of business perhaps. OK. I hav just what you want. This Isuzu light truck is perfect run around, even plenty of room in back for girlfriend and goats. With this truck a man can be a transport czar. King of the road. Rubber ducky! No?

Come my friend. Let's talk business.....

Lucky Hav's Motorz Registered Office

Just some of the new fun 20mm civilian vehicles available from HobbyDen that will be coming to Alcovia via Trebizon docks, soon. Lucky Hav's Office is a 20ft ISO Container Office from S&S Models.

Cheers
Mark

Wills Kits

2011-06-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

Alcovia has made me return to Wills Kits and look at them again in a new light within an Alcovian setting. I'm not going to list all the potential that's available but there is plenty if you look with at them with an Alcovian squint. What I also like about Wills Kits, is that with the exception of the 'Craftsman' range, they generally come in around a fiver and are easy to put togther.

I guess a natural start would be the SS30 Barn. It's fairly reminiscent of some of the rustic barns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - paint that roof red, or save the roof and replace it with pantiles and hey presto! Don't get all excited about the clobber in the photo - you just get the barn NOT the accessories.

Next up, SS31 Village Forge. Fill that open gap with barn doors and you have an instant barn/bothy. Change the front/rear walls for rendered - add a couple of windows and normal doors and you have a rural Alcovian village house.

I'm even wondering about SS39 Crossing Keepers Cottage as a small Alcovian mosque with a minimum amount of conversion?

Plus there's all sorts of other goodies, such as small bridges and culverts, outhouses, railway huts and shacks, some of which need litte or no conversion for their new setting in Alcovian villages and farms.

Cheers
Mark

Model Making Chat

2011-06-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

I was given a opened but unbuilt OO Dapol Booking Hall kit. Looking at it yesterday, I found that the hipped roof is perfect for scratchbuilding another Alcovian residence.

The doors will come in handy and maybe a couple of the windows. Talking windows, I am scratchbuilding some of my own rustic doors, windows and shutters to cast with Oyumaru reusable modelling compound.

I've also made a small forest of Alcovian Birch trees following Eli's guide on I SEE LEAD PEOPLE. Unfortunately, I can't find my hotglue gun so can't stick them to bases. Once I've solved this mini crisis I'll put some photos up.

Cheers
Mark

Housing Fit For The Proletariat

2011-06-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

As Principal Mayor Bajnik of Ivic in Slavikova says "with a bungalow, a skoda and a stack of logs, a man is czar of his own goatfarm".

Dapol C021 Bungalow

I found a great Alcovian residence in the form of this cheap but effective Dapol Bungalow (#021). I bought one on Ebay and it arrived this morning. A gem! Take out that picture window, add a few shutters, a logpile, a catslide extension to regionalise and ring the changes, and I think a couple could make a very nice Alcovian village when mixed with MiniArt's East European Farm.

Cheers

Mark

The Novij Boskoj Takedown: AAR

2011-06-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Novij Boskoj has seen better days. Today it is a run down hamlet targetted by the Mafiya as an opportunity to exploit it as a 'redevelopment opportunity' for gullable foreigner investors.

We begin the mission with Codename 'Boris' (Red Tracksuit) looking over the properties with Codename 'Vanya'. Vanya has sent his driver for Vodka and sausages. Both men are escorted by heavily armed bodyguards.

The Mafiya are unaware of a tip-off that has allowed Narcotica Interventura Field Agent “Parnsijp" and a section of Crisis Brigade Troopers to set up in hides waiting to spring an ambush to lift the elusive Mafiya heads.

Sgt, “A”, Pvt “D” (RPG) and Pvt "E" (SVD) are in woods to NW, position 1
Pvt “F” & “G” are in the woods to NE, position 2
Agent "Parnsijp" , Cpl “B”, Pvt “C”(RPD) & Pvt “H” are in the hayricks, position 3.
'Soap' McTavish and Capt Price, 22 SAS are in overwatch off table.

Novij Boskoj towards the end of the game.

Casualties all over the shop

THE GAME

The game opens with Agent "Parnsijp" and team making a successful dash to the back of the hamlet. A quick squelch on the radio informs Sgt "A" to use lethal force. An RPG tears into the Merc sports car ripping it to pieces. Meanwhile the sniper with SVD takes out Vanya's bodyguard, callsign "Potatoes", with a clean shot.

Callsign "Meat" shouts a warning as Pvt "C" rounds the corner. Boris makes off across the gardens, with his mobile to his ear. Vanya hesitates, then legs it towards the abandoned ruin (position 4). Pvt "C" shoots at "Meat" with his pistol, knocking him back into the doorway of house 'H'.- but "Meat's" AK winds 2C" who is saved by his flak vest.

Agent "Parnsijp" and Pvt "H" apprehend Boris who's 'Bottle' goes and surrenders immediately but damage is done - help is on the way courtesy of Motorolla. "Vanya" turns to fire but is cut down by a sniper round.

"Meat" fires wildly out of house "H" keeping the Crisis Troopers at bay, when the back door is kicked in by Pvts "F" & "G".... curtains.

At this point a whuppa, whuppa, whuppa can be heard and in true Call of Duty: Modern Warfare style, renegade Alcovian SF in militia pay slide down a rope from a Mil Hip 17 and man position 4 on the table. An almighty gunfight ensues.

Agent "Parnsijp" and Pvt "H" keep Boris safe under cover in the gardens. Pvts "F" & "G" take cover behind the burning Merc. Sgt "A" and team fire and maneouvre twowards the SF position.

The renegade SF wallop the Crisis Troopers. Private "C" is seriously hit, but remains on his feet. Corporal "B" takes one to the head. Pvts "F" & "G" duck behind the Merc, whilst Pvt "D" with the RPG goes down heavily.

Sgt "A" and Pvt "E" pepper-pot to position 4 and clean out the renegade SF there with a well placed grenade.

At this point, the Vanya's driver reappears with Vodka, sausages and a pile of Mafiya militia he picked up when he heard the gunfire. Of course Maff puts a BMP on the table "worth it for the look on (my) face," before replacing it with a car load of Militia.

Not sure if they can now hold their own Agent "Parnsijp" calls for help from Price and 'Soap' (the deniable sniper team) who emerge from cover to lend a hand. Price calls in HOG 4. 'Soap' lines up the gun run on the back of the hamlet and with sixes all the way, the C-130's 40mm took made "one helluva showreel", taking out the Militia and the car in a single pass.

"Boris" fails his 'bottle' again and offers to "call off the dogs" if he could come to some arrangement. "Parnsijp" being a practical sort of man agreed to an accomodation.

Home in time for a Vodka and sausages tea!

SUMMARY

A rip-roaring game that moved at pace that lasted 40 minutes using Cold War '83. It was hosted by Maff and played on a 2 foot diameter light earth playing surface which represented the crisis point of the action and worked far better than having a larger playing surface on which to skulk about wasting time for an hour before any action kicked off.

The figures used were: Mafia & Bodyguards = Platoon 20. Crisis Brigade = Platoon 20 VDV. Price, Soap, Renegade SF & Mafiya Militia = Liberation Minis. Buildings & Hay Ricks by Hovel. Trees by FOW.

Cheers
Mark

Mafiya Boss Arrested in rural Trebizon

2011-06-01T15:19:00.000-07:00

Good evening; we interrupt "All New Desperate Alcovian Housewives" with breaking news....

Colonel Mavropoulos of the Narcotina Interventura has just made the following statement:

"I am pleased and honoured to report that Boris Bossiya, the leading figure of the Organised Mafiya in Trebizon has been arrested and is in custody at an undisclosed location. His protegy "Uncle" Vanya Malinov was shot resisting arrest. An NI agent supported, heroically, by members of the Crisis Reaction Brigade, made the arrest in Novij Bokoj late this afternoon. Sadly, Corporal "B" of the CRB was killed in action and three other troopers wounded, one seriously. Two members of the Mafiya were also killed resisting arrest. We are also investigating how a Special Forces from ...... no? I can't say it? These dogs came here and attacked us and I can't say where they came from?? You, from the Ministry, you are a goat. Yes, you! And that mob of Militia - who paid them? Eh? Really? Tell me that again and I'll spit your lie back at you. Hah, anyway, we arrested him, he's singing like a canary. Goodnight."

Local sources are reporting a major firefight in the deserted hamlet. A British tourist, who identified himself as "Birdwatcher A" said, "Yeah, it kicked off big time, loads of AK, RPD even an RPG or two. Those CRB guys really went for it, had too really when that helo of CIS blokes arrived."

Mr Ratvo Molko a local potato farmer also said "I saw this jeep full of militia driving down the road shouting and suddenly the sky, it is full of bullets, big shells! The explosions! It's as if something was firing down from the sky! No more militia, I tell you!"

A picture of an AC130. We can only

speculate what this picture is telling us.

Mr George Vondos, the President's First Secretary commented, "People say to us, show us Trebizon is tough on crime. This shows we are tough on these Mafiya. You say to me, is Hav safe for business? I say, Hav is serious about being safe for business."

Mr Vondas at the Hav Golf Club

Wednesday Firefight: The Novij Boskoj Takedown

2011-05-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

RESTRICTED MESSAGE BEGINS…….

Background

Following the fallout over the Eleuthera Bridge shootings, Narcotica Interventura have been given primacy in the investigation of mafiya activity in Trebizon. Acting on information received from a confidential external source, the NI have identified the deserted hamlet of Novij Boskoj as a RV for members of the mafiya hierarchy.

A section of Crisis Reaction Brigade troopers have been assigned to NI to assist in the performance of a snatch; they and an NI agent have been inserted into woodland to the north of the hamlet. Diplomatic and Intelligence agencies from the Ministry of Extraordinary Situations are also online and assistance may be requested.

The mafiya, however, have an arrangement with a local (ie non Trebizon) CIS General whose SIGINT team is monitoring Trebizon communications; the NI/CRB team has a short period in which to perform the snatch before QRFs converge. Likely sources for QRFs are mafiya funded militia, heli borne line infantry and local, non Trebizon, SF. Quality will vary.

Mission Objectives:

Primary: To arrest senior members of the mafiya hierarchy
Secondary: To destabilise the mafiya hierarchy

Assets:

All on local radio net

NI Field Agent “Parnsijp” Bottle 8, handgun, body armour; radio link to NI HQ
CRB Sgt, “A” Bottle 9, Leader, AK74 (or SMG), body armour, radio link to CRB HQ
CRB Cpl, “B” Bottle 9, AK74GL, body armour, backup link to CRB HQ
Pvt “C”, Bottle 9 RPD, body armour
Pvt “D” Bottle 8, RPG & SMG, body armour
Pvt “E” Bottle 9, SVD, pistol, body armour
Pvt “F” Bottle 8, AK74, body armour
Pvt “G” Bottle 8, AK74, body armour
Pvt “H” Bottle 8, AK74, body armour

Ministry of Extraordinary Situations

Assistance from this agency is available, if requested roll D6:

1: Security Breach! Mafiya funded BMP appears

2,3: Sorry cannot connect you at this time

4,5: Deniable Sniper Team from friendly NATO nation has eyes on a Tango which may be eliminated

6: Trebizon Airforce Helicopter Gunship available for a single gun run

7: US SF AC130 available due to GWOT intrigues.

+1 first call, +1 if mafiya suspects held -1 per call after 1st

Mafiya Targets (Tangos)

“Boris” Boss, red tracksuit, Bottle 7, pistol

“Vanya” Underboss, white suit, Bottle 8, pistol

“Meat” Bodyguard, Bottle 8, AK47

“Potatoes” Bodyguard, Bottle 8, AK47, flak jacket

Local SF on winter training
Bottle 8, AK47

Heli –borne line troops
Bottle 7, AK47

Mafiya funded militia
Bottle 6, AK47s

MESSAGE ENDS………

MESSAGE ENDS……...

That's tomorrow's game sorted!

Project: MO2 The Farm

2011-05-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

The original Ghost Recon on XBox and Alcovia just seem to go hand in hand. So today's personal mission is to have a first stab at building the farm from mission M02.

The farm consists of 4 main elements - the farmhouse, a garage, a chicken house amd of course the Lada. The farmhouse itself is big. I'm going to scale it down slightly to 100x80x80 (excluding extension) so that it doesnt dominate the Faller and other buildings I also use for Alcovia, yet still look a reasonable size.

Hopefully I'll have more to report in a day or so. The telegraph pole and fencing will be Dapol, the Lada from Shaun at S&S. The ploughed field out the back will be one I have from Terra Firma Studios.

And, if you are following my Winter of '79 blog, the hay bales are homebrewed from DAS Clay.

Cheers

Mark

It's all gone a bit Lada

2011-05-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have to smile when I say this but I am really glad to let you know that Shaun at S&S Models has released a 20mm Lada Riva saloon car. Absolutely perfectamundij for Alcovia.

Every street battle, every militia checkpoint and every gunfight with the polizia needs at least one of these cars!

Cheers
Mark

.....Breaking News....Elouthera Bridge Shootings.....Breaking News....

2011-05-07T03:21:00.000-07:00

The Polizi were today reeling after revelations over "egregarius mishandling and cover ups" over the investigation of an alleged multiple shooting on Elouthera Bridge last night.

In an intial statement released at 4.30 am , the Polizi claimed that they had responded to a traffic incident on the bridge and that reports of shooting had in fact been numerous cars backfiring. By 0930 the story had changed, now there had indeed been shots fired but that it was a minor disturbance and that no one had been hurt.

By 10.35, the Presidential Council had taken the unusual step of calling in the Narkotika Interventura to investgate the incident, stating that "the role of Chief of Operations Pavaroff in this matter leaves us no alternative but to require his resignation". Comissioner Methodius was unavaliable for comment.

At 11.40 Colonel Themis Mavropoulos of the NI made the following statement:

"The initial investigation by NI officers of the crime scene revealed three cars all riddled with bullets, four significant bloodstains on the road and numerous spent rounds in 7.62mm and 9mm calibre, the latter compatible to those used in the Yarygin Pya, although some, to be precise, eight, have not yet been identified. The initial conclusion is that two cars were used to block in the third - a DBS - and that a brief firefight followed. This was clearly an attempted murder, though participants and motive are highly uncertain. Our investigation is ongoing and we wish to interview the owners of an unmarked go-fast boat which was seen moving south, very fast, on the Treb River at the time."

Colonel Mavropoulos, posing for an NI recruitment poster

Meanwhile an American tourist who spoke to us on condition of anonymity said, "I was leaving the nightclub with this Russian girl....my wife...I was leaving the cafe with my WIFE, when I heard shooting about 150 metres away to the NE, I guess by the ramp for that big bridge. I kissed some pavement, taking Olga...Amy...taking AMY, down with me. It sounded like say two shooters with AKs and two more with handguns, just letting rip. Then another guy would fire, two rounds at a time, very deliberate. Then it went quiet and we dusted out stat. You got that? You don't syndicate this stuff do you?"

The abandoned DBS on Elouthera bridge (the bullet holes are on far the side of the car)

No one from the Trebizon Government has yet made any comment, though we were able to speak with Mr Panos Vassos, a former Senior Detective in the Homicide Department who commented, "this, it was amateur; these guys, they were not serious. If they had approached this correctly, then only one man would have been hurt. As it is, there is someone out there, someone who is very serious indeed."

We will bring more on this story as it breaks, now back to Alcovian Housewives, our popular subscription only reality show.......

Businessman's death suicide confirm Polizi

2011-05-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

Trebizon-Hav Polizi today confirmed that the death of Mr Gerry Urquhart was suicide. Mr Urquhart was found in his office by his secretary Ms Camisa Lombardi on Wednesday morning. Commissioner Methodius announced that “our highly trained murder squad deduced that he had tried to shoot himself in the heart, missed and then managed to shoot himself in the head. Our criminal psychologist agrees this is indicative of a sadly worried mind.”

Mr Urquhart had been the Hav Business Director of International Exports (London) Ltd for ten years. The stunned local business community has had little to say over Mr Urquhat’s sad demise. Mr Spiros Vondas of the Hav Chamber of Commerce and a locally respected businessman did agree to make a short statement after a Chamber meeting.

“Gerry was a great guy, he was, like a brother to me. He was a serious man, you could do business with him. You didn’t need insurance with Gerry. He’ll be replaced but this new guy won’t be Gerry – that I am sure of.”

Mr Vondas (right) during a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce

In an unrelated item of news, the Hav Centro tram station has reopened after what the Interior Ministry referred to as “a minor overnight security incident”. A man in evening dress was seen leaving the area but has been discounted by the Polizi – “he was probably some Englishman leaving the Casino after a long night celebrating the Royal Wedding. I’d celebrate too if Miss Pippa Middleton was from Trebizon” commented Commissioner Methodius.

Commissioner Methodius admiring the view outside Westminster Abbey

UN Aid Camp Operating in Iqenistan

2011-04-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

April 26, 2011

UN Medical Personnel have been allowed to set up a medical aid encampment in western Iqenistan after any peacekeeper presence was disallowed within Alcovian borders.

With Alcovian leadership vehemently maintaining its position that the civil war be contained as an exclusively internal matter, foreign aid has been severely hampered and limited only to civilian groups and organizations operating independent of any government or government agency. King Ullo has stated that the situation in Alcovia is nowhere near critical enough to require foreign military aid or outside security forces. This has, not surprisingly, left the international authority frustrated and concerned over the whether or not the Alcovian monarchy still maintains a clear perception of the growing crisis within its borders.

Pakistani UN facilities commander Colonel Misor Pakhiman indicated that the Iqeni allowance of a medical station poised on the Alcovian/Iqenistan border would allow the UN to provide some aid to civilian casualties, even if such action was being done under strict scrutiny and by the permission of Alcovian forces on both sides of the conflict. Col. Pakhiman informed a press conference that transportation to the UN facility was being provided by civilian and UN ferry boats and limited airlift services from safe zone loading points on the Alcovian side of the Borka river.

So far, no UN forces have come under any sort of direct military engagement by either loyalist or rebel regular military forces, though thereh ave been isolated incidents of militias firing on UN and Alcovian transports as they transition casualties from military to peacekeeper vehicles at the designated aid stations. So far no loss of life or material has come from these attacks though they have made humanitarian efforts difficult.

Dynamo 2 - Athletik 2 - Polizi 300

2011-04-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

There was a night of rioting in the Balad as the hometeam failed to beat the visiting Athletik in a tense high scoring game. The trouble started as goats were let onto the pitch by the Athletik fans in a deliberate move to bait the notoriously aggressive Dynamo crowd.

Commissioner of Police Methodius was heard on a police scanner advising his men "that's torn it; the Agris are going to go crazy. It's going to be a long night. Stand by all units; switch frequencies and activate jamming now...."

A flare erupts in Balad Zentro

The trouble was contained in the Balad and some 300 arrests were made; Polizi casualties were minimal and Minister of Interior Blaroj has already praised the Commissioner and "the brave men of the Polizi who ensured this violence did not spread and worry our tourist guests."

Commissioner Methodius monitoring events

from his command centre

Local News From Trebizon

2011-04-21T14:38:00.001-07:00

Commissioner Of Public Works Petr Brokoj was today unavailable for comment over claims that Eleuthera Bridge – which featured in the recent e-campaign “Welcome to Trebizon” – is a white elephant. Mr Theo Vassos, his Deputy Spokesman did, however, go on the record. “That bridge is, it is important, it is a symbol but also, an investment” said Mr Vassos, “We have a lot of ships flying our merchant flag and the bridge links Trebizon to Hav, which where the deep berths are. You come to me and say “Vassos, how can I berth my supercontainer ship?” and without that Bridge, I look like a fool. With that bridge - I can show you we are serious people in Trebizon”.

Mr Deputy Spokesman Vassos, with Hav Docks in the background

Meanwhile, the Royale Casino Charity Evening raised over Fifty Thousand zeks. His Excellency President Gjodjon Bronjovic and his wife led the first dance to popular applause. At the tables, business was brisk with Mr Kadashian Kadashian of Kadashian Kredit acting as an unpaid croupier “all my tips go to the bank – my bank” quipped the multi-millionaire businessman. Security was tight and Colonel Brajik of the National Guard claimed “you couldn’t get a very small goat in here without me knowing”. Dmitri Zog, ace striker of the Balad Dynamo XI then produced a very small goat and was fined on the spot by Colonel Brajik who promptly donated the “fine” to the President’s Charity. Mr George Vondos, the President’s First Secretary was escorted by Polizi motorcyclists as he took the evening’s proceeds to be banked at a champagne reception at the Banque National of Trebizon-Hav on Calle Radimeu.

The Royale Casino

Commissioner Methodius of the Hav Polizi reported that there were no disturbances in the Balad overnight “as long as those Byzerks don’t get drunk and beat up the place, all will be fine”, commented the Commissioner, “I just hope Dynamo win on Saturday and we can all stand down. If Athletik Hav win then I’m cancelling all leave. I do of course guarantee that any trouble will be contained in the Balad.”

2011-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to sunny Trebizon, the throbbing heart of the Borka Riviera. Here is a view of the famous resort of Epirou, with its numerous bars, restaurants and casinos. You are guaranteed a fun time in our high class, friendly resort!

It’s not just sun, sand and relaxation here though! Our internationally famous banking privacy laws and centuries of entrepreneurial enterprise have put us at the cutting edge of the Offshore Banking and Financial Services Industry. Our clientele come from all over the world and many leave their yachts in our marina, visiting them perhaps in their private jets and high performance speed boats.

Of course, in the 21st Century, any country has to think about security but here in Trebizon we have been proud hosts to the United Nations Mentoring Force Trebizon-Hav (UNMENTH) for some 15 years. You can be assured that the most modern security techniques are in use here by our Polizi, our National Guard and our elite, Spetznatz trained, Crisis Reaction Brigade.

Our history is a proud one – as the Levantine Republic of Hav-Trebizon, we fought for Independence from Alcovia, Byzerk, the Grande Porte, the Italians and the Germans. Over the years we have been a major Ally to the British (Epirou was called Port Havelock for five years and there is a statue of Queen Victoria in our Grand Square of The Republic!), the French, the Russians, Alcovia, and Italy (Garibaldi fought here too you know!).

So, for sun, sea, sand, discrete financial advice, an understanding and flexible maritime registry and a democratic regime with sound credentials – look no further than the Trebizon Riviera!

Old Terrain Test [Updated]

2011-04-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today Mark, Maff and myself were all discussing terrain options through email, trying to determine what sort of terrain bits would be needed for a good Alcovian battlefield. One of the things that came up was an old project I have made, nicknamed Kardograd.

When I was big into FOW, I had built town out of carboard scaled to 15mm. As the town was built on the fly and without any sort of measuring it's a little vague in it's actual scale. It included several multi-story ruins as well as many totally ruined buildings reduced to mere corners. The centerpiece had been a church, complete with bell tower. All of this was made on the fly for a game of FOW that was supposed to be played the next day. All of it was unfinished and constructed for maximum functionality by game time. The game was a success and great fun.

Flash forward to Alcovia and I pulled Kardograd out of it's tattered box to see if it would work for the 20mm figs and vehicles that I had for the Alcovia project. I snapped a few pictures of a building full of troops as well as some laid out in a sample street.

I think it works well. Take a look and tell me what you think...

For more on this terrain check out this post on my main blog, I See Lead People.

New AK armed Modern Militia from S&S Models

2011-04-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Shaun at S&S Models will shortly be releasing a pack of 10 militiamen in berets and body armour with AK47.

Look like they would be perfect for manning the roadblocks in Ivica. You can see more pictures on the Ambush Alley Games forum.

Cheers
Mark

New Easy Model Russian Armour

2011-04-16T00:12:00.000-07:00

Heads up on what's coming from Easy Model this year:

The PT76 Amphibious Tank

in a choice of 5 Colour schemes

The BMP3 MICV

Available in 5 colour schemes

Due Decemeber 2011

And 5 more T72 MBT

There will also be 5 BTR70's and 3 T62 MBTs. Plenty to look forward to, especially those BMPs!

Cheers
Mark

Mars T80U

2011-04-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

My burgeoning Alcovian arsenal has been enhanced with the addition of a Mars T80U MBT. A surprise win on eBay for 99p plus postage.

The T80 is a bit advanced for Alcovia but destined to be a Soviet Tank Generica nevertheless. It's a beautiful kit. Recommended

Cheers
Mark

война миниатюры игры

2011-04-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

After a fruitless weekend trying to work out how I could make a regular army squad out of the packs currently available from Under Fire Miniatures - and I'm talking combat poses here, not just milling around eating the Russian version of Chicken Supreme rats straight out of the tin or texting the girlfriend on the mobile - I decided to call it quits and bring my handful of remaining (30 years old?) Platoon 20 Modern Russian Motor Rifles up to full platoon strength.

Placed my order with Platoon 20 on the webstore late Sunday night, got an email from Tony on Monday to say they'd been despatched and today, Tuesday, I have them on my kitchen table.

These Platoon 20 miniatures are excellent in their own way. I may have a soft spot for them, but they arrived very well moulded, crisply detailed, no flash, practically nothing in the way of mould seams and are by far superior to the originals that I bought a lifetime ago now.

The KLMK hooded camouflage oversuit worn by the figures is still fine for modern operations. The M60 (M40) helmet is a little anarchronistic but I may be able to make an impression of the new 6B7 with some Green Stuff if I deem it worth the effort. The M60 proxies for the M68 but this being Alcovia the older pattern M60 helmet is certainly not out of place. There's probably warehouses full of them in Byzerk left over from Cold War Soviet occupation forces.

I also included several packs of Modern Soviet Paras with my order. One pack is destined to have heads swopped with the Motor Rifles, but the rest will become hardened Alcovian milita.

Let me recommend M-SM12 Paratooper Support Weapons (RPK, RPG16) and Command - it's worth buying on it's own. Either as an 'ambush' pack OR simply because the Para BMD crewman/NCO walking with AKSU74 (photo on the left, painted by Mark Griffin) makes a beautifully arrogant militia leader and his buddy firing his AKSU74, is a perfect bodyguard figure.

I already own a few Platoon 20 East German Paras in berets. These will now become nasty Alcovian militia types. The plan is to add a pack of P-DDR6 East German Para Support Weapons with my next order to Tony to beef up their firepower.

So there we have it. Seriously nice figures. A very welcome blast from the past plus some useful additions to my Alcovian forces.

Cheers
Mark

Intelligence Find

2011-04-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

Extracts from US Army Field Manual FM100-631 National Forces of Alcovia discovered in the former quarters of personnel from the US 303rd Logistical Studies Group:

These pages were found alongside used return train ticket stubs to the port of Bulgrava and a local bus timetable.

Assault on Rebel Stronghold Continues

2011-04-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

April 9, 2011

At the end of week three of the ongoing assault on the river port of Bulgrava, there seems to be no sign of any progress one way or another. Thoroughly ensconced in the maze of warehouses, manufacturing and processing facilities found along the waterside, rebel forces of APA have managed to repel any attempts to storm their position both from land and water.

It is thought that the rebels may be receiving aid from militia elements operating in small boats able to penetrate the scuttled hulks that have been positioned to block access to the harbor by larger ships and military craft. One source even offered the possibility that destabilizing factions from Iqenistan might even be ferrying arms and supplies across the Borka river but no conclusive evidence has been presented for such international interference and the monarchy has yet to make any official government statement on the possibility.

Artillery strikes against the port have destroyed many structures, but helicopter assaults or strikes have proven ineffective and dangerous due to a high number of concealed anti-aircraft assets in and around the port. Hand-held rockets and anti-aircraft gun emplacemrnts have been scene peppering the sky and any approaching aircraft.

In one tragic incident, a helicopter, privately chartered by a relief fund, strayed too close to the port and was shot down. Rebel sources insist that the helicopter was actually carrying commandos for a covert insertion into the port. Nothing has been officially confirmed to support the notion of national forces using civilian craft for military purposes.

Dateline: Slavikova

2011-04-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

The crisis in Alcovia worsens today with news of the break away region of Slavikova in North East Alcovia announcing it's independence from the former Sovietbloc ally.

An official spokeman was quick to quash any suggestion that Slavikova has ceded from Alcovia. It was claimed that criminal elements and gangsters backed by the CIA and KGB are attempting to undermine the confidence of the people of Slavikova in order to profit from the current political situation in Alcovia.

Reuters reports that armed militamen have taken the strategic village of Ivic and gun battles have broken out of the streets of Byzerk, the capital of the region. President Putin has vowed to protect the borders of neighbouring states ajoining Slavikova with whatever force is deemed necessary.

It is known that a small detachment of US military personnel of the 303rd Logistical Studies Group are in the region providing an advisory role to local units of the Alcovian army. The US Army has refused to comment on their current status. The safety and whereabouts of the Group remain unknown.

Looking at More Real Estate

2011-04-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Mark's been doing such a great job of finding bits and pieces that work well for creating the look of Alcovia. I'm really indebted to him and his experience in the hobby. He's been able to source things that I'd never have known about. Following up on some leads of his, I did find a couple more buildings that look like they might work for Alcovia's towns and larger villages.

The buildings I found are from Italeri and are readily available and not too pricey. I've never worked with the kits first hand but the looks of the buildings would update rather easily with just the addition of some more modern roof patches using some tar paper or corrugated tin or iron. The addition of some modern clutter around them would also move them up to present. Cinder block garden walls, a concrete wall patch on a corner, maybe the addition of electric outside lights would also add to the updating.

The "Stone House" model could even be sub-divided into two dwellings, capitalizing on the presence of the two chimneys by the addition of a second set of doors. This might require a bit of cutting and rebuilding, but it would allow the use of the same model to spice add some variety.

Now, I need to find some good shop models.

-Eli

Alcovian Real Estate

2011-04-08T05:02:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the week Eli and I were discussing whether there is such a thing as a typical Alcovian village and what it would look like. Looking at Balkan and sub-Russian villages, we find that they vary between region.

Architecture can vary from modern Central-South European to historic and traditional. Construction seems to be a mix cinder block, concrete and wood siding. Roofing again a conglomeration of (Bitumen) tar paper, shingles and plenty of aluminum.

An unexpected day at home today has given me the opportunity to look at the Miniart 1:72 East Eurpoean Farmyard in detail and you know, it could be perfect with a little work and save on wholsescale scratch building of an Alcovian village set in the regiosn where most of our action is going to occur.

The Miniart kit comes with 4 identical sprues, each with a moulded plastic thatched roof section, a long rendered wall, a short rendered wall, wooden door with smaller inner door and accessories. These walls are whole, you have to cut out your barn doors . There is also a separate 'cottage' sprue which has a long and a short rendered wall, with windows cut out, but you choose if you want to cut out the door.

What this means is that you have enough walls for two buildings plus a long and a short wall left over! Brill! Means that you have the flexibilty to give your farm compound additional walls/lean-to's or create two barns plus a destroyed house. With two Farmyard kits - you have enough spare walls for an extra building!

The Eastern European Village House comes with 2 'cottage' sprues. Mix and matching the walls from the Village House and 2 Farmyard kits gives you the walls for 4 houses plus two barns.

I suggest Slaters or Plastikard Wills embossed plastic sheets to replace the thatched roofing if you want that true Alcovian look. The thatched roofing can be saved for a later scratchbuilding project. I suggest a mix of pitched and hipped roofs to add variety to the buildings.

The look of the buildings can be further enhanced by giving them a brick, stone or cinder block embossed plastikard course. Maybe even replacing some or all of one or more walls with embossed plastikard cinder block.

S&S Models rough stone walls, plastered rough stone walls and corrugated iron gates will be perfect for giving character to the larger Alcovian village 'compounds'.

Cheers
Mark

Military Fuel Crisis Averted

2011-04-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

Military commanders in the North Eastern Military Region of Alcovia have overcome the fuel shortages faced by their mechanised formations through a field expedient conversion by Starshina-Corporal Rufuz T. светлячок.

Starshina-Corporal светлячок, a former miner from Haminskyz converted his tank platoon to coal fuel in a move which Alcovian Monarchist officials claim demonstrates the "flexible and forward thinking nature of our soldiery".

"The coal fuellled tanks have more than proved their worth. With a top speed of 6Kph and a consumption of 3 tonnes to the mile, the 313th Tankinski brigade has been able to resume it's march on the break away region of Byzerk".

S&S Models Update

2011-04-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

The T64s ordered from Shaun at S&S Models arrived today along with a UAZ Jeep and the Wrecked BMP. I'm in love with the T64s. 20mm Cold War Commander may well be on the cards later in the year, due solely to these excellent models.

The UAZ is functional - it's a jeep, aimed at set dressing mostly in my Alcovia games - nothing to get excited about - and then the Wrecked BMP, which comradeski, is simply stunning. I'm so impressed by the BMP model itself that I have no hesitation to pick up a platoon of BMP from Shaun sometime during the summer.

On the back of the Wrecked BMP, I'm going to order Shaun's new Pickup Defensive Position (£4.50). Another perfect terrain piece for Crisis in Alcovia. It's a checkpoint, a roadblock, an ambush position....brilliant!

I'm going to suggest to Shaun that he does something similar with a London Hackney Cab for Winter of '79, 2011 Urban Meltdown, Zombie Apocalypse etc.

All in all, a good bag of goodies.

Cheers
Mark

Under Fire Miniatures: Modern Russians

2011-04-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

Contacted Bill at Under Fire Miniatures earlier this week regarding his range of Ultra Modern Russians.

Georgians in 'Fritz' helmets are in the pipeline and more Russians in 'combat' poses will be available later in the year.

Under Fire's Russians are 1/72 rather than what I would recognise as '20mm'. They are a good half to full head taller than RH Models/Liberation Miiniatures and similar ranges. The figure's heads themselves are smaller which gives the figures a more gangly look about them. Still, some good posing if lacking in 'warry' poses. The 6B7-1L helmet looks particularly good but the faces on the guys with 'OMON' helmets can lack detail.

I bought a pack each of ModRus7 (Mortar and AT14 ATGM) and ModRus8 (SPG-9 Recoiless Rifle and AGS-17 Plamya automatic grenade launcher) all lovely models and each weapon is a kit in it's own right.I felt these could stand alone regardless of minis I end up using.

Like Winter of '79, what was supposed to be a discrete project is growing arms and legs. Again like Winter of '79, my initial intention was to use Combat Miniatures (ex-Hotspur) from Stonewall Figures as the principal protagonists but have been let down in both cases by the poor casting of the miniatures.

Under Fire Miniatures have all been well cast and I like the clean lines of the sculpting - what Craig at Critical Mass Games would call a "painters' miniature". Ideally I'd like to see the range increase with a mix of weapons for both standard troopers and MVD/OMON to allow me to build a full platoon before I would seriously consider these for more than fireteam sized skirmishes.

Cheers
Mark

Generic Ruins

2011-04-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's a common conceit on the tabletop to have pristine 'David Winter Cottage' style farms and villages. The unfortunate truth is that contested areas in any warzone see homes destroyed.

Whilst I'm keen to have a few buildings on the tabletop that reflect the Eastern European/sub Balkan nature of Alcovia's architecture. I also want to mirror the images of war torn villages I found on the net when looking at the wars in Chechnya, South Ossetia and former Yugoslavia.

Ironclad Miniatures produce a fine range of 20mm 'generic ruins' that can be used on their own or dressed with maybe one or two less damaged typical 'Eastern Front' houses, church and scenic accessories to create a more Eastern European image.

Looking at Ironclad's 'generic ruins' sets, I feel that 20-Ruin3 provides the best value for money. 20-Ruin3 comes with 20 ruined building sections and 12 shellholes/piles of rubble/debris. Being generic in appearance, the set will also be useful for my Winter of '79, British Civil War scenario and more.

Cheers
Mark

Area 9: 20mm Russian Front Buildings

2011-04-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

I was very intrigued when I stumbled across 'Russian' buildings from Area 9 that look like they'd stepped right out of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and therefore perfect for my vision of Alcovia away from the beaten track.

Whilst I'm very tempted. Very, as I really like the look of these. I need to be convinced given that the buildings illustrated above are £19.00 (top) and £17.00 respectively. Though I can imagine being tempted to hand over some dosh at a wargames show.

Cheers
Mark

PaperTerrain: South Russian Village

2011-04-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Resting up today following yesterday's excitement (sic). I was scanning for more Eastern European building ideas for gaming Alcovia. Now, I thoroughly recommend Scott Washburn's PaperTerrain. I bought the North Russian Village Pack in 15mm four/five years ago and remain really impressed.

Each building in the pack also has an inner 'destroyed' shell that allows you to 'reduce' them to ruins during the course of play. You can of course use the ruined and undamaged buildings separately, doubling the number of buildings on the table at no extra cost.

For Alcovia, I would personally prefer the South Russia Hamlet or Village pack (above). The architecture feels more Ukraine, Southern Russia, northern Balkans and just feels as though it has the right 'look' for a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare version of Alcovia.

The South Russia Village Pack is available in 20mm and includes the church, ten buildings, four barns and two types of fences. The Hamlet Pack has 4 buildings and 2 barns but can be increased to a nice sized village using the destroyed buildings.

My few Platoon 20 Modern Russians don't look too bad against the 15mm North Russian buildings at table distances but they are dwarfed by Under Fire Miniatures larger 1/72nd scale '20mm'.

Worth having a closer look.

Cheers
Mark

Eastern European Barn

2011-04-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Found this backwoods Eastern European barn as a free download:

2 opposing squads of infantry, a fence or two and gets yer started running missions in Alcovia.

Cheers
Mark

Possible Command Team

2011-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

No-one produces a true command team for Ultra Moderns. Rolfs got a pack planned thanks to Eli, but in the meantime I thought this pair of Under Fire Miniatures Ultra-Modern Russians on the right might make a nice command vignette:

What about the civvie on the left? Converted to hold a shotgun or baseball bat in each hand, resting on his shoulders, a la Vinnie Jones and he's perfect for Winter of '79 or as a Zombie hunter.

Cheers
Mark

S&S Models Wrecked BMP1

2011-03-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

I've bought one of these from Shaun at S&S Models for me farm:

It's just a cool piece of terrain and good value at £5.50 including postage.

Cheers
Mark

Mini Art 1/72 East European Farm

2011-03-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Just picked up this East European Farm for less than a tenner on Ebay. No brainer really. You can just imagine the UAZ Jeep pokin' out of that barn can't you.

All it needs is S&S Models new wrecked BMP1 and you have a perfect Alcovian country scene.

Mark

Wartime Ultra Modern Russians; A Personal Review

2011-03-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts ago I wrote about Wartime Miniatures new Modern Russians. Things have been on hold waiting for them as they would dictate which of all the modern and ultra-modern miniatures on the market would become my principal focus.

They arrived Tuesday/Wednesday this week. Two weeks after Matt posted them. Here are my thoughts:

Overall I really like their style of sculpting and level of detail, with one or two exceptions, but I'll come to these. The figures are in proportion with very realistic poses which feel like men in action, rather than posed shop dollies. Their size matches well with RH Models (a big bonus). Faces? OK and many are hidden by masks. Weapons are a delight, being sturdy without being chunky. The metal is good quality as evidenced by every single weapon being bent at least 90-180 degrees when I got them, but they sraightened out OK.

MR01 Command Pack

Leader: I like the movement and energy in this figure.
Sparks: The radioman is bareheaded and very well executed but standing bolt upright as if he's commentating at the dog races.Nice touch is that he's got one ear covered with his hand which mirrors my experience.
Sniper: Excellent figure. Absolutely beautiful.

MR02 Fireteam

3 figures are really good. One, on the extreme right in the photo on the website, is a disaster. He's different size, sculpt style, smaller head and helmet that makes him look like a child head on adult shoulders and just completely wrong. He looks like a Modern Aussie figure roughly knocked up in 5 minutes to look Russian. I even emailed Matt to ask why he was wearing a Fritz helmet. Apparently it's supposed to be one of the K6 models or even ZSh1 helmet. Believe me it's as good as a Fritz. You can stretch your imagination to believe it's a 6B7, nah, doesn't work for me, it's a Fritz. This figure lets down a cracking range because of course you'll end up with one in every Fireteam pack. I really cannot believe the sculptor has any self respect, respect for his client or more importantly, respect for us as purchasers to have included this miniature in the range.

MR03 Fireteam 2

The kneeling figure is a bit rough and again looks like it had a Modern Australian miniature provenance, but still usable because he's hunched up. The standing miniature is out of place. Ruins the story of the pack. Crouching or braced reaching for a mag. - great - standing idly - no. This is a personal foible of mine. I don't want miniatures in a 'combat' pack who are opening a tin of Chicken Supreme, fumbling for their mobile which has just gone off or walking the dog. Produce a separate pack (like Under Fire Miniatures) and give me the choice! My initial impression was that he was sculpted with a K6 helmet but looking more closely it's probably a ZSH1.

The standing firing guy wearing bandana is lovely. Best figure in the pack. Pure Spetznaz or nasty bastard.

MR04 Support Weapons

There are 5 figures in this pack. 2 RPGs, 2 PKM and a RPK. The RPGs and firing machine gunners are all very nice figures. The weakest figure is probably the running machine gunner but at least he has a separate machine gun (great for conversions).

Summing Up

The range feels like a bunch of Ultramodern Russians from recent conflicts. The best will paint well and I will favour them over and above any of the other ranges I own. However the range remains tainted by that one figure in MR02.

I appreciate the mix of headdress as it means you don't have to buy extra packs to mix and match. On the majority of figures, the Modern Soviet helmets look right on the money, the weapons are bang on and poses are magnificent. A lot of 15mm Sci Fi sculptors could learn from the best of this range.

However, one mini is a disaster and a couple that come in as also rans. I've had an email correspondence over the past few day with Matt so this isn't behind his back. The attempts at 'Sphera' helmets are just that. Luckily RH Models and Under Fire Miniatures come to the rescue here. What I do like is that the 'basic' helmet is the M68 pattern, subtely different enough from the M60(40) and evident on figures such as the Platoon Leader and kneeling RPG gunner. Good touch.

I accept that my personal taste and expectations are not the same as everyone else's. Will I buy more? Where do my plans for 2 full platoons plus a squad of Spetznaz stand? Well, jury's out. They are coming in at around a £1 each for 20mm with shipping on top. Are they worth it? Some are in my opinion but I'm not prepared to pay £1 and shipping for the 'also rans' as well.

Cheers
Mark

USE ME Modern Warfare

2011-03-27T04:22:00.000-07:00

USE ME Modern Warfare from 15mm.co.uk is a brand new rules system booklet in the USE ME series.

USE ME means 'Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements' and this system delivers just that. Tactically challenging, easy to learn and for any age of wargamer interested in ANY ultra modern setting.

From skirmishes to full battles, the 1D6 system creates games that last from five minutes to an hour. Extensive lists USE ME Mod.War allows you to generate any troops you like.

These games can be played in your lunch break or in the evening when the reality of a games system with greater complexity and granularity of detail doesn't appeal. Solo rules are also included for when you want to bash out a quick mission on your own.

This complete rules system is printed in A6 format (110mm by 180mm) which is a booklet that will fit in your pocket, making it portable and something you can keep on you, in your desk, work or travel bag for instant use or wistfully thinking of the next game.

You can read an article about the game system and its mechanics from the booklet on the 15mm.co.uk website.
CLICK HERE

Also, until 22nd April 2011 you can use our Salute 2011 offer to get 15% off the price of ANY order with us, see the home page (www.15mm.co.uk) for details. Plus USE ME Mod.War also contains a promotional offer, a code for a folder of free PDF files from 15mm.co.uk and it qualifies for the 15mm.co.uk reduced postage rate, see their website for details.

Both my long standing wargames buddy Maff and myself game with the original USE ME. I took it on holiday to Turkey last year and use it in the office with pre-painted HALO miniatures on those days when I need a diversion. I'm looking forward to trying out USE ME Mod.War as I'm coming home frazzled from work just now and this could be just what I need to push on with smaller actions in Crisis in Alcovia.

Cheers

Mark

T80

2011-03-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Just won this T80 on Ebay for less than the kit price, so couldn't resist. A little bit of weathering and it should be sorted! I plan to use the T80 as a generic Soviet tank which will be supplemented by a couple of T64Bs from Shaun at S&S Models. Now, believe me, it's well worth emailing Shaun for the S&S pdf catalogues. He has a lot of decent modern Soviet and ex-Warpact kit suitable for Alcovia. I also find him ready to answer any query and turn round an order very quickly.

Shaun emails me to say "Look Mark, I have 'X' now available, are you interested?" As a busy professional with lot's going on at work keeping my mind distracted, this proactive approach means other 20mm Modern or 15mm Sci Fi manufacturers can lose out. And I know that I can just email Shaun back and be confident of receiving the package through my letterbox by the end of that week.

Cheers
Mark

Focus on Factions

2011-03-07T14:39:00.000-08:00

I'd like to bring some focus to collecting figures for Alcovia. Whilst I aim to broadly follow Eli's thoughts on the troops for each of the different factions, I think I'll wait till I get them on the table before pinning a monicker to any particular figures.

The standard selection of Russian hardware will naturally remain pretty much standard fare throughout, - AKs, RPKs, RPGs, etc. and the uniforms will of course have a Russian and East European / former Warsaw Pact feel.

The National Alcovian Army (NAA) will have a more uniform look than the Alcovian People's Army (APA) forces, who will be more of a mixed bag. Local village volunteers will have Eli's favourite BYOG (bring your own gun) look.

The Alcovian Liberation Front (ALF), all militias and militants, perfect for displaying the ethnic diversity of Alcovia will be a hodge podge of figures, probably best defined as "Have AK47. Will travel"

Organisation? Always a tricky one - luckily the recent acquisition of Battlefield Evolution: Modern Combat helps here. The NAA and APA will be organised as per the Russian List and ALF after the Middle Eastern Alliance. At least to start and we'll take it from there.

Cheers

Mark

Hitting the Ground Running

2011-03-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Just taking a break from making a variety of 20mm scale wooden and corrugated shacks, barns and lean-tos for Alcovia. May call it a night as it's 10.30pm and I've been at it most of today.

These buildings are inspired by the ultra-nationalist missions in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for gaming Alcovia, my xBox360 decided to die this week, so I've had to fallback on the old noggin.

The boat house is therefore an approximation of the one in Mission 3: Blackout from memory. Given the riverine nature of Alcovia, I thought it would come in handy for more than one scenario. I've completed the frame and raised decking but have decided I want batten roofing so will need to get a pack of OO scale moulded plastic sheets from Wills Kits.

The first shack was made almost completely from Wills Kits wood planking moulded sheets - boy was that tough! The plastic is 2.5mm thick and it was time consuming scoring out the windows and doors without damaging the moulded plastic around the aperature.

In all honesty I gave up on using the moulded plastic for the main structures after the first shack and instead, broke into my store of empty Whiskas cardboard cat food boxes that had been squirrelled away for a rainy day. The cardboard is slightly ribbed and appropriately painted can be used horizontally for wood planking and vertically for corrugated iron.

I decided early on NOT to over elaborate the detail these first buildings. Get them built, painted and on the table is my creed. That gives me some appropriate terrain to fight over and incentive to get the figures done. Momentum will take care of the rest. I can always construct new ones to replace them and then sell the originals on Ebay at a later date.

This is especially as I want to make some mix and match marshy/reed filled terrain and I'd rather spend the time here. One of the most challenging missions in the original Ghost Recon was M09 Swamp, and it would be fun to replay in an Alcovian setting.

I know a lot of people swear by Woodland Scenics Water Effect, but I have successfully and much more cheaply used PVA to achieve sstisfactory results, adding depth and colour with inks or washes between each coat. Afterall, your figures and their bases will be standing on the surface of the 'water', not wading through it.

Will photograph the buildings once painted. Am going to coat in PVA first to make them stronger, act as a basecoat and reduce any possibility of warping later on.

That's it, I am going to call it a day, but it's been a productive one.

Cheers

Mark

Coming To Alcovia

2011-03-05T03:24:00.000-08:00

It's a real pleasure to join Alcovia at such a momentous, if turbulent time in this small states history. It is going to be fun bringing to life on the tabletop epsiodes from the struggle for control of Alcovia.

At a recent wargames show my mate Maff picked up a platoon of Combat Miniatures (ex-Hotspur) Russians in 'tropical' hat for me. I was always impressed by Tim's Cold War Russians on Tim's Miniature Wargaming Blog and couldn't resist the offer to turn these into Alcovian Motor Rifles. These 'hatties' are rounded out with some of Tony's Platoon 20 Modern Russians/CIS in helmets. I've had these Platoon 20 Motor Rifles and VDV since the 1980's and it's a great opportunity to finally get them into action.

My original intention was to buff out the Alcovian rebel forces using the rif raff available from Rolf's extensive range of Liberation Miniatures (RH Models) Cold War/Modern Russian and Balkan Wars figures. However yesterdays release of Wartime Miniatures ultra-modern Russians in a mix of helmets, 'ranger caps' and bandanas made me take a step back and go with these new minis instead. So a platoon's worth is winging it's way to me to check out .

Wartime Miniatures: MRO4

Modern Russian Support Pack

Under Fire Miniatures have added to the muddle. They also recently released ultra-modern Russians. Fired up by the ultra-nationalist Russian missions in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, both Maff and I bought these based on the photos, only to find that they are very leggy and a whole head taller than other 20mm modern figures. Nevertheless, our idea is for them to be Russian special forces ensuring the integrity and stability of the Alcovian-Russian border through the odd cross-border 'police action'.

Platoon 20, Wartime & Under Fire Miniatures have all benefitted from the ease of ordering their figures online. Clear photos of what you get and straight forward Paypal transactions mean that if mt interest is fired up or if I need to work off a bad day at work through firing off a quick order, I can.

So there we have it. A great mix of figures available to play out Alcovia. Some classics, some new. I'm really looking forward to collecting the forces, painting the miniatures and getting down to some Alcovian action on the tabletop.

Cheers

Mark

Pirates of the Meandering SeaThe Apa Sirviciul Alcovia (ASA) - Part One

2011-02-26T11:04:00.000-08:00

Invasion barges assemble on the Alcovian side of the Borka during preparation for the counter-offensive following the invasion of 1854.

The border between eastern Alcovia and western Iqenistan is a 500 mile stretch of the river Borka. Snaking its way out of the Capaccian Mountains the stretch where the two neighboring nations meet is known to Alcovians as the "Meandering Sea", a name derived from the wide, slow-moving and twisting waters of the Borka. It is along this watery span that Alcovia's flotilla of river boats, gunboats and monitors patrols, keeping a vigil against invasion from the east.

An early Alcovian river monitored, based off of American Civil War designs. Since the mid-nineteenth century, Alcovia has endeavored to maintain their presence on these waters, following the invasions of 1832 and 1854 when large sections of eastern Alcovia were seized and occupied by Iqenistani troops. Since their repulsion and the reclamation of those territories, a steady program of acquisition and production of vessels suitable for river patrol and fresh water naval bombardment has been a major priority. Beginning with the purchase and importation of foreign vessels, and later by the construction of native vessels, often copied or under license from foreign shipyards, Alcovia now boasts a sizable river flotilla of some 150 vessels ranging in size and type from small coal-fueled patrol steamers to fully armored gunboats boasting multiple turrets.
Alcovian customs and border patrol vessel. This vessel is a conversion of a civilian river craft carrying light guns and a contingent of ASA border marines. Known affectionately by their crews as "Pirate Brigs". Service in the Apa Sirviciul Alcovia, is considered a service for cutthroats and desperate men. Operating far from the capital and with a great degree of autonomy, the sailors of this branch of Alcovian service are known for their brash, often loose adherence to the law. They are also renowned for a certain roguish nature and lack of couth that more “civilized” circles often find distasteful. For these reasons, ASA servicemen spend little time in central or western Alcovia and usually hail from the rougher eastern towns and villages who have a history of river piracy, wrecking and smuggling. In fact, many Alcovian sailors aren’t even from Alcovia at all, having been either pressed or recruited into service from foreign nations or from foreign vessels plying the Borka.

These foreign servicemen are most often confined to the ASA special border marines. Specializing in trans-riverine operations, hit and run and interdiction, these men are often sent on strike missions against targets across the river and into Iqenistani territory. These men are hard, often veterans or deserters from other country’s armed forces who pride themselves on their craftiness, skill in combat and the die hard attitudes. One of their most famous mission to date was the storming of the river town of Kuzbhani in 1916 at the southern tip of the Iqenistani/Alcovian border where some 150 border marines rescued Countess Natavya Kishinug, daughter of king Ilya’s brother Vitali Chubakov.

A modern Alcovian "Bortha" class river monitor sporting two 15cm guns in a forward turret. Six of these vessels built between the years of 1915 and 1925.

APA patrol boat, hidden under tree limbs
and other foliage along the river bank.

The princess had been abducted as a political prisoner when her private yacht was forced to dock in Kuzbhani after experiencing engine troubles on its return from the Black Sea. The military garrison commander of Kuzbhani, Rikan Alabash, had seized her from the residence of the city’s mayor Ulmor Fedaha. Alabash had hoped to use her as a bargaining chip in his own military and political agendas. When the border marines were through with their mission, however, Alabash was slain and the garrison of Kuzbhani devastated.

In the aftermath of this brief conflict, Fedaha insisted that Iqenistan not use this as an excuse for war by his people in a very public display of regret at the actions of his countryman, Alabash. In this operation, only three border marines were killed, all of their bodies returned to Alcovia where they were entombed as national heroes and the reputation of the border marines was reaffirmed and their national character established as the go-to men for dirty jobs.

Future Heroes of Alcovia

2011-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

News Archive - November 24, 1923

Urban youngsters throughout Alcovia participate in state sponsored and supervised clubs that teach them the basics of combat and warfare. Diguised as scouting and club activities, the activities included in these groups instruct the children and youth of urban Alcovians in such elementary military staples as small unit tactics, field craft, as well as marksmanship in the various city rifle competitions.

As Alcovia has not the means for a true military academy, these boys clubs are the closest that young boys will ever get to an academic military education. Any Alcovian aristocrat that wishes a true academy education must travel abroad. In fact most of the Alcovian nobility have received their military educations in foreign lands, a practice that Alcovian nobility sees as akin to the ancient practices of fostering - creating bonds with other nations through its children.

Right: Rubel Yugolev seen leading his mean in a march to defend Alcovia's eastern borders from Iqenistani raiders.

Still, the basic education in the art of war instilled in Alcovian children and youths in these clubs is much more than some other nations have to offer and the skills learned there can make the difference between being just another poor conscript and the leader of such men. Many Alcovian lieutenants are conscripts that have a history in these organizations. At least one national hero, Rubel Yugolev, was a member of the renowned Kuslob Flag and Rifle Team.

Early Armor in Alcovia

2011-02-23T20:50:00.000-08:00

The late Alcovian King Ilya Chubakov (1847-1920) and his heirs Ilya II, Ukko and Ullo were known for their fondness for armored vehicles. Ever since Ilya I saw their birth in Great War it had become his dream to one day hear the rumble and rattle of armored might crawling across Alcovia towards her enemies. Unfortunately, financial strife and a low technological base hampered Ilya's dreams beyond a few surplus German tanks, but it was a dream that burned on in his sons Ukko and Ullo.

In 1922, Prince Ukko, working with a conglomerate of Alcovian and Elistonian businessmen and a number of foreign investors, gambled on an enterprise to acquire several copies of foreign tanks for study by Alcovian engineers. The intent was to determine what designs were within the realm of possibility for the small nation both economically and technologically. If designs could be found that were within Alcovia's means, Ukko intended to begin production, either licensed or illegally, for the purposes of both national defense and export.

After considering several designs, Ukko's agents settled upon the now quite common FT-17 as a standard tank for use by the Alcovian military. The FT-17 was a widely used tank and Ukko figured that it would be nearly impossible for Alcovia to be cut off from supplies of parts and new vehicles until it was able to produce on its own. FT-17s were imported from a number of sources including France and Poland and were designated the TA22 for Tankovya Alcovia, Model 1922. In total, 35 of these tanks were initially imported.

By 1924, Alcovia had two factories manufacturing TA22s in both their original and the new TA22/24 which was a new version with more horsepower. In total, 54 TA22s and 32 TA22/24 tanks were built before the Royal Armories developed newer vehicles to phase out the FT-17 derived tanks. TA22s were never completely abandoned and continued in service into the 1940s in reserve roles.

Blog on Hold

2011-02-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry to do this folks, but it's become obvious that the Alcovia project is progressing slower than I had hoped. As such, I am going to declare this blog on hold for the time being.

Why?

I could continue to post news bites about the conflict and I'm sure that would be fun, but in doing so, I would end up telling so much of the story that by the time I got miniatures on the table there would be little story left to tell.

The project is not dead and I'm still going to be working on models and miniatures as I can, but until I have something more material to show, I'm not going to be doing a lot of the fluff posts here.

Please stay tuned and Alcovia will be back when I can put more time into it.

Thanks!

-Eli

NAA Launches Strike Against Rebel Stronghold

2011-02-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

February 1, 2011

In what has now been named the largest military operation in the Alcovian Civil War, National Alcovian Army forces launched a massive strike against the west-most rebel stronghold in the Tovil Valley around the city of Bumrusk. Bumrusk is home to one of the largest military bases to join in with General Kusatya when he declared independence from the Alcovian monarchy and set over 30% of the nation's armed forces against its own government.

After almost two months of positioning and blockading, NAA forces were given the order to commence attacks with long-range assets when the commander of the Bumrusk Army Base refused to stand down and cease his resupply operations of smaller rebel units operating in the area. It has also been suggested, though nothing officially confirms it, that Bumrusk base has been supplying non-military rebel militias.

Helicopter and artillery strikes were unleashed in an unending assault, lasting from day break to dusk, designed mostly to demoralize rebel forces. Targets were intentionally limited to depots and support structures by direct command from the King who still maintains hopes to limit the bloodshed in the escalating conflict. Still, the inaccuracies of artillery and the proximity of some intended targets to structures to be spared has resulted in some reported 150 dead and an undisclosed number of injured.

Though the commander of the attacking NAA forces was not available to comment, it has been suggested that national forces commanders are blaming the APA for the elevated casualty count and not their own abilities. There is little, hover, to suggest that rebel commanders have changed the arrangement of the base since declaring their independence so any inaccuracies in long-range strikes can only be attributed to the men and equipment at their source.

[USE ME] Alcovian Motor Rifle Troops

2011-01-24T21:24:00.000-08:00

After my impromptu solo game using the USE ME system, I took some time today to write out some proper unit write-ups with points values to demonstrate, to those who may not be familiar, how USE ME looks on a stats level.

The system is intended to be incredibly generic and really simple, fitting into the tiniest little rule book you will ever see in official print - about the same dimensions as a typical miniatures blister pack. There are only three kinds of vehicles in USE ME and the ability to armor them or not. The weapons are expressed as a matter of broad categories. Interpreting specific equipment and vehicles often requires a bit of squinting to blur the particulars.

For the purposes of this first run, I decided that I would categorize armored vehicles thus - APCs would count as Light, medium tanks would be Heavy and anything in the category of an Abrams or Challenger would be Super Heavy. A bit of wiggling can be achieved here by the decision to classify a vehicle as armored or not. A URAL or UAZ is a Light vehicle but unarmored. The difference between a T-55 and a T-72 could be that a T-55 is a Heavy and a T-72 is an Armored Heavy. Vague differences to be sure, but this isn't a nuts and bolts game.

Listed below are some of the write-ups for the National Alcovian Army forces used in the scenario.

BTR-70 APC (Armored Light Vehicle) – 25pts

Elan: 3 Move: 12”

Attack Type: Vehicle Automatic Weapon (Autocannon)

Soldier (Infantry) – 10pts

Elan: 3 Move: 4”

Attack Type: Superior Rifle (AK)

SAW (Infantry) – 11pts

Elan: 3 Move: 4”

Attack Type: Heavy Weapon (RPK)

RPG Team (Infantry) – 24pts

Elan: 3 Move: 4”

Attack Type: Direct Support Weapon (RPG)

Superior Rifle (AK)

Captain Irengutz (Infantry Hero) – 20pts

Elan: 5 Move: 4”

Attack Type: Superior Rifle (AK)

Sidearm

Prisoners Taken in New Year's Fighting

2011-01-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

January 23, 2011

News of fighting in the eastern city of Bunchabal has been confirmed.

While patrolling through the small city, NAA forces came under sudden attack, ambushed by APA infantry that had taken up positions in the ten stories, this elevation provided plenty of positions for the attacking snipers and rockets that rained down on national forces. It was only the quick thinking and maneuvering of unit's commander Captain Yubel Irengutz that prevented the attack from being a massive catastrophe for his unit.

Captain Irengutz maneuvered his light vehicle under the cover of a nearby parking structure where he created a defensive position from which to return fire and give himself time to evaluate the situation. Once in position, the brave NAA captain was able to locate the main enemy positions and direct concentrated fire on those locations. This provided covering fire for him to deploy two small teams of soldiers to outflank the ambushers.

Several NAA soldiers were injured in the ensuing firefight as the fire teams moved through several floors of the surrounding buildings, guided by Captain Irengutz and his radio operator who called out the positions of various sniper and rocket teams as they were pinpointed. Rooftop snipers where eventually taken out by helicopter strikes as the captain was finally able to call in support from a nearby patrol.

After nearly nine hours of continuous fighting, NAA forces were able to secure the area. Exact numbers of dead have not been released at this time, but it is known that several prisoners were taken, junior officers and NCOs in the APA. The firefight also provided additional evidence to the growing number of civilian volunteers and militia groups that are becoming involved in the conflict. No civilian prisoners were taken as all either perished in the fighting or took their own lives rather than be captured.

[This is a newscast summary of a simple solo game I played using the USE ME rules by 15mm.co.uk.. Though intended for use with science fiction miniatures, the rules are incredibly simple and lent themselves well to an ad hock game. As I do not have my 20mm stuff ready yet, this was played with existing 15mm figs from my collection with books and boxes standing in for proper buildings. Very fun nonetheless, but not overly photogenic.]

Cool Book

2011-01-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

While browsing the local Half-Priced Books today, I almost missed this lovely gem of a book. By no means an exhaustive look at military vehicles, "Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - Visual Encyclopedia" is a nice, handy quick reference book for everything from FT-17s to T-90s and in between. It covers more than just tanks and APCs as well and provides useful quick info on numerous trucks, jeeps, anti-aircraft systems, etc.. All the vehicles within are organized into topics such as "Pre-War Tanks" or "Late Cold War" making it quite useful when trying to track down a vehicle from a particular point in history.

Not a bad grab for under $20 and to think I almost missed it.

Take care,

-Eli

Vehicles Too!

2011-01-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Well the build-up continues and I am finally in a position where I might be able to get a few test battles in. Though I'd like to have a few more APCs and soft skins in the collection eventually, this will give me something to work with for patrol vs patrol or ambush scenarios.

At this time, I have the following vehicles -

3 x T-55s - two pre-assembled models and on Trumpeter kit
2 x T-62 kits
1 x T-34 - this will be converted to an AAA carrier once I have the gun.
1 x BTR-60 - this is going to get an updated remote turret from RH Models.

A note on the kits. The Trumpeter model seems to be the most gamer friendly of them. The entire under carriage is pretty much pre-assembled as one part. All you have to do is glue the wheels on. The rest of them have undercarriages that are made up of multiple parts. The drawback to the Trumpeter kit is the lack of a spotlight. I may have to scratch build one and come up with a way to do a resin-cast of it. Trumpeter does do some engineering versions of the T-55 that have the spotlight, so maybe I'll get some of those and just ditch the dozer blades and mine sweepers to the bits box.

The two pre-assembled kits were from MRC and though they get sold along side the other diecast models, they are not. These models are all plastic which was a bit of a surprise to me when I pulled them out of their insanely well-packed boxes. The box was reinforced by a plastic frame at either end and the tank secured to the packaging by two screws requiring a screwdriver to remove.

For now, I have enough tanks and need more APCs and trucks. Also some civilian vehicles would be good, though I'm not sure of a good source for modern eastern European vehicles in 1/72.

-Eli

Proof!

2011-01-03T21:19:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post showing folks that Crisis in Alcovia is more than just vaporware. I've got a good 50+ Liberation miniatures from RH Models in the works.

The quick camera phone snap shows the larger group of hat and camouflage fatigue wearing Russians with AKs. The gents with the green stuff are a bunch of figures wearing what look like civilian coats and M40 helmets, carrying AK-47s. The green stuff I'm adding to make them each a little more unique with scarves, pouches, backpacks, a beard and even a couple of puffy jackets and vests. I'll give more detailed looks at them when I have a chance to take some quality pics.

I still need to figure out a way to get a spotlight for a Trumpeter T-55 model. The darned thing doesn't come with one.

-Eli

Coming Together

2011-01-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

I finally think I have my ducks in a row and am just waiting for them all to come home to roost. Though I had planned to get going earlier than this, the past few months have proven a bit less forgiving then would have been optimal. Time divided between work, family, the holidays and other hobby projects has unfortunately left Alcovia a bit of a lonely child left behind.

The news feeds and bit of background fluff have been a way for me to keep my mind, and hopefully yours, in the game so to speak. Not only do they paint a picture of what is going on in the country leading up to the real game play but they are a way for me to keep my brain primed for the setting. Without the blog, Alcovia might have slipped into the obscure back corner of the vast pallet that is my hobby life.

The good news is that I now seem to have the pieces falling into place. I have the last few miniatures that I need to make playable forces on their way now - LMGs, command, and rocket launchers. These should arrive in a couple of weeks, allowing me to finish converting and painting the figs I already have.

I also have some vehicles on their way. I finally found some good deals on plastic and diecast vehicles and a few Christmas presents are filling in a gap or two. Due to the availability of models, Alcovia will now be fielding the T-62 as well as the T-55 and T-72.

Terrain is the next real order of business. I have wilderness terrain enough to play conflicts on the outskirts, but I have no buildings or other man made structures in 20mm scale. I don't imagine they will be hard to make, it's just finding the time to do them.

Once I have the basics out of the way, I can start growing the collection slowly and adding new elements to the games as they present themselves.

The New Year should hopefully get this project into gear.

-Eli

Civil War Moves Into the New Year - An Interview with Minister Rudolf Rudnost

2010-12-31T12:26:00.000-08:00

December 31, 2010

It is quite clear that the unrest in Alcovia is approaching total civil war, but will the new year see the end of the monarchy?

The following interview between ENN Reporter Valya Luvonya and Alcovian Minister of the Interior, Rudolf Rudnost delves into the current conflict, it's origins and the future of the country.

ENN: Minister Rudnost, thank you for agreeing to speak with me today.

Minister Rudnost: You are quite welcome, my dear. Thank you for having me.

ENN: Now, minister, surely you must know that you have been invited here to speak about the Civil War in your country.

Minister Rudnost: Please, please Miss Luvonya, do not call it that. There is no was in Alcovia, simply a disagreement between political factions, one of which happens to be led by a military commander.

ENN: A diplomatic and, dare I say euphemistic, response. So do you see this disagreement leading to the end of the monarchy in Alcovia?

Minister Rudnost: The Alcovian people have long adored their kings and princes and it seems unlikely that such a beloved institution will be easily or readily abandoned. Centuries of devotion to a throne that has

supported its people and looked out for the welfare of its subjects will not dissolve in only a few decades of trouble.

ENN: Hmmm, a diplomatic answer again. And you do not think that the people have seen a change in the monarchy's ability to maintain the nation? With the dissolution of the national threat posed by Alcovia's traditional enemy, Iqenistan, isn't it possible that the thoughts of your nation's people are better able to focus on internal conflicts and issues?

Minister Rudnost: Let us be honest, Miss Luvonya, The end of the Iqeni threat is an opportunity for Alcovia to begin looking inward at its own problems. There is will undoubtedly be a period of adjustment as resources and infrastructure are retooled and re purposed for less...mmm..military needs.

ENN: But what of the increased immigrant population following the flu epidemic and the resulting financial crash of the Iqeni economy? Isn't Alcovia now under it's greatest economic burden in almost a century? This on top of the ongoing financial drain that has resulted from the occupation of Theogonia for the better part of a century, has left Alcovia itself on the edge of economic collapse for over a decade now.

Minister Rudnost: My dear, Alcovia is a resilient nation with a strong people full of pride in who they are and their long history of self-determination guided by the loving hand of their king. The majority of the people still see King Ullo as a guiding force with a strong moral compass and a paternal desire to see them flourish and succeed. The minority, as vocal as they may be, that opposes him, is not to be considered a true representation of the people of my nation.

ENN: If I may be blunt, minister, your answers do seem a bit naive and rhetorical? Aren't you turning a blind eye to your people's plight in favor of idyllic fantasies about an aging monarchy's ability to govern in a very modern world?

Minister Rudnost: You could think of them as such, if you wished, but ideology and dreams are what hope is made of. I have faith that current unrest in Alcovia will be over soon and that, once this anger and emotion is behind them, the Alcovian people will be able to see the error of their actions and get back to building Alcovia into a 21st century nation.

ENN: Well then, perhaps we should get onto some more specific questions. What is the government's official stance on the "unrest" in Alcovia?

Minister Rudnost: The official stance from the ministry of defense has been and continues to be one of containment and suppression. It is not the desire of the king and his generals to allow the situation to become one of open maneuver and rolling battlefields. This would needlessly endanger innocent civilians and private property.

ENN: But haven't recent engagements between rebel and national forces proved contrary to this policy?

Minister Rudnost: No, I do not think so. There have been several instances where fighting has spilled over into population centers, but this has been due to the tactics of the rebels. They have often positioned themselves around towns and villages, claiming they are sympathetic to their cause and wanting protection or offering support.

ENN: And national forces are not punishing these communities?

Minister Rudnost: Not at all. That is a very villainous characterization of both our troops and government.

ENN: I meant no disrespect, but isn't there always the danger of soldiers in the field taking out their frustrations or acting on their own political views? We have seen it before in other conflicts.

Minister Rudnost: It is pointless to dwell on the possibilities of such a conflict. While it is true that any military has soldiers who are less adept at maintaining their professionalism than others, the entirety of the military and the government should not be condemned by these individuals. Such individuals will of course be dealt with by the proper authorities and punished for any crimes they commit.

ENN: Will the national army be mobilized into a full offensive if the APA were to establish a control zone within the nation?

Minister Rudnost: I am not qualified to comment on the possible tactics that might be used by the NAA. I can however say that the government is committed to the maintaining the whole of the nation. If the rebels push this conflict to an open military conflict, I have no doubt that the necessary measures will be taken to address such a development.

ENN: Won't this mean the loss of civilian lives and property?

Minister Rudnost: Undoubtedly, but this would not be our choice. If blame should need to be placed, it would lay on the shoulder of the rebels and not national forces.

The remainder of the interview went on to discuss the economic status of the nation. Though he readily answered any and all questions, Minister Rudnost maintained a very careful, diplomatic stance and all times.

94th Anniversary of the Bread Riots

2010-12-29T21:32:00.000-08:00

On December 29, 1916, Alcovian common folk in the cities and townships rose up in angry protest against the discovered practice of mixing flower with sawdust and other fillers such as ground chaff and even chalk. This recent practice had been the handiwork of bakers who themselves had been victimized by corrupt government grain suppliers who demanded steep kickbacks for the grain they provided.

After three months of on and off again protests and riots, government officials were forced to take action and rooted out at least a dozen corrupt officers from the Department of Agricultural Management. The DAM officers were later found to have amassed a considerable sum of money which, due to the illicit manner in which it was collected, had been shielded from taxation. This elevated their crimes to that of a crime against the state and they were summarily tried and hanged for their "treason".

Newspaper illustration of an attack on a small bakery

In the following months the government dispatched bread trucks throughout the country delivery complimentary loaves of bread to townships and within the major cities. Civil order was restored but only after hundreds were killed in the unrest. The Bread Riots, as these events became known, marked a major change in government policies concerning the control of national resources. It should also be noted that rural Alcovia was relatively untouched by these events as local access to quality grain and other agricultural goods left them unaffected by the corruption of the DAM officers.

What Miniatures to Use?

2010-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

One of the things that made me decide to do this project in 20mm instead of my usual scale of 15mm was the availability of miniatures for the setting. 15mm has a good selection of miniatures up to the 80s but that is where the selection begins to thin out. Now, if I wanted to wait a few years, I'm sure 15mm would catch up to 20mm, but I don't want to wait.

It is clear that for this project, Liberation Miniatures through Rolf Hedges is the way to go. This line is full of Russian, Balkan and generic insurgents. This gives me a well-stocked pallet for the three main forces involved in the Alcovian Civil War. I have yet to get my hands on many of the codes but the figures I have seen all look nice and gives me a good idea of what to expect.

It should be obvious that the RUS codes are the starting point. Most of Alcovia's military forces on both sides of the conflict will be armed much like late 20th century Russians. For most of the troops, I'll likely go with a combination of "H" codes (M40 helmets). I can mix in a smattering of other code variants like the "B" (forage cap), "D" (fur cap), and "J' (leather jump cap) codes for variety. There are also some "V" (netted helmets) codes in the specialist figs that would be cool. I'll avoid berets and bush hats for regular army forces. The standard selection of Russian hardware will prevale here - AKs, RPKs, RPGs, etc.

For National Alcovian Army (NAA) elite Lifeguard units, I'll be going with the ultra-modern Russian figures. Because I like variety and that campaign look, I'll likely mix and match various headgear in the same unit. I will likely avoid the "S" codes as they are the newest Russian headgear and likely too modern, even for Alcovia's favored units.

Alcovian People's Army (APA) forces will likely use the same codes as the lesser NAA forces but with more variety mixed in to show that they will have been fighting with less support and tighter supply lines. The SER, CRO and EER codes could be mixed in for that added volunteer look. For these units, I can mix in a few odd weapons on the alternate codes to show that BYOG (bring your own gun) volunteer look.

For the Alcovian Liberation Front (ALF) is made up almost entirely of militias and militant activist cells as well as some hired guns. The Urban Terror Range (URB) is perfect being mostly fighters in civilian gear with a variety of equipment. These along with figures from the Multipurpose (MUL) range, armed with light kit, webbing and Russian style weapons, and perhaps even a smattering of figures from the PLO, Insurgent (INS/STS), Arab Militia (ARA) lines for added variety and to show the mutli-ethnicity of some of militias fighting (Iquenistan, etc).

Liberation has such a wide variety of figures that I am sure that I could even extend some of the variety by adding in figures from other AK-armed ranges like the African or even non-AK armed figures representing mercenaries and militias armed with black market weapons.

I do have some helmeted Russians that are wearing no tactical gear, carrying a bread bag sort of satchel that I am trying to figure out a use for. I had been considering using them as police, but even the poorest police in the world these days have tactical gear. I wonder if I could model web gear onto them?

Anyhow, this should give you an idea of where I'm going with the figures here.

Take care,

-Eli

Fighting in Tugoi

2010-12-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2010

Open fighting in Tugoi.

After several days of tense posturing, NAA forces opened fire on APA forces deployed in the area surrounding a northern Alcovian town of Tugoi. After an initial barrage of heavy ordinance fired from mobile artillery and helicopters, the NAA advanced on the entrenched APA motor infantry forces who had spent the last month building up defensive positions on the perimeter of the township.

The APA 51st Motorized Infantry Company, equipped only with light armored personnel carriers and limited artillery assets was quickly overrun by the NAA's 151st Motor Guards who pressed their advantage and brought the rebel forces to a surrender. This was accomplished after several hours of intense and heated combat, leaving much of the town devastated and hundreds dead or inured.

One civilian caught in the fighting, a shopkeeper, said that the royalist forces fought with incredible care for the town, but when the rebels were outmaneuvered or retreated that little regard was shown for the civilian property and safety by the APA forces. This seems to conflict with the rebel claims to be a force for and by the people for the freedom of Alcovia and also contrary to recently highly publicized stories of rebel generosity and civil service.

The commander of the 151st Motor Guards made himself available to reporters in the aftermath and had this to say,

Today's victory has been bittersweet. These rebels who defy their king in the name of change and defense of the people are nothing more than traitors, hiding behind those same people they swear to be protecting. If nothing more, today's fighting has shown the true character of the enemy.

Words said with great conviction...

Escalation Continues

2010-12-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2010

Isolated attacks continue since the sporadic onset of hostilities between rebel and national forces. Despite official public protests from leaders on both sides, military units continue to exchange fire throughout the nation in an ever escalating series of raids and counterstrikes. Rebel forces claim provocation by national forces who in turn claim retaliation and self-defense as the reason for their hostilities.

APA forces, having moved out of their bases to establish security perimeters, continue to keep up a good public appearance - helping local citizens, providing unofficial police services, etc.. These zones have become heavily patrolled by forces of the NAA, a situation which has resulted in increased tension, a likely cause for the increasing outbreaks between factions.

The most recent attack occurred in the town of Kuzblat ion the southern region of Kuzbania where rocket artillery from rebel forces was used to attack NAA troops that had moved in to sweep the town for militia cashes an to check on the general well-being of the citizens following the recent pullback of APA troops. A total of fifteen rockets struck the town, killing ten civilians and injuring many more. NAA casualties were proportionately fewer with only one dead and two injured. Several NAA vehicles were damaged and one destroyed, but it was not occupied by its crew at the time. Helicopter gunships were dispatched to the area where the artillery strike originated from where they met a small amount of resistance from APA anti-aircraft before dispatching the attacking artillery units.

APA command declined to comment on the strike, but NAA force commander, Colonel Ilya Kraponya did have this to say,

"These continuing acts of unprovoked aggression from APA forces only serve to show the people of Alcovia just how little General Kusatya and his traitors truly care for the nation they so boldly claim to be liberating. Fortunately, the valiant forces of King Ullo and the NAA are ready to answer all challenges to the rightful rule of the monarchy and its beloved stewardship of Alcovia's beloved citizens."

A very politically charges comment, to say the least, but it does indicate the degree of commitment among national forces in these very trying times.

A Bit Bogged Down

2010-11-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the slow down in posting here. I am trying to get things off the ground for Crisis in Alcovia, but real life is interfering both on a time and budgetary level. I do have my first batch of Liberation minis that I am hoping to get based and primed now that I have resupplied my primer

Any suggestions on good bases for 20mm minis?

I hope you have been enjoying the various news snippets. They are intended to establish a sense of background and character to the games I will eventually be playing.

Thanks,

-Eli

Increased Security Off The Coast of Theogonia

2010-11-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

After Alcovian authorities received a tip that weapons were possibly being smuggled into Alcovia through ports in its province of Theogonia there has been an increase in coastal security.

Since it's annexation by Alcovia in 1940, Theogonia has been a hotbed of unrest. The Alcovian monarchy has maintained a military presence in the country, now considered province of Alcovia, since its invasion in 1935. Still, 75 years later, a strong nationalist faction among the Theogonian people openly opposes Alcovian rule, despite the improvements in industry, infrastructure and quality of life that came with annexation.

It is these nationalist factions that have been blamed for this new security risk and both military and civil authorities have been mobilized in an attempt to actively track down and eliminate any militant factions operating inside Theogonia and Alcovia alike. At this time, all shipments into and out of Theogonia are being put under the most intense of scrutiny with both random and systematic boarding of ocean going vessels, air and rail transport occurring daily and around the clock.

Numerous seizures of private property have been made as the government declares total forfeiture of ownership of any items connected with illegal or illicit activities. One major seizure revealed nearly ten tons of weapons and ammunition all bound for Alcovia through several shipments being directed by the Theogonian militant extremist group known as the Thunderbolt Brigade, a group which had been connected to the bombing of a refinery in the Denothevian district in the Theogonian Highlands in the summer of 2006.

First Minis Arrive!

2010-11-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I just received my very first Liberation minis. These also happen to be my very first 20mm metal figures.

These were purchased through one of the special offers that RH Models runs and included figures from a couple of ranges, all falling into the Eastern European troops category.

Both lots were excellent and arrived nicely packed (in recycled packaging I might add). The figures were were well cast with only a couple of bent barrels which I simply marked off to shipping stress. The metal on the figs is good quality though and the barrels bent back into place and retained their integrity.

I can't really say too much on pose variety as these were mixed lots. The lots I received had a lot of moving and standing poses but not very many shooting poses.

Overall, a very satisfactory first foray into the realm of 20mm. I will be ordering more, definitely.

-Eli

Troops Move Out of Rebel Bases

2010-11-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

November 3, 2010

This morning, citizens across Alcovia woke to the rumbling of military vehicles as motorized and armored units loyal to the rebel General Kusatya moved from their bases and into positions throughout the surrounding areas.

This unprovoked troop movement came without any announcement of intent from the general, leaving government officials and loyal military commanders to question the purpose of these maneuvers. Though these units moved swiftly, there seemed to be no sense of emergency as they rolled through residential and rural areas. In several instances, columns of vehicles were noted as stopping to allow local civilians to cross the streets, to speak with concerned locals and, in one case, assist a driver who's vehicle had broken down on the side of the road.

Despite the relatively peaceful deployment, these rebel units took up final positions strategically located around their bases, indicating that they expect some sort of action to be taken against them. Though no official declaration of action has been made by government forces, there is no doubt that rebel forces are preparing for what they consider an inevitable attack.

Rioting Ends Well in Fredavia

2010-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Novermber 2, 2010

Yesterday, in the eastern town of Fredavia, citizens marched in a public display of outrage against the government's lack of action in response to the army's rebellion. Angry protesters shouted insults and threw food and water balloons filled with fermented soup and milk at police and internal security forces gathered for riot control. Despite the mess and the constant verbal scathing and abuse security forces remained calm and held their ground against the angry mob. No injuries were reported as a result of today's demonstrations.

Fredavian resident, Emila Bogrova, had this to say about what she saw today,

"The entire scene was very surprising, especially after hearing what has happened in other cities throughout the country. I was happy to see that the police kept their self control and didn't respond to the insults and taunting of the crowd. These people are just scared and confused and they want to be heard."

Shops and other businesses in downtown Fredavia reported limited damage and only one instance of intentional vandalism. There have been no reported thefts and other crimes as a direct result of the demonstrations and even the mayor of Fredavia calling today a, "successful display of the freedoms imparted upon the Alcovian people by their beneficent monarchy."

Analysts following the developments in Alcovia have commented that this demonstration illustrates the division in the nation. One opinion even went so far as to say that such fervor on both sides of the issue will likely mean that, should war break out, their is all likelihood of seeing civilian militias fighting for both national and rebel agendas.

Rethinking Scale

2010-10-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking that I may have to rethink the use of 20mm as the primary scale for the Alcovia project. Though there are a few models available in 20mm/1:72 that are not found in 15mm, these are few and 15mm supports the scale well. The main thing that 15mm does seem to lack is suitably modern infantry models.

Even those models that there are are relatively few and far between. QRF and Peter Pig both do 15mm modern Russians, but these are all good up to the 80s/90s and both of very generic and aging castings. The 20mm miniatures I have seen go all the way up to current Russians and have much more character in them.

A plan comes to mind to use 15mm for larger scale battles in the open regions of Alcovia, played out on typical 4'x6' or 4'x8' tables at the company level and play the 20mm stuff at the platoon level on 2' x 2' or 4' x 4' board that focus in on a block or two of close-in fighting.

As it stands I already have three T-55s and 3 BTR-152s in 15mm leftover from an aborted project or two.

When it comes down to it, I still want to work with some 20mm miniatures as I never have worked with them before and it does bring back a certain nostalgia from my childhood when I bought box after box of 1:72 models and figures.

Militias Confirmed in Alcovia

2010-10-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

October 30, 2010

Authorities in Alcovia have confirmed the existence of armed militias forming within the civilian population of their country.

Following information provided by concerned citizens, confidential informants and intelligence gathered by internal security forces, authorities raided several locations and discovered caches of weapons, materials and facilities consistent with the training, equipping and deploying armed militia troops. It was determined that enough material had been collected in these raids to equip at least fifty individuals for up to two months, perhaps longer if the militias were operating in small groups.

Officials have been discouraged by the fact that, in all these raids, only less than two dozen individuals have been arrested in direct connection to the caches with another two dozen having been held under suspicion of involvement with these militia groups. Authorities are finding local citizens unwilling to cooperate and, in some cases, have even found them to be outright defiant in the face of security forces.

The discovery is deservedly unsettling to authorities who had hoped that conflict in Alcovia would remain between regular military forces and out of the civilian population. Security throughout the nation is being increased with checkpoints set up between districts in most major cities as well as routine checkpoints along major roads and highways. In the capital, Chubakrev, a curfew has been enacted in some areas limiting movement through these areas to necessary traffic only.

Prince Ilya offered his assurances to the people of Alcovia that order will be restored and that all diplomatic routes are being explored before any commitment to a military solution are considered. Though this comforting statement was welcomed by many citizens, there are still many who question the monarchy's ability to keep the country from exploding into violence, a sentiment compounded by the absence of King Ullo who has yet to make himself seen or heard since the initial outbreak of rebellion.

Truck Bomb May Have Detonated Prematurely

2010-10-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

October 28, 2010

New evidence may indicate that a truck bomb that devastated a low income residential neighborhood in Alcovia, may have been intended for another target.

Two men arrest for public drunkenness in the Alcovian capital of Chubakrev were found to have traces of the same explosive found at the scene of Tuesday's tragic explosion. While Alcovian police and security forces have not made an official statement on the new findings, one lead investigator did make a comment indicating that this was likely a, "terrorist attack gone horribly wrong."

This development does raise serious concerns about the true target for the bomb and how such a large quantity of explosives could enter the nation's capital undetected. Officials within the government are calling for a review of security protocols in place throughout Alcovia with a focus on trying to determine the origins of these explosives and what procedures failed that allowed them to slip by numerous emergency checkpoints.

One expert on terrorist and insurgent tactics suggested that such an undertaking would most likely have to involve cooperation of local authorities in one form or another. When asked to elaborate on specifically what sort of involvement, it was said that it would most likely have taken the form of a pay-off or direct involvement. If this is true, then government there may be rebel sympathies within the still loyal ranks of government forces within Alcovia.

Arrests Made at Student Rallies

2010-10-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Today in Alcovia's second city of Dengarad concerned students gathered to rally against the perceived apathy of the government in dealing with the very real threat of open rebellion.

The protests began at around 06:00, continuing throughout the day. Several rallies were started simultaneously at campuses throughout the country with hundreds of students gathering carrying signs and banners bearing anti-government and anti-monarchy statements.

Little opposition was given to these rallies initially, but as the day went on and the students began to grow more and more outspoken, concerns were raised at the possibility of violent outburst. Local police were assembled at several of them ore outspoken and agitated gatherings which only seemed to fuel the growing crowds. In several cases rocks and drink containers were thrown from the crowd at the assembled police.

Reports from cities where arrests were made indicate that these arrests were only made after many heavy objects - concrete, metal signs, bricks - were flung at police. In one case small explosives, likely fireworks, were fired and thrown into the assembled police who then charged the crowd to apprehend the offenders. No police have been seriously injured and injuries to the students are being reported as minimal, though one student was sent away with emergency services after suffering a head injury when he felt to the street.

Rules of Warfare

2010-10-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that it has been FOREVER since I have been able to push lead. My gaming group mainly does the board game thing these days and my miniatures interests generally outreach most of their interest levels. I do have to be fair and say that they do humor me and occasionally jump in full on some of my minis pursuits. This leaves me a bit under-prepared rules wise for this sort of campaign.
I have collected a few systems over the years, but haven't had much of a chance to play them and so can't claim much in the way of experience or familiarity with any particular system. I am considering Ambush Alley, Force on Force, and even Charlie Don't Surf or Stargrunt. I am a bit unsure what sorts of rules will fit best, or if even a single rules system is the way to go. I am more inclined to keep several rules systems going as different systems can be adopted to achieve different levels of play.

I've already got Stargrunt and the Ambush Alley games, so maybe those are systems to start with. I also have a few free rules sets laying about as well as a couple of quick and dirty beer and pretzel rules sheets I've thrown together myself now and again.

I'm open to suggestions, if anyone has them.

-Eli

Former American President Warns Against Involvement in Alcovia

2010-10-27T08:00:00.001-07:00

October 27, 2010

Former United States President Bill Clinton addressed the possibility of foreign involvement in the political struggle in Alcovia.

Before a gathering of students and other guests at a conference on contemporary world affairs, Former President Clinton indicated his opposition to the use of American troops in Alcovia, for any other purpose than humanitarian aid and relief and then only if no other option existed. He also commented that he believed that at this time it would be premature to discuss contingencies in what really had not escalated beyond political posturing and social outcry.

He followed up his initial comments by stating that he felt that any sort of military involvement in Alcovia by U.S. or any other foreign power would be ill-advised as it could serve to embolden government forces or galvanize rebel forces.

When asked what sort of aid, if any, should be provided, the former president made his feelings quite clear that he believed that any aid should be confined to humanitarian relief organizations, private charities and independent contractors with an established record of providing effective, non-threatening assistance to war-torn nations.

He later declined any sort of comment on his own successes and failures in relief efforts conducted during his own time in office.

General Kusatya Speaks

2010-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

October 27, 2010

Early this morning, the rebel Alcovian commander, General Yuri Kusatya released a brief but decisive statement to the press. Though he did not make himself available for interview, the general was careful to include any and all mainstream media outlets inside Alcovia and its neighbor states. Here are the general's words as received by direct communication...

File Photo

"People of Alcovia, the time has come for me to speak. Many things have been said about me and the loyal patriotic soldiers who have followed my cause and I feel I must address these claims and make clear my motives

First, let me be clear, that I am not a traitor. My decision to separate myself from the government was not made out of any malice for my homeland or its people, but out of a sense of duty - the same duty that has kept me at the front of the NAA for so many long years. I have shed blood in defense of my nation, both that of my enemies and my own and now I feel called to do so for the future of Alcovia, if need be.

The APA, is an army of liberation. Liberation from archaic, self-absorbed royalty and an way of life that has long disappeared in most of the world. King Ullo and his family have made many bad choices in the name of this country without any of your having any say. His misguided leadership has led out country to the brink of ruin and left honest, good Alcovians to rot while foreigners invade our country bringing disease, crime, and poverty with them. I will take this country back for its people.

I challenge King Ullo to meet me and discuss the surrender of his crown to the people and to step down from his throne. I call upon him to do the right thing and make Alcovia a nation of democracy, a nation of progress, and a nation for the future. If he will not listen, then I will be left with no choice, but to force him from his palace and put him in the street where he will have no choice but to face the people he seems to have abandoned.

In closing, let me say that the freedom of Alcovia rests not just in the hands of the APA but in hands of her people. Let all able-bodied Alcovians make their voices heard and leave no doubt for the king. Let him know that you will have no more of his indifference.

Let him know that Alcovia belongs to her people."

Bold words from the general, but the words of a man who truly loves his country and who seems to not want war.

Car Bombing in Alcovian Capital

2010-10-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2010

Fifteen people were injured and two killed when a moving truck packed with explosives was detonated in the middle of residential neighborhood in Alcovia's capital city of Chubakrev.

Eye witness accounts indicate that the truck had been parked in front of an unoccupied home for several days prior to the explosion. One source indicated that the explosion was triggered when a local child, curious about the seemingly abandoned truck, tried to open the back of the vehicle. The resulting explosion sent flaming debris into neighboring homes, creating a number of secondary explosions and fires as nearby vehicles exploded or open fuel sources such as propane and carousine were touched off.

The neighborhood, home to many immigrant families, many of whom come from neighboring Iqenistan, had never had a history of violence or any sort of overt conflict. Long-time residents of the neighborhood described the area as, "surprisingly peaceful" in past years, despite the unrest of the past few decades.

One man, a local merchant, was quoted as saying,

"This has always been a good place to live. People here are all poor and do what they can to help one another. I cannot understand why somebody would want to do something like this to innocent, good people"

Alcovian authorities had received several calls from concerned residents in the neighborhood prior to the explosions, but sources indicate that these concerns were deemed as low priority. The truck had been put on a list of abandoned vehicles and was pending inspection by local police when an officer could be made available. When questioned about their seeming lack of concern, one officer responded,

"These neighborhoods are full of abandoned or stolen vehicles..."

Given the recent increase in national security and the fact that this occurred in the nation's own capital, the bombing has many people concerned over just how seriously the monarchy is taking the safety of its citizens in light of recent events.

Vehicle Models - Part Two BTRs

2010-10-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Russian BTR covers a wide range of vehicles and quite a few are used in Alcovia. BTR-152, BTR-60/70/80, and BTR-50 are all used in Alcovia in one capacity or another. The models for these vehicles seem to be harder to track down than tanks. In this category it seems that plastic kits rule. There are a couple of gaming models and diecast toys. In each category I'll be addressing the basic vehicle as well as variants that I know of. I have decided to forgo posting pics of models and box art here as they will show up fine with a little Google-fu.

BTR-152

ICM (plastic kit)

This company seems to be the only one doing the BTR-152 as a 1/72 plastic kit but does a couple of BTR-152s including an open-topped, covered and command post versions. These models generally fall into the $10-15 range when I have found them online.

BTR-60/70/80

Trumpeter (plastic kit)

Trumpeter does a BTR-80 only. Online shopping searches put this in the $15 range. This is the only 8-wheeled BTR that they do.

ICM (plastic kit)

ICM does two versions of the BTR-60 both an APC and command version. These models, like most of their kits falls into the $10-15 range.

ACE (plastic kit)

ACE models has had a lot of BTR-60s in its inventory but like a lot of their models they can be hard to find. In fact, their website shows all their BTR-60 models are OOP but you can still track them down here and there. These models generally fall into the $15+ range.

Easy Model (diecast)

Easy models does a good BTR-80 in a couple of color schemes but these things fall into the $15-20 range. Why this is, I am not sure.

Liberation Miniatures (20mm gaming)

Sold through RH Models, Liberation offers the BTR-60, 70, and 80 in a variety of models. Unfortunately a good number of them are out of stock (not OOP), though it does seem that RH tends to bring things back in stock as they are able to. It is also worth noting that they also have a BTR-80A remote control 30mm turret by itself which would be perfect for updating Alcovia's older BTR-60/70s. They run about $13 depending on exchange rate. The turret is $4.

BTR-50

ACE (plastic kit)

ACE does two models, standard APC and command. Being ACE models, it is no surprise that they are out of stock, but you can still find them floating around online for $10-15.

Liberation Miniatures (20mm Gaming)

Liberation does have a BTR-50 APC in its inventory though it is currently listed as out of stock. There is no price listed but I imagine it would fall someplace around the $15+ range based on RH's other prices for the Liberation Vehicles.

The pickings on BTRs seem very thin, I must say. With half of the offering out there either OOP or out of stock, I may have to consider some other vehicle options. I will also note that while I was looking around, I did come across some vehicles that had slipped my mind while I was arranging the forces of Alcovia and a few that I'd not heard of before.