Dystopian Wars- Kingdom of Brittannia

Been a while, but thought I would take the opportunity to share some work-in-progress pics of my Kingdom of Brittannia Fleet for the steampunk game Dystopian Wars, by Spartan Games. Paul introduced me to Spartan Games through Uncharted Seas, their first offering which is a fantasy naval combat game. When they released Dystopian wars, which is a game of sea,air and land warfare in an 1850's steampunk version of Earth, I lept into it with both feet. The game uses the same mechanics regardless of the type of units, so the gunnery and movement rules for your naval units are the same for your land units. Makes the game very versatile, and the air units are quite well handled, sufficient complexity to demonstrate their utility, but without unnecessary book keeping.
It is one of the few mini games I know of that enables you to fight a complete sea to land engagement, with all types of units being accurately represented. (well, as accurate as steampunk can be!)

These are my painted units so far, and I wouldn't call any of them finished but definitely table ready. Craig of the D6 Generation recently stated that the minis really reward you for any effort in their detail and finished look, and I agree totally, I'm not the worlds best painter but I like how most of these are coming out.

My in progress carrier, HMS Argonaut

My pair of Vanguard Class submarines,HM Ships Victory and Vengeance, surfaced

The flagship, the Majesty Class Dreadnought, HMS Monarch. (with aft turreted painted as Commodore pennant to indicate Commodores Flagship)

My Ruler Class Battleship HMS Retribution

3 of my 9 Attacker CLass Frigates, HM Ships Ardent,Attack and Ambush

I'll post more shortly, but thats to whet the appetite. The other great thing about Dystopian Wars is that a starter fleet costs about $50, AUS and US, and it gives you tiny flyers as well (pics to follow) that are your fighters,dive bombers, torpedo bombers and recon/spotter planes. The starter fleets are well rounded, and quick to paint up.

I'll give an overview of gameplay in another post in due course.

Gamefest 2010

You may vaguely recall that Comrade James and I had a games night in Sydney last year in which he whipped me 2-1 (http://tasmancave.blogspot.com/2009/06/games-night.html). Last week we had a repeat session (again in Sydney), this time including four games over two nights. Here's how it unfolded: Game 1 - Uncharted Seas James played Elves while I took a Human Fleet in out first ever game. I suffered from some tricky wind changes, aided by some Elven magic, but I managed to keep my fleet concentrated and pouring out heavy fire. Screening is a very effective tactic and allowed my cruisers to fare very well, taking two prizes, then the opening salvo of the Battleship duel inflicted a critical against Jame's Battleship and it exploded HMS HOOD style! A decisive victory to me, whilst listening to the Pirate heavy metal band "Alestorm"! Game 2 - Combat Commander: Pacific[Girly edition pictured!] Its been ages since I played a hex and counter game and I really enjoyed this one by GMT. Very reminiscent of ASL, but with a fast playing card mechanic which worked well. We played a scenario where my Japanese convoy was ambushed by Jame's Gurkha's. On highlight was me infiltrating a Japanese infantry squad into Jame's rear lines an rushing into close combat with the enemy mortar teams only to have the Gurkha's smash their mortar tubes over the heads of my lads and defeat them! Didn't get to finish, but James was probably ahead when we stopped for the night. Game 3 - Wings of War: Fire from the Sky Played a scenario where I took a pair of USAAF escorts defending against an axis dive bomber raid and escort. The axis were defeated beneath my cannon fire - huzzah! Game 4 - Down in Flames In this late war aerial duel, James took a pair of "Franks" while I had a couple of Corsairs. Playing twice resulting in 4 dead Corsairs, and only 2 crumpled Japs. Well done comrade!

Overall 2 wins each, so much better than my drubbing from last year, and of course great fun to boot! Trying out Uncharted seas and Combat Commander were particular highlights. Thanks for the fun Comrade!

Uncharted Seas in 2010

Spartan Games have announced thier 2010 plans for the Uncharted Seas line. Definately something to be watching for, and perhaps co-opt Oberst Owen into a game or two!

Two New Flagships (Early Feb)
Shroud Mages Flagship
Bone Griffons Flagship

Three New Heavy Cruisers (Early Feb)
Thaniras Elf Heavy Cruiser
Bone Griffons Heavy Cruiser
Shroud Mages Heavy Cruiser

Iron Dwarves (Early Feb)
Bellows Class Dirigible Mk II

Bone Griffons (Late Feb)
Pestilence Cruiser

Shroud Mages (Late Feb)
Nautilus Class Submarine

Monsters & Beasties (Late Feb)
Dragon Lord Elder Dragon
Water Behemoth
Gimpasaurus
The Giant

Destroyer Class (Mid March 2010)
Iron Dwarf Destroyer
Shroud Mages Destroyer
Bone Griffons Destroyer
Dragon Lord Destroyer
Orc Raiders Destroyer
Thaniras Elf Destroyer
Imperial Human Destroyer

Faction Books
We will be creating a Race Guide for all of our Uncharted Seas fleets. The exact format of these books is yet to be locked down, but you can expect to see more detailed backgrounds, information on our upcoming 28mm range of miniatures, naval tactics, model statistics, painting guides and much more.

The Uncharted Seas Supplement
This book will bring many new rules out for the Uncharted Seas. As it stands it is a 96 page full colour book that sits as an addition to the current core rule book – NOT a replacement.

New Races
Pirates of the Skies (Q2 2010)
The Kreel (Q2 2010)

Dreadnought Class (Late Q2)
Iron Dwarf Destroyer
Shroud Mages Destroyer
Bone Griffons Destroyer
Dragon Lord Destroyer
Orc Raiders Destroyer
Thaniras Elf Destroyer
Imperial Human Destroyer

The Ancients (Second Half of 2010)
The arrival of the Ancients marks an exciting and bloody period in the history of the Uncharted Seas. Watch out for more exciting information on our web site. With this fleet comes an exciting campaign guide and new ships for your existing fleets.

http://forum.spartangames.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=2262.0

Uncharted Seas Ship

As mine are far from ready, here is a Dragon Lord Frigate by Jon (aka Mssr V) of the Malta Man Cave! I love his use of a replica chart as a backdrop.

A journey to the Uncharted Seas!

No, I have no commitment or focus and I buy far too much stuff. I figure I am a typical wargamer! Anyhow, this was a bargain and I've been looking at this for ages: its Uncharted Seas, a fantasy naval combat game by Spartan Games.

Anyhow, I picked up the 1st Edition rulebook and the four starter fleets (Human, Dwarf, Orc and Dragon Lord) for a bargain price. The Lad has dibs on the Dwarves and Dragon Lords as the kewlest looking ships (darn...)

Comrade James has been press-ganged too and has Elvish and Human fleets en route.

Time to get painting and build me some naval terrain!

www.spartangames.co.uk/uncharted.htm