Two new minis interests

[Necron 99]

So there are a couple of new games, miniatures, rather than RPGs, that I've caught wind of and thinking about picking up

A kingdom stands on the brink of destruction, as the vast realm called the Shadow Deep slowly swallows everything in its path. As the army fights to contain the tide of evil creatures teeming up out of the black clouds, the kingdom’s best soldiers, the rangers, must venture down into the shadows to gather information, rescue prisoners, and ambush enemy supply lines. It is a desperate fight against overwhelming odds, but every little victory brings another day of hope.

Rangers of Shadow Deep is a tabletop adventure game that is designed to be played either solo or by a group of up to four players working together. Each player creates a character – a ranger – to represent him on the table, and to go on a series of missions to explore the Shadow Deep and to fight against the evil forces that plot to destroy their kingdom. Over the course of these missions, players will learn more about the secrets of the dark realm and will be able to watch their characters grow in power and ability, enabling them to take on greater threats and make a larger contribution to the war. Unlike most miniature wargames, where players play against one another, Rangers of Shadow Deep is designed so that all the players fight for the side of life, while the forces of evil are controlled by a set of simple rules that determines their actions.

Born in the dark underworld of the ruined Dwarven empire, Torch & Shield is an immersive new skirmish miniature game created by Grimskald. Every aspect of Torch & Shield has been developed to create a unique and narrative gaming experience where no two games are the same.

Torch & Shield is, at its core, a competitive dungeon brawler, pitting one Dwarf band against another Dwarf band in direct competition for treasure. In addition to this core gameplay, players must navigate the many dangers that inhabit the abandoned Dwarf Holds, from deadly traps to ravenous beasts and even the very dark itself. The delving band that completes its objectives first will take away victory, and hopefully a bounty of treasure. Be warned however, Torch & Shield is a brutal game and not for the faint of heart. Just making it out with most of your crew is often a victory in its own right.

[Necron 99]

Someone in the Rangers of Shadow Deep group, posted some images from one of their 5-hour battle. In their campaign, the hold of the rangers, near a Tree of Life, is being assaulted by an enemy army. This reminds me of the few times I played Chainmail at GaryCon.

Really cool stuff.

[Captain_Blood]

The effort and scale of some of these setups is impressive. I just know from my own experience with this type of game that I couldn't keep the required focus for 5+ hours of play.

[Necron 99]

The effort and scale of some of these setups is impressive. I just know from my own experience with this type of game that I couldn't keep the required focus for 5+ hours of play.

Yeah, that is pretty long. At the cons, I think most of the small scale miniature games last about two hours, with the larger ones running four. But two, maybe three max, seems to be a good run time, more than that, and I agree, may be hard to keep going.

[Necron 99]

Amazon had a good deal on Rangers of Shadow Deep so I decided to grab a copy. The group on Facebook is pretty active and shows off some pretty impressive tables and terrain for running scenarios. I've been interested in doing some small scale miniature games for a while, this looks like an easy entry to jump in. There is a game shop just a mile or two up the road from the base. I may swing by there this coming week, while I'm in the office, and see about getting a mini or two and some paints; I wouldn't mind trying my hand at painting again.

In addition to RoSD I also snagged a copy of another game called Dracula's America: Shadows of the Weird West. The book won't arrive until Monday, but below is the gist of the game and setting.

It is 1875, and Count Dracula is President of the United States of America.

In the wake of the Civil War, with the country struggling to regain its balance, Dracula seized power. The Count's thralls assassinated President Lincoln and his entire administration in a single night and, in the ensuing chaos, their master made his move. Dominating the Senate, he declared himself President-for-Life, and now rules the Union with fear and an iron fist. His vampiric progeny, the Coven of the Red Hand, infest every strata of society, and enforce Dracula's will with ruthless efficiency.

Drawn by the shadows gathering across the nation, secretive cults and evil creatures emerge from their lairs to thrive in the darkness of the new regime. Fleeing from the oppression and menace of the East, hordes of pioneers head to the West, hoping for a new life.

Dracula's greed, however, knows no bounds, and his reach is long…

Dracula's America: Shadows of the West is a skirmish game of gothic horror set in an alternate Old West. Secret wars rage across the country - from bustling boom-towns to the most remote wilderness - as cults and secret societies fight for power and survival. Players will throw their support behind one of these factions, and will lead a Posse in fast-paced, cinematic battles for dominance and survival.

[Necron 99]

Someone the FB group posted the table setup for their Rangers of Shadowdeep and I couldn't help but think, it looks like a gothic scene from Warhammer Fantasy. Cool scenery.