Friday, November 11, 2016

Loud Ninja Games - An Introduction to the Tavshar Archon 15mm Mechas

Loud Ninja Games will be releasing in late November though 15mm.co.uk brand new codes at the core of which are the fantastic Tavshar Archon mecha in 15mm scale. This article by Eli Arndt gives you an introduction to the concepts and story behind the mecha and how they came to be. The sketching here was done by Sam Croes who is a big fan of LNG and who has also painted up an Archon too. See Loud Ninja Games HERE. Take it from here Eli...




The Story of the Archon
The Yan’drassi (YD) Archon mecha started out as an idea for how to add some heavy firepower to the existing YD range. So far, the range includes several infantry option and a light vehicle that has some firepower but not enough to take the fight to an opponent’s medium to heavy vehicle. While tanks and other vehicles are definitely in the realm of possibility for the YD, I felt the first release since the Kickstarter really needed to make a statement and mecha certainly make a statement.


For the design, I contacted sculptor Sean Bullough who had sculpted the original Yan’drassi range and who I knew was a huge anime and mecha fan with a broad frame of reference for the genre and various design aesthetics. I had seen his work with ClearHorizon miniatures first Kickstarter and the great work he had done on their mecha design and so I was confident in his ability to deliver a quality model. 




This is one of the first projects I have done where there was no concept art. Sean and I talked about design elements I wanted and drew mostly from references drawn from other existing mecha. The process was a lot of back and forth with me giving some design points and sending and image and Sean sending me his own thoughts and additional reference ideas. Sean has a vast collection of mecha pictures that he was able to draw from so we quickly found our stride in design process. For me, the key was to make a design that looked like it fit in with the existing Yan’drassi aesthetic. This meant rounded shapes. As the Archons are piloted be the YD’s elites, the Tavshar, I also wanted the Archon to resemble the Tavshar Primes. This second element meant making them look like a warrior’s armour as much as a battle ready machine. 


For weapons, I wanted the Archon to have a good number of choices. I wanted all versions of the Archon to have missile support so a pair of vertical launch missiles pods was added. The original three weapon options were a basic Shredder rifle, a sword/shield combo and the powerful, lance-like Singularity Cannon capable of launching micro black holes across the battlefield. After these the model had been molded and Gavin and I started talking about release plans, it was decided to add an additional three weapon options to the Archon to provide greater depth and variety to the design. These new parts were designed by Sam Croes and would include a new more powerful Plasma Rifle, a missile launcher version with several add-on missile pods, and a massive Ripper Cannon with an attached combat blade. This brought the total options to six, making the Archon a versatile and unpredictable opponent. There are six different Archon mecha single codes.


The final model does including a lot of individual parts, regardless of which weapon configuration you choose. This was a by product of trying to minimize the number of individual parts that needed to be made, allowing us to then re-use many parts by making the model mostly poseable. This makes the Archon a more advanced model and one that will take a bit of attention with a fantastic reward.




So, where does the Archon fit into the Yan’drassi force structure?
Archons are elite war machines, piloted by Tavshar that have reached the rank of Prime and shown their prowess in battle above other Primes, making them the elite among elites. Archon is not only the name of the mecha but also the new rank of those who pilot them. Each Archon selects its weapon load based on its mission or sometimes the preference of the individual Archon where command edict does not override personal choice. A mix of weapon types is common, allowing Archons operating in force to counter unexpected threats. Archons are most often tasked with providing heavy support to lesser troops alone or in small groups, but may be used as strike teams by themselves. 


For general combat Shredder Guns and Plasma Cannons, supported by Heavy Ripper Guns are the most effective, combining withering fire with powerful long-range plasma fire. For heavier targets Singularity Cannons and Missiles are best. On the rare occasions, where assault in necessary, there is nothing better than the combination of a powered blade and shield for wading into enemy formations. 




We hope you enjoyed this read and you can find Loud Ninja Games range HERE. There will be one more big article on the Tavshar Archons which will show you all the codes, the poses, the bundles and reaction forces which are being released late November.


Thanks for Reading,


GBS

Friday, August 26, 2016

Free Worldwide Shipping at 15mm.co.uk

A cool offer from our partners in the UK. This sale includes all LNG stuff as well (we're sold through 15mm.co.uk)



It is the high summer Bank Holiday Weekend here in the UK and in celebration of a short holiday in the sun the three pillars of wargaming excellence called Alternative Armies, 15mm.co.uk and The Ion Age are having a free postage on all orders event! Four days of free postage fun!


From now until 9am GMT Tuesday 30th August 2016 we are having a free worldwide postage on all orders over 10.00GBP in product value! This applies to our three websites and all our 6mm, 15mm and 28mm miniatures and game systems in fact everything on our websites you can put in your cart (not downloads). All you need to do is add to the cart and the website will do the rest. Click on the links to go to each site. As many orders as you like to anywhere in the world. Remember that any special offers that are currently running are included in this promotion.


If you like 15mm scale including HOT Fantasy, HOB 15mm Fantasy Buildings, Sengoku Japanese Fantasy, TTF Fantasy, HOF Science Fiction, Laserburn, Altuos Renaissance, Pony Wars and ACW, Isarus Dark Age, Medus Medieval along with 6mm sci-fi and a lot more go to www.15mm.co.uk . 

Space Opera science fiction wargamers should look to the unique range and setting of The Ion Age for excellent 15mm and 28mm miniatures, vehicles and rule systems. Here www.theionage.com




Combining Orders


Our three websites are having a free postage event. If you place an order for more then ten pounds (10.00GBP) the shopping cart will automatically give you free shipping worldwide. While the vast majority of wargamers are happy to place orders in this way we know that some of you would like to place a combined order by email and receive a paypal invoice to pay. This is totally fine with us and here is what to do for a combined order by email. Firstly choose your point of contact. Is it 15mm.co.uk or The Ion Age? Choose one and email us on sales@15mm.co.uk or info@theionage.com. Make your email title 'combined order' and give us your name, your shipping address, your paypal email address and a list of codes and quantities that you want to order from across our ranges. We will then reply with a total and a paypal invoice. You will get a free monthly miniature if you have Ion Age codes and you will get any other items offered free if applicable from the other websites if you have codes from its ranges in your order. We typically reply quickly but be assured you WILL NOT miss the free postage on your combined order as we will honour it as long as your email comes in to us before the offer ends.

Thanks and enjoy the event!


Gavin Syme (GBS)

Monday, March 21, 2016

Ikwen Scenery Released









Kwiell is the home world of the Ikwen. Having once been covered in a shallow sea, the Ikwen home world still shows signs of this ancient past. Towering mineral vents pierce the crust of the planet, venting strange, nutrient and mineral rich materials into the atmosphere. Much of the aquatic life of those ancient seas has adapted to life exposed to air and all manner of strange plant analogues cluster about the rocks and vents. These vents are the source of the strange bio-silicates that make Kwiell desirable for exploitation by off worlders but it is this same life-giving material that fosters life in an otherwise desolate landscape. The Ikwen utilize the terrestrial reefs that grow around these vents as sources of food and medicine. 





We are happy to announce the release of our first terrain pieces. Designed to represent the alien scenery of the Ikwen home world of Kwiell, these metal and resin bits are perfect for breaking up any science fiction battlefield as well as adding accents to bases and other pieces of scenery. They are now up for sale on the 15mm.co.uk site HERE



RAP033 Ikwen Base Scenics
This set of small size 15mm white metal scenic pieces for use on your Ikwen figure bases is supplied as a set of six randomly selected from four different designs. Typical size is about 5mm across. 3.00GBP 




RAP034 Ikwen Diorama Scenics
This set of 15mm white metal scenic pieces are for use with your Ikwen diorama or larger bases is supplied as a set of four different designs. Typical size is 10mm tall. 3.00GBP 




RAP035 Ikwen Scatter Terrain Set
This set of 15mm scale resin terrain is composed of eight very different pieces. Ideal as scatter terrain for your wargame table the set depicts the towering mineral vents and bio-silicates of the Ikwen World of Kwiell. Varies in size from 20mm across to 90mm across and 6mm tall to 70mm tall. 15.00GBP 



RAP035P The Ikwen World of Kwiell

This value boxed set is for those who wish to create the world of Kwiell. Saving 10% off single pack purchases there is a total of thirty six pieces in this value set. Composed of RAP033 Ikwen Base Scenics (two sets), RAP034 Ikwen Diorama Scenics (two sets) and RAP035 Ikwen Scatter Terrain Set (two sets) it is a must for all Ikwen fans. Total value 42.00GBP price is 37.80GBP 




"The Ikwen are one side of an asymmetric war against a higher tech, invading enemy. They fight in a less organized, militia style, utilizing acquired weapons, not of their of own manufacture."


Over a generation ago, the planet Kwiell was set upon by aliens bent on exploiting the natural resources of the planet. The planet’s native population, the Ikwen, found themselves suddenly enslaved and their society rocked as they were enslaved, put to work and in many cases hunted and killed. The Ikwen have spent decades in frustrated servitude to these invading overlords. We see them as very much freedom-fighting indigenous life forms, use them as alien invaders, allies, mercenaries or even lower tech indigenous forces for more organized warfare. 


We have four different Ikwen packs for you to choose from and you can see them HERE.


RAP016 Ikwen Assault Rifles (6)
RAP017 Ikwen Rocket Launchers (6)
RAP018 Ikwen Light Machine Guns (6)
RAP016P Ikwen Platoon Pack (Save 5%) (24)


Some of you may be curious to see how the Ikwen match up with these new terrain pieces. Well wonder no more! Here is a scale photograph of an inked Ikwen miniature next to the new terrain.









Tuesday, January 26, 2016

New Post-Apocalyptic Releases

Wasteland Raiders, Rad Zombies & Road Wardens Released by Loud Ninja Games

Hey all,

January brings out three new packs of figures for post-apocalyptic/horror gaming. Sculpted by me (Eli Arndt), I have tried to bring to life some popular themes found in the genre - hoeroic justice fighters, disgusting shamblers and wild raiders. I'm hope you will recognize some familiar characters in this batch as well as find some new personalities and creatures to capture your imaginations.

Thanks for checking out Loud Ninja Games and here is Gavin with the official release info...


Loud Ninja Games headed up by designer Eli Arndt have released three new 15mm packs into the part of the range Wasteland and Mutants on their page at 15mm.co.uk. They join, not only the other packs in that part of the range, but of course the Alien Encounters, Ikwen, Yandrassi and the Chuhuac with over 30 codes into total! Go here, for the whole range and you can refine by search for only Wasteland packs if you wish.

The three new packs are excellent for present day gangers, post apocalypse raiders, near future hunters, and most anything else that needs weird and wonderful in 15mm scale. Highly detailed white-metal miniatures sculpted by Eli Arndt. Here are the details.


RAP030 – Road Wardens
This pack contains three different highly detailed 15mm scale white-metal humans with pistols and a rifle all wearing light armor. Even in the wastes, there are those who cannot abide evil. These brave men and women take up arms in the name of something more than simple survival and take to the roads dispensing justice. They are known by many titles but often go by a more classical, romantic title – Road Warden. All miniatures are supplied unpainted and without bases.



RAP031 – Rad Zombies
This pack contains five different 15mm scale white-metal radioactive zombies in various poses. Exposed bones, melting flesh and grinning skulls, these are scary foes! In the wastelands and the ruins of the old world, there are those who have been so changed that even after death they continue to menace the living. Whether it is through strange energies, chemical cocktail or mutant virus, Rad Zombies now roam where man once dwelt seeking to feed their insatiable hunger. All miniatures are supplied unpainted and without bases.


RAP032 – Wasteland Raiders
This pack contains nine different 15mm scale white humans in various poses. Crude weapons, scavenged firearms, punk style hair, rough clothing, these are the guys that haunt the innocent in a nightmare future. In the shadow of the world before, there are those who are so intent on survival that they leave behind all pretence of civility and community, choosing instead to make their fellow man their prey upon which they sustain themselves. Those who take to this life live as bandits, raiders, and much worse, banding together to use might to make their living as Wasteland Raiders. All miniatures are supplied unpainted and without bases.


These new packs go excellently with the fearsome Terrorclops and the helpful Wasteland Buddies as well as the not pictured here Mutants and Super Mutants in the range. RAP028 and RAP029 sculpted by Eli Arndt and painted here by Sam Croes. Enjoy!



Thanks for Reading!