Chicago Skirmish Wargames

I was in a bit of a quandary for our upcoming fantasy campaign -- I had no fantasy figures! Up until now, I'd been a dyed-in-the-wool sci-fi minis gamer. Luckily, the problem was easily remedied. In true Song of Blades & Heroes fashion, I put together a fantasy warband featuring random cool miniatures from several different manufacturers, including Privateer Press, Reaper and Brushfire. Here are some photos and a bit of fluff about my team.

Roland wasn't always a mouse.

Far across the ocean, there was a small kingdom, where Roland was a prince of the realm, and was much loved by his people. Tragedy occurred when Roland's father, the King, passed away. The healers said it was natural causes, but Roland suspected otherwise. He kept his suspicions quiet, only sharing them with the court wizard. Roland never wanted to be king, but his sense of honor and duty to the people convinced him.


On the evening before his coronation, he went to bed early, falling into a fitful sleep.

He awoke at dawn the next day, confused. He was in a field not far from the castle, naked and surrounded by field mice. He stood up and stretched his tail, planning to make his way back to the castle. Wait, A TAIL?! Yes, Roland had a tail.


He ran to the nearby lake and looked into the still water. A human-sized mouse-man stared back at him. Something was obviously wrong.

He started back towards the castle. The court wizard might be able to explain what happened! Clothing himself in rags stolen from a farmer's clothesline, he was nonetheless arrested when he got to the castle. He tried to explain to the guards who he was and what had happened, but they hurled him into the dungeon, where he languished for days.


Then he received a visitor: King Roland! The false king vowed he would keep the true Roland locked up forever. His kingdom was being oppressed and his father's death was no accident. He slumped to the floor in despair. Hours later, the door to his cell opened, revealing Gandarf, the court wizard had known Roland all his life. Just now Gandarf was puzzling over the peculiar change in behavior of the "king." After his coronation, the king was acting malicious. Fluffy, Roland's loyal hound, went crazy with anger whenever he was near. Gandarf heard a rumor from the guards about a freakish giant mouse in the dungeon, so he decided to see it for himself.


Sensing his opportunity, Roland laid it all out for Gandarf, who understood the young king's quandary at once. There might be a way to regain his identity, but it would require a magic item rumored to be located in Qaarra, a kingdom located far across the ocean. Gandarf collected supplies and a few loyalist guardsmen (and Fluffy), then sprang Roland from his dungeon, and they set off on their long journey...

Roland
The deposed prince has been turned into a mouse. Deadly with a blade and ever honorable, Roland has embraced his quest in Qaarra. He inspires others by word and action.

Fluffy
Roland's trained warhound is loyal to a fault and only occasionally listens to commands.

Gandarf
The court wizard is a very skilled mage, and loyal to Roland and the kingdom. He has his own reasons for seeking the magical item which may cure Roland... 

Lord Stryker, Mercenary Captain

Stryker spent most of his life fighting for the highest bidder, but became disillusioned. He came across Roland and Gandarf during their journey and decided to travel with them for a while. He is fascinated by the idea of having a cause to fight for. Every night, he takes first watch. Every night, as Roland is going to sleep, he tells him that he will be likely gone by morning. And every morning he awakens and takes his place at the side of his prince, ready to soldier on.

Guardsmen
The sergeant and his three soldiers are competent fighters and crack shots with their black powder pistols.

Edlenor
This ancient elf is old enough to remember a time before the ocean separated the continents. He is the best archer the world has seen.

Odwin Fistsmasher
Odwin is young for a dwarf, but he has seen quite a lot in his years of travel with Edlenor. He is stubborn and absolutely brutal with his pole-axe. Together they are adventurers who champion the cause of good wherever they go. They came across Roland on their travels, and have stayed with him ever since.

Stay tuned for more photos and battle reports as the campaign gets up and running!

-- Josh, Chicago Skirmish Wargames club member